Page 44 - Pneumatology - A Study of the Holy Spirit

1. Love – This is the love of choice, not the love of feeling. It is defined as self-sacrificial service and is best
demonstrated in Jesus Christ’s love for us. The Bible says, “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Perhaps the best definition of this type of love can be seen in the following verse:

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should
not perish but have eternal life.

God demonstrated this special love by sacrificially giving Himself up for us. This love chooses to set aside
one’s own preferences, desires, and even personal needs to put the other person first (Philippians 2:1-3).

2. Joy – The Greek word for “joy” means “gladness and delight.” It is based on our relationship with Christ,
which is eternal. The world’s joy is based on fleeting circumstances. But the joy of the Lord is established in
our spiritual and eternal circumstances. We are children of God and will live with Him for all eternity.

3. Peace – This comes from knowing the One who is peace. Under any circumstances of life, we can
experience God’s peace. We can rejoice in God and who He is. We can bring our worries, fears, and
concerns to God in prayer. He can manage our lives because He is all-powerful and all-knowing.

4. Patience – It is difficult to have patience because it requires us to wait on God. Our flesh wants
everything NOW. Patient people put up with circumstances and other people, even when severely tried.
Patient people display endurance, longsuffering, and perseverance. It is a trait of God. He is patient with us;
we need to be patient with others.

5. Kindness and Goodness – The characteristics of these two are closely related. Together, they present the
picture of one who possesses moral goodness and integrity and expresses these traits in the way he acts
towards others.

6. Faithfulness - This trait means to be reliable or trustworthy. It is based on continual and consistent
submission and obedience to the Spirit of God, who enables us to be faithful. As stewards of God’s blessings,
we are required by God to be faithful in using His gifts to glorify Him. Someday, we will be judged on our
faithfulness regarding our service to Him.

7. Gentleness and Meekness. Gentleness is strength under control. It is the opposite of self-assertiveness
and self-interest and is the key ingredient in unity and peace within the body of Christ (Eph 4:2).

8. Self-Control – In Galatians 5:19-21, Paul lists the “works of the flesh.” The Holy Spirit gives us the strength
to resist those works in the form of self-control. He gives us the power to say “Yes” to the New Nature and
“No” to the Old Sin Nature. This special energy comes from Him.

Let’s Practice…

1. Why is it important that the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment?

2. The Greek word for convict is elencho. Write out a definition of what this word means fully:

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