Page 10 - Bible Doctrine Survey I- Student Textbook

Grief is something one feels; it is an emotion.

3. The Holy Spirit has a WILL.

I Cor. 12:11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just
as He wills.

The phrase “He wills” is from the Greek word bouletai, and refers to “decisions of the will after previous
deliberation. The same word is used to describe Jehovah’s will in James 1:18. Both exercise His will!

The Holy Spirit does things that prove He is a person.

1. The Holy Spirit Testifies.

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John 15:26 "When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of
truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me,

The Greek word for “testify” or “bear witness” is used in John 15:27 of the disciples testifying about
Christ, in John 5:33 of John the Baptist testifying of Christ, and of God the Father testifying in Acts 15:8.
Only persons can testify or bear witness.

2. The Holy Spirit Prays for Believers.

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Romans 8:26-27 In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as
we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;

A force cannot intercede or pray on behalf of another. Only a person can do that.

3. The Holy Spirit Issues Commands.

Acts 8:29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go up and join this chariot."

Forces don’t speak and issue commands to people. In Acts 13:4 Paul and Barnabas were sent out by the
Holy Spirit. In Acts 16:6 the Holy Spirit prohibited Paul and Silas from preaching in Asia. Only a person
with a mind and will can do that.

The Holy Spirit is Treated like a Person.

1. The Holy Spirit can be grieved – Ephesians 4:30
2. The Holy Spirit can be blasphemed – Matthew 12:32, Mark 3:29-30
3. The Holy Spirit can be lied To – Acts 5:3
4. The Holy Spirit can be obeyed – Acts 13:2
5. The Holy Spirit is sent – John 14:26

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