Gifts Of The Holy Spirit 1 Old Testament Study
In this study we will examine the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament.
PART I Trinity?
Many people believe in the idea of the "Trinity" as though it is an accepted fact. Interesting, because the word "trinity" is never in the Bible.
Psalm 118:10-12 Notice it says "in the name" not "in the names" of the Lord. In the O.T. God is one. They are completely different entities but have similar qualities. For example a father, son, and daughter have something in common — flesh, likeness, genes, blood, etc. — but that doesn't mean the father is the son, or the son the daughter. Another example: H20 are the components of steam, ice, and water. Ice=water and steam=water, but ice does not equal steam. The same is true for the Father, Son, and the Spirit.
God’s Nature
Isaiah 40:13,18 God's true nature is impossible for us to truly understand, since there is nothing to which we can compare God. The idea of something existing outside the limits of the physical universe is beyond our senses and comprehension. Since God existed before the creation He is not affected by the dimensions or limitations of the creation. For God, the creation is smaller than a piece of sand on his little finger. Although God is invisible, he has allowed us to see the effects of his movement in the creation; best understood as the Spirit of God or Holy Spirit. The Hebrew word "ruah" (translated spirit) is the only word translated "wind" and can also be used for "breath." In the same way that wind is invisible with visible effects, the Spirit of God moves through the creation. It is possible that the idea of "breath" could go even farther to emphasize God's power, presence and person being "blown" into the creation.
The Power of God
Genesis 1:1-2 The earth was formless, empty and the heavens were in darkness. It was "nothing" in God. The Spirit of God hovered (vibrated) over the face of the waters ready to impart form, order, and light to the creation. All energy is produced by vibration. Without the creation there was no spirit of God. There was nowhere to blow. His spirit is the creation. The creation is a picture of the salvation of our souls: his spirit is blown into it which than gives it life. God only became part of the creation when Jesus was born. This is also the moment he became "Father". In the O.T. God was mentioned as a father only 13 times, and no one prayed to him as such. Whenever the Spirit is mentioned it shows us that God is active in the creation.
Psalm 104:30 Creatures are made and the earth is renewed when God sends his spirit. His spirit is his power working in the creation.
You want to see his spirit? Example: Pick something up and let it fall to the ground. No scientist can explain why two things attract each other. Gravity is a miracle. God's spirit makes things fall and also raise up.
Job 33:4; 34:14-15 The Spirit of God has created us — his breath gives us life. If his spirit and breath were removed, all mankind would perish, and man would return to dust.
The Presence of God
Psalm 139:7 Wherever we are, God is there. David equated the Spirit of God with the presence of God; both being everywhere. You cannot be present but your presence can; for example some one getting into the elevator after someone, you can smell their presence (perfume or odor) even though they themselves is not there. The Spirit is the presence of God.
Haggai 2:4-5 God being with the Israelites is the same as his Spirit being with them. Where the Spirit is — God is!
The Person of God
Genesis 1:26-27; 2:7 God created man in His image. He formed man from the dust and breathed into man's nostrils the breath (spirit) of life. God put his spirit into man; it was another creation. It was special!
I Timothy 3:16-17 The Bible was a book, but God breathed into it and it became a living book. It was another creation, a special one. The Spirit of God is the person of God.
Genesis 6:1-3 God declared that his Spirit would not contend with man forever. God interacted with men through His spirit.
Micah 2:7 The Spirit of God was angry with the Israelites. His spirit is personal.
Isaiah 30:1-2; 63:10-14 God tried to lead his people by his Spirit, but they rebelled. Grieving the Holy Spirit is rebelling against God. God personally leads us through His Spirit; which gives us the power to have His character.
Nehemiah 9:20 The Spirit of God instructed the people of Israel (through the prophets). The Spirit of God tries to teach us through His Word. If we don't read it, you prevent God's spirit from working in your life.
God Is Spirit John 4:24 The Spirit of God is not separate from God, it is part of God that is active in the creation. The Spirit of God is not an impersonal force but the very power, presence, and person of God. The Old Testament does not describe God and his Spirit as if they were two persons. Jesus sums it up simply: "God is Spirit!"
PART II Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Hebrews 2:4 Some might find it interesting that this is the only place in the Bible where the complete phrase "gifts of the Holy Spirit" is found. Some denominations would have us believe that it is a principle found throughout the Bible. God has different gifts of the Spirit. The actual word "gifts" here means in Greek "portions" or "distributions". This is significant, many denominations make a mistake in thinking the gifts only came from Pentecost; but we can see that these gifts existed in the Old Testament as well. God gave portions of his Spirit to certain individuals so that they might miraculously lead the people of Israel. This is described in a number of different ways in the Hebrew text: the spirit coming over someone; the Spirit being in someone; the Spirit falling over someone; the Spirit clothing someone or; the Spirit filling someone. It was God's spirit that ordered the natural laws of the Universe; and God's spirit can easily contradict these laws through miracles. At Pentecost something incredible happened. In the O.T. the Spirit is never mentioned along side forgiveness or in people's hearts. Thus the existence of miraculous gifts is not a sign of salvation as many may believe, because these gifts existed before Pentecost.
Moses — The First To Perform Signs, Wonders & Miracles
Exodus 3:1-4:17 This explains why the gifts were given. What is the purpose of the gifts? Some denominations say they must speak in tongues to encourage their spirituality. I'm sure Moses was personally encouraged by performing the miracles; but that was not the purpose. God enabled Moses to perform miracles so that the people would believe that he was sent from God.
Deuteronomy 34:9 Joshua was filled with the Spirit when Moses laid his hand on him. This is unique in the O.T. with the possible exception of Elisha receiving a double portion of Elijah's spirit ( II Kings 2:9-14).
Numbers 11:17-29 The Lord took of the Spirit that was on Moses and put it on 70 elders of Israel and they received the gift of prophecy. God taught him to share his spirit, and his responsibility.
Numbers 12:4-8 God normally reveals himself to prophets in visions or dreams. Moses spoke to God "face to face"; clearly and not in riddles, seeing the form of God. Moses was a different kind of prophet. 1 Corinthians 13:10-13 says we will also talk "face to face" through the Word of God. Moses' prophecy was complete; he had the whole truth.
Deuteronomy 18:14-19 Moses was the first true prophet, Jesus was the second that Moses prophesied about. After the Law was given Moses did not perform as many miracles. Why? Because after the law, there is no need for miracles. Prophecy is the word of God. Those that do not listen will be judged. It did not say those who do not see will be judged. It is obeying God's commands, not displaying miraculous gifts, that is important.
Types Of Gifts
In the O.T. the gifts of the Holy Spirit consist of five:
1) Leadership The Holy Spirit came over individuals and inspired them to lead the Israelites to war: Judges 3:10 — Othniel Judges 6:34 — Gideon Judges 11:29 — Jepthah Judges 13:25 — Samson I Samuel 11:6 — Saul I Samuel 16:13, Psalm 143:10 — David
2) Prophecy
Zecheriah 7:12 The Word of the Lord was sent by his spirit through the prophets. Certain prophets are mentioned as having the Holy Spirit coming over them: I Chronicles 12:18 — Amasai II Chronicles 15:1 — Azariah II Chronicles 20:14 — Jahaziel II Chronicles 24:20 — Zecheriah Ezekiel 11:5 — Ezekiel
Sometimes the Spirit of Prophecy would fall on those who did not function as God's prophets; or were even enemies: Numbers 24:2 — Balaam I Samuel 19:20-23 — Saul and his men
3) Wisdom and Knowledge
Exodus 31:3, 35:31 The Holy Spirit filled Bezalel and he received skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts.
Exodus 28:3 God gave wisdom (Hebrew "spirit of wisdom") to certain skilled craftsmen.
4) Supernatural Power (Miracles)
Judges 14:6 -15:14 The Holy Spirit came upon Sampson and he killed a lion bare-handed, killed 30 men, broke ropes when he was bound unaware and killed 1,000 men with the jaw bone of an ass.
Ezekiel 2:2; 3:12-14; 8:3; 11:1,24; 37:1; 43:5 Here we see the Holy Spirit come into a prostrate Ezekiel and not only lifted him to his feet, but carried him around to different locations in the Middle East such as Tel Abib, Jerusalem, the temple, Chaldea and a valley full of dry bones. Similar to Philip in the N.T. The spirit never makes you do less; it makes you do more. Some denominations believe in being slain in the spirit; which is opposite of what the Bible shows us.
5) Healing Healing also occurred in the O.T. but never through the laying on of hands. Numbers 21:4-9 — Moses II Kings 5:14 — Elisha II Kings 20:7 — Isaiah
The "laying on of hands" was used for only two reasons in the O.T. : one, to be shown worthy of a blessing; or two, to be cursed (marked for a judgment of God).
There are also two accounts in the O.T. of physical resurrection: II Kings 4:35 — Elisha raised the Shunammite's son to life. II Kings 14:21 — A corpse thrown into Elisha's grave, touched his bones, and came back to life.
Notice there is one gift missing? The gift of tongues is never mentioned in the Old Testament. It was for a very specific purpose.
The Gifts Were Not Necessarily Permanent
Judges 16:20 The Spirit left Samson without Samson even knowing it. When Samson arrogantly tried to exercise God's gift of strength, he was surprised to find that it had disappeared, resulting in his capture and torture. The gifts are not permanent! Paul only talked about tongues in one letter (1 Corinthians) but in his latest letters to Timothy he charged him to study the scriptures; nothing about tongues or prophecy.
I Samuel 16:14 Saul's disobedience was so abominable that God took away His Spirit from Saul and sent him a tormenting evil spirit instead. He died in dishonor and an enemy of God.
Psalm 51:11 After David's sin with Bathsheba he prayed that God would not take the Holy Spirit away from him — most likely thinking of what he had personally seen happen in the life of Saul.
Deuteronomy 13:1-5 Once God's Word is recorded; there is no need for miracles. God will allow false miracles to test your heart. To love God means to keep all his commands.
Prophecies of the Messiah
Isaiah 11:1-3 With wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, and knowledge.
Isaiah 42:1-7 To bring justice to the nations, be a covenant to the people and a light to the Gentiles (prophecy). Isaiah 48:17 To teach the people what is best for them and to lead them in the way they should go.
Isaiah 59:20-21 To teach those in Jacob who repent of their sins and the word of the Lord will not depart from them (prophecy).
Isaiah 61:1 To preach good news to the poor, to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release for the prisoners and to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor (prophecy).
Jesus was going to have all the gifts of the spirit; Jesus never spoke in tongues just as we don't see this gift in the Old Testament. Also, he didn't do his first miracle until the Spirit came down on Him.
Observations: • The purpose of the gifts was to verify prophecy and empower leadership, • They were not available to the masses but only to key individuals whom God had chosen. •The gifts of the Spirit are not permanent. God can take back the gifts if so desired. • No one would have a miraculous ministry that could compare to Moses, except the Messiah. • Jesus would have all the gifts described in the O.T.: leadership, prophecy, wisdom, knowledge, healing, and miraculous power.
PART III
Prophecies About The Holy Spirit In The O.T.
In the O.T. the Spirit never forgave someone, and was not mentioned in the plan of salvation. However there are two things prophesied about the Spirit that had never happened before....
The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit
Joel 2:28-32 Here is one of the prophecies of the Spirit that had not been experienced in the Old Testament. Let's look at what will happen: • It will be poured on all people. • Sons and daughters...prophesy; old men...dream dreams; young men... see visions. • Servants...both men and women. • Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. • On Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance...among the survivors whom the Lord calls.
Zecheriah 12:10-13:9 Jesus quoted a part of this to his disciples; so they would know that they had killed Jesus. The word "Jesus" means salvation.
What are the promises of this prophecy: • A spirit of grace and supplication on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. • They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, for a firstborn son. • On that day a fountain will be opened...to cleanse from sin and impurity. • "I will say, they are my people, and they will say, the Lord is our God."
Ezekiel 39:27-29 This is a prophecy about the gathering of Jews at Pentecost: • I will show myself holy through them (returned exiles) in the sight of many nations. • I will no longer hide my face from them — the house of Israel.
Isaiah 32:14-17 Another prophecy concerning this experience: • The desert becomes a fertile field, and the fertile field seems like a forest. • Justice will dwell in the desert and righteousness live in the fertile field. • The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.
The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit (God put His Spirit in His people)
Ezekiel 11:16-21 This prophecy talks about the gathering of people, getting rid of idolatry, and putting his spirit in people: • God will give an undivided heart and a new spirit to the house of Israel. • God will remove their hearts of stone and give them hearts of flesh. • God's people will follow his decrees and laws. • The house of Israel will be God's people, and he will be their God.
But how will his spirit enter them? Has not the spirit been poured out already on all flesh?
Ezekiel 36:22-32; 37:11-14 These are incredible prophecies; one being about baptisms 600 years before John the Baptist: • The Jews will be gathered back to Jerusalem, not for their sake, but for the sake of his name and that the nations might know his holiness. • God will cleanse them from their impurities. • God will richly bless his people. • The people will be convicted of their impurity. • God will bring them up from the grave, put his spirit in them and they will live.
Spirit Well Lead the People of God
Isaiah 34:16-35:10 This was a prophecy about the 1st century church, "The Way". • The spirit will lead the people of God; those whom God has chosen. • God will gather the redeemed together to enter into God's eternal joy.
Call On His Name…
Acts 1:8 To baptize with the Holy Spirit is what Jesus did when He poured out His spirit on all flesh. "Baptism with the Holy Spirit" is a phrase that does not exist in the Bible. Two ways to immerse something: one, put something in a container then pour the water in until it completely covers it; or two, put the object of immersion in a container of water until it is submerged. Jesus already baptized the world with His spirit; it doesn't need to be done again. So how do we receive the Spirit now? How are we saved?
Acts 22:16 The prophecy in Joel said those who call on the name of the Lord will be saved. When do we call on the name of the Lord? At baptism! It is this baptism that saves you and fills you with God's spirit.
The outpouring and indwelling of the Holy Spirit are related to each other. It is the first time that the Spirit is involved in the forgiveness of sin. It was prophesied hundreds of years before it occurred. And like the Holy Spirit in the O.T. will continue to lead God's people. |
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