By Paul Washer
An Introduction to Spurgeon's Teaching on the Holy Spirit
What If?
If we believe that the Holy Spirit is just energy, an influence, atmosphere or power then we will seek to control that energy or power to use for our expectations or goals. We will view it as something we can switch on and off by our decisions or activities.
- We won’t respect it or understand its importance.
- We won’t obey it…..We will try to harness it for our purposes.
- We will see it as temporary rather than eternal.
This is a heathenish, arrogant assumption.
This viewpoint produces legalism and the belief that humans should control other humans.
However!
The Holy Spirit is a person with a mind, will, knowledge, intellect, and emotions. He is eternal, omnipresent, omnipotent, and truthful. He is Holy and Sovereign. He is co-equal with the Father and Jesus Christ. His Names are Divine; He is Deity. “There is none holy like the LORD” 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 
; 1 Samuel 2:2 ; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 ; Ephesians 4:30
Jesus said that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is worse than blasphemy against the Son of Man. Matthew 12:31-32 Mark 3:29
If the Holy Spirit is just a power or energy, how could that be possible?
If we believe the Holy Spirit is the Creator LORD, the Person of God as scripture clearly teaches, then we will love, respect and honor Him for Who He is. We will seek His fellowship and appreciate His presence in our lives. We will look to find His instruction and direction in the Holy Scriptures rather than directing Him to do our will.
The Holy Spirit is a person, not a wind blown from heaven, or a liquid and we a cup. He is not an apparition, an influence, or an attitude. He speaks, He feels, He thinks, He acts. He reveals, searches, and knows. He can be resisted, insulted, blasphemed, grieved, lied to or quenched. Acts 8:29
To be filled with the Holy Spirit is not a matter of receiving “more” of Him but of allowing Him a stronger relationship with us. It is a matter of desiring Him to fully occupy, guide and control every aspect and emotion of our lives. Whatever happens to us, His presence should become more evident within us. His joy and peace should control our emotions. He inspires and energizes us to be more fruitful and useful to the Father. He enables us to be transformed to the image of Christ. He enables us to forgive and love our enemies and pray for their souls. He enables us to do things and endure things we could never otherwise do. He enables us to tell the gospel story to others. He will never leave us or forsake us.
Jesus made the first choice to love, humble himself and die for us in order to invite us to live with Him forever. We make the second choice to accept or reject his offer. Without Jesus’ choice, we would have no choice to make, no offer to accept, no future to look forward to. John 15:16
The Holy Spirit comes from God the Father through the request of the Lord Jesus Christ. He does not come through the auspices of any human being nor is he caught like a germ from other people or by attending certain meetings. John 16:7 Unless Jesus had died and resurrected there would be no gospel. If he did not die as the Lamb of God he could not remove our sins. While Christ was on earth his presence was limited to one place at a time. His resurrection made it possible for him to be available to the whole world at all times through the Holy Spirit.
The work of the Holy Spirit is to manifest the active presence of God in the world and especially in the church. “No one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:10-11
Names of the Holy Spirit
A deposit, Breath of the Almighty, Comforter, Counselor, seal, spirit of faith, Spirit of counsel and power, Spirit of Glory, Spirit of Life, the Holy One, Holy Spirit, Holy Ghost, Spirit of God, Spirit of Grace, Spirit of our God, Spirit of judgment, spirit of justice, Spirit of (adoption) sonship, Spirit of His Son, Spirit of holiness, Spirit of Jesus Christ, Spirit of the Sovereign Lord, Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the gift, the promised Holy Spirit, Helper, God, spirit of burning or fire, Spirit of Truth, Spirit of Wisdom and Knowledge Spirit of Promise, Spirit of Christ, Voice of the Almighty, Voice of the Lord
A Clear Distinction Is Drawn Between Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Matthew 28:19 ; Luke 3:21-22 ; John 14:16 ; John 16:7 ; Acts 2:33 ; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 ;
The Holy Spirit
Created the universe and man Genesis 1:2 ; Genesis 33:4 ; Job 33:4 ; Psalm 33:6
Foretold the coming of Messiah Isaiah 9:2-7; 42:1-4
Incarnated life to Jesus Christ Matthew 1:18, 20 ; Luke 1:35
Anointed Jesus for His public ministry Matthew 3:16 ; Mark 1:10 ; Luke 3:21-22
Filled and worked in Jesus Matthew 12:17-18, 28 ; Luke 1:35; 3:21; 4:1, 14, 18 ; John 3:16 ; Hebrews 9:14 ; Acts 10:38 ; 1 Corinthians 12:9-10 ; Isaiah 11:2; 61:1
Raised Jesus from the dead Romans 8:11
Seals, indwells believers Matthew 28:19; Ephesians 1:13 Mark 1:12 ; Acts 13:2 ; 1 Corinthians 3:16
Is Invisible, Inscrutable, Irresistible, Indispensable and Sovereign Ezekiel 37:8-10 ; John 3:8 ; Acts 1:8 ; Acts 6:10 ; 1 Corinthians 12:11 ; John 3:5
Gives eternal life to those who believe in Jesus John 3:3-8; 6:63 ; Romans 8:11, 23 ; Titus 3:5 ; Ephesians 2:1
Baptizes believers and gives spiritual gifts Acts 2:1-4 ; Acts 2:38-39 ; Acts 4:8-12 ; Acts 10:44-46 ; Acts 19:6 ; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 27-30 ; Ephesians 5:18-19
Is Author of scripture and spiritual songs 2 Peter 1:20-21 ; Ephesians 5:18-19
Prays for and through believers Romans 8:26-27 ; Ephesians 3:20; 5:18-20 ; 1 Corinthians 14:15; Philippians 3:3
Sets believers free and sanctifies from sin Romans 7:9-24; 8:2-3 ; Galatians 5:16, 24 ; 1 Peter 1:2 ; 2 Thessalonians 2:13
Convicts the world of sin John 16:8
Strengthens and empowers for service Numbers 27:18 ; Acts 4:8, 29 ; Acts 7:55-60 ; Ephesians 3:17-19
Empowers gospel preaching Luke 4:18 ; Acts 1:8 ; Acts 4:29-31 ; Acts 9:17, 20; 10:44
Reveals and glorifies Christ John 15:26; 16:3, 14
Inspires Worship Philippians 3:3
Gave prophetic revelation to prophets and apostles 2 Samuel 23:2 ; Isaiah 44:3 ; John 16:14 ; 1 Corinthians 12:4,8-11, 28-29 ; Hebrews 3:7; 10:15-16 ; 2 Peter 1:21 ; Revelation 1:10
Grieves over sin Ephesians 4:30
Unites God’s people Ephesians 4:1-3
Gives wisdom and fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control Galatians 5:22-23 ; John 14:27-31 ; Psalm 51:11 ; Romans 5:5; 14:17; 15:13 ; James 1:5-7
Will never leave us or forsake us John 14:16
Guides us into all truth John 16:8, 13-14 ; 1 John 2:20, 27 ;
Gives assurance of our salvation Romans 8:16 ; 1 John 3:24 ; Galatians 4:6
Counsels John 14:26; 16:13 ; Acts 15:28
Comforts John 12:26; 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7 ; Acts 9:31
Speaks, directs, commands, instructs John 14:26 ; 1 Corinthians 2:10-13 ; Acts 8:27-29; 13:2 ; Acts 16:6-7 ; Acts 20:28
Makes Decisions Acts 15:28
Illumines the Bible Luke 24:27, 44-48 ; 1 Corinthians 2:10
Reminds us of God’s Word Mark 12:11 ; Luke 12:12 ; John 14:27 ; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 ; 9-14
Humbles himself to glorify the Father and Son John 15:26 ; 16:13-14
Gives evidence of God’s presence Acts 5:32
In the Old Testament
The Holy Spirit temporarily rested on chosen individuals for a particular task or for a period of time.
Exodus 31:1-11
In the New Testament
After the resurrection, Jesus asked his Father to send the Holy Spirit to dwell inside a believer when he or she is born again. He stays with the believer forever! “And I will ask the Father and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17
Believers sometimes grieve, lie to, or quench the Holy Spirit
Unbelievers Do Not Know Him
Unbelievers resist, insult and blaspheme him
Isaiah 63:10 ; Hebrews 10:29 ; Matthew 12:31-32
