The Holy Spirit

Background Scripture: Galatians 5

Introduction

At baptism, we confess that we believe in the Holy Ghost, which proceeds from the Father, and that He comforts, reproves, and guides us. As we walk in the Spirit, we are no longer under the curse and bondage of the old law. The Holy Ghost gives us direction to live our Christian life. The fruit of our life shows to others that we have the Spirit of Christ.

May we be keen to the voice of the Holy Spirit, for by Him we are “sealed unto the day of redemption” (Eph. 4:30). “The Holy Ghost is the ‘down payment’ for the promised eternal rest in heaven.” 1

Key Verse

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you (John 14:26).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Looking back, the law of Moses with all its sacrifices and rules for purification seems cumbersome. The various laws and offerings were a burden to the Israelites of old when it was not mixed with faith. The prophet Malachi reproved the people for bringing sick and lame animals for a sacrifice. When their worship became an empty form, and they lamented, “Behold, what a weariness is it!” (Mal. 1:13). There may also have been nagging questions in some hearts whether they were keeping all the laws and ordinances that God gave to Moses, remembering that their righteousness depended on keeping the whole law.

Instead of an outward, compulsory law, we now live under the inner guidance of the Holy Spirit. As we hear the still, small voice and follow Him, we are at liberty to serve Christ and one another. Before conversion we were in bondage to selfish desires; now the Holy Spirit makes life a free, guiltless expression—we are at liberty to bear the fruit of the Spirit. Our lesson scripture also bears out the inescapable truth that we will contend with our selfish nature while we endeavor to walk in the Spirit.

These verses unmistakably describe the stark contrast between a carnal life and a life led by the Holy Spirit. People’s base nature is void of spiritual life, and the sins listed in this passage detail what it means to be spiritually dead. The first sins mentioned are marital infidelity and immorality. The confidence we can have in each other as husband and wife should never be taken for granted; it is a gift, or fruit, of the Holy Spirit.

“With the Holy Spirit dwelling in us we find our lives are guided, not by the ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ of the church or of the Scriptures, but by a law of love, teaching and telling us how to live above reproach. If we are willing to follow the leading of the Spirit, we will be in fellowship with our spiritual brothers and sisters, with the church teachings, and with God. If we are lacking in one of these areas, it is because we are not allowing the Holy Spirit to have complete control of us. . . . The Spirit brings us a fullness never before experienced, fullness of joy, peace, and love that passes understanding. Our temperament is changed from impatience to patience; kindness where we were cruel; longsuffering when at one time we were so quick-tempered; humility, meekness, and faith, not only in God but also in our fellowmen. . . . The frown we once wore is replaced by a smile to those we meet, cheerful greetings, and friendliness and generally our entire makeup is redone by the Holy Spirit.” 2

The list of the fruit of the Spirit begins with love. Converts have often been asked, “Can you love everybody?” We have different temperaments, but love is the greatest motivating factor of the Christian. In a conversation with a young convert, he affirmed that he was getting along better with his brother now. The next question was whether his brother had changed. Again, he answered “Yes.” Though we may smile at this, it is true that when one’s heart is filled with love, others seem more friendly as well.

Practical Truths for Today

Even though we have yielded our lives to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, our flesh does not get converted. Sincere, young Christians have sometimes been disappointed to realize that though they have been born again, they must still contend with their selfish natures. Those who have been Christians for numerous decades continue to find their feet getting soiled as they travel the pathway of life.

Sometimes we may wonder whether God is indeed satisfied with our level of victory. “No longer shall sin have dominion, though present to tempt and annoy.” 3 So what are some warning signs that we are using liberty for an occasion to the flesh? When self-denial is neglected in a believer’s life under the guise of liberty, it is false freedom. The freedom of walking in the Spirit is found following God in obedience and crucifying the flesh.

It is unreasonable to expect that brethren will always agree. We are not all cast in the same mold and have differing opinions on matters. When these things have no spiritual significance, the Holy Spirit gives us room to live life being ourselves. However, “If we are defensive about the direction and inspiration that we have, or feel that we must push it through, we can know that self has become involved. . . . If the direction that we have is divisive or overly disruptive, we need to be willing to back up.” 4

If we see a fellow church member do something that seems unbecoming of a Christian, we may be inclined to make a snap judgment and begin to feel ill will. However, love teaches us to “be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). When misunderstandings occur in our interactions with one another, honest, open communication often clears things up. When things go wrong, we will, with the spirit of love in our heart, not ask who is to blame—we will seek a remedy.

The Holy Spirit may ask something of me that He is not asking of someone else. By letting the intellect rule, I will be tempted to look askance at another brother not doing as I think he should. We need to be open to consider our brother’s or sister’s conviction on a matter.

In the business and agricultural world, overproduction can cause depressed prices and economic instability, but it is not so in the spiritual realm. There is no law against bearing the fruit of the Spirit. There is no overproduction of love, joy, peace, and the other fruits mentioned in our text. The more fruitful our lives are, the happier we are, and the more our heavenly Father is glorified.

The Holy Spirit gently reminds us when we stray, not for the sake of proving us wrong, but for our welfare. May we follow the Spirit’s example as we relate to each other. We should not pass harsh judgment on another’s misstep. Menno Simons referred to these as “unpremeditated lapses in conduct.” Although one misstep may not cause condemnation, we must not think we can lightly repeat the offense. We may think that if there is no rule against something, or if no one has reproved us, it is allowable. Perhaps the Holy Spirit has not sent someone to speak to us yet, and we may need to admit we have felt a gentle prompting from the Lord.

The Holy Spirit provides direction for the church in the current generation. Historically, the church has considered photography to be for vain show and therefore incompatible with the spirit of humility. In the 2015 General Conference, the Holy Spirit identified the difference between legitimate camera use and photography used for vain, selfish purposes. Time changes some things, and new technology introduces itself, making it necessary to prove what the will of the Lord is for the present time. With clear instruction the Spirit’s voice is heard in the church, inviting us to follow in obedience.

A hymn states, “If I walk in the way of temptation, My dear Savior won’t walk with me there.” 5 A minister once asked his audience, “What is your favorite temptation?” Although we may think we are strong enough to dally with sin and not become defiled, we are no match for Satan. Should there be a street, a shopping mall, or a website where the carnal nature is aroused, the Holy Spirit leads us away from these temptations.

Illustration

Without the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we will never make it to our eternal home. When our selfish nature comes in the way, we become confused, and the voice of the Holy Spirit becomes distant. The story was told years ago about a man who was facing an important decision. He prayed that if his horse turned a certain way at a fork in the road, it was all right for him to pursue the course he was considering. The horse turned the way that the man had hoped. Someone questioned him later whether he had perhaps pulled on that rein. He admitted, “Well, maybe a little bit.” This is what can happen when we deceive ourselves.

A concerned brother felt a song that is occasionally sung had a theme contrary to clear, Bible teaching. He retained critical thoughts about this song and its author. A fellow brother’s response to a question in Sunday school one morning caused him to see this song in a different light. The Holy Spirit then warned him that to pursue the controversy in his mind any further would lead him into bondage. Afterward, he and his family enjoyed singing this song together.

Before conversion we are under the law. This can be likened to a heavy cloud cover. After being born again we experience the clear light of God’s grace and forgiveness. Our walk in the Spirit can be like an eagle soaring freely above the clouds in the clear sunshine.

Questions

1. Is it acceptable to obey God in order to escape punishment, or is the only genuine obedience born of love?
2. What should be done if I feel I have the Spirit’s leading but my brethren do not see it that way?
3. 1 Bible Doctrine and Practice, p. 54
4. 2 Don Warkentin, Messenger of Truth, 1973, No. 26, “The Holy Spirit“
5. 3 Fanny Crosby, “Redemption! Oh, Wonderful Story,” Christian Hymnal
6. 4 Brent Schultz, Messenger of Truth, 2017, No. 16, “The Voice of the Shepherd”
7. 5 Geraldine Koehn, “I Must Hold to His Hand,” Gospel Hymns for Worship
8. Unsubscribe

Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).