Teachings of the Apostles

 

The Holy Spirit in the teachings of the Apostles

In one of the earliest writings, 'James', reads " The Spirit that dwells in us." – just like Romans 8:9

Now to trace the mentions of the Holy Spirit in the Gospel explanation – Romans:

The holy Spirit raised Jesus from death  1;4,  8;11

Our hearts are filled with God's love by the Holy Spirit. 5:5, 15:30

The new way to serve God is by the Holy Spirit . 7:6

The life giving Spirit gives freedom from sin.  8:2

To be controlled by the Spirit, is to think about spirit things. 8:5

Life and peace are the result of a Spirit controlled mind. 8:6

Renunciation of sin is by the Holy Spirit. 8:13, 14

God is our 'Abba Father' by the Spirit of God. 8:14.16

The presence of the Holy Spirit is a foretaste of glory 8:23

He is the one who comes alongside to help in prayer. 8:26, 27

Hope comes through the power of the Holy Spirit. 15:13

Sanctification is by the Holy Spirit. 15:16

Miracles and signs are by the Holy Spirit. 15:19

Wow, how blessed we are to have the Holy Spirit.  How shall we fit all the teaching into these short articles?? Please follow a concordance to study all the mentions of the Holy Spirit in Corinthians and Galatians – so important foe Christian living and victory over law keeping.(I may get to them later)..

I would like to focus on the "filling of the Spirit" in Ephesians 4:18. It is essential to survey the context:-

Ephesians 1:13 Each believer is sealed with the Holy Spirit.

 2:18  All believers by one Spirit have access to the Father.

2:22 The whole body of believers is made into a temple of praise by the Spirit. 3:15 The inspiration of scripture is by the Spirit.

3:16 The Spirit connects with our inner being (spirit) and heart to understand the unknowable love of God. 4:3 Unity is by the Spirit.

4:23 Spirit and mind are linked together. 4:30 He can be grieved.

5:18 "Be filled with the Spirit" – I would like to focus on this to clear up confusion about being filled with the Spirit.

 Five times in the book of Acts is mention made of disciples being filled with the Spirit. Each context verifies that  this was to enable serving the Lord. Here in Ephesians the explanation is given. It is the opposite of being intoxicated with alcohol, which removes control and moral guidelines, and ends up often with debauchery. The aftermath is devastating.

Filled with the Spirit is the opposite – full control, not by our self nature, but by God's Spirit.  Then verses 19-33 tell us what that will be like.

1       "Psalms , hymns and spiritual songs" will be our delight because we are enjoying the wonderful things that God , in Christ, has done. Review chapter 1-4

2       "Giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" If we let the Spirit help us count our many blessings, we will never cease to praise Him.

3       "Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ" This is not pleasing to the natural person, but for the born again , spirit filled person a  very moderate attitude prevails. Others are more important than self!

4       "Wives submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord". It may be countercultural, but this is the command of the Holy Spirit. Would He be wise enough to know what is best?

5       "Husbands love your wives, as Christ loved the church". A husband filled with the Spirit will be responsible for, protective of, and faithful to the wife. Christ's love will prevail.

6       "Children obey". The Holy Spirit intends children to learn obedience, giving respect to parents, inspite of their faults.

7       "Fathers provoke not".  By the Spirit, Fathers will be able to control the natural instinct to abuse power, and implement the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

8       "Servants, obey your earthly masters" Servants filled with the Spirit will work well and not be troublemakers.

9       "Masters treat your slaves/servants right." How different the Christian master should be. In the face of temptation to make money, to abuse power, the Spirit guided master is reflect the Master in heaven.

The alternative to being filled with the Spirit is described in Ephesians 2:2  "following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air(satan controlling radio, tv, internet etc), the spirit that is now working in the children of disobedience.........passions of our flesh, desires of the body and mind..........."

Evidently there is a real conflict between the Holy Spirit and the natural world as dominated by the devil. Chapter 6:12 identifies this conflict, and the need to take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.  This is both to control our own sinful desires and to prevent others controlling us. Be careful not to welcome strange spirits into your mind and life. The Holy Spirit operates in us as we yield to His voice in the Spirit inspired scriptures. He leads us nearer to God our Father, He leads in praise filled Christian living and He fills us with God's love so that we can selflessly love others.

Well  there is more, but for now sing, submit, serve.....in the Spirit.