Systematic Theology: The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit Part 4: The Holy Spirit in the Believer's Life

Pastor Terrie Beede led session 20 of the "Studies in Theology" series at Calvary Chapel Milwaukee, focusing on "The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit, Part 4: The Holy Spirit in the Believer's Life" (though the source is titled Part 4, the content explicitly states it's continuing and picking up from the previous week's discussion of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life). The series is continually guided by 1 Timothy 4:16, which emphasizes the minister's responsibility to "take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine" and "continue in them" to faithfully conduct their charge and nourish the congregation in truth. This study aligns with the Calvary Chapel Milwaukee statement of faith, affirming belief "in the person of the Holy Spirit who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment and to regenerate, sanctify, and empower all who believe in Christ for ministry".The session addressed the potentially emotionally charged and divisive topic of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life, specifically the indwelling of the Spirit and the concept of the baptism or filling of the Spirit. Pastor Beede stressed the necessity of relying solely on the Word of God, rather than personal feelings, experiences, or traditions, to formulate doctrine, cautioning against building beliefs on ambiguous evidence or preconceived ideas.The discussion began by reviewing Jesus' promises regarding the Holy Spirit:• Luke 11:9-13 assures believers that they can ask for the Holy Spirit with certainty of receiving Him.• John 14:16-17 promises "another Comforter" who "dwelleth with you, and shall be in you," and will abide forever.• Luke 24:49 and Acts 1:8 instruct disciples to "tarry... until ye be endued with power from on high" when the "Holy Ghost is come upon you" to be witnesses. These promises highlight three aspects of the Spirit's presence: "with you" (as with Jesus), "in you" (the indwelling), and "upon you" (for power and service). This contrasts with the Old Testament, where the Spirit came "upon" specific individuals for temporary service, as the temple veil symbolized humanity's separation from God before Christ's atoning work.The Indwelling of the Spirit is a core aspect of a believer's life, signifying the Spirit of adoption (Romans 8:15), the seal of the Spirit (God's mark of ownership), and the earnest of our purchased possession (a down payment of future glory).The session then summarized observations from four major passages in Acts concerning the reception of the Spirit:1. Acts 2 (Pentecost): The disciples, already considered saved, experienced visible manifestations like tongues of fire and speaking in tongues, resulting in empowerment for ministry. This was described as a unique, first-time outpouring "on all flesh".2. Acts 8:14-17 (Samaritan believers): The Spirit came upon them through the laying on of hands after they believed and were baptized. This was likely a unique occurrence for integrating Samaritans, with a visible sign, though tongues were not explicitly mentioned.3. Acts 10:34-48 (Cornelius and the Gentiles): The Holy Spirit fell on them simultaneously with their conversion, and they spoke with tongues. This marked another unique occurrence as the Spirit was poured out on Gentiles.4. Acts 19:1-6 (Disciples of John the Baptist in Ephesus): Paul found disciples who only knew John's baptism. After hearing about Jesus and being baptized, the Spirit came "upon" them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied .General Observations from these passages included: the Spirit was received sometimes simultaneously with belief, and sometimes not; immediate, visible evidence occurred in four of the five discussed instances (including Paul's conversion); tongues were explicitly mentioned in only three of these passages. Continuedhttps://ccmilwaukee.com/podcasts/media/2009-07-15-the-doctrine-of-the-holy-spirit