TEXT: John 16:8-15
13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore, I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you. John 16:13-15 (NKJV)
I have been talking about the Holy Spirit for some time now. Jesus said, we are born of the Spirit. Praying is not productive, without the presence of the Holy spirit in us. The Holy Spirit is the witness of the way, the truth, and life of God within us. Therefore, as we pray and cry for revival, we must be aware His presence, plan, and purpose. Jesus said, the Holy Spirit shall not speak of himself, he will operate only according to the will of the Father. This is the foundation upon which the various gifts of the Holy spirit must stand. He will operate only at the command of God through our Lord Jesus. Therefore, as intercessors, we must be living vessel by which God accomplishes his purpose in the world and in the body of Christ. John 15:16, Acts 9:15. Therefore, let us consider the following questions briefly.
1.Why did Jesus promise us the Holy Spirit? 2.Why does the Holy Spirit manifest signs and wonders? And 3. how do we operate with the Holy spirit and with the gifts? I want to use these questions to highlight our indispensable relationship with the Holy Spirit.
1. Why did Jesus promise us the Holy Spirit? He is the spirit and power of the Christian life. John 14:17 You are born again of the Holy Spirit. John 3:3-5 He promised the Holy Spirit will help and comfort us. Teach and remind us His gospel of Jesus Christ. Moreover, the Holy Spirit will give us revelations knowledge, wisdom to deal with lies and threats of the devil. He will empower us to live the Christ life, give us authority to witness Jesus, love, and serve the body of Christ. And help us love God and one another. Above all, by the Spirit of God, we have the power to be children of God, the weapons of spiritual warfare and the power to fight the good fight of faith. So that we are not like people beating the air or beating about the bush. 1 Cor. 9:26 The holy spirit is to us today, what the bodily Jesus was to the disciples. You will not miss anything if you appreciate and understand the ministry of the holy spirit in your life.
2. Why does the Holy Spirit manifest signs and wonders.? The Letter of Paul to the Romans is a great answer. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:4-8 (NKJV) The long and short of it is that we are given gifts of the holy spirit, to demonstrate the love and power of God, to witness of Jesus to the world, and for the wellness of the body of Jesus Christ. Finally, you will discover that truthfulness, righteousness, agape love, obedience to God and his word are function of the Holy Spirit. John 14:15-17. We shall continue from here next week. Meanwhile, if you are hearing me right now, and you have never accepted Jesus as your Lord and savior. That is why you are here. Jesus said “… The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:15 (NKJV)) Thank you. See you next week same time. God bless you.
