God: "I looked for someone to take a stand for me, and stand in the gap" (Ezekiel 22:30)
1. The Holy Spirit has all the qualities of a personal being.
a. Mind (knowledge) – Isa. 11:2; Jn. 14:26; Rom. 8:27; 1 Cor. 2:10-11.
b. Emotions (feelings) – Rom. 8:26; 15:30; Eph. 4:30 (cf. Isa. 63:10); Ac. 15:28; Jas. 4:5.
c. Will (choices/plans) – Ac. 16:7; 1 Cor. 12:11.
2. The Holy Spirit performs all the functions of a personal being.
a. He talks (Mk. 13:11; Ac. 1:16; 8:29; 10:19; 11:12; 13:2; 21:11; 1 Tim. 4:1; Heb. 3:7; Rev. 2:7).
b. He testifies (Jn. 15:26; 16:23).
c. He can be sinned against (Mt. 12:31).
d. He can be lied to (Ac. 5:3).
e. He can be tested/tempted (Ac. 5:9).
f. He can be insulted (Heb. 10:29).
g. He enters into relationship with other persons (2 Cor. 13:14).
h. He encourages (Ac. 9:31).
i. He strengthens (Eph. 3:16).
j. He teaches (Lk. 12:12; Jn. 14:26; 1 Cor. 2:13).
Studying holiness must lead to repentance. Studying salvation must lead to gratitude. Studying the end times must lead to hope. We need to study to show ourselves improved, that is, bearing the fruit of the Spirit. Systematics is not a dusty endeavor, but ought instead to be Miracle-Gro for the fruit of the Spirit. To know Him is life. To study Him, therefore is health.
