by Steve Hale
INTRODUCTION
The Holy Spirit is as much God as the Father or the Son (Acts 5:3, 4). Yet, He is the least studied member of the Godhead.
He was significant in creation (Genesis 1:2), the providence of God's guidance for us (John 16:13, 14), the ministry of Jesus (Matthew 3:13-17), the miracles performed in the first century (Acts 2:1-4ff.; 10-11), and as a gift given to Christians at conversion ( Acts 2:38).
When preaching on the Holy Spirit, one can almost see members of the church bracing themselves. It's as if this is a subject that is uncomfortable, mysterious, and taboo.
This ought not to be! In fact, the New Testament has much to say about the relationship of the Holy Spirit and the Christian. Such a study is not the same as sanctioning charismaticism or Neo-Pentecostalism.
Rather, it is a positive and encouraging study! These are matters the New Testament says the Holy Spirit does for us and not to us. With this significant distinction in mind, the author is making the following assumptions as he writes this tract:
1. the reader understands that the age of miracles as performed by human hands has passed (I Corinthians 13:8ff.).
2. The Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3, 4).
3. The reader distinguishes the significant difference in what the Holy Spirit does for us, and not to us.
4. The Holy Spirit dwells in the Christian (Romans 8:9). While we may disagree how He dwells in us, we may not disagree with the fact that He does dwell in us!
Having made these assumptions, let us engage in a study of The Holy Spirit And The Christian. May the Lord bless you in this study.
--STEVE HALE--
EARNEST
The word found in the Greek New Testament for "earnest" is arrabon. This term is used to designate a downpayment given on the receipt of merchandise to guarantee the rest will be forthcoming.
In our day, we understand it as a title given to the bank as collateral on a car in borrowing the money to pay for it. An engagement ring serves as an earnest (pledge) via a marriage proposal.
Paul tells us that the Holy Spirit is God's "earnest" to us of eternal salvation. He tells the brethren at Ephesus that they: "...were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, which is an earnest of our inheritance, unto the redemption of God's own possession, unto the praise of His glory (Ephesians 1:13).
The gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; 5:32) is significant as this guarantee. Paul tells the factious Corinthians they should remember this "earnest" from the Lord (II Corinthians 5:4, 5).
SEAL
In ancient times, a seal was often used to legitimize a document or an object. This seal would indicate ownership.
For example, a ruler might press his seal into soft wax at the bottom of a decree to authenticate it. Artists sign their portraits, or put their seal into a sculpture. Modern corporations have their logos and trademarks.
Spiritually, how are Christians distinguished from non-Christians? God, in His omniscience, knows the difference. What sort of signal or seal is given so others, including Satan, will know.
Paul said: "in whom ye also, having heard the word of the truth, the gospel of your salvation, --in whom, having also believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise" (Ephesians 1:13).
He warned the Ephesians to remain faithful lest they grieve "...the Holy Spirit of God, in whom ye were sealed unto the day of redemption" (Ephesians 4:30).
ASSISTS IN PRAYER
Christians should be prayerful people (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Luke 22:41). Our lives should be saturated in prayer (Luke 18:13).
Sometimes, in a particularly traumatic situation, we may struggle with our prayers. The eloquence and smoothness may be blocked out with emotions too deep to relate verbally.
Not only so, but perhaps we pray, and do not even fully understand what to ask for, or if so, how to ask for it. Is there any hope is such situations?
Yes! Paul said: "And in like manner the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity: for we know not how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit himself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered; and he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God" (Romans 8:26, 27).
Note: this is not what the Spirit does to us, but for us! This is not Neo-Pentecostalism or charismaticism. This is biblical! Praise the Spirit for His help in situations where we need His help!
STRENGTHENS
Christians are not to live after the flesh, but after the Spirit (Romans 6:16-18; 8:12-13). Paul tells the brethren in Rome: "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God" (Romans 8:14).
As we grow in the faith, the Lord makes us this promise: "...that ye may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man" (Ephesians 3:16).
Growing demands we be filled "...with all the fulness of God" (Ephesians 3:19). This growth comes from the nurturing and maturity found only in the Lord.
Of Jesus, Paul said: "for in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily" (Colossians 2:9). In other words, the Father, Son, and Spirit, dwelt fully in Jesus.
In the Christian dwells God (I John 4:12), Christ (Galatians 2:20), and the Spirit (Romans 8:9-11). The more we mature in Christ, and the fruit of the Spirit develops, the less we will be prone to the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:16-23). Thus, the Spirit strengthens us against sin!
CONCLUSION
The Spirit is the earnest of our salvation. He seals us in showing the Lord's ownership of us. He assists us in prayer. He strengthens us against sin.
Does His Spirit dwell in you? Paul said: "...If any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his" (Romans 8:9).
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Mt. Juliet Church of Christ
P.O. Box #248
Mt. Juliet, TN 37122
Phone: (615) 758-2274