Day 5 The Holiness of the Holy Spirit

The Holiness of the Holy Spirit

In the book of Acts there are four different ways Luke refers to the Holy Spirit, depending on which aspect of His ministry Luke wanted to emphasise:

(1) the Spirit

(2) Holy Spirit

(3) the Holy Spirit

(4) the Spirit, the Holy

When using the term ‘the Spirit, the Holy’ the emphasis is on the Holy Spirit’s personality and holiness. Here are some examples.

In those days Peter stood up among the believers … and said “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas (Acts 1:15,16)

The Holy Spirit spoke through the Scripture of the judgement upon the person who would betray Jesus – highlighting His personality (He spoke) and His holiness (the judgement upon the betrayer)

Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?”  (Acts 5:16)

Peter’s confrontation with Ananias is direct “you have lied to the Holy Spirit.” Ananias’ sin was against a person (the Holy Spirit) whose holy standard he had intentionally violated.

“You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit!” (Acts 7:51)

Stephen chided the Sanhedrin “You are just like your fathers. You always resist the Holy Spirit.” The early church had come to understood that God gave His Holy Spirit to those who obey Him (Acts 5:32). By contrast the Jewish leaders were hard-hearted and disobedient (v.51). Stephen recognised the antagonism of the Jewish Council was against the Person of God’s Spirit who was perfectly holy .

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message (Acts 10:44)

The Holy Spirit was putting His seal of authenticity on the inclusion of Gentiles into God’s holy Church.

While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said “Set apart for me Barnabus and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (Acts 13:2)

The Holy Spirit’s personality is clearly seen in that He spoke and the emphasis on His holiness in His message for Paul and Barnabus to separate themselves for the specific ministry they were now being called to.

Do you honour the Holy Spirit as a Person or do you still think of Him as an “it”?

If you know the Holy Spirit as a Person, are you obedient to Him?

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