The Comforter Is Come
Today’s Verse:
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. ~John 16:7
Our Lord Jesus Christ gave a wonderful name to describe the Person and ministry of the Holy Spirit. The name parakletos means the one who comes to my side. Someone who comes to the side of another is a companion who brings comfort, encouragement, counsel, and closeness. The Holy Spirit is always at our side. What a blessed name describing Him as our Comforter Who has come.
We see that He is God.
“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one” (1 John 5:7). The Comforter is completely and perfectly God. He is one with the Father and the Son. He is co-equal, co-eternal, and co-essential. He is co-equal as Creator God, moving upon the face of the waters. He is co-equal in the resurrection as the Spirit of holiness Who raised Jesus from the dead. Along with the Father and the Son, He does the regenerating of every repentant sinner and the sanctifying of them in salvation. He moved upon men in speaking the Word of God.
We see His guarantee.
“Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 5:5). “Earnest” is a financial word that means down payment. An earnest is meant to provide a guarantee of a future realization. First, He indwells every believer as God’s guarantee of our salvation. Second, His indwelling is God’s guarantee of the future glorification of our earthly bodies. Third, He bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God.
We see His guidance.
“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” He guides us into all truth. He is our Teacher. Our discerning of the Word of God is through Him. He gives us understanding in the things of God. Along with His teaching, He helps us in our intercessions through groanings which cannot be uttered.
We see His gifts.
There are gifts that the Spirit equips us with for the service of God. These unique gifts are according to the grace that is given to us. These gifts are for the edifying of the body of Christ. These gifts are given so that the members are serving one another well. These gifts are for proper functioning within the church. Do you know your spiritual gift(s)? Are your gifts being used to their fullest in building up the members of the church?
We see His governing.
First, He governs in the hearts of sinners by reproving of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He corrects, convicts, and converts. Second, He governs in the hearts of the saints who have died to self and have given Him control for His filling. The filling of the Spirit is essential for effective service. We are commanded to walk in the Spirit and to be filled with the Spirit. "The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth." The Holy Spirit is God at our side! Make today a day in which the Holy Spirit’s fullness is working in and through you.
Have a Spirit-controlled God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: 1Kings 3-5