Disciple's Guide to the Holy Spirit
Detailed Course Outline

  1. The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament
    Examines the Spirit in creation, the Spirit coming upon kings and prophets, and promises of the Spirit coming upon the Messiah and all believers (1 Samuel 10, 16; Numbers 11:16-17, 25; Joel 2:28-32; etc.)
  2. The Holy Spirit in Jesus' Ministry
    Explores passages that indicate the Spirit is the source of Jesus power, since Jesus relies fully on the Father (John 5:19). He ministers in the power of the Spirit and serves as example to his disciples of the Spirit-filled Man. He promises to send the Spirit upon his followers.
  3. The Holy Spirit Paraclete (John 14-16)
    Jesus promises "another Paraclete" (translated variously as Helper, Counselor, Comforter) whom he will send after he goes to the Father. The Spirit will replace Jesus' role with his disciples and enable them to do "greater works" than Jesus himself (John 14:12). Explores each of the Paraclete passages in John 14, 15, and 16.
  4. Born of the Holy Spirit
    Studies Jesus' teaching on the Spirit concerning streams of living water (John 7:37-39; 4:14) and being born of the water and the Spirit (John 3:1-8). Concludes with a look at regeneration by the Spirit (Titus 3:5-7).
  5. The Holy Spirit Within
    Examines Paul's teaching on the indwelling Spirit, featuring metaphors of a temple, a house, adoption, internal testimony, anointing, seal, and down-payment (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Romans 8:9-15; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22). Paul tells of the Spirit searching the deep things of God, enabling disciples to have the "mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:10-16). Concludes with 1 John 4:4: "Greater is he who is in you...."
  6. Baptized with the Holy Spirit
    Studies all the word analogies related to "baptism with the Holy Spirit" in the Book of Acts -- word pictures such as being "being filled," "being clothed," "receiving," "giving," and "sending." In that light, examines contemporary doctrines of separateness, subsequence, and "initial physical evidence" concerning the baptism with the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues (Acts 1:4-5, 8; chapter 2; 8:15-19; 10:44-45; 19:1-6, and related passages).
  7. The Holy Spirit versus the Flesh
    Explores passages on the struggle between the sinful nature ("the flesh") and the Holy Spirit (Romans 7:18-25; 8:1-9; Isaiah 26:3; Galatians 5:16-18), and result of the Spirit's transformation -- the  fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
  8. Gifts Empowered by the Holy Spirit (part 1)
    Sees spiritual gifts as specialized Spirit-empowered abilities designed to build up the Church and expand the Kingdom. Notes similarities to and distinctions between God-given talents and spiritual gifts, and reviews Jesus' Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30). Notes that gifts are given according to grace, not merit, examines the purposes of the gifts (Ephesians 4:12-13; 1 Corinthians 12:7), and the debate between cessationism vs. continuationism. Then examines the five gifts in Ephesians 4:11 -- apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher.
  9. Gifts Empowered by the Holy Spirit (part 2)
    Explores gift-lists in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10; 28-30; Romans 12:3-8; 1 Peter 4:10-11, and discusses spiritual gifts of words of wisdom and knowledge, faith, healings, working of miracles, discerning of spirits, speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues, helps/service, exhortation/encouragement, administration/leadership, stewardship, mercy, etc.
  10. Listening for the Holy Spirit's Voice
    Sees familiarity with the Spirit's voice as vital to maturing as a disciple. Explores God's voice in Jesus' ministry, differences between messages in words vs. nudges or promptings (Mark 1:33-38; John 5:19; 1 Corinthians 2:11-12, 16; Acts 8:26-38). Concludes with heart preparation as a humble servant -- "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:1-10).
  11. Living in the Holy Spirit
    Explores abiding in the vine (John 15:1-17), beholding the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18), and corporate worship (Ephesians 5:18-20) as ways the Spirit uses to transform us. Examines spiritual warfare weapons of the sword of the Spirit and praying in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:10-18; Jude 20). Concludes by describing the lifestyle that will help a disciple walk in Spirit day by day.

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Disciple's Guide to the Holy Spirit