Botshelo

10. Heart Preparation for Listening to God (1 Samuel 3:1-10). Surrendering Control We'll Only Know When We're Willing to Trust Q4. (1 Samuel 3:1-10) Why is Samuel's servant attitude such an important preparation for hearing God's voice? ANS4:4 BecauseHumility is required.Samuel places himself in the position of a servant whose master has called him, so he comes ready to listen to his master's command and then obediently carry out his command. This is the heart needed for one who would hear God: "Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening." "So Eli told Samuel, 'Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, "Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening."' So Samuel went and lay down in his place. The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' Then Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant is listening.'" (1 Samuel 3:9-10) a). Why is surrender to Jesus such an important element of discipleship? ANS: Q 4 a: We prepare ourselves by recognizing and clarifying our own desires in a matter so we can surrender our desires fully to God. Without doing this we can confuse our own desires with the Spirit's leading.Hearing the Spirit is a learning process where we'll make some mistakes as we learn. We are learning to discern between God's voice, the world, the flesh, the devil, and the conscience. A willingness to obey is an important part of being receptive to God's voice. It is insulting to ask God what we should do if we have no intention of doing anything other than what we want to do. Part of a willing and submissive spirit is a willingness to obey: Even if we don't understand why, and Even if we don't know the final result.

Lesson 10. God's Voice and God's Nudges. God's Voice (Words). The Spirit's Nudges (Acts 8:26-38) Where Have You Seen God Lately? Q3. How would you differentiate between (1) the Spirit's voice: and (2) the Spirit nudge or prompting? ANS: Q 3:1 The Holy Spirit voice is mostly in words. It might be soft and calm or quiet. It may guide, it may be comforting and it can also bring rebuke. In the Bible, the Spirit sometimes speaks to believers in words -- sentences with content -- such as instructions e.g. to Ananias (Acts 9:10-19), comfort to Paul regarding his "thorn in the flesh" (2 Corinthians 12:9), and instructions to Samuel on how to anoint David king (1 Samuel 16:1-2 Q 3:2 Sprit Nudges - Not a lot of words are given. Not much deep content, but with clear direction. But "prompting" you to do something, in articulate leadings, that consist usually of brief instructions. a). What can you do to sensitize yourself to His voice and promptings? ANS: Q 3 a: Be certain you have heard correctly. As we become aware of what God is doing, we become aware of his nudges. Eventually, we recognize the Spirit's nudges and act on them as second nature. But to begin with, we need to be sensitized to where God is working around us. So to begin your sensitization process, ask: God when he doesn't tell us everything that will happen. But he will often tell us the next step. It's a nudge, a prompting. When we obey that, he gives us another nudge. Soon we are in place to see God do something marvelous.

Lesson 10. We Have the Mind of Christ -- through the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:11-12, 16). It's All about Relationship. Q2. (1 Corinthians 2:9-11, 16) What connects us to the mind of Christ? ANS: Q 2:2 The Holy Spirit is a link between our spirits and the mind of Christ: Through the Holy Spirit we have access to the very mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:10b, 16b). The Spirit helps us know God and know his heart. "For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have ... received ... the Spirit who is from God.... We have the mind of Christ." (1 Corinthians 2:11-12, 16b) a). Do you have a regular Quiet Time? ANS: Q 2 a: Yes I do but I am still struggling of how to use it appropriately. It's like l don't benefit much from it or am ignorant. b). What could you do to make it more meaningful? ANS: Q 2 b: l don't know my Lord. Pray for me. Ask for God's counsel. He will talk to you.

LESSON 10. Listening for the Holy Spirit's Voice. God's Voice as a Bible Pattern. Jesus Prays in a Solitary Place (Mark 1:33-38). The Son Can Do Nothing by Himself (John 5:19). Q1. (Mark 1:33-39) What pattern do you see emerging in Jesus' prayer life? ANS: Q 1:1 Jesus prays in a solitary place. He has a quiet time. It is his characteristic pattern. Mark 1: 35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. "At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place...." (Luke 4:42) "Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." (Luke 5:16) He practices Listening for God's voice which is a Bible pattern that we see throughout the Old and New Testaments. Jesus demonstrated before his disciples a pattern of getting away to a solitary place to talk to his Father (Mark 1:33-38). It was there he learned what to say and do (Luke 4:42; 5:16; 6:12; 9:18, 28b; 11:1; 22:39-41). a). Why do you think he spends Quiet Time with the Father before the day begins? ANS: Q 1 a: To commune with God, to listen for God's whispers so that he might be ready for the day he brings to us. To receive marching orders for the day. Jesus has a relationship with God therefore he makes time to fellowship with him. To listen, hear and see. He totally depends upon him. Rather, he spends time with the Father to know what the Father is doing. "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees[210] his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does." (John 5:19) b). How does this prepare him for his ministry? ANS: Q 1 b: It helps him to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit since Jesus ministers in the power of the Holy Spirit. Listening to his Father was the lifeline for his life and ministry. c). Why does Jesus minster through the power of the Spirit instead of in his own power? ANS: Q 1 ? The Holy Spirit provides the channel for God's communications to him. We see this by examining Jesus' own patterns. Jesus became man and therefore cannot do alone without the help of God Holy Spirit.

Walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-18). 1. Released by the Spirit from Bondage to the Flesh (Galatians 5:16). 2. Restrained by the Spirit from the Flesh's Dominance (Galatians 5:17-18). Q3. (Galatians 5:16-18) How does the Spirit enable us to resist the temptations of the flesh? ANS: Q 3: By releasing us from the bondage of the corrupt sinful nature. Also by restraining us from walking into sin. We are promised the Spirit's power to release us from bondage to the flesh as we "walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). In addition, by the Spirit we are restrained from the lawless tendencies of our flesh, our sinful nature (Galatians 5:17). IF you walk in the Spirit, THEN the impulses of the flesh won't find fulfillment and thus they lose their power. Scripture Reference: " 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law." (Galatians 5:16-18, ESV). a). How does He restrain us? ANS: Q 3a: The Holy Spirit contends actively with the flesh to keep us from sinning like we otherwise would if the Spirit were not active in our lives. But now the restraint is the presence of the Holy Spirit himself within us, to whom we are called to yield as our guide. As a result, we see in verse 18: But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law." In this way, the Spirit supersedes the Law as we follow his lead (Galatians 5:18). No other law or knowledge has the right to control us. b). How does he enable us to break the hold the flesh has had over us? ANS: Q 3b: As we learn to walk with the Spirit as a way of life, we can break the hold that the flesh has had over our lives up to this point. Though flesh was weak. Now the Holy Spirit is present within us to keep us from doing what the old sinful nature wants. Scripture Reference: "Through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:2)

7. The Holy Spirit versus the Flesh Q1. (Romans 7:7-25) What does Paul mean by "the sinful nature" (NIV) or "the flesh" (ESV, KJV)? ANS: Q 1: The sinful nature is the life of the Flesh full of selfish desires and temptations. The flesh is powerless to resist sin's temptations; for that we need the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 7:7-25). In Romans 7:7-25, Paul vividly describes the struggle with the flesh. But because of Jesus Christ we can say like Paul's resounding answer is: "Thanks be to God -- through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (verse 25a). (a) Is this ever eradicated? ANS: Q 1: No. The flesh is not eradicated by the Spirit, rather, circumvented as we learn to follow the Spirit. Reference - Be clear, however, that Paul doesn't assert that our "sinful nature" is somehow eradicated. It's still there as part of our fallen, imperfect, and broken being. But God replaces the old "operating system" (the sinful nature, the flesh), with a new "operating system," the Holy Spirit. As we learn to yield more and more to the Holy Spirit, we are freed from our slavery to the "sinful nature." (b) Can there ever be victory over temptation? ANS: Q 1: Yes. "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?" (Romans 7:24) In Romans 8:2 he declares, "the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." For now, we've established that the Spirit is in the business of changing us and in giving us victory over sin. (Scripture Reference) " 18 I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature [flesh]. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do -- this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it." (Romans 7:18-20). Setting Your Mind on the Spirit (Romans 8:1-9). The Life-Giving Spirit Frees Us from Bondage to the Flesh (Romans 8:9). Perfect Peace (Isaiah 26:3). Q2. (Romans 8:1-9; Isaiah 26:3) What does it mean to "set the mind on the things of the flesh"? ANS. Q 2: It refers to the way we conduct our lives. It means leaning on our own understanding. Walking in the flesh and not in the Spirit. Controlled by our will power and thoughts. Subjecting ourselves to the things of the world. The way we think, to give careful consideration to something, to set one's mind on, the faculty of fixing one's mind on something, the nature of the mind set. "Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires;" Romans 8:5 a). What is involved in "setting the mind on the things of the Spirit"? ANS: Q 2a: Having the Spirit living in you is what connects us to Christ. That is when you learn to yield to the Spirit, as you begin to focus on the Spirit. It involves walking not according to your senses. Being focused or stayed in Christ. When we begin to understand that We are not controlled by the flesh! We are controlled by the Spirit since the Spirit himself dwells in us as would a welcome guest in our home. To "set our minds" on the things of the Spirit, rather than the things of the flesh. Scripture References: walking not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit" (Romans 8:4, ESV); but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires." (Romans 8:5). Walking in the Spirit has to do what you set your mind on (Colossians 3:1-4; 1 John 2:15-17). It is a process that is activated on our part by walking in the Spirit and on God's part by bringing about change in us by his Spirit. But when we walk in the Spirit, change happens. "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (Romans 12:2b) b). What does it mean to have your mind "stayed" on Jesus? ANS: Q 2b: It means having your mind fixed on the things of the Spirit Placing your life on Christ and practicing the life in the Spirit. It also refers to the way we conduct our lives. To keep living with your mind stayed on Jesus, on the Spirit. By walking" or living by the Spirit Scripture Reference: "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." (Isaiah 26:3, ESV) c). How much of this requires will-power? ANS: Q 2 c : All of it. But as we learn to walk in the Spirit, it becomes a habit, a way of life. More and more we find ourselves walking in the Spirit, rather than in the flesh. And as we walk in the Spirit our character is changed. It's gradual. It doesn't happen overnight. But it does happen. But as you learn to yield to the Spirit, as you begin to focus on the Spirit in your living, you'll begin to experience in your own life the freedom and salvation that Jesus already secured for you (Philippians 2:12-13). d). How much does the Spirit assist us? ANS: Q 2 d: Having the Spirit living in you is what connects us to Christ. We are controlled by the Spirit since the Spirit himself dwells in us as would a welcome guest in our home. e). Can this become a habit as we practice it? ANS: Q 2 e: Yes certainly. You keep living with your mind stayed on Jesus, on the Spirit, and his power will transform you. Placing our minds on the Spirit -- enabled by the indwelling Spirit to be free from the power of the sinful nature .Paul calls on us to "set our minds" on the things of the Spirit, rather than the things of the flesh (Romans 8:5; Isaiah 26:3).Paul also uses the metaphor of "walking" or living by the Spirit (Romans 8:4; Galatians 5:16), referring to the way we conduct our lives.

Filled with the Spirit and Boldness (Acts 4-5) Q2. (Acts 4:8, 31) 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, And (Acts 4:31) 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. Acts Q2. What does it mean that Peter and the believers are "filled with the Holy Spirit" in these passages? ANS. Q 2:1 It means that they received anointing for ministeing. The phrase "filled with the Holy Spirit" is used in Acts 4:8 to describe the Spirit coming upon Peter with special power to testify before the high priests. 2 a) Are they "re-filled"? Yes 2b) Is it possible for a believer to have many "fillings" of the Holy Spirit? ANS. Q 2:1b Yes. Believers can expect to have many subsequent "fillings" of the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:8, 31; 13:9, 52). 2c) Why or why not? ANS. Q 2c). The Holy Spirit is given for a special purpose on certain individuals. To equip and empower for a special mission. Even though Peter had already been baptized with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, he now he receives a special "dose" or empowering of the Holy Spirit. We also see this regarding Paul in Acts 13:9 as he confronts a Jewish sorcerer who is opposing his message. This kind of understanding goes back to the Old Testament..

6. Baptized with the Holy Spirit Jerusalem -- Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) Q1. (Acts 2) What happened at Pentecost that was different than anything that had happened in previous history? ANS: Q 1: The disciples of Jesus received the Promise. "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." (Acts 2:4, NIV). Scripture Reference: Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts a) What word analogies are used to describe this phenomenon? ANS: Q1a: We've have six different word analogies that seem to describe the same phenomenon: Baptize (Acts 1:5), Come upon (Acts 1:8), Filled (Acts 2:4 ), Pour out (Acts 2:17-18, 33), Receive a gift (Acts 2:38), and Promise (Acts 2:39, cf. 2:33). b) Are these word analogies essentially used synonymously with others in Acts 2? ANS: Q 1b: Yes there are c) What did the Jews from foreign lands hear and see? ANS: Q 1c: They heard people prophesying, and speaking in other tongues. They saw changed men filled with boldness and power. "Exalted to the right hand of God, [Jesus] has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear." (Acts 2:33) d) How did Peter interpret what they heard and saw? (Acts 2:14-21). ANS: Q 1d: Peter interprets it as fulfilling of Joel's prophecy:(Joel 2:28-29): "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy." (Acts 2:17-18).

6. Baptized with the Holy Spirit Jerusalem -- Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) Q1. (Acts 2) What happened at Pentecost that was different than anything that had happened in previous history? ANS: Q 1: The disciples of Jesus received the Promise. "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." (Acts 2:4, NIV). Scripture Reference: Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts a) What word analogies are used to describe this phenomenon? ANS: Q1a: We've have six different word analogies that seem to describe the same phenomenon: Baptize (Acts 1:5), Come upon (Acts 1:8), Filled (Acts 2:4 ), Pour out (Acts 2:17-18, 33), Receive a gift (Acts 2:38), and Promise (Acts 2:39, cf. 2:33). b) Are these word analogies essentially used synonymously with others in Acts 2? ANS: Q 1b: Yes there are c) What did the Jews from foreign lands hear and see? ANS: Q 1c: They heard people prophesying, and speaking in other tongues. They saw changed men filled with boldness and power. Each nation could hear their own language. "Exalted to the right hand of God, [Jesus] has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear." (Acts 2:33) d) How did Peter interpret what they heard and saw? (Acts 2:14-21). ANS: Q 1d: Peter interprets it as fulfilling of Joel's prophecy:(Joel 2:28-29): "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy." (Acts 2:17-18).

The Wind of the Spirit (John 3:8) The wind (pneuma) blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit (pneuma)." (John 3:8) Q4. (John 3:8) What does Jesus' reference to "the wind" teach us about people who have been born of the Spirit? ANS Q 4: People who have been born of the Spirit, Jesus is saying, are motivated and moved by an unseen but powerful force beyond themselves. The life of the Spirit is a new level of spiritual existence, a different plane entirely. Only people who have been born of the Spirit can perceive and enter the Kingdom of God. Like the wind, an unseen causing great effect, people who are born of the Spirit are moved to act a powerful force beyond themselves (John 3:8).

The Wind of the Spirit (John 3:8) Q3. (John 3:5-7) What does it mean to be "born of water and the Spirit"? Jesus teaches; 5 "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.'" (John 3:5-7) ANS. Q 3: It means born not by the will of man. You must be born again by your own repentance. By denying, surrendering and humbling yourself before God be baptized by water and be born of water, of John's baptism of repentance and forgiveness of sins. Baptism of water doesn't automatically gives you baptism of the Spirit. When Paul asked them they replied that they never heard of such baptism apart from John's the water one. Be transformed by God Holy Spirit's divine renewal work within you is to be "born of the Spirit" (but the Spirit gives birth to spirit) not of the corruptible but through the living and enduring word of God." (1 Peter 1:23). NB: Jesus interpretation to Nicodemus: You must be born anew by your own repentance and humbling yourself before God andthe Holy Spirit's divine regenerative work within you. You can't enter the Kingdom of God by your own effort. You must surrender yourself to God! Only God can bring about this new creation in you. a) What do you think "water" refers to? ANS. Q 3a: Water refers to cleansing and rebirth. Washed from our sins. Dying with Jesus and resurrecting again to new life. b) Why have you come to this conclusion? ANS. Q 3b: Because represent purity and cleaning. c) How, then, would you paraphrase "born of water and the Spirit" to best bring out the full meaning? ANS. Q 3c: After baptism of water and the filling of the Holy Spirit a new man is regenerated. You are a new creation, speaking in tongues, given power over the power of the enemy, with a mind set on the things of the Spirit. Jesus puts it better: People who have been born of the Spirit, Jesus is saying, are motivated and moved by an unseen but powerful force beyond themselves. The life of the Spirit is a new level of spiritual existence, a different plane entirely. Only people who have been born of the Spirit can perceive and enter the Kingdom of God.

What It Means to Be Born Again (John 3:1-8) Q2. (John 3:1-8) When Nicodemus came to Jesus, do you think he was already born of the Spirit? ANS. Q 2: No, not yet. He doesn't even understand what is meant by being born again. Nicodemus isn't a full believer yet, but he is a serious inquirer. Nicodemus is also a Pharisee, that is, a strict observer of the law (John 7:50-51). What's more, he is an expert in Jewish law, a scribe, as evidenced by Jesus calling him "Israel's teacher" (John 3:10). "Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council." (John 3:1). This is the reason why he came to Jesus, to enquire about the issue. (4 'How can a man be born when he is old?' Nicodemus asked. 'Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!'). He must have heard Jesus preach salvation. Unbelievers can see that such a Kingdom might be present from the signs or miracles that result. This may cause them, like Nicodemus, to search further. a) What is the difference between people who have experienced the second birth, and those who have only experienced the first birth? ANS. Q 2: The difference between people who have experienced the second birth, and those who have only experienced the first birth? * Is that those who have experienced the second birth can see the kingdom of God; Jesus declared, 'I tell you the truth, no one can see[66] the kingdom of God unless he is born again.' verse 3 * They can enter the kingdom of God; Jesus answered, 'I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.'" John (3:3-5) The Kingdom of God is hidden from unbelievers. Unbelievers can see that such a Kingdom might be present from the signs or miracles that result.But unaided, they can't see or discern the Kingdom itself, much less enter it. It is God's prerogative to reveal. * The Kingdom is spiritually discerned, that is, you can't see it or grasp it spiritually unless you are "born from above," unless God enables you to see it. * The Kingdom is spiritually entered, that is, you can't enter into the Kingdom, which is a synonym for inheriting eternal life, unless you are changed spiritually. * Salvation is costly. So costly that it can only be received as a gift. Those who have only experienced the first birth, are blind, they can't inherit, discern or see the kingdom of God even if they can see signs and wonders.

4. Born of the Holy Spirit Rivers of Living Water from Within (John 7:37-39) Q1. (John 7:37-39) In Jesus' teaching on streams of living water from within, whom does he invite to drink? Anyone. Scripture: "'If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.' By this he meant the Spirit... " (John 7:37-39a) ANS. Q 1: Anyone who is thirsty for Jesus and anyone who believes and follow him. 1. Invitation. "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink" (John 7:37). Jesus' words constitute both an invitation and a promise. a) What does he promise to believers? The Holy Spirit indwelling. ANS. Q 1: Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.' 2. Promise. The second part of Jesus' proclamation is a promise to those who accept his invitation to drink of him, those who believe him and follow him: " 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams[59] of living water will flow[60] from within him.' 39 By this he meant the Spirit...." (John 7:38-39a) The promise is made to "whoever believes in me," literally, "the one believing in me." b) To what degree has a spring of living water been fulfilled in your life? To the fullest. ANS. Q 1: Jesus teaches that the Holy Spirit will be within us bringing forth eternal life -- bubbling up like an eternal spring forever and ever!

Sending the Spirit in John's Gospel Q4. Who sends the Holy Spirit? This promise of the Holy Spirit in the disciples introduces a final theme: Jesus will pass on the Holy Spirit to believers after he goes to be with the Father. Jesus will baptize his followers with the Holy Spirit -- that is, immerse them in the Spirit. But in doing so he works closely with the Father. John was the first to reveal this baptism. First, John the Baptist tells us that the Messiah will baptize with the Holy Spirit. This promise is contained in all four Gospels. "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." (Matthew 3:11). "I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." (Mark 1:8). "He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." (Luke 3:16). "The one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit." (John 1:33). Late in his ministry, Jesus specified that this baptism with the Spirit would occur in Jerusalem shortly after his resurrection. "I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." (Luke 24:49) "On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: 'Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'" (Acts 1:4-5) "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8) a) The Father or Jesus? Ans. Q 4a: Both Jesus Christ and the Father will send the Holy Spirit. They agree in everything they do. (Let us make men in our image). The Father is involved, but Jesus is involved too -- "I will ask the Father" (John 14:16), "in my name" (John 14:26), "I will send you from the Father" (John 15:26). You get the idea that Jesus is using his words carefully here Here, however, I want you to see that Jesus promises to send the Spirit. In Luke, Jesus says: "If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (Luke 11:13). " 38 'Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.' 39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified." (John 7:38-39). "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever -- the Spirit of truth." (John 14:16-17a). "The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." (John 14:26). "When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me." (John 15:26). Finally in the upper room after Jesus' resurrection, we read: "And with that he breathed on them and said, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'" (John 20:22). b) Does it matter? Ans. Q 4b: Yes certainly. It matters who sends us the Holy Spirit. It has to be the Father through Jesus Christ. So that we can question those who don't know Him but performing miracles.

Jesus Ministers in the Power of the Spirit The Power of the Spirit to Heal and Deliver Q3. (Luke 3:22; 4:1, 14a; 4:18-19; 5:17b; 10:21; Acts 10:38a) Did Jesus do miracles by reason of being the unique Son of God, or by means of the power of the Holy Spirit upon him? Ans. Q 3: Jesus does miracles, signs and wonders, by the Holy Spirit that is upon him instead of His Divine power as God. In a number of instances (especially in Luke's Gospel) we see that Jesus ministers in the power of the Spirit. Scripture reference: "The Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove." (Luke 3:22). "Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert." (Luke 4:1). "Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit." (Luke 4:14a). Jesus Christ declares that the Spirit of the Lord is upon him; "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." (Luke 4:18-19, quoting Isaiah 61:1-2). "At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, 'I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.'" (Luke 10:21). The point here is that Jesus clearly ministers through the power of the Spirit -- in the same way we are to minister. The Power of the Spirit to Heal and Deliver We've already seen two verses that connect Jesus with the power of the Spirit to heal: "Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit." (Luke 4:14a) "... How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power...." (Acts 10:38a) "... And the power of the Lord was present for him to heal the sick." (Luke 5:17b) "If I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you." (Luke 11:20) "If I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." (Matthew 12:28) In Jesus we see a Man who lives fully in the Holy Spirit. He is God, yet he has laid aside his heavenly glory and divine abilities according (Philippians 2:5) to operate in our midst as a Man. Luke indicates that the Spirit even empowers Jesus to teach -- "giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen." (Acts 1:1-2). Indeed, Jesus' power to minister is dependent on the Holy Spirit that is upon him and in him. This is true for Jesus' disciples, too, as they declare what we have seen and touched. b) Why is this important for us as his disciples? Ans. Q 3b: In doing so he shows us how we can minister by the Holy Spirit that has been poured out on us. c) In what ways does Jesus serve as our example in ministry? Ans. Q 3c: Jesus clearly ministers through the power of the Spirit -- in the same way we are to minister.