Life to the FullSample

The Power of the Holy Spirit

We want to start by telling you about the most powerful force in the world... no it's not Wi-Fi, it's not the cloud… it’s the Holy Spirit, God’s power within us.

Who is the Holy Spirit?

God is one in being, three persons, which is also known as the Trinity: God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has been present since the beginning, and is not just present in the New Testament, but present before the world began.

In Genesis 1:1 we read, ‘In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters ’. When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, the Spirit becomes a part of your life, marking you a cherished child of God. Ephesians 1:13-14 says, ‘When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession.’

What does the Holy Spirit do?

Up:

The Holy Spirit points us up towards God. Think of the Holy Spirit as your Comforter, Counsellor, and Advocate, guiding you and working through you. Romans 8:14-17 reveals that through the Spirit, you are adopted into God's family. No more fear, just the beautiful cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings so that we may also share His glory. When you become a Christian, you are adopted into God’s family – you are loved, and you are chosen.

The Holy Spirit is reminding us to look up. John 14:15-18 talks about how God wants a relationship with you and the Advocate of truth wants to remind you to look up. ‘If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.’

In:

The Spirit of the Lord wants to move in us. The same Spirit that rose Jesus from the dead has been given to us as a deposit. Isn’t that amazing? The Spirit is in us for two reasons – freedom and to bear fruit. Galatians 5:22-23 paints a picture of the Spirit within you, breaking the chains of old thinking and bringing the sweet taste of freedom. Conviction, not condemnation, lifts you, leading to a life-bearing good fruit. You're not just following rules; you're following the Spirit into a life of purpose.

In Romans 8:1-2 it says, ‘Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death’.

Out:

Inspired by Ezekiel's vision, you’re part of God's army—always ready, and fearlessly believing nothing is impossible with God. God is raising sons and daughters who are becoming an army that loves God and winning the spiritual battle. The Spirit within you isn't confined to special occasions; it's an everyday, everywhere kind of power. The Spirit moves through you, bringing freedom, and transformation, and making you a vessel for God's power to impact others. When God’s Spirit is within us there is freedom, and the Spirit makes others come alive through us.

How can I receive the Holy Spirit?

Believe and you will receive. Believing in Jesus opens the door to receiving the Holy Spirit. The promise of the Spirit, as mentioned by Jesus, was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost. Ephesians 1:13-14 encourages believers to look up, acknowledging the presence of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:17 challenges believers to embrace the unique and authentic high that comes from the Holy Spirit, surpassing any worldly experience like drugs and alcohol.

In conclusion, understanding the identity and role of the Holy Spirit brings a profound realisation of God's presence in our lives. Let us eagerly receive, embrace, and be transformed by the powerful and life-giving Holy Spirit.

Questions

How does understanding the Spirit as the Comforter, Counsellor and Advocate impact your daily life?

Reflect on the idea of the Holy Spirit dwelling within you (Galatians 5:22-23). In what areas of your life do you need freedom, and how can the Spirit bring about transformation?

Prayer

Dear Father,

Thank you for the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit. Today, I open my heart to a deeper understanding and experience of Your Spirit in my life. May the Spirit be my constant guide, leading me in truth, freedom, and the path of bearing good fruit. Help me to embrace the power of the Holy Spirit within me, allowing it to bring transformation and impact the lives of those around me.

In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.