“Holy” Spirit: What Meanest Thou?

“HOLY” SPIRIT

Ninety-four times in the NIV Bible the Spirit is referred to as the “Holy” Spirit. The word holy implies separate, “other” and distinct. God is not animal, mineral or vegetable. He is different. When we pray that our Father’s name be regarded as holy we are asking that the astonishing, uniquely grand things about Him would stand out! This is the work of the Holy Spirit!

To be holy means to move from commonness to an exceptional place of separated distinctiveness. The Holy Spirit resting on common people makes them holy.

But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.  Jude 20

CHARACTER TRUMPS GIFTING

You may prophecy the secrets of people’s hearts, but can you be trusted with a confidence? You may possess great faith, but are you arrogant? Do you use your astonishing gifts for your own advantage or to honor and build up others and hear from the Father?

Sin will quickly compromise our ability to minister to others and hear from the Father. I would rather work with people of high character and little gifting than the other way around. Of course we pursue both! Don’t minister with scummy pipes. Live a distinctive life.

Many wonder how to overcome temptation and live the victorious life. As we are filled with the Holy Spirit corrupt, carnal ways of life are stifled by a greater power!   See Galatians 5:16

NINE FRUIT FLAVORS

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”(Gal 5:22-23)

There is no speed limit on joy. You won’t find a “No trespassing” signs for gentleness. You may be as kind or self-controlled as you wish and no one will arrest you! God the Spirit brings delicious flavors and fragrances to our communion! Some have received gifts of the Spirit but have sour dispositions. The cure is to enjoy these fruity flavors!