Holy Spirit - Symbols Read Verses as per teaching layout... Rev 4:5 Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God (Or the sevenfold Spirit of God). Rev 5:6 Again the “Seven spirits of God” This is the same as the picture we get of the lampstand in Ex 25:31. The lampstand in the tabernacle is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. The lampstand had seven branches. Seven is the number of perfection, completeness and maturity. Seven is the number of God. In scripture we find seven symbols or manifestations of the Holy Spirit. These symbols teach us much about the manner in which the Holy Spirit works in the church and in our lives. 1. Water Whoever believes in me, streams of living water will flow from within him. He was speaking of the Holy Spirit whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Streams - Speaking of an abundance. Living - Speaking of something active and life giving. The water of the Holy Spirit will bring an abundance of life. Water is a symbol of refreshing. Acts 3:19 Speaks of times of refreshing coming from the Lord. When God’s people need to be refreshed and revitalised there will be streams of the Holy Spirit poured out upon them. When God moves there is an outpouring of rain. Judges 5:4 When the Lord went forth from Seir the heavens poured, the clouds poured down water. Psalm 68:8 When God went out the earth shook and the heavens poured down rain. And then God enables his people to bring refreshing. Psalm 84:6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca, (weeping) they make it a place of springs. God's people, filled with the water of the Holy Spirit, are able to bring refreshing and life to people in dry places. 2. Fire The Holy Spirit came on them like tongues of fire. Heb 12:29 Our God is a consuming fire. Fire speaks of purifying and cleansing. Isaiah 4:4 God will purify and purge the women of Zion with the Spirit of fire. When the Holy Spirit manifests as fire he will purify and cleanse God’s people. He will search our hearts and bring a consciousness of sin upon us. He will reveal secrets in the hearts of people. 1 Cor 14:25 He will lead folk to acknowledge and repent of sin. Eg. Brownesville in the USA. In the OT there are a number of occasions when fire fell from above. Lev 9:24 At the ordination of Aaron and his sons, fire came from God and consumed the offering on the altar. Kings 18:38 Fire from heaven fell on the altar built by Elijah on Mt Carmel, and burnt up the offering. 2 Kings 1:10 Elisha calls down fire from heaven to consume the Captain and his fifty men. 2 Chron 7:1 At the dedication of the temple fire from heaven consumes the sacrifices on the altar. Fire speaks of the judgement of God. People would fall down in fear and worship God. God draws people with love. But God also uses the threat of judgement to draw people. Satan hates the fire of God. He does not fear a lukewarm church. We need to burn with Holy Spirit fire. 3. Wind Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven. A subdued prayer meeting is transformed instantly into a display of the glory of God. Boldness and courage replaces fear and trepidation. Thousands get saved. Ezekiel 37 The blowing of the wind caused the resurrection and revival of the dead bones. Consciousness and vigour was restored to corpses. The wind of the Holy Spirit brings a sudden release of power. Power to restore activity and vitality. We should always be ready to submit and obey instantly lest we lose out on the move of God’s Spirit. 4. Oil The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach, heal and deliver. Oil speaks of consecration and enabling. The anointing sets apart and empowers. Anointing thus begets the authority and the power to serve. Ministry should always take place with the anointing of the Holy Spirit. But it goes hand in hand with: The oil of gladness. Heb 1:9 God anointed Jesus with the oil of joy. When God pours out the oil of the Holy Spirit it brings joy and gladness. We often saw the explosion of joy and laughter as God anointed people for ministry. 5. Dove Mat 3:16 The Spirit of God descended on the Lord Jesus like a dove. A dove has a clean nature. It does not eat rubbish. It is very particular about it’s food. A dove is constant in love, it mates for life. A dove is a beautiful bird. Mat 10:16 Jesus says “Be as innocent as a dove” 6. Seal Eph 1:13 Having believed you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. Eph 4:30 You were sealed with the Holy Spirit for the day of redemption. In the spirit realm you carry the mark of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our assurance of salvation. We are confident because the Spirit of God is in us. That seal speaks of ownership or possession. Therein is our security. We are marked for him. You may turn your back on Jesus but he will not walk out on you. 7. Deposit Eph 1:14 The Holy Spirit is the deposit that guarantees our inheritance. Like a down payment on a house or a car. It implies that there is a sure contract. A guarantee of something to come. A. Conclusion We can summarise by saying that the Holy Spirit brings: Life, gladness, joy and refreshing. He refines, purifies and consecrates. He restores and revives. He bestows power and authority. He reveals, heals and teaches. He beautifies and cleans. He gives confidence and security. He guarantees our inheritance. Will you agree that we need the Holy Spirit. That we should make time as individuals and as a body of people for the Holy Spirit to work in us. B. Questions Discuss testimonies or examples in scripture of how the Holy Spirit: Brought life. Restored and revived. Anointed for service. Revealed or taught. Gives assurance or security. Gives joy and laughter. Minister to the needs of the people in whatever area they need the working of the Holy Spirit. C. Ice-Breaker That Can Be Used If you lived your life over again, what would you do differently. D. Suggested Works To Go And Do Pray for the scales to be removed from the spiritual eyes of your unsaved friends.