In the previous post we discussed the work of the Holy Spirit, The Helper, in the world, and how that convicting work includes not only working through one’s conscience, but also conviction unto revival. For the true disciple of Jesus Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit includes the conviction yet it goes to a much more vital work within us.

John 16 10-15 “I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them at the present time. But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take from Mine and will disclose it to you.”

The Holy Spirit of Christ is our primary source of truth for daily living.  He intends to dispense truth to us in any situation in which we need enlightenment. This includes enlightenment regarding the scriptures.  Our study need not rely on cognitive learning, for the Spirit intends to give our spirits what the Lord has for us every time we read or hear the words of our God.  Truth is granted primarily through spiritual encounter. 

“He will speak.”  Here is the key evidence of spiritual connection with our God – our God speaks to His true disciples. Day in, day out, our God is speaking to us through His Spirit in us.  In little things of everyday life, and in big decisions and difficult events.  He speaks to us in the moment as we need words and knowledge about situations and people. Jesus told us it would be this way in places like Mark 13:11; “When they bring you to trial and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say; but say whatever is given you at that time, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.” 

It is of this Jesus was speaking when he stated, “All things that the Father has are Mine; this is why I said that He takes from Mine and will disclose it to you.”  Here we have a reference to the practical benefits of the union relationship we have with our God. The Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit are one and exist in perpetual union. This has always been their relationship, and they intend that we join into that with them (see John 14:20 and 17:20-23). What the Father has for the Trinity He shares with us because the Spirit indwells us.

Thus, the prayer of Paul for true disciples recorded in Ephesians 3: “I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth,and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”

I recently spoke with a fellow had never heard of this truth.  He had walked in his own efforts, trying to please God by improving his behaviors.  “I have been at this for 50 years, and it will take another 50 before I am finally righteous.”

Watching the Spirit of God soften his heart and change his entire demeanor over the course of about an hour was amazing.  The pastor I was with had been talking with Him for months and was at his wit’s end.  But that day was the Holy Spirit’s perfect day to begin the change.  He spoke to me, and I spoke what He said to this man.  The Spirit spoke directly to this fellow as well, and he suddenly had flashes of insight into his own failures and into the working of the Spirit in Him.  It was powerful.

This is how our God desires to work in all of us.  And He will if we will stop seeking to live for God, to please Him by our efforts.  If we will begin to let our God join us into union with Himself by His Holy Spirit in us.

Image via author, West Ten Sleep Creek, Bighorn Range, Wyoming.