MEMORY VERSE: “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth.: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak, and he will shew you things to come” John 16:13.
BIBLE PASSAGE: John 16:12-14.
INTRODUCTION
Jesus, before His ascension, told His disciples that His Father would send the Comforter – The Holy Spirit – who would teach and guide all those who believe in Him John 14:26; 16:7. This promise of Jesus was fulfilled when the Holy Spirit came with power on the believers at Pentecost Acts 2:1-4. Now, when a person believes in Christ, the Holy Spirit immediately becomes a part of his life Romans 8:14; 1 Corinthians 12:13.
OUTLINE
- OPERATIONS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
- DISCERNING THE HOLY SPIRIT’S LEADING
1. OPERATIONS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit has many roles. Not only does He distribute spiritual gifts according to His will 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, but He also reproves or corrects us John 16:8, comforts John 14:16, teaches and reminds John 14:26 and remains in us as a seal of promise upon our hearts until the day of Jesus’ return Ephesians 1:13; 4:30. The Holy Spirit also takes on the role of a Guide and Counsellor, leading us in the way we should go and revealing God’s truth Luke 12:12; 1 Corinthians 2:6-10.
2. DISCERNING THE HOLY SPIRIT’S LEADING
Some believers today are still confused in discerning between their thoughts and the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Some of the things to note about our thoughts include the fact that our desires and feelings may affect or dictate our thought pattern. Thoughts can be unstable and sometimes misleading. It wanders from one end to another. Our thoughts may be sensual Romans 8:5. It can lead astray and eventually bring harm. Fear is a product of uncontrolled thoughts. It is important to check with the Holy Spirit even when your thoughts seem positive,
However, the Holy Spirit can dominate our thoughts (when we have fully surrendered it to Him) and use it to establish the will of God. The Holy Spirit sometimes guides us through our own conscience Romans 9:1.The word of God is one of the most important ways to recognise the Holy Spirit’s guidance 2 Timothy 3:16; 2:15. The Spirit will use it to reveal God’s will to us in times of need John 16:12-14; 14:26. Knowledge of God’s Word can help us to discern whether our desires come from the Holy Spirit Psalm 119:11. It is also necessary for us to be in constant prayer (in the Spirit) to keep our hearts and minds open to the Holy Spirit’s leading 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Romans 8:26-27. The leading of the Holy Spirit also brings peace Romans 15:13.
When we know the will of God but do not follow it, we are resisting the Spirit’s work in our lives Acts 7:51; 1 Thessalonians 5:19. When we follow our own ways, it grieves Him Ephesians 4:30. The Holy Spirit will never lead us into sin. Habitual sin will cause us to miss what the Holy Spirit wants to say to us through the word.
CONCLUSION
Be constantly in tune with the Holy Spirit.
FURTHER READINGS:
SUN: Isaiah 7:13;
MON: Exodus 32:29;
TUES: Colossians 4:2;
WED: Luke 18:1;
THUR: John 14:26;
FRI: Galatians 1:20;
SAT: Acts 10:38