The Holy Spirit (14)
By Abraham Eli
This study was first taught on August 14, 2012
Topic: Now That the Holy Spirit is in You (1)
No audio available for this study.Background
Two weeks ago, we saw that the Lord likened the action of the Holy Spirit within a believer to that of a river which never ceases to flow from its source. We noted that this means that the Holy Spirit, the source of the 'river', releases a steady 'stream of water' (such as graces and gifts) within the believer in Christ; thus, permanently satisfying the believer's longing for God, and constantly refreshing him, thereby eliminating spiritual burn outs, discouragement, etc. We also saw that Ezekiel, the prophet, described this action of the Holy Spirit, as 'water seeping from under the threshold of the temple of God', initially reaching just the 'ankle' of a man standing in it; but then progressively, over time and space, rises until the 'water' becomes a river which cannot be stood in, but swam in. By this description of the prophet, we get a sense of how a believer is progressively filled with the Holy Spirit, until he is completely submerged in, or enveloped by Him! John, the apostle, in the Book of Revelation, describes this 'rivers of living water' as a “pure river” which is life giving, crystal clear, and proceeds from the throne of God and of the Lamb. Putting together Ezekiel and John's descriptions and explanations, we saw that the 'rivers of living water' when effectual in a believer, produces life where there once was death; fruitfulness where there once was barrenness; and, enables the believer to be effectively involved in harvesting souls, bringing healing to nations (peoples groups or communities), and, restoration in the place where there have been devastation. We noted that the fruitfulness which the Holy Spirit produces in a believer in Christ, is unlike any other––enabling all-year round manifestation of different kinds of fruit, which is typical of a believer in Christ constantly harvesting souls and making them disciples; and himself, manifesting the fruit of the Spirit, bringing healing to whole people groups (nations), and being totally free of curses and able to worship God in spirit and in truth!
We also saw that the 'rivers of living waters' comes into a believer, the instant he truly believes on the Lord Jesus as the Messiah, which can be likened to the water reaching the ankle. Then, as he progressively spends time in the word of God, in prayer, in fasting, and, in continually doing the will of God; he experiences an increase in the intensity of the flow of the 'river' (i. e., the presence or influence of the Holy Spirit in him), also called the ‘anointing’, which can be likened to the waters rising until it becomes a river. Finally, we cautioned that as the Holy Spirit releases 'streams of rivers' within us, we must release ourselves to Him to take us where He wants to without us inhibiting Him with our paradigms about religion, for only then can we really benefit from all the blessings He brings into our lives!
Scripture Text(s)
John 14:16-17
Having received the gift of the Holy Spirit from our Lord Jesus Christ, certain things should begin to happen within us, and then flow from within us unto those around and about us. Tonight, we begin to look at these happenings, and pray that our study will not be merely informational, but more essentially, revelational and experiential, in Jesus' name, Amen.
Our scripture text for tonight establishes some significant things about the work of the Holy Spirit in a believer in Christ. This we observe from the names or titles He is referred to by the Lord––“another Comforter” and “Spirit of truth” in these verses. Tonight, we shall focus on the former, and next week, the latter.
1 John 2:1; John 14:26; 15:26; 16:7-8; Luke 5:1-10; Acts 16:8-33; Mark 4:35-41; John 6:18-21; Acts 27:1-44; 12:1-11; 8:1, 3; 9:1-31; Luke 22:31-32; Acts 20:22-23; 21:4, 10-14; Romans 8:26-27; Luke 24:13-34; Acts 18:7-11; 23:1-11; 27:21-26; Matthew 10:18-20; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-7; Hebrews 13:5-6.
Conclusion
The term “Comforter” is used only by John, the apostle, in the gospel and the first epistle he wrote. Its meaning is multifaceted, and can be gleaned from the scriptures in which it is used. Thus, “Comforter” means, Ally/Close Confidant, Advocate, Teacher/Reminder, Testifier/Witness, Encourager, Counsellor, Helper, a Standby, etc. The Lord referred to the Holy Spirit as “another Comforter” meaning that there had been One before, that is, Himself (Jesus Christ). By this statement, therefore, the Lord was saying that the Holy Spirit will do and continue to do with, in, and for, the disciples (both old and new), what He (Jesus Christ) had been doing with and for the disciples while He was physically on earth with them.
The Holy Spirit in His role as “Comforter” will thus, give the believer in Christ direction as to where he should locate or relocate to for optimal witnessing about Christ and harvest of souls, enable him to effectively witness about Christ to others (convincing and convicting), and, even orchestrate circumstances (good and seemingly bad) that will produce such effective witness and bountiful harvest of souls. He will also be a protection in the storms of life; warn of impending danger; and, raise people through whom He will intercede on behalf of believers in danger. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit will encourage and stand by believers in times of trouble, and persecution. In all, He will live up to the true meaning of “Comforter”!
One striking aspect of the Lord's statement is that the Holy Spirit's abiding with the believer will be a permanent one; unlike His own, which was, in the physical, temporary! This is not only comforting, but also a confidence booster in the Lord when tough times, and, trials and tribulations, arise in our lives; for we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper” and, “I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”
So, if the Holy Spirit is in you, you should be receiving clear directions about what to do and where to go, which will ultimately lead to effective witnessing with conviction of sinners, and the harvesting and discipling of souls; you should rest assured of His protection in the storms of life and in danger; be certain that He is well aware of what you are passing through; and, that He is right there with you, helping and encouraging you to press on, and manifesting His presence with signs following. And this will continue, not for a few years, but forever; that is, until you go to be with the Lord Jesus!
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