Holy Spirit, sovereignty of

The Holy Spirit has supreme power and acts in accordance with divine purposes, exercising authority and control in the world and over God's people.

The Holy Spirit is Lord

2 Corinthians 3:17–18 See also Judges 3:10

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is sovereign in bringing spiritual life

John 3:1–8 See also Ezekiel 37:14; John 6:63; Romans 8:2; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:2

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him.” Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time to be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh is born of flesh, but spirit is born of the Spirit. Do not be amazed that I said, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes. You hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

The Holy Spirit's will is sovereign

He determines the distribution of spiritual gifts

1 Corinthians 12:11 See also 1 Samuel 10:6, 1 Samuel 10:10, 1 Samuel 19:20, 1 Samuel 19:23; Hebrews 2:4

All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines.

He controls the appointment of leaders

Acts 13:2 See also Acts 20:28

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

The Holy Spirit demonstrates his sovereignty over creation

He participates in the work of creation

Job 33:4 See also Genesis 1:2; Psalm 104:30

The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

He performs miraculous deeds

Acts 8:39 See also 1 Kings 18:12; 2 Kings 2:16; Matthew 12:28–38 parallels Mark 3:22–30, Luke 11:14–23

When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, but went on his way rejoicing.

The Holy Spirit exercises his rule in the lives of individuals

Jesus Christ is led by the Spirit

Matthew 4:1 parallels Mark 1:12, Luke 4:1

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

God's people are led by the Spirit

Galatians 5:18 See also 1 Chronicles 28:12; Psalm 143:10; Matthew 10:20; Luke 2:27; John 16:13; Acts 8:29, Acts 20:22

But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

God's people are restrained by the Spirit

Acts 16:6–7

After the Holy Spirit had prevented them from speaking the word in the province of Asia, they traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia. And when they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not permit them.

God's people are given victory by the Spirit

Judges 3:10 See also Judges 14:6, Judges 14:19, Judges 15:14

The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he became Israel’s judge and went out to war. And the LORD delivered Cushan-rishathaim king of Aram into the hand of Othniel, who prevailed against him.

The Holy Spirit's sovereignty is confirmed by the greatness of his attributes

Psalm 139:7 His presence; 1 Corinthians 2:4 His power; 1 Corinthians 2:10–11 His knowledge