It the previous blog we looked at some common errors about the Holy Spirit: the Holy Spirit is a force and not a person, He is not part of the Trinity, He brings material blessings and some have more of the Spirit than others. We showed God’s truth about each of these. This blog we will look at some more lies about the Spirit and see what God’s truth is.
HIGHLY EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCES ARE NOT NECESSARY PROOFS OF THE SPIRIT’S PRESENCE. There is nothing wrong with expressing God-given emotions, but our experience must be based on truth (John 4:24). Many times, the Bible says “we know” but doesn’t say “we feel.” God’s Spirit talks to us in our mind (Romans 12:1-2), in a still small voice (1 Kings 19:11-13). Loud noises, jumping, dancing, falling, losing control, shouting out of control, etc. are not necessarily manifestations of the spirit for what we say and do must be under our control (1 Corinthians 14:15, 32). All things must be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40). Paul criticized the immature Corinthian believers for their lack of spiritual growth despite the manifestation of spiritual gifts among them (1 Corinthians 3:3). The Spirit can produce those things when there is a godly reason and God is glorified, but to draw attention one’s self or put faith in them in order to prove one’s spirituality is wrong. The purpose of the Spirit is not to lift us up or focus on us but to focus on Jesus and bring glory to Him (John 16:13-14; Galatians 5:22–23; Romans 8:13–14). He does not focus on Himself or bring attention or worship to Himself. The fruit of the Spirit is love, self-control, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23). Look for these signs of the Spirit’s work. Do not interpret Scripture in light of someone’s experience, interpret their experience in light of Scripture.
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS NOT GIVEN TO REPLACE SCRIPTURE. Do not elevate dreams, prophecies or visions above the authority of Scripture. These must line up with God’s Word and be subject to it; they do not replace the Bible. Do not follow men, no matter what they say, follow only God and His Word (2 Timothy 3:16–17; Hebrews 1:1–2). Even if an angel directly tell you something not in Scripture, don’t believe it (Galatians 1:8). In fact, one of the main reasons God sent His Spirit is to reveal to us His truth written in Scripture (1 Corinthians 2:10-11; John 16:13).
DON’T WORSHIP THE HOLY SPIRIT, BUT DON’T IGNORE HIM EITHER. We saw the Holy Spirit is not to be worshipped and magnified above other members of the Trinity, but neither is He to be ignored. Perhaps in reaction to those who over-emphasize the Spirit, some Christians are very ignorant of His role and His function in their lives. Today He indwells every believer from the moment of salvation (John 7:37-39; 14:16-17; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20), produces good fruit (good works) in believers (Galatians 5:2-16) and baptizes (identifies) all Christians into the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). He is the One Who restrains sin in general (2 Thessalonians 2:7), convicts unbelievers of sin (John 16:8-9) and seals (guarantee of assurance) believers (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30). He guides and directs believers and teaches and reminds us of God’s Word (John 14:26). He gives spiritual gifts to each believer and through gifted believers ministers to the whole Body (1 Corinthians 12:4-13).
When it comes to the Holy Spirit, we must avoid extremes. We must give Him the honor and glory due Him as God, but not elevate Him above the other members of the Trinity or above Scripture. Finding balance is very important, and that only comes from a thorough understanding of God’s Word. That’s where all truth lies.
John 16:13-14 But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify Me because it is from Me that He will receive what He will make known to you.
Has God convicted you of any of these errors about the Holy Spirit?
If so, what truth must you follow instead?
Pray and thank God for His Spirit to teach you. Pray for anyone you know who is believing a lie of the enemy about the Holy Spirit.
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India, Africa & Spanish Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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