Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  3000 Holy Spirit  »  3200 Holy Spirit, ministry and work of  »  3203 Holy Spirit, and assurance  »  3275 Holy Spirit, in the church

The church depends upon the activity of the Holy Spirit, without which its effective and faithful service is impossible.

The Holy Spirit forms the church

1 Corinthians 12:13 See also Acts 2:1-4,16-18; Joel 2:28-29; Acts 10:44-48; Ephesians 2:21-22

The Holy Spirit indwells the church

1 Corinthians 3:16 “you” here is plural and refers to the whole church. See also Ezekiel 10:4; John 16:14; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16; 1 Peter 4:14

The Holy Spirit enables the church to function as the body of Christ

1 Corinthians 12:7 See also Exodus 31:1-5; Numbers 11:24-27; 1 Samuel 10:5-11; Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 12:8-11

The Holy Spirit enables Christian unity

Ephesians 4:3-4; Philippians 2:1

The church worships, serves and speaks by the Holy Spirit

The church worships by the Spirit

Acts 2:11 See also John 4:24; Acts 10:45-46; Romans 8:15; 1 Corinthians 14:26-33; Philippians 3:3

The church serves by the Spirit

Romans 12:6-8 See also 1 Corinthians 12:7-11; Ephesians 4:7-13

The church speaks by the Spirit

Acts 6:10 See also Acts 4:8; 1 Corinthians 14:24-25

The Holy Spirit communicates Jesus Christ's message to the church

Revelation 2:7 See also John 14:26; John 16:13; Revelation 2:11,17,29; Revelation 3:6,13,22

The Holy Spirit and the church's mission

The church fulfils its mission by the Spirit

Acts 1:8 See also John 15:26-27; John 20:21-23; Acts 4:31; Galatians 3:3

The Spirit directs the church's missionary enterprise

Acts 13:2-3; Acts 15:28; Acts 16:6

See also

1610  Scripture
3035  Holy Spirit, presence of
3140  Holy Spirit, teacher
3212  Holy Spirit & mission
3224  Holy Spirit & preaching
3239  Holy Spirit, anointing
3242  Holy Spirit, baptism with
3263  Holy Spirit, guidance
7020  church, the
7030  unity
7966  spiritual gifts
8622  worship