Not By Will Power

Posted by Tim

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

We celebrate the birth of Christ with songs, special services, and activities in our homes. We worship the Father in our prayers, in our church services, through the words in our songs, and even on a walk in the Spring when we hear the birds singing. But the third member of the Godhead seems to always end up in the background.

There's no celebration of His birthday, we don't worship Him in our prayers, and in the church there seems to be nothing but controversy about His involvement in our lives.

We have paused in John 16 for just a bit to get to know the Holy Sprit just a little better. And the tool we'll use is a common tool of journalism, answering questions about who, what, where, when, and why.

Who - The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead. They are the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. He's equal with Christ and God the Father. Yet, even in this position, it seems that we can lie to Him, ignore Him, grieve Him with our actions, but we cannot see Him. While we can't see Him, we can observe His work in others, and we regularly read the Scriptures that He provided.

What - The Holy Spirit is noted for His transformational presence and power. He gives us gifts which we can use to worship the Godhead. He transforms us from our sinful beings into believers who bring glory to God. He's always with us.

Where - He's everywhere.

When - This is perhaps the one area that's subject to so much confusion. Truth be told, and according to the Scriptures He gave us, the Holy Spirit becomes part of our lives when we accept Christ as our Savior. And, at that moment, we receive all of the Holy Spirit.

Why - He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment (John 16:7). He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come (John 16:13). He shall glorify Me, for He shall take of Mine, and shall disclose it to you (John 16:14).

Perhaps a bit of Bible drill would help complete our look at the Holy Spirit. Grab your Bible and check out these verses: Ezekiel 37:11-14; Matthew 12:31; Luke 3:16; Acts 4:31; Romans 8:26; and Revelation 1:4. Then look into His part in the Trinity in Isaiah 48:16 and Matthew 3:16-17. Finally, consider your gifts which He's given you and the gifts He's given others in Romans 12:6 and 1 Corinthians 1:7 and 12:1.