Is the Holy Spirit our substitute in Christian living?
(John 16:5-15; Philippians 2:12-13; Colossians 1:9-11) Blog Jul. 31 – Aug. 06, 2022
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: God leads his children into trials and among enemies, not to discourage or defeat them but rather to strengthen them. Even Jesus learned obedience by the things which he suffered. In our trials, God comforts us and supplies us with the food of his Word, the grace of his Spirit, and the blood of Jesus. While our sufferings may seem extreme, God always provides a way of escape through them. It is God’s desire to have us earnestly seek him, increase our faith in him, and to transform us into the image of his Son.
The Spirit of Truth
1. When Jesus was about to leave his disciples with what did he comfort them? Jesus told his disciples that he would not leave them comfortless, but that he would send them the third person of the Godhead, the Spirit of Truth (John 14:16-18, 26; 16:7).
2. What did Jesus say that the Holy Spirit would do for his disciples? Jesus said that the Holy Ghost would teach his disciples, guide them, bring Jesus words to their remembrance, show them things to come, & convict them of sin, righteousness, & judgment (John 14:26; 16:8-11).
3. After Jesus’ resurrection what else did Jesus say that the Holy Spirit would bring to his disciples? Jesus told his disciples that when the Holy Spirit came, he would bring them power (Lk. 24:49; Acts 1:8; Rom. 15:13, 19).
4. Who did Jesus say would receive the Holy Ghost as an indwelling presence? Jesus said that only believers in him would receive the Holy Spirit as an indwelling presence (John 14:17; 16:13; Rom. 8:9).
5. What did Jesus say that the Holy Ghost would do for unbelievers? Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would convict unbelievers (& believers) of sin, righteousness & judgment (John 16:8).
6. If God gives us guidance and power through the Holy Ghost, what else do we need to live the Christian life? Besides guidance & power, to live the Christian life, we need the motivation of a willful choice (Josh. 24:15; Jud. 13:25; Matt. 4:1; Acts 13:2; 2 Ped. 1:21).
The Human Will
7. With what kind of will are we born? We are born with a perverse will, held captive by Satan (Psa. 51:5; Jer. 19:7; Matt. 16:24).
8. Who rules the will of unbelievers? Satan rules the will of all unbelievers from birth until conversion (Psa. 58:3; John 8:43; 2 Tim. 2:25-26).
7. Who is responsible for us choosing to follow Jesus? The choice to follow Jesus must be our own personal choice (Josh. 24:15; Matt. 16:24; ).
9. How can a person whose will is held captive by Satan, choose to serve God? The only way for faith in Jesus to spring up in the human heart is for a person to hear the good news proclaimed in God’s Word, for God’s Spirit inspires faith in the one who hears (Acts 10:44; Rom. 10:17).
10. If our will is submitted to God’s will, what will be the pursuit of our lives? True believers pursue a life of sanctification: holiness (Rom. 12:2; 1 Thes. 4:3; Heb. 13:21; 1 Pet. 2:15; 4:2-3).
Human Effort
11. Since the Holy Spirit indwells all true believers, does the Spirit then live the sanctified life of holiness for them? No, Christian living is the work of the believer who is empowered & guided by the Holy Ghost, but the Holy Ghost is not a substitute for our obedience (2 Cor. 7:1; Phil. 2:12-14; 3:12-14).
12. What must the Christian continually place in harmony with God’s will? The believer must continually align his will with God’s will in order to grow in grace (John 4:34; Col. 1:9-10; Heb. 13:20-21).
13. If the will of God is unpleasant to Christians, what must they do? When trials come, the Christian must continue on in faith & obedience. Just as Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, we must surrender our will to that of our Heavenly Father (Matt. 26:39-44; 2 Tim. 4:5).
14. How did Jesus express the extent to which the Christian will endure? Jesus said that believers who endure unto the end will be saved (Matt. 24:13; Mark 13:13).
15. How did Paul express the extent to which the Christian will endure? Paul wrote that believers remain part of God’s house if they continue believing & rejoicing in hope unto the end (Heb. 3:6).
16. How did John express the extent to which the Christian will endure? John writes that the saints patiently keep God’s Commandments & their faith in Jesus (Rev. 14:12).
17. How did James express the endurance of the Christian? James says that those who have suffered for God are happy for God is merciful towards them (James 5:10-11).
18. How might we summarize the things we have learned here? Although we are born with a perverse will, by faith we can surrender it to God & then we are free to choose to do his will as long as life shall last for God’s Spirit gives us power and guidance to do what is right (Col. 1:9-11).