Bible Study: The Spirit in the Old Testament

Many examples of the Spirit’s activity are found in the Old Testament.
He is described in a series of unusual images which help us begin to grasp his character and appreciate his activities.

Water
Ezekiel 47:1-12 Water flowing from the heart of God’s temple (as flow of God’s blessing)
Be deeper and deeper in it.
Jeremiah 2:13 & 17:13 John 7:37-39
God is a ‘fountain of living water’
Ezekiel 36:25-28 As water cleanses and
maintains life, so does the Spirit.

Fire
Exodus 3:2; Deut 4:11-12, 24; Isaiah 4:2-6
Fire purifies and refines. We are to be cleansed by the Spirit’s fire to become holy.

Oil
1 Samuel 10:1-9; 16:13; Isaiah 61:1-3
As oil anoints people for service, so God’s Spirit equips us for His service.

Dove
The dove (Genesis 8: 1-12) announced a new creation. A sacrifice for sins of the poor. (Leviticus 5:7-10). Jesus brought new life and was a sacrifice for us.

Teaching for Sunday School, Devotions and Bible Study.

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