The Spirit of the Lord

A Bible Study by
Lawrence E. (Buddy) Martin

The Holy Spirit – In the Bible the terms Spirit of the Lord, Spirit of God, Spirit of Christ, and Holy Spirit are generally interchangeable. The Bible says God is Spirit, therefore, the Holy Spirit would simply be one way that God manifests Himself in a spiritual form to His creation.

1. In theology the law of first mention says that whenever a subject is first mentioned in Scriptures it will carry a basic revelation of that subject throughout the Bible. This is certainly true with regard to the Holy Spirit. The first mention of the Holy Spirit is in Genesis 1:2; "...the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the deep." (Ancient Jewish teachers say this is the Spirit of Messiah.)
   
2. The picture is of a bird preparing her nest. Moving is the Hebrew word, 'rachaph' (raw-khaf'). It means to hover, flutter, relax, grow soft. (See Deut. 32:11) Jesus explains how the Holy Spirit prepares the human heart for the new birth. (See John 3:8. Also 16:7-11)
   
3. God creates by His Word and through His Spirit. Psalm 104:30, says, "You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; and You renew the face of the ground." Then Hebrews 11:3, says, "By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible."
   
4. In the Old Testament Hebrew and the New Testament Greek the word for Spirit can also be translated wind, or breath. Now notice how the deity of Jesus is set forth. (John 6:63; 7:37-39; 20:21-23.) (The power of forgiveness is in the gospel message.)
   
5. The Bible says that the Holy Spirit actually dwelt among the children of Israel when they came out of Egypt. (Isaiah 63:10)
   
6. In the New Testament, the first mention of the Holy Spirit has to do with the birth of Jesus. Gabriel told Mary that the child who had been conceived in her was of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 1:20)
   
7. In the new covenant, and because of the finished work of the cross, the Holy Spirit actually indwells every person who comes to Jesus. Jesus said, "But the helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." (John14:26) Then Jesus allows the disciples to know that the Holy Spirit will be He Himself with them. Cf. John 14:7; 14:17.
   
8. Jesus also said that the Holy Spirit would be with believers forever. (John 14:16)
   
9. One Biblical teaching that is easy to misunderstand has to do with what is called the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Note:

a. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is the act of regeneration. Every believer receives this baptism into Christ at the new birth. And each believer receives the Holy Spirit at this same time. (1 Cor. 12:13)

b. However, there are subsequent fillings of the Holy Spirit. This is where empowerments comes in. Being filled with the Holy Spirit should the daily goal of all believers. Cf. Acts 4:8,31; Eph. 5:18,19.

When it comes to the working of the Holy Spirit we should not try to force our tiny logic into this area. God can do anything He wishes in our lives to bring glory to Himself. He provides gifts and empowerment for those tasks He gives His people.

In the midst of all this it is good to keep in mind that the Holy Spirit actually administrates the Kingdom of God in our lives. This is why Paul said, "For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17)

And, finally, one of the greatest works the Holy Spirit does in a believer’s life is to form the character of Christ in each of us. This is called the fruit of the Spirit. Cf. Gal. 5:16,22,23.

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