The Holy Spirit. Maybe you've heard this term, but you only have a vague idea of what it means or how you get it. Maybe you use the words "spirit" and "Holy Spirit" interchangeably. Sometimes we differentiate by using lower-case "spirit" vs. upper-case "Spirit". Can be confusing to some of us. Well, you are in the right place because in this new series, I am going to try my level best to explain who the Holy Spirit is, what is his purpose, why we need him, and how to be more "filled" with the Holy Spirit. Let's give this a go, shall we?
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit is also referred to as a person, because it/he has the attributes of a person such as being able to think, feel emotions, and have a will but it/he is not incarnate (become flesh) as Jesus was. This is why we refer to the Holy Spirit as the third part of the Trinity: God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Think of the Trinity this way. You may be a father or mother, a son or daughter, and also have your own spirit or self.
The Bible sometimes refers to him as a "he" but this is due partly because the greek language uses gender and also perhaps a remnant of the patriarchal culture back in those days. At other times, the pronoun "it " is used. (Romans 8:26). Give a read to this article for more on this.
To be clear, we must differentiate between our spirit which is given to us at birth(pneuma) which means "breath" and the Holy Spirit (Ayios Pneuma in greek) which is given to us when we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior. Ponder this verse: "The Spirit himself bears witness to[v] our spirit that we are God’s children" (Romans 8:16).
Jesus indicated the concept of the Trinity many times in Scripture. He said he had to leave so he could send the Holy Spirit to us. (John 16:7). In other words, since Jesus could no longer be with us here on earth, he was sending the Holy Spirit to dwell in every person who believes and receives him. This indwelling would give us - just like he gave the disciples - the power and strength of God, different spiritual gifts and the ability to communicate with power and clarity.
The H.S was also present at the creation of the world. The Bible says this in Genesis 1:2:"the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep,” even then “the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.” He was present in the Old Testament and manifested in both the cloud that guided the Israelites as they sought the Promised Land. It also manifested as the fire that guided them by night.
Jesus encouraged believers to receive the Holy Spirit. "Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:5). In the book of Acts 1:8, he says we will receive power: "but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”
Who is the Holy Spirit to you? Do you acknowledge him? Would you like to be filled with the Holy Spirit? All you have to do is ask Jesus to send him to you. I encourage you to study the verses quoted in this post and think on them before next week as we build more into our understanding of this Divine power.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned as we learn more on how to ignite the power within so you can take back your life and discover YOUR destiny!
Until next time, keep looking up!
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