PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV)
NCE(Eng.) ND/HD (Journalism); BA (Hons)
MA, PhD.
UNDERSTANDING
THE HOLY SPIRIT (PART I)
Devotional
Text: John 14:15-27
Introduction:
The name “Holy Spirit” is an exclusive reference to the third
person of the Blessed Trinity. It is true that the God-head is generally
referred to as Spirit (John 4:24), yet in a particular application, the third
person of the Trinity has the designation. The term is traceable to the Hebrew
word ruach,
the Greek word pneuma and the Latin word spiritus, all being derived from the
roots which mean “to breathe”. Thus, the Holy Spirit is often referred to as
the “breath of life", Gen. 2:7; 6:17) and “wind” (1Kings 9:11).
GENERAL
REMARKS
(1) The Holy
Spirit is the third person in the “Blessed Trinity” (Matt. 3:16-17).
(2) The Holy
Spirit is the Author of New Birth, (John 3:6-8).
(3) The Holy
Spirit is the Teacher of eternal truths, (John 14:26).
(1) The Holy
Spirit is the believer’s Counselor of Comforter, (John 15:26, 16:7).
UNDERSTANDING
THE HOLY SPIRIT AS A PERSON
The
personality of the Holy Spirit has grossly been denied by most religious groups
and individuals. Some regard Him as a mere influence or power. While others
regard Him as a tool used by God. Wherever the above positions may have come
from, a sound biblical exegesis clearly refutes such by telling us that;
(i)
The Holy Spirit is a Teacher, (John 14:26).
(ii)
He prays for us, (Romans 8:26)
(iii)
He speaks, (Acts 10:19).
The above, to mention but a few, are all personal qualities, and
in no way suggest exerting of influence or power. To refute further the idea
that the Holy Spirit is a mere influence, power or tool, it is important to
take cognizance of the fact that the Holy Spirit is different from His power,
(Luke 1:35; 4:14; Acts 10:38; Romans 15:15, I Cor. 2:4).
UNDERSTANDING
THE WORKS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE LIFE OF THE BELIEVER
Before
the exit of Jesus, He had earlier promised a comforter that would guide and
become a source of strength to the believer. In view of the above, one can
biblically assert that the Holy Spirit was given to;
(i)
empower the believer for missions, (Acts 1:8).
(ii)
help the believer in his weaknesses, (Rom. 8:26).
(iii)
empower the believer for holy living, (Rom. 8:11).
The list of activities of the Holy Spirit above can readily
picture a complete work or otherwise in the life of a believer. It is important
to note here that one’s willingness or yieldedness will definitely determine
the extent the Holy Spirit uses or works in one’s life.
UNDERSTANDING
THE MANIFESTATIONS OF SIGNS AND WONDERS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE LATER – DAY
CHURCH..
The
later-day church is a church of signs and wonders, (Joel 2:28-32; Acts
2:17-21). These demonstrations undoubtedly favour the use of all people, (vs.
12), male and female young and old, (Acts 2:17-18). The out-pouring of the Holy
Spirit in the last days will definitely manifest;
(i)
the kingdom sons and daughters as prophetic instruments,
(ii)
the kingdom young men as seers,
(iii)
the kingdom old men as Holy Ghost dreamers, (Acts 2:17).
The
expression, “I will pour out my Spirit” (vs. 18) is an indication that the
operations are to be motivated and guided by the Holy Spirit and not by “self”
or any other force(s). The expression also suggests that one who manifests the
kingdom gifts should as well manifest the
kingdom character. He is the contrasting point, (see Den. 23:1-5; Matt.
7:21-23).
No comments:
Post a Comment