The Daily Work of the Holy Spirit
The Provision of the Holy Spirit
There are many activities or ministries that the Holy Spirit provides to our spiritual life - but here are eight:
1. Convicts (John 16:8-15)
2. Regenerates (John 3:1-8; Titus 3:5, I Peter 1:23-25; James 1:18)
3. Seals (Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30)
4. Indwells / baptizes believers (I Corinthians 6:19; Romans 8:9; John 14:16; I Corinthians 12:13)
5. Gifts (I Corinthians 12:7-11)
6. Guides (John 16:13-15)
7. Produces fruit (Galatians 5:22-23)
8. Fills (Ephesians 5:15-21; Galatians 5:16)
Notice the progression here: the Son proceeded from the Father, and the Holy Spirit of God proceeded from both the Father and Son to be poured out on God's elect - convicting us before we were saved, but then regenerating us, sealing us, dwelling within us and baptizing us into Christ. He gifts us to minister to His people, and guides us to be effective for His kingdom. He produces the fruit of Christ's character as we abide in Him, and fills us with the strength to walk in a manner pleasing to Him.
The Holy Spirit always illuminates and magnifies the work of Christ, pointing to Jesus like a light on a billboard. We aren’t driven to the light; the light merely draws our attention to what is displayed. The Father is the source, the Son the substance, and the Spirit is the one who provides us strength to walk with Jesus!
In Romans 8, we learn that the Holy Spirit assures us of our sonship by adoption, testifying for us and to us that we are indeed God's children. He has indeed not left us as orphans; God's Spirit settles the debate in our hearts when our conscience condemns us. We have the firstfruits of the Spirit - the deposit given at the beginning of harvest which guarantees that there is much more to come. One day, we will exchange cross for crown, suffering for glory, and the not yet will merge with the already as we see the final redemption and restoration of the new heavens and new earth with Christ consummating His glorious kingdom. For this, we have a sure hope even though we don't see it. Take time to thank God for His Spirit today!
