When we talk about the Holy Spirit, many get uncomfortable in large part because the subject is often misunderstood and falsely presented. As such, we frequently find ourselves avoiding the subject all together, which is unfortunate. As we continue our journey concerning thankfulness, I thought we would consider the gift of the Holy Spirit. Here are some interesting things to know about the Spirit of God. In Genesis 1:2 we find that just before creation came to be, “the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” Joseph, the son of Jacob, is said to have “the Spirit of God” in him which gave him wisdom (Genesis 41:38). Others like Joshua (Numbers 27:18), David (1st Samuel 16:13) and even King Saul (1st Samuel 10:10) are just a few whom the Holy Spirit worked in and through in the Old Testament.
Of course, we are more familiar with the Spirit’s activity in the New Testament stories we read about. How He empowered the apostles to speak in different languages so the gospel could be understood in Acts 2. The very Spirit, the Comforter or Helper, was promised to the apostles by Jesus so they could speak all truth to a lost and dying world (John 14:26; 16:13). But what about you and me?
We read of what the Holy Spirit has done, but what does He do now in the lives of those in Christ. You see, the gift of the Holy Spirit was not just for them, He is for us as well.
“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise…” (Ephesians 1:13)
If you are in Christ, you have been given the gift of the seal of the Holy Spirit. Paul spoke of this to the church in Corinth as well, saying, “Now He…who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee” (2nd Corinthians 1:21-22). In the Ephesians text, the word sealed comes from a Greek word that means to stamp for security or preservation. Sealed for what? The next verse explains that the Holy Spirit, “is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory” (Ephesians 1:14). Your translation may use the word pledge which is defined as the purchase-money or property given in advance as security for the rest. There is a saying that goes like this, “There are no guarantees in life.” Clearly that is far from the truth when it comes to God and salvation. God says to all those who are in Christ, “I’ve got it! My Son is enough!” John would write to those in Christ to have confidence, saying in part that they can “know that you have eternal life” (1st John 5:13). If you are in Christ, walking with Christ as imperfectly as it may be at times, you have God’s guarantee that will keep you until His return. As amazing as that is, there is more to this gift of the Holy Spirit.
“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Romans 8:26)
Remember what Paul said that God has “given us the Spirit in our hearts” (2nd Corinthians 1:22). For a matter of fact, in 1st Corinthians 6:19 Paul pronounces that our bodies are “the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you.” To think that part of the Godhead lives in each Christian is mind blowing. One of His purposes within us is to help communicate our needs to the Father. The word translated help means to co-operate with during our times of weakness; that is, frailty. As one person writes, the Holy Spirit helps to sustain and support us during such times of difficulty. He helps us as we cry out, “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15). When life is in turmoil and words cannot be found, the Holy Spirit is there to help you pray “with groanings which cannot be uttered.” How does that work? Honestly, I do not have the answer, but I do have the promise given. The Holy Spirit will help us to communicate with God during those times. Like Paul who prayed for the thorn to be removed but came to realize through prayer that “when I am weak, then I am strong” (2nd Corinthians 12:10).
So last week we looked at the gift of God’s word. Today we have considered the gift of the Holy Spirit within us that was provided through Christ when we obeyed the gospel (Acts 2:38). That Spirit is a guarantee of what we will one day receive as He comes to bring us home. That same Spirit also resides within us to help us in our walk with Christ, realizing that it is not always easy. Thank You Lord for providing us with your Spirit.
Biddeford Church of Christ 