May 29, 2005
Morning Sermon Outline
”Knowing the Holy Spirit: His Names”
John 14:16-17; 25-26
When we search the Scripture one of the things we notice is that God has revealed Himself in His Word through a variety of Names and Titles. Each name given to us by God in His Word gives us true insight into God’s nature and character. Each Name, even for each Member of the Godhead, is a Name by which we may pray to and worship God. Psalm 8:1; Matthew 28:19-20
Let us consider today some of the great Names by which the Holy Spirit is made know to us:
I. He is called a Spirit –
1. The same words in Scripture are used for breath and wind – John 3:6-8
2. Context makes it easy to tell which is which
3. These things illustrate to us:
A. The Spirit’s incorporeal nature – Luke 24:37-39
B. His dynamic power – Acts 2:1-2
C. His life-giving power – Job 33:4
II. He is called the Holy Spirit –
1. Describes His Nature, He is first and foremost the Holy Spirit as our God is the thrice Holy God – Isaiah 6:3
2. His impact upon our nature, He makes us holy – Romans 15:15-16
3. It distinguishes Him from the unclean spirits - Matthew 12:24-32
III. He is another Helper, Comforter, Parakletos – John 14:16; 14:26; 15:26
1. He comes alongside us, grace is implied here
2. He helps us in our weakness, to pray – Romans 8:26-27
IV. The Spirit of Truth – John 14:17; 15:25
1. As over against falsehood / as over against sinful misconceptions, “the world neither sees Him or knows Him
2. As One Who inspires the proclamation of truth, He is behind the writing of God’s Word – 2 Timothy 3:16-16
3. Many of His other titles relate to this: He is the Spirit of Wisdom – Isaiah 11:3; Ephesians 1:17; the Spirit of Counsel, knowledge and Understanding – Isaiah 11:2; The Spirit of Prophesy – Revelation 19:10
4. As the Spirit of Truth, the Spirit is also a Spirit of Judgment and burning – Isaiah 4:4; John 16:7-10
V. The Spirit of God –
1. He is called such on account of His eternal procession or emanation from the Father and Christ
2. Describes Him as the Third Person of the Godhead (Deity)
3. As do other titles: He is called God – Acts 5:3-4; He is the Eternal Spirit – Hebrews 9:14
VI. The Spirit of Christ – Romans 8:9; 1 Peter 1:11
1. Vital to our relationship with Christ – Romans 8:9
2. He is the Teacher, Prophet of Christ – 1 Peter 1:11; John 14:26
VII. He is the Free or generous Spirit – Psalm 51:12
1. Emphasis here is on His grace and forgiveness
2. In this sense He is also called the Good Spirit – Nehemiah 9:20; Psalms 143:10
3. As the title Seven Spirits of God – Revelation 1:4; & 4:5 emphasizes the Spirit is perfectly able to provide all we need!
Application for Today
1. Seek to know the Holy Spirit, understand His titles and ministries as they are communicated to us in God’s Word!
2. Make it your goal to worship the Spirit as you do the Father and Son!
