6-Holy Spirit Fullness

A. Basics of Pneumatology

Part of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 says: “baptizing in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit…” The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Christian Trinity. Note, He is not a force, He is a Person. As a Person, He has intellect, emotion, and will. As part of the Godhead, He possess all the attributes of deity.

The technical name for the study of the Holy Spirit is ‘pneumatology.’ In both Hebrew and Greek, the word ‘spirit’ (Greek – ‘pneuma’) derives from a word that also means ‘wind.’ This implies that while He cannot be seen, He can be felt, and He is always on the move in our lives to bring us to spiritual maturity in Christ.

In this study you will look at basic aspects of the Person, nature, and ministries of the Holy Spirit in both the Old and New Testaments, but the primary focus is on the fullness of the Spirit as experienced by the Pentecostal understanding of the baptism with the Holy Spirit and the manifestations of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12.

Discussion 1

Read the following verses and discuss the attributes and characteristics that describe the Holy Spirit: John 3:5-8; 14:26; 15:26-27; 16:7-14; 1 Cor. 2:9-12; 1 Thess. 5:19.

Discussion 2

Read the following verses and describe the primary ministry of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament. Revelation: Gen. 1:2; 41:10-12,16,28,38. Empowering leaders: Numbers 11:16-17; Equipping individuals: Exodus 31:3; 35:31-35; Inspiring prophets: Judges 14:19; Judges 15:14; 1 Sam. 10:6,10; 16:13; 1 Kings 18:12; Numbers 27:18; Predicting the future NT blessing: Joel 2:28-29.

Discussion 3

Read the following verses and discuss how the ministry of the Holy Spirit was active in the life of Jesus, the disciples, and the early church in the New Testament. Luke 3:21-22 & 4:14; Matt. 12:28; John 14:15-21; 15:26-16:4; 16:7-15; Acts 1:8; 10:38; 13:1-4; 15:28; Rom. 15:16; 1 Cor. 3:16; 6:11; 12:4-11; 2 Cor. 13:14; 1 Thess. 1:5-6.

B. The Baptism with the Holy Spirit

Discussion 4

There are varying differences within the Church concerning the Baptism with the Holy Spirit. Even among Pentecostals, and within the Foursquare Church, we find differing opinions and understandings of what it is and how it is determined. Take time to discuss your thoughts on a positional paper written by an ICFG Committee on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit which states the following:

“We believe that God’s Word urges every believer to seek Jesus as the ‘Baptizer with the Holy Spirit’ and to be open to ‘speaking with tongues as the Spirit gives utterance’ (Acts 2:4), not merely as a requirement to verify one’s experience or spiritual worth, but as a grace intended to be a regular part of our daily ‘walk’ in the Spirit. Therefore, we are not passive concerning the subject of ministering the fullness of the Holy Spirit or in teaching the desirability of speaking with tongues. To us, these bring a dimension intended for every believer as a daily resource in Christ (1 Cor. 14:18). However, if the subject is approached as a dogma in which tongues is required as a proof, something of its beauty is lost and the focus of attention is misdirected.”

Discussion 5

As noted, there is a diversity of understanding , even among Pentecostals, on aspects of the Baptism with the Holy Spirit. One of the positions that is found among many Foursquare believers is given below. Take time to read the Scriptures and discuss how this agrees, or disagrees, with your understanding.

When one is “born again…of the Spirit” (John 3:3,8), the Spirit of God lives in [them] (Rom. 8:9). The Spirit’s indwelling is both immediate and complete (1 John 4:15) and defines what it means to be “saved/born again.” However, the simultaneous inner presence of the sinful nature (Rom. 7:18) and the outer influences of the world and the devil (1 John 2:15-16, 5:19) constantly blunt the Spirit’s practical influence in our lives; we oftentimes fail to keep in step with the Spirit (Gal. 5:25; 1 Cor. 3:1). Therefore, God’s heart is not only that we have the Holy Spirit, but that we be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18). This refers to a constant refilling, not just a one-time experience.

Discussion 6

The phrase baptized with the Holy Spirit appears only seven times in the New Testament. (Matt. 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts 1:5; 11:16; see also Luke 24:49 ; Acts 1:4, 8; 2:4, 38-39; 8:14-17; 10:44-48; 19:1-6;). Paul uses the phrase only once (1 Cor. 12:13) and describes it as our initial Christian experience at salvation, which he would see as followed by subsequent fillings (Eph. 5:18). Luke uses the phrase to describe subsequent power encounters with the Holy Spirit rather than our initial salvation experience (Acts 4:8).

Read the previous Scriptural passages and discuss them as they relate to the following statements:

“It has often been observed that Paul is more interested in the interior work of the Spirit, assuring believers, transforming their lives, and so on; whereas Luke is more interested in the broader picture of the coming of the Spirit on the Church, his external manifestations in prophecy and tongues, and his direction of the Christian mission.

If you read Luke by himself, and listen to him, it seems rather clear that the outpouring of the Spirit he has in mind is not brought into relation to salvation [initiation/corporation], as in Paul, but in relation to service and witness. Therefore, Luke does not tie the coming of the Spirit to the salvation event.

Discussion 7

A unique element in our life with the Spirit is the matter of a “personal prayer language/praying in tongues.” Both Paul and Luke describe this reality. Luke details the release of this special manifestation from the standpoint of its inception in a person’s walk with Jesus – both concurrent with initial salvation (Acts 10) and subsequent to it (Acts 19:1-7). Paul details private tongues from the standpoint of their ongoing, daily practice in our Spirit-filled lives (1 Cor. 14), without addressing the timing of their appearance relative to one’s conversion. Neither Luke nor Paul addresses the issue of tongues being the initial evidence/sign of the baptism with the Holy Spirit as is the teaching of most classical Pentecostal denominations. But, while this cannot be exegetically proven, it is clear that “personal/devotional tongues” occurs frequently as a Lucan sign (Acts 10:45-46; 19:6) and that Paul’s apparent assumption is that this reality – termed Angelic tongues (1 Cor. 13:1) – can be a part of every believer’s Spirit-filled life (1 Cor. 14:15). Take time to discuss the following points: We encourage that –

All people seek a personal, saving relationship with Jesus Christ, coming to Him for an initial baptism with the Spirit unto salvation.
Following salvation, all believers ask God in prayer daily to fill them with the Spirit and develop His fruit in them, so as to live a “Spirit-filled” (Spirit influenced) life on a day-to-day basis.
All believers seek Jesus to receive a “personal prayer language/speaking in tongues.”
All believers then use their prayer language (tongues) daily for the purposes of enhanced prayer and worship.
All believers cultivate a kingdom lifestyle that includes ministry in the power and authority of the Holy Spirit, asking God to daily fill them afresh with the Spirit’s power to work and witness for Jesus.

C. The Manifestations of the Holy Spirit

In preparation for the following discussions read 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. This is frequently referred to as a passage on the “gifts of the Spirit.” However, the word “gifts” in verse 1 is not found in the original Greek. A better translation might be: “now concerning spiritual things…” The word “gifts” is used in verses 4 and 31, but verse 7 uses the phrase “the manifestation of the Spirit…” So, as not to confuse the unique manifestations mentioned here in 1 Cor. 12 with the spiritual gifts mentioned in Romans 12:6, Ephesians 4:8, and 1 Peter 4:10, we will use the term “manifestations” instead of “gifts.”

Discussion 8

Why did Paul state that he needed to write to them on this subject? Do you think that there are misunderstandings in the church today concerning spiritual matters, and particularly the gifts and manifestations of the Spirit? Why do you think this is?

Discussion 9

The nine manifestations of the Spirit mentioned in verses 8-10 have been categorized in different ways. For our study, we will use three related categories listed below. Take time to read them over and discuss how each is unique to the others and utilized for the benefit and building up of the body of Christ.

Manifestations of enlightenment – a message of wisdom; a message of knowledge; and distinguishing between spirits. These manifestations show how the Holy Spirit spontaneously uses the human mind to provide supernatural illumination, direction, and spiritual safety for the body of Christ.

Manifestations of energy – faith; gifts of healing; and miraculous powers. These manifestations show how the Holy Spirit spontaneously uses the human will to provide power, healing, and deliverance to the body of Christ.

Manifestations of edification – prophecy; speaking in different kinds of tongues; and the interpretation of tongues. These manifestations show how the Holy Spirit spontaneously uses the human heart and voice to provide learning, inspiration, encouragement, comfort, and enhanced worship to the body of Christ.

Discussion 10

A message of wisdom (1 Cor. 12:8) is a spontaneously revealed thought (which is then articulated), whose content is wisdom. A ’message of wisdom’ is the ability to give guidance in challenging circumstances. This is not general wisdom available to all believers. It is a specific case in which the Holy Spirit spontaneously makes available practical insight and direction in a situation not known except by revelation.

Look at the following examples from scripture and share your insights. Acts 15:23-31; 1 Kings 3:16-28; Matt. 22:15-22.

Discussion 11

A message of knowledge (1 Cor. 12:8) is not knowledge learned through natural learning but is a spontaneous supernatural insight or revelation of facts made known by the Spirit for a specific, given situation. Discuss the following examples from scripture and their relationship to this manifestation. John 4:16-18; Acts 5:1-3; 2 Kings 6:8-12.

Discussion 12

The manifestation of faith is a release of God’s powerful promises into specific situations producing visibly miraculous results. With an inner heart-felt, revealed assurance (Mark 9:23), it supernaturally and emphatically believes that God’s promises are true and vocalizes those promises in specific situations. This is not the general faith of all believers, nor the ever-increasing faith from studying the Word of God (Rom 10:17). This is special faith given by the Spirit to supernaturally believe God without doubting.

Discuss the following examples: Matt. 8:5-13; 23-27; John 11:38-44; Acts 3:6-7; 14:9-10; 27:21-25; Romans 4:17-22.

Discussion 13

The manifestation of the gifts of healing (1 Cor. 12:9) is the spontaneous release of God’s power for healing. Note: in Greek this is literally, gifts of healings. Both words, ‘gifts’ and ‘healings’, are plural. This suggests there are either many gifts of healing for different diseases or that each exercise of healing power is a separate gift. Since there are many different types of sicknesses and diseases – physical, psychosomatic, emotional, or mental – there are many ways in which this manifestation operates.

Read and discuss the following healing examples in scripture: Matt. 4:23; Acts 3:1-10; 5:12-16; 9:32-35; 28:8-9.

Discussion 14

The manifestation of miraculous powers (1 Cor. 12:10) is the spontaneous display of God’s strength to confront any number of situations. A miracle, according to Webster, is “an event or action that apparently contradicts known scientific laws and is hence thought to be due to supernatural causes, especially to an act of God.” Many of the healings, exorcisms, and raising of the dead in the ministry of Jesus are examples of the manifestation of miraculous powers. There are also many examples in the Old Testament and in the Book of Acts.

Read and discuss the examples found in the following scriptures: Exodus 14:21-22; Joshua 10:12-13; Matt. 14:24-25; Luke 4:31-37; 5:17-36; 9:13-17; John 2:1-11; Acts 5:12-15; 19:11-12.

Discussion 15

Before moving on to the final four manifestations, take time to reflect on what you have read. You might have noticed that there is an overlap, or blending, in the operations of some manifestations. Often, they work together, and it is hard to distinguish between them. For example, a message of knowledge may work together with a gift of healing or a working of miracles. Look over the manifestations you have covered and discuss any connections or relationships you might find between them.

Discussion 16

The manifestation of prophecy (1 Cor. 12:10) is the speaking forth in a corporate setting (or church service) of a revelation or insight that the Spirit spontaneously reveals to one. A prophetic word reveals “God’s heart for the moment,” relative to His assessment of matters at hand; His “seal of approval,” encouragement, direction, or call for repentance, etc. It is always given in a language the listeners understand.

The New Testament describes two kinds of prophets: those who occupy the office of a prophet (Eph. 4:11) and those who exercise the manifestation of prophecy (1 Cor. 12:10). Any believer can be used by the Spirit in the manifestation of prophecy (Acts 2:17-18), but not all hold the office of a prophet. Jesus operated in the office of a prophet (John 6:14).

The manifestation of prophecy occupies considerable space in Paul’s instruction in 1 Cor. 12-14. Read these chapters and discuss your insights into the purpose of prophecy, how it should operate, the results it should bring, etc. See also: Acts 11:27-30; 13:1-3; 6-12; 15:32; 21:8-11; 27:21-26.

Discussion 17

The first thing to note about the manifestation of distinguishing between spirits (1 Cor. 12:10) is that ‘spirits’ is plural. God (John 4:24), angels (Heb. 1:14), humankind (Rom. 8:16), Satan (Eph. 2:2), and demons (Mark 1:27) are all spirit beings, and it is not always evident as to “who” is behind a given activity. The manifestation of distinguishing between spirits is to protect the individual and/or church from the deception of false doctrine or teaching (2 Cor. 11:12-15), false prophecy (Acts 16:16-18; 1 Cor. 14:29; 1 John 4:1), counterfeit miracles (Acts 19:13-14; 2 Thess. 2:9), wrong motives (Matt. 22:18; Mark 2:6-12), and a general spirit of opposition to the things of Christ (1 John 2:9). Read the verses and discuss the examples given above.

Discussion 18

The manifestations of different kinds of tongues and the interpretation of tongues are companion gifts the function together (1 Cor. 12:10). The manifestation of different kinds of tongues is either the spontaneous public speaking of an unknown, linguistically unintelligible, Spirit-inspired language which transcends the mind’s comprehension (1 Cor. 12:7; 13:1; 14:2), or the spontaneous, supernatural public speaking of a known language which is simply unknown to the speaker (Acts 2:4-11).

The manifestation of the interpretation of tongues is the supernatural public rendering of the essence of public tongues in the language of the listening audience, so that the church may be edified (1 Cor. 14:5). Read again and discuss 1 Cor. 14, focusing on what Paul is teaching the church about the manifestation of tongues and interpretation.

Discussion 19

It Is important to know that the manifestations of the Spirit are not limited to a church service. Jesus ministered in the synagogue, in a house, at a funeral procession, on the road, on the mountainside, anywhere He found a need. So it is that the manifestations of the Spirit are available to the believer wherever there is a need. Read the following verses and discuss your experience and desire to be used by the Spirit. Pray together to be filled with the Spirit and to be used by Him. 1 Cor. 12:1; 31; 13:1; 14:1; Eph. 5:18-20; Luke 4:1; 14; 18; 24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 8; 2:1-4; 16-18; 38-39; 4:23-31; 8:14-19; 9:17-18; 10:44-48; 11:15-16; 19:2-6.

Discussion 20

Being “filled with the Spirit” is living under the influence of the Spirit in every aspect of our lives. Read and discuss the following verses: Ephesians 5:18; Luke 4:1; Galatians 5:16-25; Eph. 4:30-32.

Discussion 21

We should be able to teach others how to receive the baptism with the Holy Spirit. Familiarize yourself with the following scriptures and discuss how they apply to the believer today:

Believe the Father’s promise (Joel 2:28-29)
Thirst after this experience (John 7:37)
Believe it is for you and be baptized (John 7:38-39)
Ask and receive (Luke 11:9-13)

Practicum 3 – Leading Christians into the Baptism with the Holy Spirit

With, Within, and Upon – The purpose of the Holy Spirit baptism is to give power to the believer to be an effective witness for Jesus Christ. Before becoming a Christian, the Holy Spirit was with us convicting us of sin and drawing us to Christ. When we believed in Christ and repented of our sin, we received the Holy Spirit in us. At that time, we were born again. However, God has something more to help us in our walk with Him.

The baptism with the Holy Spirit is in addition to our new birth experience. While it may happen at the same time, it usually comes at some time after we receive Christ as our Savior. It occurs when the Holy Spirit comes upon a believer who asks for this greater power (John 14:16-17; Acts 8:15-17; 10:44-46; 19:5-6).

Practice with your partner or small group.

Prepare a short outline so you can share your experience of being baptized in the Holy Spirit.
Start by sharing the events leading up to your baptism with the Spirit and what difference it has made in your life.
Share some examples of how God has used you to minister to others.
End by encouraging them to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
If they express a desire to do so, pray with them to be baptized with the Spirit.
Encourage them to release their spiritual language. (While speaking in tongues is not the baptism of the Holy Spirit, it often accompanies that experience, and is a gift that is available to all believers).