Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- July 22, 2011
“While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” Acts 19:1-2
In some Christian circles God the Father and His son Jesus Christ get all the attention, while the Holy Spirit—like an unruly stepchild—is ignored. Some followers of Jesus—out of ignorance or fear—fail to acknowledge and engage the Holy Spirit’s work in their life. They are stunted spiritually, because they miss the Spirit’s revelation of wisdom.
The Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit), all play significant roles in growing believers into the likeness of Christ through godly wisdom. He is gracious to give us wisdom through grace from God the Father—through relationship with God the Son—and through revelation from God the Spirit.
God the Father gives wisdom to those who ask in faith, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt” (James 1:5-6a). Trusting children of God have access to wisdom from their generous heavenly Father.
Christ is the wisdom of God, “Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24b). So to know Him is to know and understand godly wisdom. The life of Jesus illustrates for us wisdom and His teaching educates us in wisdom. Indeed, it’s in relationship with God the Son that Christians are able to grow in godly wisdom.
God the Spirit reveals wisdom to those who love Him; “These are the things [wisdom] God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God” (1 Corinthians 1:10). The Holy Spirit gives us discernment to know the difference between authentic wisdom from the Almighty and the wisdom of the world.
The Holy Spirit validates your belief in Jesus and confirms your commitment to Christ, by giving assurance to your soul. As you pray the Spirit ushers you into the presence of your heavenly Father, and with peaceful delight communes and communicates on your behalf. So, rest in the humble harness of the Holy Spirit and engage heaven’s help.
The Holy Spirit’s work is not meant to be mystical and weird, but practical and real. He provides comfort when you hurt, conviction when you stray and direction when you are unsure. Therefore, daily, enter into the fullness of the Spirit by confessing, repenting and receiving the Spirit’s fullness—be aware of what God has already given you by faith.
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:14-16, NKJV).
How can I be more fully aware of and enjoy the fullness of the Holy Spirit in my life?
Related Readings: Zechariah 4:6; 2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5; Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 John 5:6-8
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