What the Holy Spirit Does Today
Many in the churches of Christ want to act as though the Holy Spirit is retired.
There are things the Holy Spirit no longer does. The very words Paul spoke to the Corinthians were spoken by the Spirit (1 Cor. 2:13). At one time Christians spoke in tongues, performed miracles, etc. through the Holy Spirit.
But just because the Holy Spirit no longer performs these tasks does not mean that he is not active.
The Holy Spirit Dwells in the Christian
Romans 8:9. 1 Corinthians 6:19.
The Spirit dwells in the church collectively (1 Cor. 3:16).
This should affect our behavior. The fact that God himself dwells in me means that I can’t act anyway I choose. I need to conform my life to Scripture because God dwells in me.
The Christian receives the Spirit at his baptism (Acts 2:38-39).
The Holy Spirit Sanctifies the Christian
1 Peter 1:2.
“To sanctify” mean to “set apart as holy.” The Holy Spirit sets the Christian apart as holy. The Holy Spirit says that the Christian belongs to God.
The Holy Spirit Enables for Holiness.
Ephesians 3:16. The inner man stands in contrast to the outer man. The inner man is the spiritual part of man. The Holy Spirit gives power to our spiritual person.
Galatian 5:22-23. The “fruit of the Spirit” refers to the fruit the Spirit produces in our lives. The Spirit will enable us to bring forth these fruits in our lives.
We can put to death the deeds of our body “by the Spirit” (Rom. 8:13).
The Holy Spirit has power (Rom. 15:13).
This doesn’t mean that we can’t do wrong, but this does mean the Spirit will give us power in our lives.
The Holy Spirit Enables the Christian to Address God as “Abba”
Romans 8:15. Galatians 4:6.
The term “Abba” means something like “Papa.” This term showed a close relationship. Through the Spirit, we can have a close relationship with God.
The Holy Spirit Guides the Believers’ Prayers
Romans 8:26.
There are many times we don’t know how exactly we should pray. The Spirit takes over and intercedes on our behalf. This can give us confidence.
The Holy Spirit Serves as a Down Payment for Our Salvation
Ephesians 1:13-14. 2 Corinthians 5:5-6.
The idea of a “guarantee” is a down payment. This was a deposit given to purchase something. This payment obligated the party to make further payments.
The Holy Spirit is the down payment for our salvation. God has obligated himself to making further payments. Therefore, Paul said that he had “confidence.”
Conclusion
The Holy Spirit is living and active today just as he was in the New Testament era.
However, the Holy Spirit works differently today than he did then.
This sermon was originally preached by Dr. Justin Imel, Sr., at the Owingsville church of Christ in Owingsville, Kentucky.