The Holy Spirit Is God

Read the text

Acts 5:1–11

Read the primary passage aloud twice. On the first reading, listen for the burden of the text. On the second, mark repeated words, contrasts, commands, promises, causes, and conclusions.

• John 14:15–27
• 1 Corinthians 2:10–13
• 2 Corinthians 3:16–18

Language desk

Words that clarify—not words that perform.

Confirm each gloss by its use in this context. A lexicon offers possibilities; the sentence, paragraph, author, and canon determine what a word is doing here.

Form the doctrine

The theological claim

The Spirit is personal, divine, distinct from Father and Son, and worthy of worship.

Defense drill

Say it under pressure.

Use Acts 5:3–4 and personal actions of the Spirit against force-language and modalism.

• State the opposing claim in a form its adherent could recognize.
• Open the controlling passage and establish the immediate context.
• Make one clear argument before adding supporting texts.
• Ask a diagnostic question, listen to the answer, and return to Christ and the gospel.

Wednesday assignment

Carry the truth into the week.

List ten things the Spirit does that an impersonal power cannot do.