Week 16: April 22, 2018
Topic: Never grieve the Holy Spirit nor quench the Spirit – Part 1
Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:25-30
It is a pity that nowadays people do not believe in the existence of the Holy Spirit because Satan has blindfolded them; those who believe in the existence of the Holy Spirit are denying His power or efficacy and betraying His covenant. Many people are blaspheming the Holy Spirit on daily basis through their actions and utterances. It is widespread and rampant to the extent that they want to rewrite the Bible to exclude the activities of the Holy Spirit from this eternal Book in order to confuse and mislead the Christians. Our prayer is that they will not succeed, but they will be exposed and disgraced in Jesus Name. Amen.
Holy Spirit is One of the three persons in the One God; along with the Father and Jesus Christ the Son. Holy Spirit can be described as the third person of the Trinity which comprises, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit with each person being God.
Holy Spirit is not human, but it is the Spirit of Almighty God. The Bible confirmed its existence at the beginning of the Creation of the universe by saying, “The earth was without form, and void; and the darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters” Genesis 1:2. The Spirit of God mentioned in this passage was the Holy Spirit, and it can be deduced that water was the first creation of God to receive the Holy Spirit. It is for this reason that learned people refer to water as life-giving-drink and no living being can survive without water or moisture.
Our God is also an immortal spiritual Being just like the Holy Spirit. He is the source of life, yet He is invisible to mankind, so those who worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth John 4:24. Therefore let people witness that you are a born-again Christian. Since it is written that no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he/she is born of water and the Spirit because what is born of the flesh is flesh and what is born of the Spirit is spirit John 3:5-6. It is clear from the passage that you must be baptized with water and the Holy Spirit before you can enter the kingdom of God. Therefore earnestly desire and eagerly seek the spiritual gifts, especially the ability to prophesy 1 Corinthians 14:1. Since the people who are dominated by the sinful nature think about lustful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that pleases the Spirit, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit” Romans 8:5. Therefore set your mind on things that are acceptable to God and pleases the Holy Spirit.
We must acknowledge that everything in this world were created through the Holy Spirit according to the Bible passage which stated that “You sent forth Your Spirit, they are created; And You renew the face of the earth” Psalm 104:30. Though it is the immortal breath of God that gave us life, but we cannot live forever because of our misconducts which made God to pronounce this statement that “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years” Genesis 6:3. Had it been that we did not misbehave, we will be living forever on earth because of His immortal breath.
Mankind must realize that they can neither hide from the Holy Spirit nor flee from the presence of God Psalm 139:7-12. Since you cannot escape from the Holy Spirit, do not rebel against God or grieve the Holy Spirit because the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to serve and worship Him John 4:23. Are you serving and worshipping God in spirit and truth without hypocrisy?
We must admit that it is the Spirit of God who gives life because He is a life-giver; the flesh conveys no benefit. Holy Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. The scripture stated that Jesus said, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profit nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit and they are life” John 6:63. Since only the Spirit gives life, do not rebel against God or grieve the Holy Spirit if you want to inherit the kingdom of God according to the Bible passage which stated that “For thus says the high and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.’” Isaiah 57:15. If you want to dwell forever in heavenly kingdom of God, do not blaspheme the Holy Spirit.
The existence of the Holy Spirit
There are enough evidences in the Holy Bible that will deter the people who do not believe in the existence of the Holy Spirit to stop doubting and halt their nefarious activities that are causing grieve for the Holy Spirit.
People of Israel acknowledged God and Holy Spirit: During the time of difficulties the people of Israel remembered the days of the Old when Moses led the people out of Egypt. They cried out, saying “Where is the One who brought Israel through the sea, with Moses as their shepherd? Where is the One who sent His Holy Spirit to be among His people” Isaiah 63:11. Do not wait till afflictive and tribulation period before you admit the existence of the Holy Spirit which God sent to console you.
The birth of Jesus Christ: God sent angel Gabriel to a virgin called Mary, and the angel said to her “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women”. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And behold you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son and shall call His name Jesus”.
Mary asked the angel “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” And the angel answered and said to her “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:26-36.
The word of angel Gabriel was fulfilled when Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they came together, Mary was found to be pregnant with child of the Holy Spirit Matthew 1:18. Mary conceived without any man laying with her, but through the Power of the Holy Spirit.
Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly was considering divorcing her secretly/quietly, but an angel of the Lord appeared to
him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit” Matthew 1:20. If Joseph believed the confirmation of the angel of God, what other proof do you need to believe in the existence of the Holy Spirit?
Physical manifestation of the Holy Spirit: After Jesus Christ was baptized by John and He was praying, the heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, then a voice came from heaven and said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased” Luke 3:21-22, Matthew 3:13-17. What other testimony do you need to believe in the existence of the Holy Spirit?
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, the apostles were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterances Acts 2:1-4. Though many Christians celebrate the Day of Pentecost annually, but they neither seek the Holy Spirit nor earnestly desire the Spirit of God.
Liberty and salvation through the Holy Spirit: The existence of the Holy Spirit is what gave us liberty from sin and freedom from the bondage of the darkness. Jesus Christ confirmed this statement by saying “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit” John 3:8. Believe in the existence of the Holy Spirit and be born of the Spirit so that the terrestrial powers will neither limit your activities nor restrict your capabilities spiritually.
We must always remember that God saved us not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration by washing away our sins in the Blood of the Lamb and renewing of the Holy Spirit. He also gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit Titus 3:5. Do not forget that your salvation came through the death of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, so do not be among those who deny the existence of the Holy Spirit.
Signs and Wonders through the Holy Spirit: God always confirm and back His messages through signs and wonders. The physical demonstration that God is testifying and confirming the message of Salvation is through the miracles performed by Jesus Christ, the prophets and the apostles; together with the gifts of the Holy Spirit that He granted to the believers according to His will.
The evidences are everywhere in the Bible where it was established and endorsed by God, who showed His approval of the message of Salvation by signs and wonders, and various miraculous manifestations of His power. And also by imparting the gifts of the Holy Spirit to the believers according to His own will Hebrews 2:4. For this reason, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you. The overseers and the leaders of Churches must keep and jealously guard the Good News about the Salvation through personal faith in Christ Jesus and enlighten their congregation. They must take good care of their church members and teach them about the existence of the Holy Spirit with the knowledge that nothing can be achieved without the Holy Spirit 2 Timothy 1:14. Never forget that Holy Spirit exists and He continues to counsel you.
Week 17: April 29, 2018
Topic: Never grieve the Holy Spirit nor quench the Spirit – Part 2
Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:25-30
We shall continue with our discussion by mentioning the relationship which exists between God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
Relationship between the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit
As previously stated that God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are one indivisible entity called the Trinity. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit coexist in unity as the Supreme Authority in heaven, and they jointly rule the heavens and the whole universe.
The Bible stated that “For there are three that bear witness in heaven: The Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit; and these three are One” 1 John 5:7. Since the Bible affirmed that the three witnesses in heaven are: the Father, the Son Jesus Christ who is the Word and the Holy Spirit, and these three supreme beings are One because they are all Trinity. It means the Lord is the Spirit; and the Spirit is the Lord, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty 2 Corinthians 3:17. So if you want freedom from your burdens and emancipation from spiritual bondage, you must diligently seek the Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ instructed us to go and make disciples of all the nations, help the people to learn about Him, believe in Him and obey His words, and most importantly to baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit because the three are one indivisible entity Matthew 28:19. Since we are directed to perform water baptism in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, then the Holy Spirit which proceeds from God the Father at the discretion of God the Son who is Jesus Christ will baptize people with fire because the three always do things in unison. It is for reason that Paul apostle through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit gave this benediction to the brethren saying “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen” 2 Corinthians 13:14. So have the knowledge from this moment onward that if you please one of the Trinity, you have pleased all of them and if you disobey One of the Trinity, you have disobeyed all of them.
How to identify the Holy Spirit
Brethren not all spirits are from God; there are countless spirits in the world today that are contrary spirits. These strange spirits originated from the satanic kingdoms and Jesus Christ healed many people and casted out evil spirits including the man with “Legion spirits dwelling in him” Luke 7:21, 8:2, 27-30. As it was during the time of our Lord Jesus Christ, so it is today. People are using unclean spirits to deceive and torment the world, and also mislead the believers throughout the globe.
The unclean spirits: The Bible mentioned a man named Simon who previously practiced magic through unclean spirit and power in the city. He amazed the people of Samaria claiming to be someone great. They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest saying, “This man is the great power of God”. They listened to him because for a long time he had mystified and dazzled them with his sorceries. But when Philip came people believed his message of Good News concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. As a result, many men and women were baptized. The superiority of the of the power of the Holy Spirit made Simon to realize the inferiority of his witchcraft; so, Simon himself believed and was baptized. He began to follow Philip wherever he went, and he was amazed by the signs and great miracles Philip performed through the power of the Holy Spirit Acts 8:9-13. Be vigilant so that you will not be fooled and misled by the wolves in sheep’s clothing.
When Saul and Barnabas came to the Island of Paphos they met a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus. He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man who invited Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the Word of God. The sorcerer opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul away from believing and accepting the faith. Then Saul, also known as Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit looked intently at him and said “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? And now, indeed the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.” And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. When proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord Acts 13:6-12. This is the end-time, and there are numerous false prophets like Bar-Jesus who are roaming about; beware so that you will not be deceived and put in bondage. Be at alert so that you will not be initiated because the mere fact that somebody is a Christians does not mean that he/she has the Holy Spirit.
The lying and deceptive spirits: The scripture says “Beloved do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone into the world” 1 John 4:1. You need to test the spirits so that the lying and deceiving spirits will not ruin your life like how king Ahab was deceived in the Bible 1 Kings 22:19-23. This spirit that deceived king Ahab was not the Holy Spirit but just one of the spirits that usually present themselves together with Satan whenever the angels gather before the Lord Job 1:6. Make sure that you not led astray by false prophecy and strange doctrines.
The Spirit of Truth: Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth, who lead into all truth. The world can neither accept Him nor receive Him because the world is against the truth but loves deceit. The world neither sees Him nor recognize Him because Satan has blind folded them. But the believers know and recognize Him because He lives with them and was in them John 14:17. Jesus Christ had sent to us the Helper and the Comforter, the Spirit of truth. He has come to us from the Father and will testify about our Lord Jesus Christ John 15:26. So, those of us who are neither living in the flesh nor controlled by the sinful nature, we are being control by the Holy Spirit, and if the Spirit of God lives in us, directing and guiding us, then we are the children of God. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ and such people are not children of God Romans 8:9. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God Romans 8:14.
The works of the Holy Spirit
There were many works of the Holy Spirit written in the Bible and some of them shall be discussed in details.
Conviction of the world: The Holy Spirit will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness and judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Jesus Christ; of righteousness, because Jesus Christ went to His Father and people will no longer see Him; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world (Satan) has been judged and condemned John 16:8-11.
He will glorify Christ and declare His Power: Holy Spirit will glorify and honour Christ because He will take from what belongs to Christ and declare it to believers. All things that the Father have belong to Christ. That is why He said that Holy Spirit will take from whatever belongs to Him and declare it to believers John 16:14-15.
He helps our weaknesses: Holy Spirit comes to our aid and helps us in our weaknesses. We do not know what prayer to offer or how to offer it as we should, but Holy Spirit Himself knows our need and at the right time intercedes on our behalf with sighs and groanings too deep for words/utterance Romans 8:26.
Election of the brave and the steadfast: Holy Spirit usually elect the brave and the best for unique tasks. He gave the directive in the Book of Acts for Barnabas and Paul to be set apart for the special work to which they were called Acts 13:2-3.
Guidance and revelation: Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth will guide believers into all the truth. For He will not speak His own messages on His own authority, but He will tell whatever He hears from the Father and He will give the message that has been given to Him: and He will announce and declare to believers the things that are to come which will happen in the future John 16:13.
Teaching the believers: The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father had sent in Christs’ name will teach believers all things and will remind them everything that Christ had told them John 14:26.
Holy Spirit gives boldness and confidence: When the apostles were forbidden from preaching or teaching in the name of Jesus Christ, they prayed and the place where they assembled was shaken; and they were filled with the Holy Spirit, then they spoke the word of God with boldness and confidence Acts 4:31.
Preservation of Life: The life of Simeon who was righteous and devout was preserved by Holy Spirit to witness the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and the consolation of Israel Luke 2:25-26.
Comfort of Holy Spirit makes churches to prosper: The scripture says the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied Acts 9:31.
Week 18: May 6th, 2018
Topic: Never grieve the Holy Spirit nor quench the Spirit – Part 3
Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:25-30
This discussion shall continue by talking about the reasons why we must never allow the Devil to use us against the Lord or utilize us to grieve the Holy Spirit.
Never allow Satan to use you against God
Believers must be cautious so that Satan will not use them against God or utilize them to grieve the Holy Spirit. There is no one that Satan cannot use; so, it is the Christians that must be vigilant not to present the Devil with the opportunity to use them for any unrighteousness.
Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit: Many people in the world today do not realize that they are the temple of God. They can neither discern nor understand that they are the temple of God and the spirit of God dwells in them if permitted to reign in their minds/hearts 1 Corinthians 3:16. What that means is that, your physical body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who lives in you, whom you have received as a gift from God; so, you don’t belong to yourself anymore 1 Corinthians 6:19. Since you know that you do not belong to yourself, then do every possible thing to please the Lord that ransomed you. The Lord bought you at a price, He purchased you with His precious Blood that was shed on the Cross; therefore, you must honour and glorify God in your body and spirit which belong to God 1 Corinthians 6:20.
For this reason, you must neither submit your body for sinful use to grieve the Holy Spirit nor let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin, instead present your bodily members and faculties to God as instruments of righteousness Romans 6:13. Remember, you must not offer members of your body to sin or yield any part of your body to be used as instrument of wickedness, else you will bring destruction upon yourself according to the passage which stated that “If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are” 1 Corinthians 3:17. Therefore, be careful, do not use any part of your body through your actions, reactions and utterances to grieve the Holy Spirit.
Sinners will not go unpunished: Though God does not have pleasure in the death of the sinners, but He wants them to turn from their wicked ways and live Ezekiel 18:23. So the Christians who were enlightened and have tasted the heavenly gift and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit. Those who have tasted the good Word of God and the powers of the age to come; if they fall away and grieve the Holy Spirit, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance; because they crucify again for themselves the Son of God and put Him to an open shame Hebrews 6:4-6. You must realize that if you grieve the Holy Spirit in whatever way, it will be impossible to bring you back to repentance because it would have been better for you not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to you in order to grieve the Holy Spirit 2 Peter 2:21.
Consequences of grieving the Holy Spirit
Nowadays, people all over the world are grieving the Holy Spirit through their nefarious conducts. Countless people are denying the existence of the Holy Spirit because of their ambitions/aspirations, while numerous people are mocking or twisting the messages of the Holy Spirit (Prophecy) because of their survival and daily bread.
There are various ways through which people are grieving the Holy Spirit and some of them are the following:
1. Resistance.
2. Lies and deceit.
2. Rebellion and disobedience.
4. Mockery and verbal insult of the Spirit of God.
5. Misconducts that can scatter or make the House of God to be desolated.
6. Defilement and pollution of your body.
7. Desecration of the sacred things and Holy places of God.
Mockery and verbal insult of the Holy Spirit: Whatever the circumstance, you must never mock or reproach the Spirit of God. Whether you like the messages sent by the Holy Spirit or not, you must not open your mouth to verbally insult the Spirit of God, even if you are uncomfortable with the messages. You must know that prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy people of God spoke as they were moved by the by Holy Spirit 2 Peter 1:21. Also, no one speaking by Spirit of God will call Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit 1 Corinthians 12:3. You must never respond with foul language whenever people prophesy to you. Whatever your situation, do not turn against God and say evil things to the Holy Spirit as it is written “That you turn your spirit against God, and let such words go out from your mouth?” Job 15:13. Satan is very cunning, so, do not allow your situation to make you query God or grieve the Holy Spirit.
Rebellion and disobedience: The people of Israel rebelled against the Lord at the water of Meribah. They contended with the Lord and it led Moses to commit a great sin against the Lord Numbers 20:10-13. The scripture says, “Because they rebelled against His Spirit, so he spoke rashly with his lips” Psalm 106:33. The Israelites rebelled against the Holy Spirit and their action made Moses to speak rashly; for this reason, he cannot lead the people of Israel into the promised land. Be at alert so that the rebellion or the disobedience of other people will not make you to grieve the Holy Spirit.
The Book of Isaiah corroborated this fact by saying that the Israelites rebelled and grieved the Holy Spirit of God; so, God turned against them as an enemy and He fought against them Isaiah 63:10. If you don’t want God to turn against you, do not rebel against or grieve the Holy Spirit.
Resistance: Many people in the world today are adamant. They will resist and criticize the messages which the Lord of hosts sent by His Spirit through the prophets/prophetesses. These groups of people usually think that they know better than God because of their position in the community, their financial and educational status. These people should change immediately else, great wrath will come upon them from the Lord of hosts Zechariah 7:12. Remember that God is yet to create anyone that He can neither correct nor discipline.
Blaspheming or speaking against the Holy Spirit: It is written that whoever speaks a word against Jesus Christ the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit by attributing the miracles performed by people of God to Satan will not be forgiven, either in this world or the world to come Matthew 12:32. Anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven and such person is subject to eternal condemnation according to the passage which stated that “but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation Mark 3:29. You must neither mock the prophet/prophetess when prophesying nor say he/she is using unclean spirit to deliver the message because you are jealous.
Examples and punishments
We shall discuss the examples of people written in the Bible who grieved the Holy Spirit of the Lord and the various ways that they were punished.
The people of Israel refused to enter Canaan: Moses sent twelve people to go and spy the land of Canaan (the promised land) for forty days. Ten of the people brought terrible news about the land while Joshua and Caleb brought encouraging news. Then the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron not knowing that they are complaining and contending with God. Though Joshua and Caleb advised the people of Israel not to rebel against the Lord nor fear the people of the land. The people of Israel did not heed the advice of Joshua and Caleb, instead the congregation wanted to stone them.
The Lord quickly intervened and His anger rose against the people of Israel, but Moses pleaded with God to pardon the iniquity of the people according to the greatness of His mercy Numbers 14:1-25.
Their punishments: God pronounced death sentence on the rebels by saying that the carcasses of the people who complained against Him shall fall in the wilderness; for this reason, all the rebels from twenty years and above with exception of Joshua and Caleb, did not enter the land of Canaan Numbers 14:26-32.
The anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel, and He made them wander in the wilderness for forty years, until all the generation that has done evil in His sight perished Numbers 32:13, 14:33-38. So, do not be like the people of Israel who always resist the Holy Spirit and constantly pay dearly at the end Acts 7:51.
Belshazzar desecrated sacred vessels of God: When Belshazzar the king made a feast, then he wanted to show off, so he commanded that the gold and silver vessels his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple of God in Jerusalem
should be used to serve him and his guests drinks Daniel 5:1-4.
His punishment: The fingers of a man’s hand appeared immediately and wrote MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. This is the interpretation of each word which Daniel interpreted for the king: MENE: God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it; TEKEL: You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting; PERES: Your kingdom has been divided, and given to the Medes and Persians Daniel 5:5, 5:25-28. That very night Belshazzar, king of the Chaldeans, was slain. And Darius the Mede began to reign in the kingdom Daniel 5:30-31. Do not desecrate the sacred things of the Lord or defile His holy places. If you don’t want the same fate to befall you.
Lying to the Holy Spirit: Ananias and his wife Sapphira sold their possession. And he kept of the proceeds with the knowledge of his wife. Then he brought part of it to the apostles. But Peter said “Ananias why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God” Act 5:1-4.
Their punishment: Ananias fell down and died; three hours later, his wife came into the presence of the apostle, Peter asked her how much they sold their land and she lied. Then she too fell down and died. The couple died because they lied to the Holy Spirit Acts 5:5-11. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit by your dishonesty, fraud, and deceit so that worse fate will not come upon you.
Week 19: May 13th, 2018
Topic: Never grieve the Holy Spirit nor quench the Spirit – Part 4
Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:25-30
We shall continue our discussion by mentioning the promises of God concerning the gifts of Holy Spirit and how they were fulfilled.
Promises and fulfillment
There are many promises of God written in the Bible that were made to mankind concerning “sending and receiving” the Spirit of God, and we shall discuss some of them.
Prophecy and fulfillment concerning Jesus: Before Jesus Christ our Lord came into this world, Prophet Isaiah had prophesied about Him saying, “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me, to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;” Isaiah 61:1. The passage described the mission of Jesus Christ on earth and how the Holy Spirit will make it possible for Him to successfully accomplish His mission.
The prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus came to Nazareth and He went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day. He was given the Book of prophet Isaiah to read and when He opened the book, He found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me ……., to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord”. He closed the book and gave it back to the attendant. Then He said “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” Luke 4:16-21
John the Baptist also confirmed during his lifetime by saying, “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with Holy Spirit and fire” Matthew 3:11. This corroboration of John came to pass on the day of Pentecost Acts 2:1-4.
Promises and fulfillment concerning mankind: The promise of God according to the Book of Joel stated that “And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days” Joel 2:28-29. For this reason, Jesus told the disciples to remain in Jerusalem until they receive the power Luke 24:49; Act 1:4. This promise was fulfilled when Jesus Christ breathed on the disciples and said to them “Receive the Holy Spirit” John 20:22. But the physical manifestation happened on the day of the Pentecost which prompted Peter to affirm by saying “Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear” Acts 2:33.
God not only fulfilled the promise, but it became more pronounced and widespread when God gave the gentiles the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit descended on Cornelius, his family and friends while Peter was preaching to them Acts 10:44-47. Today, many people have the gifts of the Holy Spirit, but how are they using them? Are they using them for God or for Satan?
Repentance and holiness are necessary for success
Anyone who desire the gifts of the Holy Spirit must genuinely repent and keep his/her body holy for the Lord, such person must not defile his/her body which is the temple of God where the Holy Spirit resides.
God gives Holy Spirit liberally after repentance: It is written that if we the earthlings who are sinful people know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more will our heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him! Luke 11:13. God is ready and willing to give the Holy Spirit to everyone who ask Him, but the prerequisite is that you must first repent even if you have faith in Him. Countless people are asking God for the gifts of the Holy Spirit, but they receive not, why? Because they did not repent and shun or depart from evil. The testimony of apostle Peter was “Repent and let everyone of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” Acts 2:38. Since repentance is an integral part of receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit, then we can deduce that without repentance, it is impossible for anyone to receive the Holy Spirit. You can neither please the Lord nor be acceptable to Him without repentance, so, repent of your sins today so that you will receive the Spirit of God.
It is for this reason that “Jesus Christ cried out saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.” “He who believes in Me, as the scripture has said, out of his heart will flow the rivers of living water.”” But He was speaking concerning the Spirit, whom those who have faith and trusted in Him will receive, since the Holy Spirit had not been given because Jesus is yet to be glorified John 7:37-39. Therefore, you need unshaken faith and repentance to receive the Holy Spirit.
Holiness is a precondition to success: Many people are successful in their chosen careers, but they are unsuccessful in their Christianity journeys because they failed to sanctify and keep their bodies holy.
The instruction of God to the Israelites was “Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God” Leviticus 20:7. Anyone that does not sanctify himself/herself cannot walk with God, and such person have no portion in the Lord God, and God Himself have no portion in such person. Therefore, heed the voice of Your Creator today “You must be holy because I, the Lord your God am holy” Leviticus 19:2.
It is when you keep yourself holy that you will receive the Holy Spirit which will make you to be successful in your Christian life. It is for this reason that when the need arose to choose people who will work in the church, the criteria used was: people of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom Acts 6:3-5. People who are working or intend to work in the vineyard of God (Churches) must have the Holy Spirit in order to be successful.
God does not discriminate: Our God is God of all, so once the aforementioned preconditions are met, He will send the Holy Spirit upon such people. That was what happened in the Book of Acts when God sent the Holy Spirit upon the Gentiles because He does not discriminate. Anyone that do the right thing before Him is acceptable, immaterial of the person’s race, sex or skin colour Acts 11:15-18. Since God gave our Lord Jesus Christ His Spirit without limit, emulate Jesus Christ through godliness, holiness and repentance so that you will have limitless gifts of the Holy Spirit John 3:34.
Do not quench the Spirit but earnestly desire Him
It is the duty of Christians worldwide to make sure that the fire of the Holy Spirit is not extinguished. They must do whatever it takes to keep their spiritual lamps burning so that the darkness will not overcome them.
Earnestly desire the gifts of the Holy Spirit: The Bible says that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” James 1:7. So seek and earnestly desire the best gifts from your heavenly Father who gives liberally/freely. You need to eagerly desire these greatest gifts of the Holy Spirit because they are priceless, precious, divine and eternal inheritance 1 Corinthians 12:31. For this reason, zealously pursue love and godliness, eagerly desire spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit, most especially prophecy 1 Corinthians 14:1. Since these gifts are free, be devoted to receive them and have strong desire to be endowed with the special abilities the Holy Spirit gives.
The diversity of gifts: There are various types of gifts of the Holy Spirit, and some of them are the following: wisdom, knowledge, understanding, dreams, vision, hearing of voice from the Lord, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues and dreams. It is the One and Only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have 1 Corinthians 12:8-11. Since all these gifts and abilities are inspired and brought about by One and the same Holy Spirit, distributing to each person individually as He chooses. Then, it is important that you work zealously so that you will be apportioned many gifts.
Do not neglect your gifts, but stir them up: It is essential that you must not abandon your spiritual gifts. Do not fail to care for the gifts of the Holy Spirit bestowed upon you. You must never neglect whatever divine gift and special ability that you have received from the Lord 1 Timothy 4:14. Use your spiritual gifts judiciously so that they will not be retrieved. Remember the parable of the talents in the Bible; whereby those who traded with their talents gained more and the person who hid his talent lost it because it was retrieved from him and was given to the person with ten talents Matthew 25:14-28. For this reason, always fan into flames the spiritual gifts that God gave to you. Never forget to use the gifts of Holy Spirit which reside in you. You must rekindle the embers of your divine gift and keep the fire of the gracious gifts of God burning in your life. You must never permit the darkness to overshadow your life, so keep your spiritual lamp ablaze and your inner fire burning 2 Timothy 1: 6.
Use your gifts to minister to one another: It is our duty to use our spiritual talent and special ability graciously given to us by God to serve one another. The variety of gifts that we have must be utilized for the benefit of one another. It is written that “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” 1 Peter 4:10. As good stewards of many and various grace of God, let us use our spiritual gifts to assist, encourage, strengthen and establish our brethren in the Lord Romans 1:11. Do not be proud or boast, but impart and share spiritual gifts that will make others to expand and be established.
Do not forbid to prophesy: Many churches across the world have prohibited prophecy because they do not believe in the existence of the Holy Spirit. Countless churches have banned speaking in tongues because they lack understanding. To such churches, we say do not forbid people to speak in tongues, but they should earnestly desire to prophesy 1 Corinthians 14:39. The prophets and prophetesses must respect and honour one another as necessary because “the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets” 1 Corinthians 14:32. Therefore, the prophets and prophetesses must submit to one another according to their hierarchy.
Use your gift to edify the Church: The purpose of the spiritual gift given to you is to help each other. Therefore, use your spiritual gifts for the common good of everyone so that they will profit all 1 Corinthians 12:7. Inasmuch as people are zealous to possess spiritual gifts, they must strive to excel in ways that will build up the church spiritually. Since countless people are eager and ambitious to possess spiritual endowments and special abilities that the spirit gives, they must use them to strengthen the church so that the congregation will excel 1 Corinthians 14:12. Do not forget to use your gifts for the edification of the Church and do not subdue or suppress the activities of the Holy Spirit. You must neither stifle/choke the messages of the Holy Spirit nor quench the spirit 1 Thessalonians 5:19.
Week 20: May 20th, 2018
Topic: Never grieve the Holy Spirit nor quench the Spirit – Part 5
Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:25-30
We shall continue our discussion by mentioning the importance of the Holy Spirit to our survival in this world and the existence of mankind.
The importance of the Holy Spirit
Human being need the Holy Spirit to overcome the spiritual battles that are plaguing our lives. We need the power of the Holy Spirit to subdue and defeat the terrestrial powers that are against our existence. Without the fortification of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we will be so weak and fall behind in ability, most especially the achievement of spiritual evolution. Therefore, if you don’t want to be a laughing stock for Satan and his agents, you must seek the Spirit of God because this is the end-time and contrary/unclean spirits are roaming about looking for people whose lives they will ruin.
Believers need the Holy Spirit to be conquerors: Many satanic teaching and demonic doctrines are prevalent in this world today; so, we need the Holy Spirit to surmount them. Countless nations around the globe have various laws like: freedom of speech and religion. So, numerous people in these countries are misusing their freedom; they are using their freedom against God to serve the Devil. Paul apostle said through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” 1 Corinthians 6:12.
The fact that something is not against the law does not mean that it is beneficial or profitable; so, do not be enslaved by anything just because it is lawful or be brought under its power because it is permissible in your community/nation. Because you will become the slave of whatever you choose to obey. You can be a slave to sin if you are doing lustful things that are lawful or you can choose to obey God and receive the Holy Spirit Romans 6:16. Therefore, flee from whatever that is lawful which cannot edify your faith.
Many believers are yet to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit which will guide and guard them in their Christianity journey. Such people must strive to be endowed with the Holy Spirit according to the event that happened in these passages Acts 19:2-6. If you are yet to receive the Holy Spirit, something great is lacking or missing in your life. Until the time that you have the gifts of the Holy Spirit that is when the Spirit Himself will bear witness with your spirit that you are a child of God Romans 8:16. For you to be referred to as a child of God, you must have the Spirit of God.
Holy Spirit is necessary for our survival: Human being need the power of the Holy Spirit to protect and preserve their lives, most especially to defend them against spiritual attacks. Simeon the sorcerer knew the importance of the Holy Spirit that was the reason he offered John and Peter money to buy the power of the Holy Spirit Acts 8:18-23.
King David foretold the future by announcing the reign of Jesus Christ the Messiah of the world. He said through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that “The Lord said to my Lord, sit at the My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool” Mark 12:36. Also, Ananias restored Paul apostle’s sight through the power of the Holy Spirit Acts 9:17. From these passages, we can conclude that Holy Spirit is essential to our peaceful existence and without the gifts of the Holy Spirit, our lives will become unbearable.
Do not deny, betray or conspire against the Holy Spirit: You must neither deny the existence of the Holy Spirit or conspire against Him when the situation gets tough. You must be bold and determined to resist the Devil and confront your challenges. Do not give in or betray the Holy Spirit through your actions, reactions and utterances. Always remember that your unsatisfactory condition will not last forever, but for a brief period, because God will not leave nor forsake you. Emulate the conducts of Paul apostles when he was confronted by prison time and tribulation. He said “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I receive from the Lord Jesus to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” Acts 20:20-24. You need to be resolute and do not forget that anyone who endures to the end shall be saved Matthew 24:13.
Furthermore, you must be faithful to the point of death, so that you will be given the crown of life Revelation 2:10. It is for this reason that Paul apostle sounded the warning to the founders and the overseers, and the shepherds to take care, keep watch and be on guard for themselves and the whole flock which the Holy Spirit has appointed them as leaders, overseers and guardians to shepherd, tend and feed the Church of God which He purchased with His own blood. Because false teachers and deceptive preachers like ferocious wolves together with the agents of Satan have come into the churches and will not spare the flock. Even some people among the overseers, founders and shepherds will rise up and distort the truth in order to entice Christians to follow them or come to their churches. It is happening now in the world because several founders and overseers are speaking perverse and corrupt things so as to draw away Christians from other denominations to their churches Acts 20:28-30. If you are one of the founders, overseers, shepherds and leaders, be zealous to tend, feed and shepherd the flock of God rather than luring believers from other denominations, but if they come to your church by their own volition, it is okay.
The usefulness of the Holy Spirit
The usefulness of the Holy Spirit is indescribable and inexpressible because it is a spiritual process/experience. However, we will mention some that are written in the Bible that people can easily understand:
Revelation of past, present and future events: King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream which he did not remember when he woke up. He called the magicians, the astrologers, and the sorcerers to tell him the dream, but they could not tell him.
Daniel through the gifts of the Holy Spirit revealed the dream that the king dreamt and forgot Daniel 2:1-35. If you want the gift of revelation, you need to seek the Holy Spirit. Apostle John was shown the revelation of the heaven and the events of the end-time Revelation 1:1-20. For you to have the gift that is superior to the satanic spirit of soothsaying, you must be devoted and surrender your life to God.
Interpretation of dreams and tongues: God used Daniel to give the interpretation of the dream that king Nebuchadnezzar had, Daniel even warned the king that if he is not careful, the dream will come to pass Daniel 2:36-45. Daniel was also utilized by the Holy Spirit to give the interpretation of the second dream of the king Daniel 4:8-18. Daniel also interpreted the writings on the wall for king Belshazzar the son of king Nebuchadnezzar whose atrocity led to his demise/death Daniel 5:1-28. If you want people to refer to you as somebody in whom is the Spirit of the Holy God, you must eagerly desire the Holy Spirit.
Strength during difficult period: Stephen was strengthened by the Holy Spirit so he neither deny God nor betray His covenant throughout his ordeal, therefore, he saw heavenly vision with Jesus Christ standing at the right hand of God Acts 7:54-60. Whatever you are passing through, you must allow the Holy Spirit to reign in your heart so that He will strengthen you to the end of your journey.
Whenever you are in trouble for doing the work of God, do not entertain any fear because the Holy Spirit will come to your aid according to the passage which stated that “But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.” Mark 13:11. Remember, God will never leave nor forsake you and the Holy Spirit will always (be there for you) strengthen you.
Empowerment: Jesus Christ told His disciples before His ascension to heaven that “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” Acts 1:8. The passage simply means empowerment comes from the Holy Spirit. Therefore, if you want spiritual power that can defeat the spiritual battles of your life, seek the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit alone can empower you to destroy the satanic realms that are afflicting you and make you to be untouchable to the forces of darkness. It is for this reason that king David prayed fervently to God saying, “Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me” Psalm 51:11. Those of us who have the Holy Spirit must never behave in manners that will make the Holy Spirit to depart from our lives or for His gifts to be retrieved from us. The people that are yet to receive the Holy Spirit should crave to have the gifts of the Holy Spirit which can empower them so that they will not be defenseless.
Discernment: The scripture stated that “The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14. At this intersection, we must acknowledge that every Christian needs the spirit of discernment which the Holy Spirit alone provides. Christians needs the spirit of discernment to be able to decide between the truth and error, between what is right and what is wrong so that they will not be led astray.
Believers need the spirit of discernment to grasp the word of God and comprehend the difficult and obscure things of the scripture. Our perception about things must be from the Biblical angle so that we will judge correctly. Anyone without the spirit of discernment from the Holy Spirit will not be able to discern spiritually and such people cannot please God.
Finally, turn at the rebuke of the Lord and He will surely pour out His Spirit on you; He will make His words know to you Proverbs 1:23. If you will turn and pay attention to the reproof of the Lord, He will pour His Spirit on you and give you the wisdom to understand His words.
The Seal: Ephesians 4:30: And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.