Doctrines Concerning
God, The Holy Spirit
B. That the Holy Spirit is a person, not just a force or influence. He has the characteristics of personality even as the Father and Son.
1. He has an intellect and will.
1Co 2:11
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.Personal Opinion:
The Holy Spirit can cause a difference of opinion. But let's not have hard feelings over it.
We all are growing in the Spirit and at different stages in our growth. Hence opinions are sure to once in a while differ.
2. He has sensibilities. He can be vexed, blasphemed, lied to, grieved.
Isa 63:10
But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.Mat 12:31
Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.Act 5:3
But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?Act 5:4
Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.Act 5:5
And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.Eph 4:30
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.Personal Opinion:
This all goes to show that the Holy Spirit dwells within but not that it takes the driver's seat. That remains for us.
Else why be grieved at us when we go off track? We are still the driver, He is the honest and true navigator. But we still have the power, the ability, must still make decision which navigator to follow - the old sin nature or the new one - The Holy Spirit.
So here I sit with all this good direction: God's Word - the Bible, A Godly Church with a God directed pastor and the indwelling Holy Spirit.
How much I should be able to yet accomplish for God with such superhuman help!
3. He actions reveal personality. He teaches, reproves, guides, fills, intercedes, and searches.
Luk 12:12
For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.Joh 16:8
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:Joh 16:13
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.Act 2:4
Rom 8:26
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.Rom 8:27
And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.1Co 2:10
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.Personal Opinion:
It is disheartening that it takes the intercession of the Holy Spirit to convince others of the truth or even to want to know the truth.
Why would anyone prefer to remain in ignorance of the truth, to deny that there is such a thing as truth, to claim that each of us have the ability, the privilege to invent his or her own truth?
And then to get angry when told to look to God for truth. That seems to be the one truth which some claim is not available, is not loving, is harmful and obnoxious.
As Hume says, people get the most up tight over points of doctrine which they are most unsure of.