Lesson 8 – The Power to Stand Up, Stand Out, Stand Firm

As Jesus’ earthly ministry was coming to a close, His disciples were saddened when they learnt that He would be leaving them. However, He comforted them with the promise of the Holy Spirit, who would take His place. “The promise of the Holy Spirit is not limited to any age or to any race. Christ declared that the divine influence of His Spirit was to be with His followers unto the end. From the day of Pentecost to the present time, the Comforter has been sent to all who have yielded themselves fully to the Lord and to His service” (Christian Service p.250)

1. a. What promise did Jesus make to His disciples before leaving earth?

Acts 1:8

But ye shall receive power, after that the _____________ _______________ is come upon you

2. a. Why would the Holy Spirit be sent? John 16:13,14

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will __________________ you into all truth.

b. What else would the Holy Spirit do? John 16:7,8

And when he is come, he will ______________________ the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.

As the Holy Spirit reveals truth to us, these truths will convict our hearts of sin and awaken within us the need for repentance. We will also sense our need for the Saviour and to be clothed with His righteousness.

3. What is the Holy Spirit called in John 14:26?

But the ________________________________ , which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

The word “Comforter” is translated from the Greek work “Parakletos,” which means “called to one’s side.” It was the “Holy Spirit [who was] destined to take the place of Christ with the apostles (after his ascension to the Father), to lead them to a deeper knowledge of the gospel truth, and give them divine strength needed to enable them to undergo trials and persecutions on behalf of the divine kingdom” (Source: Blue Letter Bible).

4. What has God promised to His people in the last days? Acts 2:17,18

And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my ________________________ upon all flesh.

5. How was the Lord revealed to Elijah on Mount Horeb? 1 Kings 19:10-14

After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle __________________________. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. (vs. 12)

“When Elijah sought God in the mountains, a devouring fire swept by; but God was not in the flame. A tempest rose, the thunder rolled, and the lightnings flashed; but God was not in all this. Then there came a still, small voice, and the prophet covered his head before the presence of the Lord. It is the still, small voice of the Spirit of God that has power to convict and convert the soul.” (Gospel Workers p.266)

6. What are we to do to receive God’s Holy Spirit? Luke 11:13

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that

_______________ him?

The Lord is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to those who serve Him than parents are to give good gifts to their children. For the daily baptism of the Spirit every worker should offer his petition to God. Companies of Christian workers should gather to ask for special help, for heavenly wisdom, that they may know how to plan and execute wisely. Especially should they pray that God will baptize His chosen ambassadors in mission fields with a rich measure of His Spirit. (Acts Of The Apostles p.50)

7. What is one of the things the Holy Spirit does when we receive Him? Ephesians 4:30

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are __________________ unto the day of redemption.

“God does not give us up because of our sins. We may make mistakes and grieve His Spirit, but when we repent and come to Him with contrite hearts, He will not turn us away. There are hindrances to be removed. Wrong feelings have been cherished, and there have been pride, self-sufficiency, impatience, and murmurings. All these separate us from God. Sins must be confessed; there must be a deeper work of grace in the heart. “ Faith and Works p.35

8. What assurance in rooted in the Holy Spirit? Ephesians 1:13,14

Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the _____________________of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

9. What work does the Holy Spirit perform in our hearts? Romans 5:5

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the _____________ of ________ is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

By every wholehearted, earnest sacrifice for the Master’s service our powers will increase. While we yield ourselves as instruments for the Holy Spirit’s working, the grace of God works in us to deny old inclinations, to overcome powerful propensities, and to form new habits. As we cherish and obey the promptings of the Spirit, our hearts are enlarged to receive more and more of His power, and to do more and better work. (Christ’s Object Lesson, p.353.)

10. What blessing is pronounced on those who invite God’s Spirit into their lives? 2 Corinthians 13:14

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the

___________________________ of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

11. Do you want to ask the Lord for a fresh outpouring the Holy Spirit?

____________________