“May the force be with you.” Those familiar with the Star Wars film saga recognize this famous phrase, given out as a blessing to those embarking on a critical or dangerous mission. The force, as presented in the series, is an impersonal metaphysical characteristic that empowers individuals to undertake and complete their tasks.
“The Holy Spirit will be with you,” Jesus—in essence—told His disciples (John 14:16-17). It was a promise empowering them to carry out their mission (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8). But the Holy Spirit is not some impersonal cosmic ‘it’ but a ‘He’—a Person, the Third Person of the Triune God. He is “the Spirit of truth” (John 15:26, 16:13).
Jesus tells of the Spirit’s role. As the Spirit of truth “He will guide you into all truth. . . . [He] will tell you whatever He receives from Me” (John 16:13-15). ”He will teach you” (John 14:26).
How does the Spirit carry out His teaching role? First, the Spirit moved men to write down God’s Word (1 Peter 1:11-12; 2 Peter 1:19-21). The Bible is accurate, reliable and authoritative truth because it came to us under the inspiration of the Spirit of truth (2 Timothy 3:16).
Second, the Spirit convicts and convinces us of our sinfulness. He reveals that we’re sinners in need of God’s righteousness (John 16:8)—who is Christ crucified, resurrected and exalted (John 16:10; Acts 2:31-33, 5:30-32).
Third, the Spirit reveals the truth about Jesus, illuminating and helping us to understand the work and words of the Savior more fully (John 14:26, 15:26, 16:13-15).
We worship the God of truth (Isaiah 65:16), believe Jesus is the truth (John 14:6) and are led by the Spirit of truth (Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:25). We are people of the Truth (2 John 1:2-4; 3 John 1:3-4).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Mark 2:23–3:19
More:
What does it mean for you to be “led by the Spirit”? (Galatians 5:13-26).
Next:
How does the Holy Spirit convict you of sin? Who is Jesus, and what has He done for you—as revealed by the Spirit?
winn collier on June 27, 2012 at 7:40 am
And this same Spirit who hovered over the waters of the deep, even now holds the cords of creation together. The force indeed.
tom felten on June 27, 2012 at 10:10 am
It’s amazing to think that we who have received salvation through faith in Jesus have been indwelt by the Holy Spirit. But it’s tragic to realize we can stymie His work in our lives by choosing to pursue sinful things. May we walk in the Spirit today and experience the amazing fruit only He can provide (Galatians 5:22-23).