Without a doubt, the least understood and most controversial member of the Trinity is the Holy Spirit. But, if we stick with what is written about the Spirit, I’m convinced we’ll discover a greater degree of clarity then we might have thought possible. Greater clarity paves the way for greater enjoyment of the blessings the Spirit offers. Here are the major topics:
- The Holy Spirit brings glory to Christ (John 16:14). A great way to test whether a particular activity is of the Spirit is simply to ask, “does it bring glory to Christ?”
- The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin (John 16:8). While this may not feel like a gift at first blush, it lays the ground work for the healing and restoration we desperately need.
- The Holy Spirit takes up residence in us after we are cleansed of sin through faith in Christ (John 14:20, 23; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 6:19). The Spirit in us is the blessing of intimacy with God.
- The Holy Spirit guides (John 16:13; Gal. 5:18). When we know not which way to go, the Holy Spirit helps us through Scripture, prayer, spirit-led counsel from others and circumstances.
- The Holy Spirit instructs (John 14:26). Things in Scripture and in life that are hard to understand become clear to us with the enlightenment of the Spirit. (Of course, in this fallen world, some mysteries won’t be cleared up until heaven.)
- The Holy Spirit empowers (Rom. 8:11; Gal. 5:22-23). Life and the work of the Kingdom can drain us. The Spirit actually empowers us to keep on.
Resources
Keep In Step With the Spirit, by J.I. Packer (Thorough on theology and practice)
Are Miraculous Gifts for Today? Four Views, by Wayne Grudem
Experiencing the Holy Spirit, by Andrew Murray (I haven’t read it yet but if it is like his others…)
Projects
- Write down three “Holy Spirit” Scriptures on a card, carry it around with you and look at it for a week. How do these reminders change the way your day goes?
- Ask your Home Group to describe what they’ve learned about “listening to the Spirit.”
- Find someone who speaks in tongues and ask them how it blesses them.
