The Promise Of The Holy Spirit Series

THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: John 14:16-17 (KJV)

"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; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."

Key Verse: Acts 1:8 – “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

Supporting Texts: Joel 2:28-29, Ezekiel 36:26-27, Luke 24:49, Acts 2:1-4

INTRODUCTION:

From the Old Testament to the New Testament, God consistently promised to send His Spirit to dwell among and within His people. Unlike the Old Covenant, where the Spirit came upon selected individuals temporarily, the New Covenant promise was that the Holy Spirit would permanently dwell in every believer.

Jesus Himself reassured His disciples that though He was returning to the Father, He would not leave them comfortless but would send them the Holy Spirit, who would teach, guide, empower, and comfort them. This promise was fulfilled at Pentecost and continues to be available to every believer who seeks and desires Him.

The promise of the Holy Spirit is one of the greatest gifts God has given to the Church. It is the guarantee of God’s presence, power, and partnership with us as we live out our Christian journey and carry out His mission in the world.

1. THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS FORETOLD

Long before the New Testament, prophets spoke about God’s promise to pour out His Spirit on all flesh.

a) Promise through the prophets – Joel 2:28-29

God declared that He would pour out His Spirit upon all people—men, women, young, and old.

b) Promise of a new heart and Spirit – Ezekiel 36:26-27

God promised to give His people a new heart and put His Spirit within them to walk in His ways.

c) Promise through John the Baptist – Matthew 3:11

John declared that Jesus would baptise with the Holy Ghost and fire.

d) Jesus reaffirmed the promise – Luke 24:49

Before His ascension, Jesus commanded His disciples to wait for the promise of the Father.

Biblical Example: The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4) was the fulfilment of the prophecy of Joel.

2. THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS FOR ALL BELIEVERS

The gift of the Spirit is not limited to a few; it is for every believer who receives Christ by faith.

a) It is not restricted by age or gender – Joel 2:28

The Spirit is for sons, daughters, old men, and young men.

b) It is not restricted by social status – Acts 2:39

The promise is for you, your children, and all that are afar off.

c) It is not restricted by time – John 14:16

The Spirit abides with believers forever.

d) It is not restricted by culture or nation – Acts 10:44-45

The Holy Spirit came upon Gentiles as well as Jews, showing He is for all nations.

Biblical Example: Cornelius and his household received the Holy Spirit even as Peter preached (Acts 10:44-46).

3. THE PURPOSE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN OUR LIVES

The Holy Spirit was not given for religious excitement but to transform, empower, and equip believers for God’s work.

a) He empowers for witnessing – Acts 1:8

The Spirit gives boldness and power to proclaim the gospel.

b) He teaches and reminds – John 14:26

The Spirit brings revelation and understanding of God’s Word.

c) He comforts and strengthens – John 14:16

The Spirit comes alongside to help believers in weakness.

d) He sanctifies and transforms – Galatians 5:22-23

Through the Spirit, the fruit of godly character is produced in us.

Biblical Example: Peter, who once denied Jesus, boldly preached after receiving the Holy Spirit, and 3,000 souls were saved (Acts 2:14-41).

4. THE FULFILMENT OF THE PROMISE DEPENDS ON OUR RESPONSE

Though the promise is available, believers must align themselves to receive it fully.

a) We must thirst and hunger – John 7:37-39

The Spirit is given to those who are thirsty for Him.

b) We must wait and tarry in God’s presence – Luke 24:49

The disciples waited in prayer until they were endued with power.

c) We must ask in faith – Luke 11:13

The Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.

d) We must yield and obey – Acts 5:32

The Spirit is given to those who obey God’s Word.

Biblical Example: The 120 disciples in the upper room prayed with one accord, positioning themselves to receive the promise (Acts 1:14, Acts 2:1-4).