THE HOLY SPIRIT: INTRODUCTORY QUIZ

As an introduction to the subject of the Holy Spirit, try answering the questions below. The answers and/or comments are given also. In a group setting, these can result in some very "spirited" discussions.

Q/A

1. The phrase “Holy Spirit” does not actually appear in the Old Testament?

    b. false: It is found in Isaiah 63:10,11 and Psalm 51:11.

2. Explain the difference between a Pentecostal and a Charismatic.

Terminology varies somewhat according to time and place, but Pentecostals usually belong to denominations such as The Assembly of God that got started around 1900. Charismatic is a more recent term and can refer to spiritual movements within established denominations or independent churches. Another distinction used by some people is to consider Pentecostals as orthodox Christians while Charismatics sometimes hold to heretical or non-biblical teachings or practices.

3. Does the word “Spirit/spirit” in James 4:5 refer to:

    a. the Holy Spirit

    b. a person's own spirit

Translators are divided on this point since the early Greek manuscripts did not capitalize any proper nouns. The Living Bible and J. B. Phillips paraphrases treat the reference as being to the Holy Spirit while most others feel it is a person's own spirit.

4. How can you tell the difference between a natural talent and a spiritual gift? Is it important to distinguish between the two?

Since all our “natural” talents are gifts from God also, it is probably not that important that we distinguish between the two as long as we give God the glory for all of them and use them for His glory. One should certainly not use the lists of spiritual gifts in the NT as a distinguishing factor between the two categories.

5. Which is the best description of the Trinity?

    a. One God who assumes three different roles

    b. Three Persons in one nature

    c. Eternal distinctions that pertain to the very being of God

    d. Three personalities within a unitary being

    e. Three modes of being in which the one God operates

    f. One Person in three manifestations

There are at least partial truths in all these possibilities, and it will always remain a mystery to us this side of the grave. However, theologians would probably choose b and c as the best answers.

6. In the New Testament, “speaking in tongues” refers to (chose any that apply)”

    a. talking to others in an earthly foreign language in which you have had no formal training or prior exposure

    b. talking in a totally unknown language during a worship service

    c. talking or praying in a language employed by angels

    d. using words which the Spirit puts in your mouth for one's private prayer time.

One can actually find scriptural justification for and examples of all of these in the New Testament.

7. Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit. Both Jesus and Moses were said to be gentle. What does that tell you about the meaning of the word?

Since both examples were powerful and forceful leaders who exhibited righteous indignation when appropriate, the word in the original languages obviously has a more nuanced meaning than today's definition. This is why we must be careful to compare various translations and consider the biblical context in which words are used.

8. Which spiritual gifts are clearly stated in the New Testament to be no longer in operation today (give references)?

This is a very controversial subject among Christians with many feeling quite strongly that all of the gifts are active today while others would definitely exclude the “sign” gifts. Many would at least exclude apostles from the current categories in the belief that it refers only to the Twelve and to Paul. However, even that is not substantiated in the NT since other church leaders are called by that designation, which has the basic meaning of one sent out (i.e., it may refer to evangelists or missionaries today).

The greatest division of opinion is in regard to gifts such as speaking and interpreting tongues, prophecy, special revelations from God, mountain-moving faith, and supernatural healing. My own personal feeling is that the biblical evidence on the subject is mixed and therefore one would be prudent not to condemn or dismiss reports of these phenomena happening today.  See I Corinthians 13:8-10 for further insight on this point.

See I Corinthians 13:8-10 for further insight on this point.