South Highway Five Church of Christ

THE HOLY SPIRIT TEACHES: The Spirit helped certain men deliver God's message and confirm that word with miracles (Acts 2:4). The Spirit then had men write down God's message (2 Peter 1:20-21). When all of God's will was recorded, miracles were no longer needed (1 Corinthians 13:10). When we learn and apply the words of the Bible, we learn and apply the words passed down from the Holy Spirit. This is how He directs our lives: We read the Bible, study the Bible, and apply the Bible.

THE HOLY SPIRIT INDWELLS: God gives Christians His Holy Spirit
(1 Thessalonians 4:8), and the Spirit indwells Christians (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). However, the Spirit does not force us to obey against our will (2 Peter 3:9; Mark 8:34). The Spirit strengthens the inner man through the word (Ephesians 5:18 19; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Through the word the Spirit helps us manifest the fruit of the Spirit which is "... love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control..." (Galatians 5:22-23).

THE HOLY SPIRIT SERVES : He serves as our seal and guarantee. Since we willingly obeyed the gospel, Paul says that we were sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13); i.e., He verifies our son-ship. Also, the Spirit is our guarantee (Ephesians 1:14); i.e., He is the down payment of our inheritance of our heavenly lot. On the last day, Christ will pay it in full when He takes us to heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Howcan we commit sinful actions knowing all this? That's why Paul commands, "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption" (Ephesians 4:30). Why would we choose to sin, knowing the Holy Spirit willingly participates in our salvation?