A Biblical Overview of the Work of the Holy Spirit
Since God has never changed it is not surprising to read about the work of the Spirit of God from the very beginning of the Bible. However the work of the Spirit is not so clearly defined as in the New Testament. It is possible for a room to be beautifully furnished but for this to be poorly appreciated because the light is dim. Nevertheless the same truths are there.
The Spirit in the Old Testament
In Hebrew the word for ‘spirit’ is ‘ruach’ which also means ‘breath’. To pronounce ‘ruach’ involves an expelling of air from the mouth, just as with the equivalent Greek word ‘pneuma’ They are therefore both onomatopoeic, words with sounds that demonstrate their meaning, such as ‘buzz’ or ‘clip’.
‘Ruach’ is sometimes used to mean literally a strong wind;
“. . . when suddenly a strong wind blew in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house.” Job 1:19
It can also be used metaphorically, as when the Queen of Sheba visited Solomon and ‘was overwhelmed’, as the NIV translation says, by the splendour of Solomon and the wonder of his palaces. The Hebrew literally says, ‘she had no more ‘ruach’’.
God’s power
However the Old Testament particularly uses the word ‘ruach’ with reference to God and denotes his special power or energy. This Spirit of God is given to achieve God’s ends. The breath of God has been expelled and is at work. Thus the prophet Micah writes;
“But as for me, I am filled with power, and with the Spirit (ruach) of the LORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.” Micah 3:8
The Spirit of God created the universe when the word of God was given.
“By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath (ruach) of his mouth.” Psalm 32:6
When the Spirit of God comes on people they are filled with extraordinary energy and power to achieve God’s ends. Thus God’s Spirit was given to Othniel and Samson both to save Israel from her enemies and then to rule God’s people.
“The LORD . . raised up for them a deliverer, Othniel, son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, who saved them. The Spirit (ruach) of the LORD came upon him, so that he became Israel’s judge and went to war.” Judges 3:9-10
“Suddenly a young lion came roaring towards him (Samson). The Spirit of the LORD came upon him in power so that he tore the lion apart with his bare hands . . “ Judges 14:5-6
The prophets frequently ascribed their experiences of God to the power of the Spirit.
“Then the Spirit lifted me up and I heard . . .” Ezekiel 3:12
“Then the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet. He spoke to me and said . .” Ezekiel 3:24
God’s Spirit and revival
Isaiah prophesied that people from all over the world would come to fear the Lord God because of the extraordinary sweeping power of His Spirit.
“From the west, men will fear the name of the Lord, and from the rising of the sun, they will revere his glory. For he will come like a pent-up flood that the breath of the LORD drives along. The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins.” Isaiah 59:19
God’s Spirit and the proclamation of God’s word
Isaiah continues to explain how God would achieve this spiritual revival. It will be through His word, given to his prophets by His Spirit. God, through His Spirit, would ensure his word would remain for all time.
“’As for me, this is my covenant with them,’ says the LORD. ‘My Spirit, who is on you (Isaiah), and my words that I have put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth, or from the mouths of your children, or from the mouths of their descendents from this time on and for ever,’ says the LORD.” Isaiah 59:21
Prophecy has always been the proclamation of a word from God. When Moses was leading the Exodus out of Egypt, there was widespread concern about a lack of food. They doubted God’s power.
“He (Moses) brought together seventy of their elders and made them stand round the Tent (the Tabernacle). Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke with him, and he took of the Spirit that was on him and put the Spirit on the seventy elders. When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied, but did not do so again.” Numbers 11:24-25
Somehow the Spirit of the Lord also rested on two men, Eldad and Medad, who were not amongst the seventy and they also prophesied. Joshua, Moses assistant since youth, became incensed and said,
“Moses, my lord, stop them!” Numbers 11:28
But Moses replied,
“Are you jealous for my sake? I wish all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would put his spirit on them!” Numbers 11:29
God’s presence
When the tabernacle was first proposed God endowed Bezalel with particular power,
“See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts . . .” Exodus 31:3
When the tabernacle was completed God demonstrated his presence supernaturally,
“Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” Exodus 40:34-35
When Solomon’s temple was commissioned God descended in a supernatural way to demonstrate his involvement. The priests had placed the Ark of the Covenant in the new Holy Place.
“When the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, the cloud filled the temple of the Lord. And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled his temple.” 1 Kings 8:10
It is therefore highly significant when God first established his church, the new temple of God, he ratified his approval by supernatural signs. Three distinct supernatural phenomena accompanied this outpouring of his Spirit – the sound of a violent wind to demonstrate this really was the ‘ruach’ of God. Secondly there were visible tongues of fire to indicate God’s presence, just as God demonstrated his presence to Moses at the ‘burning bush’ (Exodus 3:2) at the beginning of his ministry and later led his people through the wilderness using a pillar of fire (Exodus 13:21). Thirdly there was the gift of tongues to remind them that they were to share the gospel with all nations.
“Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Acts 2:2-4
The presence of God’s Spirit was a powerful confirmation of God’s presence with his people. The Lord said to Ezekiel,
“I will no longer hide my face from them, for I will pour out my Spirit on the House of Israel, declares the Sovereign LORD.” Ezekiel 39:29
The presence of God’s Spirit indicates a relationship with God that results in service.
God’s Spirit is Holy
Throughout the Old and New Testaments it is usual for God’s Spirit to bear the adjective ‘Holy’. To have God’s Spirit implies the present of God’s character. After David had committed adultery with Bathsheba and was confronted by the prophet Nathan, he felt bereft. He wrote,
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.” Psalm 51:10-11
Clearly in this context David understands the presence of the Holy Spirit in terms of a joyful, willing spirit within himself. It is a close relationship with God that David cherishes and he recognises that this will inevitably result in an evangelistic zeal. The next verses read,
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.” Psalm 51:12-13
When Isaiah recalls the wilderness wanderings of God’s people he says that God’s Spirit was ‘among his people’ and that they were guided by God’s Holy Spirit. When they rebelled against God they ‘grieved his Holy Spirit’.
“Yet they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit. So he turned and became their enemy . . .” Isaiah 63:10
“Then his people recalled the days of old, the days of Moses and his people . . . Where is he who set his Holy Spirit among them . . . who divided the waters before them, to gain for himself everlasting renown?” Isaiah 63:11-12
God’s presence with his people is meant to ensure that his people are set apart to live God’s way as his representatives. This is made abundantly clear in the light of the New Testament. Paul writes,
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” Ephesians 4:30-31
So in the Old Testament all the key New Testament doctrines about the work of the Holy Spirit are present, even if they cannot be seen so distinctly. The prophets looked forwards to the day when God’s Spirit would be poured out on all his people, irrespective of sex, age or social status.
“And afterwards, I will pour out my spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days . . . and everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Joel 2:28-32
This prophecy was fulfilled at Pentecost. The Holy Spirit would now be in all Christians; all would be set apart as God’s representatives to be seen in the way they live and by what they say. Christ would be formed in all of God’s people, they will be a Christ-like people and have entrepreneurial spirits with regards to outreach, but furthermore his presence would assure Christ’s followers of their salvation.
The Spirit promised by Christ
Just before his crucifixion Jesus gave some detailed teaching about the Holy Spirit. It is obvious that Jesus wanted his disciples to understand the reality of the Spirit’s work. Christ’s church was meant to be evangelistic since its beginning. John wrote his record of the gospel to make this abundantly clear. Evidence for Jesus is based on seven of his miracles interspersed between accounts of his teaching. These are described in order that people should put their trust in Jesus as God’s chosen king – his Messiah. John summarises the purpose of his book with these words,
“Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 20:30-31
To be involved in sharing the gospel with others is not an optional extra for Christians, it is part of why we have been called to belong to Christ.
John describes the Spirit as ‘another comforter’. He, like Jesus will go alongside Christians to aid them in their work of living for Jesus. The word for ‘comforter’ in Greek is ‘paraclete’. He is literally one who is ‘called alongside’. In Roman times, trials were conducted by a judge who himself interrogated the witnesses. They did not usually have defence and prosecuting barristers as we do today. The ‘paraclete’ was not a lawyer but would be a friendly witness who spoke up in defence of the accused by telling the truth. He would have first hand evidence to share. The Holy Spirit is the perfect companion to aid the witnessing church as he has been with Christ from all eternity.
Matthew similarly understood the essential work of the Spirit in aiding the Church to convince others about the claims of Christ. He concludes his record of the gospel with these words from Jesus,
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
It is striking that this continuing presence and help of God is how Matthew begins as well as ends his gospel. His opening quotation from the Old Testament about the virgin birth of the Messiah emphasises the immanent presence of God with his people,
“’The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son and they will call him Immanuel’ which means ‘God with us’.” Matthew 1:23
The miracle of the new birth
In the Old Testament the supernatural birth of many of the patriarchs and prophets is emphasised. He often uses supernatural births as a means of emphasising that he is about to step into history in a miraculous way. Abraham and Sarah were too old for children but God intervened and Isaac was born supernaturally (Genesis 17:15-19 and 18:9-14). Similarly Samson’s mother had been sterile but became pregnant after God intervened (Judges 13:1-24). Hannah, Elkanah’s wife was a devout lady who was also sterile. God intervened and the prophet Samuel was born (1 Samuel 1:1-20). In an even more striking manner, when God’s Messiah was to be born, the mother was a virgin so no natural birth was feasible.
When people become Christians a new miraculous birth occurs. This is the work of God’s Spirit. No-one, however respectable or honourable they are, can be a member of God’s kingdom without a supernatural new birth. Jesus told the respected and learned Nicodemus,
“I tell you the truth, no-one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” John 3:3
In spite of his being a scholar of the Old Testament, Nicodemus could not understand so Jesus makes it clear that God is teaching spiritual truths not obstetrics!
“I tell you the truth, no-one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and of the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to Spirit.” John 3:5-6
Jesus is referring Nicodemus back to Ezekiel’s prophecy when God said to his people,
“I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.” Ezekiel 36:25-27
The new birth is not just a washing away of the penalty of our sin through faith in God’s Son, symbolised by water but also a miraculous change of a person’s heart to want to live for God in his way, a work of the Spirit. These are both supernatural works of God’s Spirit.
When a person is brought to repentance by the Spirit of God, a new attitude to sin is born. A stronger sense of shame and guilt develops and there is a deep seated longing to live to please the Lord Jesus. A love for him grows. These are supernatural effects of the Spirit. God brings this about in countless ways. Usually the Spirit works through Godly parents teaching their children, such as in Timothy’s case; at other times he steps into a person’s life in an extraordinary way, such as with Paul. The process of our conversion is not important - the effect is.
The Spirit’s gifts to his church
Word Gifts
In the New Testament there are five lists that describe some of the gifts God has given to his church. These are in 1 Corinthians 12:8-11, 1 Corinthians 12:28, Romans 12:6-8, Ephesians 4:11 and 1 Peter 4:11. It is obvious from these lists that the gift of teaching the Word of God, both to the church and to outsiders, is paramount. God’s Word was given to God’s church through his apostles and prophets and this must be passed on through preaching. Thus,
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens, with God people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ himself as the chief cornerstone.” Ephesians 2:19-20
The urgent mission Paul passed on to Timothy was to pass on the Word of God to others and ever since this has remained the chief purpose of the church.
“Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift . . . Be diligent in these matters, give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely.” 1 Timothy 4:13-16
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of god may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. In the presence of #god and of christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom I give you this charge: ‘Preach the Word . . .’” 2 Timothy 3:16-4:2
It is the Word of God that directs members of God’s kingdom on how to use the other gifts God has given them.
Love gifts
The Bible is clear that love must be the motive behind any use of other gifts of the Spirit. All gifts are given to help build up the community of God’s people. The Spirit has been given to foster relationships that bind the church together.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23
What a tragedy it is when people use what they claim to be gifts of God to disrupt his church. Love will always be present when a true gift is exercised. The early church in Corinth was being disrupted by leaders who seemed more interested in experiencing the extraordinary than in building up God’s people in God’s truth. The chapter on love that is so widely used at wedding services as a purple passage on the ideal of love, is actually a critique of the wrong values exhibited by the Corinthian church.
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-7
This tendency to abuse gifts and use them for our own advantage has always been a problem. Modern church leaders can foster inclinations that reflect a greed for power, but the same temptation was clearly present in the early church. Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome to help them understand spiritual gifts in a relational context,
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.” Romans 12:3-11
Many years ago a small boy attended a local Sunday School. When his parents moved to another part of the city the boy decided to keep attending the same Sunday school even it meant a long, tiresome walk each way. A friend was puzzled as there were other Sunday Schools much closer to his new home.
"They may be as good for others, but not for me," was his reply.
"Why not?" she asked.
"Because they love a boy over there," he replied.
If love becomes the manner by means of whichsurely many more churches would grow.
The central importance of the Holy Spirit
When Jesus was talking to a Samaritan woman he claimed to be able to give her an extraordinary gift – living water. He went on to give her some further information,
“Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:14
John explains this statement a little later in his record of the gospel when Jesus said loudly in the temple,
“’If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water shall flow from within him.’ By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive.” John 7:37-39
The Holy Spirit is not just an additional doctrine but is God’s greatest gift. Without the Holy Spirit there is no belonging to God, no forgiveness and no empowerment to live for God. Note that this gift naturally overflows and pours out to others. He is vital.
