UNDERSTANDING THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Sunday 17 May 2015

Speaker: Pastor Austen Ukachi

INTRODUCTION

As we prepare to celebrate Pentecost Sunday, next Sunday, we intend to focus on the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the next two weeks, in order to acquaint ourselves with Him. We intend to do this by answering two question: who is the Holy Spirit and what is his ministry today?

WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?

The Holy Spirit is not just an impersonal being, but a Person. He is the third person in the triune Godhead. He is the creative and transforming power of God (Genesis 1:3; Genesis 1:26; Psalm 104:30). The Holy Spirit was actively involved as part of Jehovah Bara, the God who created during the Creation in Genesis 1:2,and Genesis 1: 26.

HE STRENGTHENS, EMPOWERS AND TRANSFORMS

One common feature we find in the Old Testament which is still on today, is that the Holy Spirit empowered ordinary men and transformed them into spiritual giants. The Holy Spirit was given to such men to enable them carry out tasks God has given to them. Examples include:

Othniel. The Holy Spirit transformed Othniel into one of the leaders in Israel (Judges 3:10).

Jephthah. The Holy Spirit transformed Jephthah from a social outcast to a leader and Judge (Judges 11:29).

Samson. The Holy Spirit transformed Samson into a leader and defender of God’s people (Judges 13:25; Judges 14:6, Judges 14: 19; Judges 15:14).

Saul. He transformed Saul (1 Samuel 10:6; 1 Samuel 11:5-13). Saul was transformed from a timid man hiding among the equipment to a bold leader who delivered his people from the hand of the Ammonites.

And not the least, David. The Holy Spirit transformed David into one of the greatest kings in Israel (1 Samuel 16:12-14).

IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

The same ministry of strengthening, empowering and transforming men is also found in the New Testament. The Holy Spirit transformed the disciples like Peter, etc from mere ordinary men into fiery preachers. Peter was a fisher man, but was transformed into a great disciple of Jesus. Paul was arrested by the Holy Spirit, and empowered to be one of the greatest apostles that ever lived.

CONCLUSION

See what the Holy Spirit did to the prophet Micah in chapter 3:8. Because Micah was filled with the Holy Spirit, in the Spirit of justice and might, he was able to declare to Israel her sins against God. No one can have the courage to confront the wickedness of the society unless such a one is empowered by the Spirit of God. As we get ready for Pentecost Sunday, we need to ask the Holy Spirit to refill us afresh so we can boldly proclaim his word to our generation. Let this be your prayer.