Knowing The Holy Spirit

Jesus answered, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me. 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 things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”

- John 14:23-26

Jesus will not leave his disciples alone. He will go away (die) but he will return and unite his disciples to himself in a new age of mutual ministry in which the Father and the Son through the Spirit will dwell in his people. It takes the death and resurrection of Jesus to usher us into this new age and give us this new life. The Trinity will dwell within us, fulfilling the ancient promises of Scripture of God dwelling with his people.

However, there is a moral clause in this promise. Jesus says this depends upon us loving him and keeping his word, his commandments. Our obedience evidences our love for him. How are you doing with obedience, keeping Jesus’ word? At least three things are required. First, you need to know his word by reading his word, the Bible. As one friend said, “When you die and see Jesus face to face and he asks you how you liked his book, what will you say to him? ‘Sorry, I was too busy to read it!’”

Second, you need help keeping Jesus’ word. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to help you for he is the helpmate sent by God. Your job is to ask for his help and to take his living presence seriously. Third, you must try to live an obedient life. Yes, you will fail, repent, and return to the Lord as the prodigal son did. That is the life of every Christian. But if you never try to live a life of obedience, then what sense of hope in Jesus do you have?

Prayer

O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; though Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.