Expert: Dean Gade - 8/25/2006

Question
the people of old had the spirit of god how did they get the spirit of god. in the bible i see infomation saying that they had the spirit but other then those where baptised in the wilderness i see non of old that were other then with johns baptisum.

Answer
God himself is the only one who can give his spirit to people.  There are many places in the Old Testament where God gives his spirit.  Here are some in the first few books of the Bible:

FIRST TO JOSEPH

Gen 41:38-39
38 So Pharaoh asked them, "Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?"

39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you.
(from New International Version)

ALSO TO THE LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF JUDAH

Ex 31:1-3
31:1 Then the LORD said to Moses, 2 "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God,
(from New International Version)

ALSO TO MOSES AND THE ELDERS GOD SAYS,

Num 11:17
17 "I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you carry the burden of the people so that you will not have to carry it alone."
(from New International Version)


BUT EVEN BEYOND THE TIME THAT THEY WERE IN THE WILDERNESS

TO THE FIRST JUDGE OF ISREAL

Judg 3:10
10 The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, so that he became Israel's judge and went to war.
(from New International Version)

TO GIDEON, A JUDGE OF ISREAL

Judg 6:34
34 Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him.
(from New International Version)

TO THE FIRST KING, SAUL

1 Sam 10:5-7
6 The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person. 7 Once these signs are fulfilled, do whatever your hand finds to do, for God is with you.
(from New International Version)

TO THE SECOND KING, DAVID

Ps 51:11-12
11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
(from New International Version)

AND MANY PROMISES THAT HE WOULD CONTINUE TO POUR OUT HIS SPIRIT ON HIS PEOPLE

Isa 44:3-4
I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring,
and my blessing on your descendants.
4 They will spring up like grass in a meadow,
(from New International Version)

GOD GIVES HIS SPIRIT TO HIS CHILDREN SO THAT WE CAN ACCOMPLISH THINGS FOR HIS KINGDOM.
He does not want us doing work for him unless it is by his spirit.

Zech 4:6
"This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.
(from New International Version)

THIS IS A TRUTH TAUGHT IN THE NEW TESTAMENT ALSO

John 15:5

5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
(from New International Version)


Phil 4:12-13
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
(from New International Version)

THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GIVEN TO ALL WHO SEEK HIM
AND THAT INCLUDES YOU.

Acts 2:17-18

17 "'In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.
(from New International Version)


Rom 8:15-17
15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba,  Father." 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
(from New International Version)

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