Sometimes people confuse the Spirit (He) with a spirit (it).
The Holy Spirit is not a force, feeling, attitude, or mystical experience. He is God, the third member of the Trinity. He is inseparable from the purposes and character of the Father and Jesus.(1)
The Holy Spirit:
1. Was present and active in creation - Genesis 1:1-2.
2. Spoke warnings through the prophets - Nehemiah 9:30.
3. Is omnipresent - Psalm 139:7-10.
4. Convicts us of sin - John 16:8.
5. Indwells believers - Ephesians 1:13.
6. Counsels, teaches and reminds us of truth - John 14:26.
7. Helps us bear godly "fruit" - Galatians 5:22-23.
8. Brings unity among Christians - 1 Corinthians 12:13.
9. Is grieved by sin - Ephesians 4:30.
10. Glorifies Jesus and the Father - John 16:13-15.
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(1) From Got Questions: The word for “Spirit” (pneuma) is neuter and would naturally take neuter pronouns to have grammatical agreement. Yet, in many cases, masculine pronouns are found (e.g., John 15:26; 16:13-14). Grammatically, there is no other way to understand the pronouns of the New Testament related to the Holy Spirit—He is referred to as a “He,” as a person.
You might also enjoy this 1-minute devotion about the Holy Spirit: Our Divine Translator.
Bible Love Notes
“The Bible was not given for our information but for our transformation.” ― D.L. Moody
Scripture is more than facts and figures.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Even the narratives in Scripture are given as examples and warnings (1 Corinthians 10:11).
When we realize God's Word is part of His love for us, we'll long to read, study, and obey it's message, commands, principles, and precepts.(1)
We'll not only read and study the words of the Bible, we'll obey them so that we never become self-deceived (James 1:22-25). We'll let Scripture transform our minds so we can understand God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will (Romans 12:2).
God’s written words are not like any other written words. They’re alive and able to judge our thoughts and attitudes (Hebrews 4:12).
How are you letting God's Word transform your heart and mind? I encourage you to make it a priority.
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(1) The psalmist understood that God's Word is an expression of His love. We need this same understanding: Psalm 119: 64, 88, 124, 149, 159.
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Did you know that Bible Love Notes has an archive of 1-minute devotions about God's Word? You can find a devotion comparing God's Word to Dark Chocolate, and another revealing President Thomas Jefferson's disrespect for God's Word. I pray that these 1-minute devotions will encourage you to be transformed by God's wonderful Word! 💗
Bible Love Notes
Over forty years ago, as a new Christian, I remember two events that taught me about Philippians 2:12-13:
“12 Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
At a ladies' Bible study a woman explained that she would quit chain-smoking when/if God took away the desire, because only He could change her.(1)
She believed verse 13.
A few months later a Christian friend shared how hard it was to stop smoking, but with God's help, he persevered and did it.
He knew that God could change him, but he also understood that he had an obligation to resist sin (Romans 8:12).
This man believed both verse 12 and 13.
Do you believe both verses?
Are you willing to make sacrifices in order to overcome sin in your life? (Romans 12:1-2).
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(1) Can God take away an ungodly desire without any effort on our part? Of course! He can and does at times. Does He promise to do this? No.
For two practical ways to help in your battle against sin, see I Can't Change and Set Your Alarm.
Why not check out today's Bite Size Bible Study with full-text Scripture passages, helpful resources, and practical ideas for overcoming sin.
Bible Love Notes
