Text: Genesis 1:1-8
Memory Verse: Psalm 51:11”Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me”. (KJV)
INTRODUCTION
Dispensation of the Holy Spirit can also be referred to as the era or the period of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has been in existent before the creation. Gen 1:1-2, this passage described the process God used in creation and the role of the Holy Spirit in creation. The Holy Spirit had an active role in the work of creation. He is pictured as hovering over the creation, preserving and preparing it for God’s further creative activity. The dispensation of the Holy Spirit can be classified into 3 segments.
SEGMENTATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT DISPENSATION
- Holy Spirit in the Old Testament: In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit continues to be involved in sustaining creation. After creation, He kept on the work of preservation. Job 33:4, Psalm 104:30, Isaiah 32:15, Ezekiel 37:9
- When Jesus was on earth: Jesus received the Holy Spirit with measure (John 3:34). After his baptism, the Holy Spirit descended on him like a dove. The holy Spirit was actively involved in the ministry of Jesus on earth (Matt 3:16, Luke 4 :18, Act 10:38 John 7:33-39)
- Holy Spirit in the New Testament (after the ascension): The New Testament is described as the dispensation of the Holy Spirit. This is era where the Holy Spirit comes into the lives of believers and dwell therein(John 14:16,1John 2:27)
The day of Pentecost was the beginning of the dispensation of the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39, 14:16, Act 1:8, 2:1-47. In this dispensation, the Holy Spirit is to impart power to believers to enable them preach Jesus Christ as saviour and equipping them for the greater task (John 14:16-20, 26, Joel 2:28-32).
CONCLUSION
The dispensation of the Holy Spirit is still in continuity in our present age. He is still at work today and dispensation will be over after the rapture of the church.(1 Cor 15:51-58, 1 Thess 4:14-18)
