Introduction: Two Periods of Christ’s Mission in the Salvation of Mankind
In the world while Jesus was in the flesh.
In the world after Jesus ascended into heaven.
I. Impression in the Old Testament: The Holy Spirit as Power and Wisdom/Knowledge Giver
Gen. 41:38 – Joseph
Exo. 31:3; 35:31 – Tabernacle artisans
Num. 11:27–29 – Moses and the elders
Num. 27:18 – Joshua
Judges 3:10; 6:34 – Othniel and Gideon
1 Chron. 12:18 – Amasai
Dan. 4:8, 9, 18 – Daniel
II. The Messiah Is Portrayed as a Powerful & Wise Agent with the Holy Spirit
Isa. 9:6; Isa. 11:2; 42:1 – The Branch
Isa. 61:1; Matt. 12:18 – The Holy Spirit upon/in Jesus
III. The Second Person of the Godhead Took the Form of Man
Note: The power and glory of Deity were humbled/emptied while on Earth in the flesh (Kenosis).
Matt. 1:18, 20 – Begotten of the Holy Spirit
Luke 1:35 – Begotten of the Holy Spirit
Philippians 2:5–8 – He emptied Himself
IV. The Holy Spirit Provided Power & Wisdom to the Man Jesus While He Was on Earth
Matt. 3:16; Mark 1:10; John 1:32 – The Holy Spirit descends upon Him
Matt. 4:1; Mark 1:12; Luke 4:1 – The Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness
Matt. 12:28; Mark 3:29 – The Holy Spirit gives power to Jesus
Luke 4:14, 18; Acts 10:38 – Anointed with the Holy Spirit
Luke 10:21 – Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit
V. The Holy Spirit Continues to Supplement & Complement Jesus’ Mission: Salvation of Man
Matt. 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33 – Jesus baptizes in the Holy Spirit
Note: Properly defined, baptism in the Holy Spirit is offered and granted to all obedient disciples with different gifts and manifestations as the Holy Spirit wills (See Rom. 12:6–8; 1 Cor. 12:1–11; 1 Cor. 7:7; Eph. 4:10–11; 1 Pet. 4:10–11).
John 15:26 – The Holy Spirit bears witness to Jesus’ ministry
John 14:17, 26; 16:13 – The Holy Spirit abides with the apostles as guide and inspirer
Acts 1:2 – The Holy Spirit gave commandments through Jesus
Acts 1:8; 2:4 – The Holy Spirit gives power to apostles and disciples
Acts 5:32; Titus 3:5–6 – The Holy Spirit given to obedient disciples; witnesses that Christ is true
Eph. 3:16; Eph. 5:18–19; Rom. 8:26–27 – The indwelling Spirit strengthens, guides in worship, and aids in prayer
VI. Important Clarification on Miraculous Powers vs. Spiritual Preservation
Many associate “displayed, external miraculous powers” with the presence of the Holy Spirit in a person’s life. However, miraculous power is subordinate to, and of a lower category than, a person’s ability to maintain spiritual faithfulness.
As our Lord Jesus stated:
“Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20)
VII. Additional Study Resource
(Refer to the supplementary article on the Use of Prepositions regarding the personal presence and influence of the Holy Spirit in the life of obedient Christians to assist in their lifetime struggle to remain faithful).
NOTE: Please feel free to share feedback or raise questions regarding points in this lecture. You may send your documented position paper to:
tanicala.eusebio.a@gmail.com