Slideshow image

 

I believe in the Holy Spirit.  This affirmation in the Apostles creed affirms the belief of and in the Holy Spirit.  What does it mean to believe in the Holy Spirit?  This topic has created much debate and difficulty for the Christian church.  Some avoid it altogether others are guilty of worshipping the Spirit as if He is the only member of the Godhead.  For this meditation and in dealing with as large a topic as the Holy Spirit it would be helpful to think of His role under four headings:  creation, revelation, redemption, and empowerment.  In each of these areas we see the special and important work of the Holy Spirit.  Come with me as we trace these out in summary form.

Creation.  The Spirit of God is present and active in creation bringing order out of chaos.

  • And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light.” – Gen 1:2-3
  • The Spirit is also present in the new creation – Jesus is the Word through whom the world was made (John 1:3). “He on whom you see the Spirit descent and remain, this is he . . .

Revelation.  The Spirit of God is present and active in the inspiration of the Scripture.

  • All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. – 2 Tim 3:16
  • For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. – 2 Peter 1:21

Redemption.  The Holy Spirit plays many roles in the work of redemption as he brings to bear on people with work of Jesus the Christ.

  • He convicts the unbeliever of sin, righteousness, and judgment – John 16:8-11
  • He brings about the work of regeneration (new birth) – John 3:5-8
  • He makes us children of God by which we cry “Abba Father” – Romans 8:15
  • By Him we receive the Spirit of adoption – Romans 8:15
  • By Him we experience the love of God – Romans 5:5
  • By Him we experience the joy of God – I Thess 1:6
  • We are called to be filled with the Holy Spirit – Eph 5:18
  • By the presence of the Spirit, we know that we are sons of God – Romans 8:14
  • The Spirit who raised Jesus will give life to our mortal bodies – Romans 8:11
  • By the Spirit we are to put to death the deeds of the body – Romans 8:13
  • The Spirit produces the life of Jesus in the believer – Galatians 5:22-23
  • The Spirit guides the church and believer in the truth – John 14:26
  • The Spirit will glorify Jesus in the life of the believer – John 16:14
  • The Spirit gives life – John 6:63

Empowerment.  The Holy Spirit will empower the believer for ministry as we submit to his power and presence.

  • He empowers for witness – Acts 1:8
  • He equips the church – Ephesians 4:11
  • He grants spiritual gifts for the good of the body – Romans 12, I Cor 12, 14
  • He enables us to resist and fight spiritual battles – Ephesians 6:17
  • He empowers us to love – I Corinthians 13
  • He empowers us to pursue unity and peace – Ephesians 4:3
  • He empowers us to worship – Philippians 3:3

The Holy Spirit is personal and personally active in the work of God to complete the salvation God is bringing into the world through the life and work of Jesus Christ.  As one has said, “God’s Spirit, as given through Jesus, plunges us into a river of blessing:  he gives life, saves and sanctifies, unites believers with Jesus and with each other, and equips and empowers them to be a spiritual people ready for earthly labor as much as eternal life.”  We need to pay careful attention to the work of God’s Spirit in our lives.  We need the presence of the Spirit daily in our lives and in the life of our church.  Would you pray afresh today that God might fill you with His Spirit so that you would find much joy and hope in Jesus!