Lesson 38

Why does the Bible use four picture words to describe the work of the Holy Spirit for us?

How does the Bible use the picture words conversion, regeneration (rebirth), and resurrection in speaking about the work of the Holy Spirit? Acts 11:21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. turning people around The Holy Spirit’s working faith in our hearts… Conversion

How does the Bible use the picture words conversion, regeneration (rebirth), and resurrection in speaking about the work of the Holy Spirit? John 3:3,6 In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. giving people a second birth The Holy Spirit’s working faith in our hearts… Regeneration

How does the Bible use the picture words conversion, regeneration (rebirth), and resurrection in speaking about the work of the Holy Spirit? Colossians 2:13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins… The Holy Spirit’s working faith in our hearts… (First) Resurrection

How does the Bible use the picture words conversion, regeneration (rebirth), and resurrection in speaking about the work of the Holy Spirit? Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years. raises us from the dead The Holy Spirit’s working faith in our hearts… (First) Resurrection

Key Point #1 The Bible uses these words to help us understand the wonderful miracle the Holy Spirit worked in us by bringing us to faith.

Many churches (Roman Catholic, Arminian Reformed) teach that each person must make a beginning toward faith in his or her heart and then the Holy Spirit will strengthen that person’s faith from then on. Give several reasons from our lesson today why this teaching is wrong.

How does the Bible use the picture word enlighten in speaking about the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing us to faith? Acts 26:17b-18a I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God… a light were turned on As a result, it’s as if…

How does the Bible use the picture word enlighten in speaking about the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing us to faith? Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace We now see many blessings (God’s gifts) f o r g i v e n e s s

How does the Bible use the picture word enlighten in speaking about the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing us to faith? Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. forgiveness joy peace hope We now see many blessings (God’s gifts)

How does the Bible use the picture word enlighten in speaking about the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing us to faith? Psalm 119:50 My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. forgiveness c o m f o r t joy peace hope We now see many blessings (God’s gifts)

Key Point #2 The Bible uses this word picture to help us understand that we are able to see all the wonderful gifts of God only when the Holy Spirit brings us to faith.

Take each of the blessings mentioned in the passages we looked up that we are now “enlightened” to see (forgiveness, joy, peace, hope, comfort), and explain why each is a wonderful thing for us to experience. Also add some other blessings the Bible tells us we have in Jesus besides those we looked up.

What does the Holy Spirit do to make sure we never lose these blessings? Ephesians 3:16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being… The Holy Spirit to protect us from the

What does the Holy Spirit do to make sure we never lose these blessings? 1 Peter 1:5 …who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. strengthens our faith The Holy Spirit to protect us from the

What does the Holy Spirit do to make sure we never lose these blessings? 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. devil’s cunning The Holy Spirit to protect us from the strengthens our faith

What does the Holy Spirit do to make sure we never lose these blessings? 1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. love of the world The Holy Spirit to protect us from the strengthens our faith

What does the Holy Spirit do to make sure we never lose these blessings? Galatians 5:17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. desires of our sinful natures The Holy Spirit to protect us from the strengthens our faith

Key Point #3 The Holy Spirit strengthens our faith so that the devil, the world, and our sinful natures will not cause us to lose God’s blessings.

Some surveys say that many people in our country, even many who call themselves Christians, doubt the existence of the devil. How do you know that such people are sadly mistaken? Why is it so dangerous to make such a mistake?

The sinful world tempts us toward materialism – toward wanting desperately what we cannot afford to have. How, exactly, does the Holy Spirit help us combat this idolatrous sin?

The sinful world tempts us toward hedonism (love of pleasure) – toward wanting desperately the so- called fun that drugs, alcohol, or sex seem to provide for people – contrary to our Savior’s will. How, exactly, does the Holy Spirit help us combat this idolatrous sin?

Lesson 38 The Bible uses picture words to help me understand the Holy Spirit’s work of bringing me to faith.

Vocabulary… “Conversion” turning us around

Vocabulary… “Regeneration” giving us a second birth

Vocabulary… “Resurrection” raising us from the dead

Vocabulary… “Enlighten” cause us to see