The Gift of the Holy Spirit

May 05, 2021

The Gift of the Holy Spirit

“By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” – 1 John 4:13-16

In one of his last conversations with the disciples, Jesus told them of the Holy Spirit who would be sent to them: “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:25-26). Though Jesus would not dwell with them as he had for the past three years, he would still be present with them and in them through this Holy Spirit. What confusing and amazing words those must have been for the disciples at this time.

Jesus would leave them and ascend to the Father. They could no longer see him, touch him, or hear him as they once had. Nevertheless, with the work of the Spirit within them, there was deeper understanding, greater power, and memory of these teachings of Jesus. This Holy Spirit was sent to be a deposit of what was to come. In their earthly bodies, these disciples experienced the presence of God. Once they were free of the earthly bodies, they would behold Jesus again, this time in all his glory. The Holy Spirit was the indwelling reminder of that promise: they would see Jesus again and be with him for eternity.

As we declare our faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ, we also receive this Holy Spirit. God comes to dwell within us. The Apostle John reminds us we have been entrusted with a precious gift and he calls us to abide in it. Like the disciples, we can accomplish great things for the kingdom of God when we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us and equip us.

Abiding in the Holy Spirit is an ongoing and active process. Every day we must choose to realign our lives, to turn from the distractions of this world and to put our eyes on the eternal work that is done by faith alone. Making this choice allows the Lord to bring his purpose, power, and presence into our live. It will also bring a greater awareness of his love. And there is no better place to be than in the love and presence of the Lord!

Reflect & Respond:
Spend some time soaking in the love, presence, and power of the Lord today. As you finish out your day, reflect on how that time of abiding impacted your day. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Related Resources:
In our new six-week Bible study on the book of 1 John, you are invited to live and celebrate true life in Christ. Throughout his first letter, John wrestles with the assurance of salvation. How do we know that we are genuine Christians, and how can we recognize authentic faith in others? The Apostle John taught that you can enjoy full assurance through believing in the incarnate Son of God, walking in the light of obedience, and loving God and his children. Embark on this study with us today!