ASSIGNMENTS ON SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY 2

TITLED:

1. READ UP AND SUMMARIZE THE COMFORTING WORK

OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
2. SUMMARIZE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FRUIT
OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
3. COMPARE AND CONTRAST THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT
AND THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT.

SUBMITTED BY:

OLEKANMA LIVINGSTONE ENYEREMADU

(MATRIC NUMBER 20162022)

SCHOOL: LIFE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY,

IKORODU (ABEOKUTA CENTRE)

COURSE TITLE: SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY 2

LEVEL: 400 LEVEL

LECTURER: REV. SOYELE J. O.

DUE DATE: 22ND MAY 2020

INTRODUCTION

The material titled Foundations of Pentecostal Theology, addressed topics of note such as The

Doctrine of the Holy Spirit (Pneumatology); The Doctrine of the Church (Ecclesiology); The

Doctrine of Angels (Angelology); The Doctrine of Last Things (Eschatology) among others. The

Chapter Six of the material deals extensively with the Doctrine of the Holy Spirit, which the

assignment topics are based upon.

The sub-headings treated under The Doctrines of the Holy Spirit are:

1. The Work of the Holy Spirit;

2. The Ministry of the Holy Spirit as Comforter;

3. The Fruit of the Spirit;

4. The Baptism with the Holy Spirit;

5. Offenses against the Holy Spirit; and

6. The Gifts of the Spirit.

The assignments to be treated in this regard are:

A) Summary of the Ministry of the Holy Spirit as The Comforter;

B) Summary of the Characteristics of the fruit of the Holy Spirit;

C) Comparison and Contrast of the Gifts of the Spirit and the Fruit of The Spirit.

A) THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AS THE COMFORTER

The material identified the fact that the favourite appellation “Comforter” has come to be

known synonymously with the Holy Spirit, as God inspired John the Apostle. The essence of this new

relationship, as arranged by Jesus Christ, was that since Jesus was geographically limited by His
incarnation, the person of the Holy Spirit would indwell each believer and have a worldwide ministry

through them.

John 14:16 used two important expressions with regard to the coming of the Comforter. The

first one was His being addressed as “another Comforter” – which implies another of the same kind,

as Jesus had been. The second one being that the Comforter, “may abide with you forever” – which

means the promised Comforter was given in a permanent sense to abide with the believers forever.

Other issues of note addressed in the regard of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter are the

following:

i) The Greek translation of the word Comforter is parakletos, and in the modern understanding, goes

beyond meaning one who consoles in times of sorrow. It also implies He gives the believers strength

and victory over sorrow.

ii) The translation of the word parakletos in some versions of the bible to mean “advocate.” He is

seen as one who represents another or pleads for another (see I John 2:1b; Romans 8:26). The Holy

Spirit therefore, in this sense, acts as an intercessor within us as Jesus Christ intercedes for us at the

Throne of Grace.

iii) A third sense in which the Holy Spirit acts as Comforter for us is as that of “helper” who helps our

infirmities (Romans 8:26). He helps us to do whatever we attempt for God.

iv) A fourth sense of the literal meaning of the word, parakletos is that which means “to beseech” or

“to exhort” (as used in Romans 12:1). He entreats and beseechs i.e. He is a persuader.

The Holy Spirit is therefore seen in these senses as parakletos i.e. One who comforts,

encourages, intercedes, helps and persuades.

B) SUMMARY OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

The fruit of the Holy Spirit is the true characteristics of the Christian life. It is seen as the very

heart of the practical manifestations of the Christian life. It is by the fruit of character that is

manifested in the believer’s daily life that he gives evidence of the reality of the life of Christ within

him. The fruit of the Spirit can be achieved when we have the Holy Spirit, thus, the true Christian

virtues are the fruit of the Spirit, and such fruit bearing can be achieved only by living in cooperation

with the indwelling Fruit-bearer.

The fruit of the Spirit is the character of Christ, produced by the Spirit of Christ, in the

follower of Christ. The summary of the detailed characteristics of the Fruit of the Spirit, as expressed

in Galatians 5:22-23 and echoed in Christ’s sermon of the Mount in Matthew 5 and extended in I

Corinthians 13, are as follows:

i. Love: this is the chief characteristic of the Christian life. It is the love produced by the Holy Spirit,

and is the common denominator of all Christian character. To be filled with the Spirit is to be filled

with love.

ii. Joy: it is love’s reaction to God’s mercies, blessings, and benefits and is not dependant on

circumstances.

iii. Peace: it is deeper and more constant than joy, and is obtained as the result of being justified by

faith (see Romans 5:1).

iv. Longsuffering (Patience): it is described as ‘love untiring,’ love persevering through all

circumstances.

v. Gentleness (Kindness): it is defined as love dealing with others in their faults.

vi. Goodness: it is love heaping benefits on others. Anyone truly good at heart will do good to others.
vii. Faith (Faithfulness/Trustfulness): it is love’s character and conduct as it relates to others, as a

true Christian will neither be unfaithful not suspicious.

viii. Meekness: this is defined as love’s slowness to anger and to take offense.

ix. Temperance (Self-Control): it is describes as true-self love; a respect for and consideration of

oneself as a temple of the Holy Spirit; a control over every phase of one’s life.

C) COMPARISON AND CONTRAST OF THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT AND THE FRUIT

OF THE SPIRIT

i) Comparisons / Similarities / Relationship Between The Gifts and Fruit of The Holy Spirit

1. The gifts, without, the fruit (love being the very essence) are powerless and of little use.

2. Love is the basic qualification for the ministry of gifts.

ii) Contrasts Between The Gifts and Fruit of The Holy Spirit

Gifts of the Holy Spirit Fruit of the Holy Spirit

1. They have to do with spiritual capabilities 1. It has to do with spiritual character.

2. They are received as a result of the Baptism with 2. It is the result of the New Birth and of abiding

the Holy Spirit. in Christ.

3. They are received instantly, bestowed by the 3. It is developed gradually as we abide in Christ.

Holy Spirit

4. They are not a means of judging the depths of 4. It is the basic criterion of the development

one’s spiritual life. of spiritual life and character.

5. There are varieties of gifts. 5. There is only one fruit of the Spirit.
BIBLIOGRAPHY

Guy P. Duffield and N.M. Van Cleave; Foundations of Pentecostal Theology; L.I.F.E. Bible
College; Los Angeles, California, USA.