Tracking The Wind In The Old Testament Series

“Tracking the Wind in the Old Testament”

To many, the person, work, and ministry of the Holy Spirit are a mystery. He is not only invisible but also confusing and even a little bit eerie ... especially when, for years, He was referred to as “It” and formally addressed as “the Holy Ghost.” (Swindoll)

As we revisit the Biblical data concerning the person and work of the Holy Spirit I hope to refine our perception of this misunderstood third person of the Trinity. In addition to a refined perception, I am praying that we will gain a new appreciation and a functional relationship. Even with only surface investigation of the Scripture regarding the ministry of the Holy Spirit it becomes clear that the Holy Spirit serves out the role of a pastor. He is God’s pastor to God’s people. All of us want the perfect pastor. Well, we do have a perfect perpetual pastor; His name is the Holy Spirit.

A common misconception regarding the Holy Spirit is that He didn’t arrive on the scene until Pentecost. That is as untrue as the thought that Jesus only came into existence at Bethlehem.

It is clear throughout the Bible that all three members of the Trinity perfectly cooperated not only in creation but in the implementation of God’s grand salvation plan. So what was the Holy Spirit up to during Old Testament times? Today we will take some time to get to know the Holy Spirit a bit better by “Tracking the Wind in the Old Testament.”

I. HIS NAME & TITLES

The first thing you usually find out first is someone’s name. Names set people apart from the crowd. They distinguish them as individuals. Names or titles also may identify their function or character or association with others.

Father, Son, Daughter, Cousin, Brother, Uncle, Professor, helper, Aid, Sergeant, General, Doctor, Pastor.

Relationship to the Father

Spirit of God Gen 1:2; Matt 3:16

Spirit of the Lord Luke 4:18

Spirit of our God 1Cor 6:11

His Spirit Num 11:29

Spirit of Yahweh Judg 3:10

Your Spirit Ps 139:7

Spirit of the Lord God Isa 61:1

Spirit of your Father Matt 10:20

Spirit of the Living God 2Cor 3:3

Spirit of Him Rom 8:11

Relationship to the Son

Spirit of Christ Rom 8:9

Spirit of Jesus Christ Phil 1:19

Spirit of Jesus Act 16:7

Spirit of His Son Gal 4:6

Spirit of the Lord Act 5:9; 8:39

Titles revealing attributes

Spirit of Life Rom 8:2

Spirit of Holiness Rom 1:4

Holy One 1John 2:20

Spirit of Wisdom Ex 28:3; Eph 1:17

Spirit of Wisdom/understanding Isa 11:2

Spirit of Counsel and Might Isa 11:2

Spirit of knowledge/fear of the Lord Isa 11:2

Spirit of Truth John 14:17

Spirit of Grace Heb 10:29; Zech 12:10

Titles revealing His Work

Spirit of Glory 1Pet 4:14

Spirit of life Rom 8:2

Encourager, Helper, Comforter John 14-16

Spirit of Adoption Rom 8:15

SYMBOLS

Clothed with Power Luke 24:49

"And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high." Luke 24:49

A Dove Matt 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22; Joh 1:32

Technically He was not ever pictured as a dove but his descent upon Jesus at His baptism was resembled a motions of a descending of a dove.

Down-payment 2Cor 1:22; 5:5; Eph 1:14

Fire Acts 2:3

Oil This is only by implication. There is no specific verse linking the Holy Spirit with oil.

Seal 2 Cor 1:22; Eph 1:13; 4:30

Water John 7:37-39

"He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water.' " But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. John 7:28-39

Wind John 3:8; Acts 2:1-2 (Both Hebrew and Greek use words which mean breath or wind.

II. His Origin

You generally would like to know the origins or background of a new pastor. The Bible declares that the Holy Spirit eternally proceeds from the Father

John 15:26 “the Spirit of truth, which proceeds (present tense) from the Father”

Psalm 104:30 “You send forth Your Spirit”

The Holy Spirit has eternally existed along with the Father and the Son.

III. Nature and Character

A. He is invisible but personal John 3

He has all the elements of personality

Intellect 1Cor 2:10-11; Eph 1:17

Sensibility (emotions) Eph 4:30; Joy in the HS

Volition 1 Cor 12:11

His works affirm personality

He Creates Gen 1:2

He Empowers Zech 4:6

He Teaches John 16:13

He Guides Rom 8:14

He Comforts John 14:26

He Prays Rom 8:26

A mere power or force does not do these things. These are attributes of an intelligent being.