You know that feeling of standing on the edge of cold water? You know it will be good for you once you’re in… but when you’re warm and dry, it’s hard to take the plunge.
That’s a little how I felt before our sermon series on the Holy Spirit. As I shared at the Q&A Night, I was apprehensive. Nervous about how it might land in our church, and whether it might stir up unnecessary conflict or division.
But on the other side of the series, I have nothing but thanks to God for the way He has used His word to grow His people, myself included.
Over the past ten weeks we’ve had the privilege of slowing down and listening carefully to what the Bible teaches about the Holy Spirit. Each Sunday we’ve learned more of who He is and how He works in our lives. Now, as the series closes, it’s right for us to pause, reflect, and give thanks.
I’m thankful we’ve been reminded that the Spirit is not some vague energy or “religious feeling,” but the very presence of Jesus with His people - another advocate. When Jesus said it was better that He go so the Spirit would come, He meant this astonishing truth: that God Himself would make His home with us.
I’m thankful we’ve seen how the Spirit gives us the assurance of adoption, teaching us to cry out, “Abba, Father.” In a world that defines identity in countless shifting ways, the Spirit anchors us in God’s unchanging love. He reminds us who we really belong to, in a sea of lies he tells us the truth for he is the Spirit of Truth.
I’m thankful we’ve seen that the Spirit empowers us for mission. From Pentecost until now, He sends ordinary people to bear witness to Jesus. Our weakness isn’t a liability, it’s the very stage on which the Spirit shows His strength as he brings about new birth in those who hear the good news of Jesus.
And I’m thankful we’ve remembered that the Spirit not only gives gifts but also grows fruit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These aren’t “nice extras” for the spiritually keen, but the essential evidence of life lived by the Spirit.
As a church we have much to praise God for. He has not left us as orphans. He has given us His Spirit, the firstfruits of the new creation, who assures us of what is to come.
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25)
For reflection:
What from the Bible in this series has corrected or challenged your assumptions about the Spirit?
How has God’s word reshaped your understanding of what it means to be “spiritual”?
What is one way you can keep in step with the Spirit this coming week—in prayer, in love, or in speaking about Jesus?
Thanks be to God for His Spirit who dwells within us!
Grace & peace,
Andrew