The Work of the Spirit

     When I was growing up, our churches rarely spoke of the work and the person of the Holy Spirit. He was called the “Holy Ghost” and conjured up, to me, an eery, almost spooky image. But the Holy Spirit of the living God is the third person of the Trinity, the very life force of our Creator God. The Spirit gives us wisdom, power and truth as we serve Jesus.

     Jesus had to complete His work on the cross before He could send His Holy Spirit to indwell all those who would believe.

“But, very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you, but if I go, I will send Him to you. When He comes, He will prove to the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment." John 16:7-8

     The Holy Spirit convicts us of our need for a Savior. When we see ourselves compared to a holy and righteous God, we understand the work of Jesus, the reason for His suffering and sacrifice. Once we believe, we are sealed forever with this Advocate, the Comforter, the Teacher, the Holy Spirit.

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13

     The disciples did not understand when Jesus explained all of these things, but the apostle Paul, years later, understood as he read the words of John. We are sealed forever with His Spirit.

Lord,

Your promised Holy Spirit seals us forever when we believe. We are marked with Your death and resurrection and given the Spirit of truth to guide us day-by-day. Fill us with His wisdom today.

Amen