The Promised Gift

Acts 1:4; John 14:16-18,26

The Holy Spirit is a Person (14:16-18, 26; 15:26; 16:7-8, 13-14)

1) This is affirmed by the masculine pronoun (14:26; 15:26; 16:7-8, 13-14)

2) This is affirmed by a parallel ministry (14:16-18)


Viewing the testimony of Scripture as a whole, we cannot but concede consistent and clear testimony to the fact that the Holy Spirit is a divine Person, working with intelligent consciousness, infinite love and independent will. This fact and truth is of fundamental importance to Christian experience. If He is merely a power or influence, our dominant aim would be, “How may I obtain more of His power and influence?” But if He is a Divine Person, our consistent attitude should be “How can He more fully possess me so that I may become the vehicle of His power and influence?” - J. Oswald Sanders

a) Has intelligence (Jn. 14:26)
b) Has emotion (Eph. 4:30)
c) Has will (1 Cor. 12:11)
d) Is called Comforter and Counselor (Jn. 14:16)
e) Can have relationships (Jn. 16:14)


The context of Ephesians 4:30 gives us indication as to ways that the believer can either grieve the Holy Spirit or please the Holy Spirit:

Ways we can grieve the Spirit:

1. By lying and speaking untruthfully (25).
2. By harboring ungodly anger (26).
3. By stealing and refusing to work and be productive (28).
4. By speaking unwholesome things that tear others down (29).
4. By harboring all forms of bitterness, fighting, and malice (31).

Ways we can please the Spirit:

1. By speaking truthfully (25).
2. By keeping short accounts with our anger (26).
3. By working and being productive (28).
4. By using our words to build up others (29).
5. By embracing forgiveness, compassion, and kindness (32).