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Perhaps one of the most divisive topics in modern Christianity is the filling and work of the Holy Spirit. I confess my own searching for clarity on this topic. And while various denominations and preferences may disagree on the particulars of the Holy Spirit’s work in us, we all agree that the power of the Holy Spirit is great.
The first truth we must recognize about the Holy Spirit is His place in the Godhead. Kathy gave a great description of the Trinity earlier this week. God the Spirit is divine and holy and fully God.
The Spirit of God is found from the beginning of Scripture. In Genesis 1:2 we find, “the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters” (ESV). Further in that chapter, we find this:
Then God said, “let us make man in our image, after our likeness …” (v.26 ESV, emphasis added)
Our image, our likeness. This verse in The Amplified Bible says, “God said, Let Us [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit] make mankind in Our image, after Our likeness …”
Throughout the Old Testament we find the Spirit of God acting and speaking in many instances. When we get into the New Testament, we learn more about the specific work of the Holy Spirit in our lives as believers.
- The Holy Spirit is a gift from the Father. {Luke 11:13}
- The Holy Spirit will give us the words of defense when necessary. {Luke 12:11-12}
- The Holy Spirit fills us with power. {Luke 24:49}
- The Holy Spirit is our Comforter, Advocate, and Intercessor. {John 14:16, 26}
- The Holy Spirit lives within us and directs us. {John 14:17, Romans 8:9-11, 1 Corinthians 3:16}
- The Holy Spirit equips us to witness for Christ. {Acts 1:8}
- The Holy Spirit is received by all believers upon salvation. {Acts 2:38}
- The Holy Spirit gives us boldness. {Acts 4:31}
- The Holy Spirit gives instruction. {Acts 13:2, 16:6}
- The Holy Spirit reveals the things of God to us. {1 Corinthians 2:10-12}
- The Holy Spirit gives each believer spiritual gifts. {1 Corinthians 12:3-11, 13}
- The Holy Spirit produces fruit in our lives. {Galatians 5:22-23}
- The Holy Spirit identifies us as belonging to God. {Ephesians 4:30, 1 John 4:13}
Clearly, the Holy Spirit is plays an active role in the life of the believer. We must submit ourselves to His guiding, instruction, and power in our lives in order to experience the fullness of what God desires for us as His children.
How have you experience the work and power of the Holy Spirit in your life?
Thank you for the New Testament scripture references. I think the challenge for me is to make the time to listen. Many of the things on that list (i.e. gives instruction, reveals the things of God, directs us) require me to be still in order to hear and yield to the voice of the Spirit. Carving out time to spend with the Lord, and then not just doing all the talking on me end, but listening to the still, small voice is key in order for me to walk in the fullness of the Spirit.
And personally, I believe it’s the power of the Holy Spirit that has graciously allowed me to walk the path that God has unfolded before me. Without the comfort and clear direction of the Holy Spirit, I probably would have just given up on God’s plan and searched for a new path.
Great insight, Natalie. We must be still and listen in order to live in that power we have through the Spirit. Thank you.
What a great extensive list of the works of the Holy Spirit! So thankful for His work in my life–both in convicting me of sin and empowering me to produce fruit!
Teri Lynne ~ Thank you for the sweet reminder of just how much we are dependent upon the Holy Spirit to live out this Christian life! So thankful for His forever presence, power and protection!
Mmmmm… good stuff to chew on. Thanks for sharing the so many good scriptures on the Holy Spirit.
I’m thankful He pursues me even when, like Jonah, I hightail it to my “Tarsus”. :)