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The Spirit that is big enough to hover over the whole world at the creation is also small enough to nestle in each one of us.
Most of what I have to say about the Spirit could also be the other members of the Trinity. But we should remember that the Trinity is made up of three distinct Persons, although one communion of love.
Several weeks ago we looked in the Old Testament at the work of the Spirit both in Creation, and in the preparations for the coming of Jesus.
Moving into the New Testament, you would expect to see the Holy Spirit very involved. And you do!
Luke 1:15 – John the forerunner
Luke 1:35 – the conception of Jesus
Luke 1:41 – Elisabeth
Luke 1:67 – Zachariah
Luke 2:25 – Simeon moved to visit the Temple by the Spirit
Next I’d like to look at Matthew 3:13-17, the Baptism of Jesus.
As at the creation we have water, the Father speaking, and the Spirit descending.
John was told that he would know Who Jesus was by the resting of the Spirit upon Him.
John recognizes Him… and knows Who is here.
”…To fulfill all righteousness”.
Jesus as that God-man, was identifying Himself with us. When the ritual was complete— he saw the heavens open, and the dove descending, and heard the voice of the Father.
Jesus felt the affirmation of the Father, and John saw the powerful manifestation. John saw his mission being accomplished.
Before long, John would be imprisoned and doubts would begin to rise.
Matthew 11
Jesus replied to his question with a prophesy from Joel: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me…”
The blind were seeing, the lame were being healed— Jesus was the One!
The Spirit was Jesus constant companion throughout His ministry. The words of Peter in Acts 10… “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth….”
Jesus spent three years with the disciples. In John 14-17, there were some important things He wanted to share with them. One of these things was the promise of the Spirit Who would dwell in them.
John 14:16-19
Jesus physical presence had been a comfort to them during His ministry— now He promises them another Comforter. Jesus looked beyond His earthly ministry, to the multitudes of disciples that would come later.
John 16:7
John 14:26
This comes at Pentecost, about 50 days after the resurrection.
Acts 2
Peter explains to them… Joel’s prophecy has been fulfilled!
Romans 8:11-16
This is what life in the Spirit does for Christians. The Spirit’s presence— of God Himself, can live within us; If He lives within us, our physical bodies will be strengthened to serve Him.
No identity crisis for the Christian! The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God.
Galatians 5:22-25
Ephesians 4:1-6 “Keep the unity of the Spirit… There is one body, and one Spirit…”