THE HOLY SPIRIT, #2 -- Tomorrow:
" . . . God, who hath also given unto us his Holy Spirit" KJV (1 Thessalonians 4:8)
The spirits in the world of moral and spiritual darkness are not all the same. Nor, indeed, do they all have the same power. There is a hierarchy of wicked spirits possessing different levels of authority or power. They are identified in Ephesians 6:12 as "principalities . . . powers . . . the rulers of the darkness of this world and spiritual wickedness in high places." These spirits are stronger than men, and infinitely more shrewd and cunning. They promote wickedness in the world. They also seek to keep people ignorant of God, and unknowledgeable about the salvation He offers through Christ Jesus.
The point to be seen in this is that the world of spirits is one that involves intelligence as well as emotion, and thought as well as passion. When we deal with the Holy Spirit, we are not limiting ourselves to a force like a hurricane, or feeling like a sensation. Rather, we are touching a subject that relates to influence, persuasion, direction, and purpose. The Holy Spirit is noted more for picking up than knocking down, for giving life not taking life.
Do not equate the word "spirit" with something unintelligent and mysterious. God is a Spirit (John 4:24), and He is noted for determination (Zeph 3:8), purpose (Eph 1:11), speaking (Gen 1:3), and leading (Ex 13:17). The devil is a "spirit" (Eph 2:2), and he deceives (Rev 12:9), speaks (Lk 4:3), tempts (Lk 4:2), and works (Eph 2:2). Even demons, which are spirits, speak and develop doctrines, or teachings (1 Tim 4:1).
A spirit may not have a body, but it does have a mind, will, and purpose. This is particularly true of the Holy Spirit of God!
THE SPIRIT OF . . . The Holy Spirit operates according to a predetermined purpose–a purpose determined by God Almighty. He is not sent to implement the plans of men, but the purpose of God. His primary work is not to identify Himself with what men are doing, but to associate men with what God is doing.
The Holy Spirit obtains His significance from the Father and the Son. He is never an end of Himself. By that, I mean He is never the theme or Subject of Divine Revelation. He is ALWAYS associated with something the Father or the Son is doing. On this matter, there is a consistency in Scriptural references to the Holy Spirit that is without exception. Several expressions of Scripture confirm this to be the case.
The Spirit of God (Gen 1:2; 41:38; 2 Chron 15:1; 24:20; Ezek 11:24; Matt 3:16; 12:28; Rom 8:9,14; 15:19; 1 Cor 2:11,14; 3:16; 7:40; 12:3; Eph 4:30; 1 John 4:2 ).
The Spirit of the Lord (5 times: Lk 4:18; Acts 5:9; 8:39; 2 Cor 3:17,18).
The Spirit of the Living God (2 Cor 3:3).
The Spirit of Christ (Rom 8:9; 1 Pet 1:11).
The Spirit of your Father (Matt 10:20).
The Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead (Rom 8:11).
The Spirit of our God (1 Cor 6:11).
The Spirit of life from God (Rom 11:11).
The Spirit of Jesus Christ (Phil 1:19).
The Spirit of His Son (Gal 4:6).
The Spirit of life in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:2).
What does all of this mean? It does NOT mean the Holy Spirit is inferior. He is Divine, and is called "the eternal Spirit" (Heb 9:14). It does mean He is NOT the object of our worship, or the focus of our faith. This does not justify the neglect of teaching concerning the Holy Spirit or a desire for Him to work within us. However, our view of the Holy Spirit is always surrounded by the Father and the Son. In fact, His ministry is to shed light on both the Father and the Son. He brings Them, so to speak, within the range of our understanding. Without the Holy Spirit, we could not perceive God, hear from Him, or gain access to Him. Without the Father and the Son, the work of the Holy Spirit has no relevance, or application, to us.
If the Father did not have a purpose involving humanity, there would be no need for our acquaintance with the Holy Spirit. If we did not require assistance in learning of, and obeying, Christ Jesus, the Spirit could have no ministry to us. However, in salvation, God is involved with humanity. His purpose is being worked out in us. We do require assistance, help, strength, and direction. We do need strength to obey and understanding to comprehend! Thus, the children of God are given "the Holy Spirit." He is not a luxury, but a necessity. It is not possible to be accepted by God, live for Him, and dwell forever with Him, without the direct involvement of His Holy Spirit. The flesh cannot be crucified without Him. Faith and obedience cannot be realized without Him. We cannot receive what we need without the Holy Spirit. Thank God for the Holy Spirit! May your life be a source of great joy to Him, and never a source of grief.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, grant me grace than I ,may never grieve or quench Your Holy Spirit.