LEVEL 2: DISCERNMENT & SPIRITUAL STABILITY

SESSION 1: WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?

Primary Scriptures

John 14:16–17, 26
John 15:26
John 16:7–15
Acts 5:3–4
1 Corinthians 2:9–14
Ephesians 4:30

INTRODUCTION

Before you can learn how to recognize the leading of the Holy Spirit, you need to know who the Holy Spirit is.

Many Christians know certain things that the Holy Spirit does. They know about speaking in tongues. They know about prophecy, spiritual gifts, healing, visions, dreams, and manifestations of the Spirit.

But knowing about the works of the Holy Spirit is different from knowing the Holy Spirit Himself.

This distinction is extremely important.

If you think of the Holy Spirit primarily as power, you may spend your Christian life pursuing power.

If you think of Him primarily in connection with spiritual manifestations, you may begin pursuing manifestations.

If you think of Him only as someone who gives spiritual gifts, you may focus primarily upon gifts.

But when you understand that the Holy Spirit is a divine Person, your relationship with Him becomes much broader.

The Holy Spirit teaches.

He leads.

He speaks.

He reveals.

He comforts.

He can be grieved.

He searches.

He knows.

He distributes spiritual gifts according to His will.

He glorifies Jesus Christ.

Therefore, our study of spiritual discernment must begin here.

Who is the Holy Spirit?

1. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS NOT AN IMPERSONAL FORCE

One of the first truths you must understand is that the Holy Spirit is not simply spiritual energy, power, an atmosphere, an emotion, or an influence.

Jesus spoke about the Holy Spirit as Someone who would come to His disciples.

Jesus said:

John 14:16–17

“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

Even the Spirit of truth…”

Notice the language Jesus uses.

The Holy Spirit would abide with them.

Later Jesus says:

John 14:26

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things…”

The Holy Spirit teaches.

An impersonal force does not teach.

Jesus continues in John 16:

John 16:13

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth…”

Again, notice the personal language:

He will guide you.

Jesus did not describe the Holy Spirit as an impersonal power that believers would learn to control.

The Holy Spirit is Someone to whom believers must submit.

That distinction is important.

Christianity is never about learning how to control spiritual power.

It is about surrendering yourself to God.

2. THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Scripture repeatedly attributes characteristics to the Holy Spirit that belong to a person.

He Speaks

Acts 13:2 says:

“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.”

Notice what happens.

The Holy Ghost said something.

He gave an instruction.

He referred to Barnabas and Saul as men whom He had called.

He Teaches

Jesus said:

John 14:26

“…he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

One of the ministries of the Holy Spirit is teaching.

This does not mean you no longer need to study Scripture.

It means that you should never approach Scripture merely as an academic exercise.

You should study prayerfully.

You should depend upon the Holy Spirit to give you understanding.

He Guides

Jesus said:

John 16:13

“…he will guide you into all truth…”

Guidance involves direction.

The Holy Spirit does not simply give you information. He works in the life of the believer to lead him according to the will and truth of God.

We will study this extensively in later sessions.

He Knows

Paul writes:

1 Corinthians 2:10–11

“But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.”

The Holy Spirit knows the things of God.

This becomes very important when we later study revelation, discernment, wisdom, and spiritual understanding.

He Has a Will

Paul teaches concerning spiritual gifts:

1 Corinthians 12:11

“But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.”

The Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts as He wills.

You do not control Him.

You do not command Him.

He exercises divine will.

He Can Be Grieved

Paul writes:

Ephesians 4:30

“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”

You cannot grieve electricity.

You cannot grieve a force.

But Scripture says that the Holy Spirit can be grieved.

This should affect how you live.

Your relationship with the Holy Spirit is connected to your obedience, conduct, words, attitudes, relationships, and treatment of others.

3. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GOD

This truth must be established clearly.

Consider what happened with Ananias and Sapphira.

Peter told Ananias:

Acts 5:3

“Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost…”

Then Peter continues:

Acts 5:4

“…thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.”

Notice the connection.

Peter first says that Ananias lied to the Holy Ghost.

Then he says Ananias lied to God.

The Holy Spirit is divine.

This is one reason Christians must never treat the Holy Spirit casually.

4. THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS ACTIVE IN CREATION

The Holy Spirit did not suddenly appear in the New Testament.

We find Him at the beginning of Scripture.

Genesis 1:1–2

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.”

The Spirit of God was active in creation.

Job 33:4 also says:

“The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.”

Therefore, when you study the Holy Spirit, you are studying Someone whose work appears throughout Scripture.

5. THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

Throughout the Old Testament, we see the Spirit of God working through people for particular purposes.

He empowered individuals.

He gave wisdom.

He enabled people to accomplish assignments.

He spoke through prophets.

He equipped leaders.

Consider David.

After Samuel anointed him, Scripture says:

1 Samuel 16:13

“…and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward.”

The prophets also spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

2 Peter 1:21

“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

The Holy Spirit therefore played an essential role in God’s revelation through His prophets.

6. THE HOLY SPIRIT AND JESUS CHRIST

The ministry of the Holy Spirit is closely connected with Jesus Christ.

Jesus was conceived through the work of the Holy Ghost.

Jesus was anointed by the Holy Ghost.

Jesus ministered in the power of the Spirit.

Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to His disciples.

And Jesus explained that the Holy Spirit would glorify Him.

This gives us an important principle of discernment.

Jesus said:

John 16:14

“He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.”

The Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus Christ.

Therefore, genuine spiritual activity should never cause Jesus Christ to become less important.

A ministry may talk constantly about manifestations, prophecy, angels, visions, dreams, spiritual encounters, miracles and supernatural experiences.

But we must still ask:

Where is Jesus Christ in all of this?

Is Christ being glorified?

Are people being drawn toward Christ?

Are they becoming obedient to Christ?

Are they becoming more like Christ?

Are they learning His words?

Are they following Him?

The Holy Spirit does not compete with Jesus for attention.

Jesus said:

“He shall glorify me.”

That statement gives us one of the most important discernment principles we will use throughout Level 2.

7. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH

Jesus repeatedly connected the Holy Spirit with truth.

He called Him:

“the Spirit of truth”

This is extremely important for a course about discernment.

The Holy Spirit will never lead you into something that contradicts the truth God has already revealed.

This means you should never accept the statement:

“The Holy Spirit told me…”

as automatic proof that something came from God.

The claim itself must be tested.

Suppose someone tells you:

“God told me to do this.”

But what the person claims God told him directly contradicts Scripture.

You do not need another prophecy to determine whether the message came from God.

God has already spoken in His Word.

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth.

He does not contradict Himself.

This principle protects you from spiritual deception.

8. THE HOLY SPIRIT TEACHES

Jesus said:

John 14:26

“…he shall teach you all things…”

The Holy Spirit helps believers understand spiritual truth.

Paul explains:

1 Corinthians 2:12

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.”

This does not give Christians permission to become careless students of Scripture.

You cannot say:

“I don’t need to study because the Holy Spirit teaches me.”

The Holy Spirit inspired Scripture.

Therefore, dependence upon the Holy Spirit should increase your desire to understand Scripture correctly.

You pray.

You read.

You study.

You examine context.

You compare Scripture with Scripture.

You remain teachable.

And you ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand and obey the truth.

9. THE HOLY SPIRIT CONVICTS

Jesus explained another important part of the Spirit’s ministry:

John 16:8

“And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.”

The Holy Spirit confronts sin.

This means that genuine spiritual growth cannot be separated from holiness.

A person should not boast about being “Spirit-filled” while deliberately refusing to repent of sin.

Spiritual gifts do not replace godly character.

Emotional experiences do not replace obedience.

Religious activity does not replace holiness.

If the Holy Spirit is working in your life, He will deal with areas that do not agree with God’s will.

Sometimes that process is uncomfortable.

Correction can be uncomfortable.

Conviction can be uncomfortable.

Repentance can require humility.

But God corrects us because He intends to transform us.

10. THE HOLY SPIRIT DWELLS IN BELIEVERS

Paul asks:

1 Corinthians 3:16

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”

Consider the seriousness of this truth.

The believer is described as the temple of God because the Spirit of God dwells within.

Christianity therefore involves far more than attending church services.

God intends to work in you every day.

At home.

At work.

While making decisions.

During temptation.

During conflict.

When nobody is watching.

When you are praying.

When you are studying Scripture.

Your relationship with God does not begin when a church service starts and end when the service finishes.

The Holy Spirit dwells within the believer.

11. THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS BELIEVERS

Before Jesus ascended, He told His disciples:

Acts 1:8

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me…”

Notice the purpose of the power.

Jesus connected the Spirit’s empowerment with being His witnesses.

Power has purpose.

God does not give spiritual power merely so Christians can have impressive experiences.

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to accomplish the work of God.

12. THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES SPIRITUAL GIFTS

First Corinthians 12 teaches that the Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts.

These include:

• Word of wisdom
• Word of knowledge
• Faith
• Gifts of healing
• Working of miracles
• Prophecy
• Discerning of spirits
• Divers kinds of tongues
• Interpretation of tongues

But notice again:

1 Corinthians 12:11

“…dividing to every man severally as he will.”

The gifts belong to God’s purpose.

They are not trophies.

They are not proof that one Christian is more important than another.

They should never become a basis for pride.

And possessing a spiritual gift does not make someone incapable of error.

That point will become very important later when we study false teaching, prophecy and discernment.

13. THE HOLY SPIRIT PRODUCES FRUIT

One of the clearest evidences of spiritual development appears in Galatians 5:22–23:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Meekness, temperance…”

Many believers want the gifts of the Spirit.

God also wants the fruit of the Spirit to develop in us.

Ask yourself:

Am I becoming more loving?

Am I developing self-control?

Am I becoming more patient?

Am I becoming more faithful?

Am I becoming gentler?

Am I becoming more obedient?

Am I becoming more like Christ?

Spiritual maturity cannot be measured merely by supernatural experiences.

Character matters.

14. THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPS US PRAY

Romans 8:26 says:

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought…”

There will be times when you do not know exactly how to pray.

There will be situations you do not fully understand.

The Holy Spirit helps believers in their weakness.

Prayer therefore should involve dependence upon God rather than confidence in our own understanding.

15. THE HOLY SPIRIT GLORIFIES CHRIST

We return to this truth because it is central to everything that follows.

Jesus said:

John 16:14

“He shall glorify me…”

The Holy Spirit’s work points us toward Jesus Christ.

This gives you a practical test.

When evaluating a spiritual ministry, manifestation, teaching, prophecy, movement, or experience, ask:

Does this ultimately glorify Jesus Christ?

Does it produce greater obedience to Christ?

Does it agree with His Word?

Does it draw attention primarily to Christ, or primarily to the individual claiming spiritual power?

Does it produce humility or pride?

Does it produce holiness or compromise?

Does it produce truth or confusion?

These questions will become increasingly important as we move through Level 2.

16. COMMON MISUNDERSTANDINGS ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT

Misunderstanding 1: Every Strong Feeling Is the Holy Spirit

A powerful emotion does not automatically mean the Holy Spirit is speaking.

People experience strong emotions for many reasons.

This is why spiritual impressions must be tested.

Misunderstanding 2: Every Supernatural Experience Comes From God

Scripture does not teach this.

That is precisely why 1 John 4:1 says:

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God…”

Later in Level 2, we will study exactly how to do this.

Misunderstanding 3: Saying “God Told Me” Makes a Statement Unquestionable

No Christian should use that phrase to prevent legitimate biblical examination.

Scripture commands believers to test spiritual claims.

Humility allows examination.

Misunderstanding 4: Spiritual Gifts Prove Spiritual Maturity

A person can operate in spiritual gifts and still need significant growth in character.

The Corinthian church had spiritual gifts, yet Paul corrected them for division, carnality and disorder.

Never confuse gifting with maturity.

Misunderstanding 5: The Holy Spirit Replaces Scripture

He does not.

The Holy Spirit inspired the Scriptures and works consistently with the truth God has revealed.

A supposed revelation that contradicts Scripture should be rejected.

17. YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

Knowing these truths should change the way you live.

Do not reduce the Holy Spirit to something you seek only during church meetings.

Learn to acknowledge God’s presence throughout your day.

When you read Scripture, ask Him to teach you.

When you face temptation, depend upon Him.

When you need wisdom, pray.

When He convicts you, respond.

When you realize you have sinned, repent.

When you need strength, depend upon God.

When you believe you have received spiritual direction, test it.

When you experience something supernatural, do not automatically accept or reject it. Examine it biblically.

You are learning to walk with God intelligently, humbly and biblically.

PRACTICAL EXERCISE

Knowing the Holy Spirit Through Scripture

During the next seven days, read one passage each day.

Day 1: John 14:15–27
Day 2: John 16:7–15
Day 3: Romans 8:1–17
Day 4: Romans 8:18–27
Day 5: 1 Corinthians 2:9–16
Day 6: 1 Corinthians 12:1–11
Day 7: Galatians 5:16–26

For each passage, write down:

1. What does this passage teach me about the Holy Spirit?
2. What does the Holy Spirit do?
3. What does this passage teach me about my responsibility?
4. Is there something I need to change or obey?
5. What does this passage teach me about Jesus Christ?

Do not begin by asking, “What do I feel this means?”

Begin with:

“What does the passage actually say?”

That habit will become one of the foundations of spiritual discernment.

STUDENT REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. Who is the Holy Spirit?
2. What evidence does Scripture give that the Holy Spirit is a Person?
3. What evidence does Scripture give concerning the deity of the Holy Spirit?
4. Why is Acts 5:3–4 important when studying who the Holy Spirit is?
5. What did Jesus mean when He called the Holy Spirit the Comforter?
6. Why did Jesus call Him the Spirit of truth?
7. What does John 16:14 teach about the Holy Spirit’s relationship to Jesus?
8. What is the difference between spiritual gifts and spiritual maturity?
9. Why should supernatural experiences be tested?
10. Why should Scripture remain central when learning to recognize the Holy Spirit’s leading?

PERSONAL APPLICATION

Complete these statements honestly.

One thing I learned about the Holy Spirit that I need to understand more clearly is:

One misconception about the Holy Spirit that I need to correct is:

One area in which I need to become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s correction is:

One change I will make this week because of this lesson is:

SESSION 1 QUIZ

1. Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as:

A. An impersonal force
B. The Comforter
C. An angel
D. A prophet

Answer: B

2. According to John 16:13, the Holy Spirit is called:

A. The Spirit of power
B. The Spirit of prophecy
C. The Spirit of truth
D. The Spirit of judgment

Answer: C

3. According to Acts 5:3–4, lying to the Holy Ghost was described as lying to:

A. Peter
B. The apostles
C. The church
D. God

Answer: D

4. According to John 16:14, the Holy Spirit glorifies:

A. Himself
B. Angels
C. Jesus Christ
D. Spiritual gifts

Answer: C

5. According to 1 Corinthians 12:11, who determines the distribution of spiritual gifts?

A. The pastor
B. The individual
C. The Holy Spirit
D. The congregation

Answer: C

6. Which statement is correct?

A. Every supernatural manifestation comes from God.
B. Every strong feeling is the Holy Spirit.
C. Spiritual experiences should be tested biblically.
D. Christians should accept every prophecy.

Answer: C

7. Which passage commands believers to “try the spirits”?

A. John 3:16
B. 1 John 4:1
C. Romans 12:1
D. Acts 1:8

Answer: B

8. The fruit of the Spirit includes:

A. Popularity
B. Wealth
C. Self-promotion
D. Love

Answer: D

9. Spiritual gifts automatically prove that someone is spiritually mature.

True or False?

Answer: False

10. The Holy Spirit’s ministry should ultimately direct attention toward:

A. The minister
B. Jesus Christ
C. Spiritual experiences
D. Human ability

Answer: B

KEY TRUTHS TO REMEMBER

1. The Holy Spirit is a divine Person.
2. The Holy Spirit is God.
3. He speaks, teaches, guides, knows, wills and can be grieved.
4. He is the Spirit of truth.
5. He glorifies Jesus Christ.
6. He dwells within believers.
7. He empowers believers for God’s purposes.
8. He distributes spiritual gifts according to His will.
9. He produces spiritual fruit in the believer.
10. His work will never contradict the truth of God’s Word.

CLOSING PRAYER

Father, thank You for giving us Your Holy Spirit.

Help us to know You according to the truth of Your Word. Deliver us from ignorance, error, deception and spiritual pride.

Holy Spirit, teach us, correct us, guide us and help us to understand the truth. Produce within us the character that pleases God.

Help us never to pursue spiritual experiences more than we pursue Christ.

Give us wisdom to test what we hear, what we are taught, and what we experience.

Teach us to recognize truth and reject error.

Above everything, may Jesus Christ be glorified through our lives.

In Jesus’ name.

Amen.