The Spirit of Truth Part 7
Having last week spoken of loving the Holy Spirit more, knowing He has done so much for us that we could not do for ourselves, introducing us to a new life, old things having passed away, making us a new creation. Having not the power to be born the first time, we also had not the power to be born again a second time. Today we will look a bit at what the Scriptures refer to as the grieving of the Spirit. Mentioned only by Paul in the New Testament, and that only once, it can be a bit of a mystery as to what it means, who can do it, and what consequences there might be in doing it.
What might this look like? Those only who can grieve the Spirit are only those who are indwelt by Him. Born of the Spirit, born from above, born again believers are who Paul is talking to in Eph.4:30. Paul gives us a command, Do not grieve the Spirit. The word literally means to cause sorrow, distress, pain, to make sad. Now it is a real challenge to think of a member of the Trinity of being sad or sorrowful, but remember, this word is what the Spirit Himself caused Paul to write down and record for us.(2Pet.1:21) Commentator G. Campbell Morgan states, "Whenever He(Spirit) is thwarted, whenever He is disobeyed, whenever He gives revelation of Christ to us that brings no response, He is grieved. The heart of God is sad when, by the disobedience of His children, His purpose of grace in them is hindered." Remember where we started. If you love Me, (Jesus) you will what? Keep My commandments. If our hearts run after sin, He knows what sorrows will be brought to our souls. Do not act toward the Holy Spirit in a manner which would produce pain in the heart of a friend who loves you. Ephesians 4:25-29 give examples of what will grieve the Holy Spirit. We must keep our hearts with all diligence, for from them flow all the issues of life. (Prov.4:23)
Finally, in our study of the Holy Spirit, we have the phrase sealed with the Spirit. It is a most encouraging jewel put forth by God in being sealed with the Spirit. Oh, what hope, what confidence, what peace, what security will this bring us if we know it? What a massive outcropping of rock we can hang our salvation and union with God on! Some verses: Eph.1:13,"In Him, you also, after listening to the message of the truth, the gospel of your salvation, having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise." Three ways the word sealed is used in the New Testament: A) Math.27:66,"The tomb was secured by sealing it. Rev.20:3,"God throws Satan into a pit and sealed it." So, sealing here is locking something up or closing it in you could say. B) Rom.4:11,"Abraham's circumcision was a sign and seal of the righteousness and the faith he had. 1Cor.9:2."Paul says his converts are the seal of his apostleship in the Lord." So, sealing here is a sign of authenticity.
Lastly, C) Rev.7:3,"Where the seal of God is put on the forehead of God's servants to protect them from the wrath that will come upon the world" All these meanings are a part of our being sealed with the Holy Spirit. John Piper states," It is a message of safety and security in God's love and power. God sends the Holt Spirit as a preserving seal to lock in our faith, as an authenticating seal to validate our sonship and as a protecting seal to keep out destructive forces. The point is that God wants us to feel secure and safe in His love and power." That will conclude our study on the Spirit of truth. I hope it has been helpful, enjoyable, and your faith has been strengthened through it. What do you think of the Father, the Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit? They are altogether lovely, altogether beautiful, altogether wonderful. Without them, we can do nothing!
Elder Randy Slak
09/05/2023