26. Holy Spirit's Teaching

Precious Manuscripts

Breath Of God Jesus tells the disciples in Luke 12.12, "for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say." Christians must not be anxious about what they say when questioned by authorities like the Temple, Synagogue leaders, and Roman governors. Jesus tells them that the Holy Spirit will guide them when necessary. He also reminds his disciples who had heard his words during his lifetime that they will remember them later under the Holy Spirit's guidance. In John 14.26, Jesus says, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." ✞

The Advocate

It is the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who will teach you, says Jesus. The favorite word used for the Holy Spirit in the Fourth Gospel is the Greek word "Paracletos." This word may mean "intercessor, consoler, advocate, or comforter," according to "Strong's Talking Greek and Hebrew Dictionary." Dr. William Barclay, the eminent Bible Commentator, writes in "Barclay's Daily Study Bible (NT)," "It (the word) can be used of a witness, or an advocate to plead our cause. In the day of trouble, there need be no fear, for no less a person than the Holy Spirit of God stands by to help." Later, Jesus' disciples again remember that the Holy Spirit writes Christ's words through the Scriptures. It is as if Jesus' words are stored like precious manuscripts in the temple of our hearts when we read his word. ✞

Serene Silent Beauty

Jesus Word The Holy Spirit ministry brings a holy life and a serene, silent beauty to the Christian believer. The Holy Spirit ministry within us means that we are required to speak the truth. Saint John in 1 John 5.6b explains, "and it is the Spirit who testifies because the Spirit is the truth." The Holy Spirit speaks to us and through us because of this. Blaise Pascal (1623-1662), the French mathematician and Christian philosopher, writes, "The serene, silent beauty of a holy life is the most powerful influence in the world." The Holy Spirit joins our inner spirit in asserting that we are children of God. As Saint Paul writes in Romans 8.16, "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children." The Holy Spirit ministry requires only the truth and nothing but the truth! ✞

Unique Sacredness

Christ Stars There is a unique sacredness in the Holy Spirit ministry such that blasphemy against him will not be tolerated or forgiven. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is the opposite of the truth, as in Matthew 12.31-32, where Jesus says, "And so I tell you, God can forgive every kind of sin and slander, but not the blasphemy against the Spirit. God will forgive speaking against the Son of Man, but speaking against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, in this age or the next." Why this should be, is difficult to understand. Still, perhaps it is that since the Holy One is our channel to God and brings the truth of God, then offense against the Holy Spirit causes the means of communication with the sacred to break irreparably. Thus, even the power to communicate is blocked, and eternal painful separation from God results. To say that the Holy One has an unclean spirit is an eternal sin and contrary to the truth. On the other hand, God deals with us in the most intimate, gentle, and personal way. We need Jesus as our Savior, all the more. ✞

Beautiful Characteristics

The Holy Spirit's life passes on to the Christian the attractive characteristics of Jesus and keeps sin at bay in our lives. Rose growers in Holland cultivate inferior flowers next to those of superior quality. By careful treatment, the poorer take on the characteristics of the most beautiful. In the same way, Christians take on the attributes of Jesus by spending time with him. The Holy Spirit life exchanges the prospect of death for that of life as described in Romans 8.13, "For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live." ✞

Holy Spirit's Pressure

As a boy, F.B.Meyer (1847-1929), a contemporary and friend of the evangelist D. L. Moody (1837-1899), enjoyed visiting the Polytechnic Science Building in London, England. He particularly liked the diving bell there. It had no floor, but there were seats attached to the inside. Visitors were sometimes allowed to enter the bell and lowered into the water until submerged. What fascinated Meyer is that though they can reach down and touch the water, the occupants don't get wet because the air pumped in from the top maintained water pressure. If you are full of the Holy Spirit, the life in the flesh is underneath you, and though it would surge up, the pressure of the Holy Spirit's presence in you keeps it down. ✞

Bring Eternal Life

Cloud Over Ocean Squashing the flesh's sin tendency brings eternal life and holiness. We receive eternal life from Jesus' royal blood by the Holy Spirit. In life, we sow to the flesh by pampering to our natural worldly desires. To sow to the Holy Spirit means seeking after personal holiness, which eventually brings eternal life here on earth and into eternity. Saint Paul writes in Galatians 6.7-8, "Do not be deceived, you cannot mock God. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." The Expositor's Study Bible explains, " 'Be not deceived' refers to the fact that a believer can fail. Paul is speaking of believers allowing false teachers to move their faith from the cross to other things." ✞

Royal Blood

William Gurnall (1616-1679), an English author and clergyman, wrote in "The Christian in Complete Armor." "Do not say that you are born of God and have royal blood flowing through your veins, except you can prove your pedigree by this heroic spirit. Dare to be holy despite men and devils." The language may be from another age, but the truth remains that the Holy Spirit will bring eternal life to those who dare to live a holy life despite men and devils! ✞

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