In the realm of Christianity, there exists a profound and often misunderstood concept – the Communion of the Holy Spirit. This divine fellowship is the backbone of a vibrant, successful, and Spirit-led life. Through this in-depth exploration, we will delve into the intricacies of the Communion of the Holy Spirit, as inspired by the transcript of a sermon on this very topic.
Part 1 of this series will lay the foundational understanding, highlighting the essence of this communion, its distinction from other divine interactions, and the transformative power it embodies.
The Certainty of Testimony through the Word
- Key Takeaway: Adherence to the Word of God guarantees a life of testimony.
- Scriptural Foundation: While the sermon transcript does not specify a single verse for this point, it echoes the principle found in Romans 10:17, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
- Explanation: The journey of a believer is marked by the unwavering promise that fidelity to God’s Word yields a life adorned with testimonies of His grace and power. This foundational truth sets the stage for understanding the deeper, more intimate aspects of our relationship with God, particularly through the Communion of the Holy Spirit.
The Desire of God for Your Life
- Key Takeaway: God’s primary desire is not to merely bless with healing, job, or money, but to impart His Word into your spirit.
- Scriptural Implication: Though not directly quoted, this principle aligns with the broader biblical narrative emphasizing the importance of God’s Word in believers’ lives (e.g., Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God”).
- Explanation: The essence of God’s desire for believers transcends temporal blessings, aiming for the deep, spiritual transformation that occurs when His Word resides within. This spiritual indwelling is a precursor to the Communion of the Holy Spirit, where believers experience a dynamic, interactive relationship with God.
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The Communion of the Holy Spirit: Fellowship, Partnership, Distribution
- Key Takeaway: The Communion of the Holy Spirit is multifaceted, encompassing Fellowship, Partnership, and Distribution.
- Scriptural Foundation: Derived from the Greek word “koinonia” (κοινωνία), as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 13:14, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all.”
- Explanation:
- Fellowship: Indicating a deep, personal relationship with the Holy Spirit.
- Partnership: Suggesting a collaborative, working relationship where believers and the Holy Spirit jointly achieve divine purposes.
- Distribution: Implying the sharing or impartation of the Holy Spirit’s gifts, graces, and power among believers.
The Legal Fellowship with the Father and the Son
- Key Takeaway: Believers have a legally established fellowship with both the Father and the Son, facilitated by the Holy Spirit.
- Scriptural Foundation:
- 1 Corinthians 1:9, “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”
- 1 John 1:3, “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.”
- Explanation: This fellowship, though legally and spiritually real, is not physically tangible since both the Father and the Son are in Heaven. The Holy Spirit bridges this gap, making their presence and fellowship real to believers.
The Holy Spirit: More Than an Influence, He is God
- Key Takeaway: The Holy Spirit is not merely an influence but the very presence of God, embodying His power and life.
- Scriptural Foundation: Implied in Jesus’ statement, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63), highlighting the Spirit’s role in imparting life and divine power.
- Explanation: The Holy Spirit’s personhood and divinity are crucial for understanding the Communion. He is not a lesser entity but God Himself, dwelling within believers, guiding, empowering, and transforming them.
Fellowship with the Holy Spirit: The Key to Extraordinary Success
- Key Takeaway: Recognizing and engaging in fellowship with the Holy Spirit is pivotal for achieving unparalleled success and mastery in life.
- Scriptural Implication: Though not directly quoted, this principle is in line with biblical accounts of Spirit-led lives (e.g., Acts 6:3, “Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom”).
- Explanation: This fellowship removes limitations, empowering believers to live victoriously and achieve success in all endeavors, not by human might, but through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit.
Understanding the Spirit: Beyond Semantics
- Key Takeaway: The term “spirit” describes an entity with a nature and personality, yet intangible and mysterious.
- Scriptural and Philosophical Foundation: Jesus’ comparison of the Spirit to wind (John 3:8) and the Greek concept of “pneuma” (πνεῦμα) for spirit, highlighting its elusive yet powerful presence.
- Explanation: Grasping the essence of “spirit” helps in understanding the Holy Spirit’s role and interaction with believers, transcending physical boundaries and limitations.
The Anointing vs. The Holy Spirit: Clarifying the Distinction
- Key Takeaway: The anointing, while related to the Holy Spirit, refers more specifically to the tangible, imparted power of God, as seen in the example of Paul’s handkerchiefs and aprons (Acts 19:11-12).
- Scriptural Foundation: Acts 19:11-12, illustrating the anointing’s effects, distinct from the person of the Holy Spirit.
- Explanation: The anointing is an expression of the Holy Spirit’s power, not the Spirit Himself. This distinction is crucial for a nuanced understanding of divine interactions and the Communion of the Holy Spirit.
Giving Glory to God: Testimony and Declaration
- Key Takeaway: Giving glory to God involves both personal testimony (through declaration, offerings, and life witness) and communal declaration (crying “Glory” in worship).
- Scriptural Foundation:
- Psalm 29:9, “In his temple doth everyone speak of his glory.”
- The principle of testimony in various biblical accounts (e.g., Psalm 107, emphasizing the importance of declaring God’s works).
- Explanation: Both personal and communal expressions of glory are vital. Testimony through life and offerings acknowledges God’s presence and power, while crying “Glory” in worship invokes and celebrates His majesty.
Conclusion
Part 1 of “The Communion of the Holy Spirit” has laid the groundwork for a profound exploration into the heart of divine fellowship. By grasping the essence of this communion, believers can transition from a life of mere existence to one of vibrant, Spirit-led triumph.
The distinction between the Holy Spirit and the anointing, the importance of fellowship, and the multifaceted nature of giving glory to God all contribute to a richer understanding of this divine interaction. As we proceed to Part 2, we will delve deeper into the practical implications and transformative power of the Communion of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.
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- Meta Description: Explore the profound concept of the Communion of the Holy Spirit, understanding its essence, the distinction between the Holy Spirit and the anointing, and the transformative power of divine fellowship in a believer’s life.
The Communion of the Holy Spirit Part 1
Unlocking the Power of Fellowship with the Divine
As believers, we often seek a deeper connection with the Almighty, yearning to experience the fullness of His presence in our lives. The concept of the Communion of the Holy Spirit is a profound aspect of the Christian faith, offering a pathway to unparalleled intimacy with God. In this article, we will delve into the first part of our exploration, dissecting the intricacies of this sacred fellowship and its transformative implications for our lives.
The Assurance of Testimony
“We stick to the Word, we will come back with a testimony.” This assertion sets the tone for our journey into the Communion of the Holy Spirit. The Bible promises that as we adhere to its teachings, our lives will be marked by tangible evidence of God’s presence. This testimony is not merely a byproduct of our faith but a guarantee, underscored by the unwavering commitment of our Creator.
Beyond Material Blessings: The True Desire of God’s Heart
Often, we mistakenly believe that God’s primary desire for us is to bestow material prosperity, healing, or professional success. However, the Scripture reveals a more profound aspiration of God’s heart:
- The Word of God in Your Spirit: The ultimate gift from God is not of this world but is the implanting of His Word within our spirits. This divine seed has the power to transform us into the very image of what it speaks, making us shine with an otherworldly light.
- The Power of the Holy Ghost: This shining is not a product of human effort but is facilitated by the omnipotent Holy Spirit. His presence in our lives is the catalyst for an unstoppable, unquenchable light that illuminates our path and the world around us.
The Legal Fellowship: A Heavenly Connection
The Bible speaks of our being called into a fellowship with the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:9, 2 Corinthians 13:14). This fellowship, though legally binding, transcends physical boundaries since both the Father and Jesus reside in heaven. So, how do we experience this fellowship?
- The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit bridges the gap, making the presence of the Father and Jesus real to us. Through Him, we are transported into the very presence of God, where geographical constraints are irrelevant.
- Immersed into God: At the moment of our rebirth, we are immersed into God by the Holy Spirit, becoming part of the body of Christ. This spiritual baptism is not just an initiation but a continuous experience, with the Holy Spirit residing within us.
Understanding the Holy Spirit: More Than an Influence
- The Holy Spirit is God: A common misconception portrays the Holy Spirit as a lesser entity or merely an influence. However, Scripture affirms that the Holy Spirit is, in fact, God, coequal in the Godhead.
- The Spirit’s Form and Nature: While the term “spirit” might imply formlessness, the Bible reveals that God, as a Spirit, has a defined nature and form, exemplified in Jesus Christ, who is the express image of God’s person.
The Mystery of Spirit: Unpacking the Term
- Translated from “Pneuma”: The Greek word “Pneuma,” meaning wind, is used to describe spirit due to the shared characteristics of intangibility and undeniable impact.
- Characteristics of Wind/Spirit:
- Unseen yet felt
- Impactful without clear direction
- Cannot be contained or kept
- Difficult for human senses to fully grasp
The Impartation of Life and Power
- Jesus’ Words as Spirit and Life: Jesus’ teachings carry His DNA, imparting life and power to those who receive them.
- The Handkerchiefs and Aprons of Paul: These items, touched by Paul and imbued with the anointing (life and power of God), were used to perform miracles. This phenomenon illustrates how anything that comes into contact with a believer can carry the life of God, though often unrecognized.
Fellowship with the Holy Spirit: Key to Success
- Unlimited Potential: In fellowship with the Holy Spirit, believers find limitless potential, mastering every challenge and achieving unparalleled success.
- Listening and Acting: The essence of this fellowship lies in listening to the Holy Spirit’s promptings and acting upon them, a practice that distinguishes the spiritually aware from those who are not.
Giving Glory to God: Testimonies and Declarations
- Three Ways to Testify:
- Declaring What He Has Done: Verbal testimonies of God’s works in our lives.
- Offerings as Testimonies: Financial offerings that serve as tangible expressions of our faith and acknowledgment of God’s provision.
- Living a Life of Testimony: Daily life as a visible declaration of God’s glory.
- Crying Glory: A spontaneous, Spirit-led expression of praise, as seen in Psalm 29:9, where the voice of the Lord evokes a collective cry of “Glory” in His Temple.
Concluding Reflections
As we conclude the first part of our exploration into the Communion of the Holy Spirit, we are reminded of the profound depths of our potential fellowship with God. Through the Holy Spirit, we are invited into a realm where limitations are dissolved, and the very life and power of God are at our disposal. May our understanding and experience of this communion deepen, transforming us into beacons of His glory in a world awaiting the manifestation of His splendor.
Call to Action
- Deepen Your Fellowship: Engage in a more intentional listening practice with the Holy Spirit, acting on His promptings.
- Reflect on Your Testimonies: Evaluate how you are giving glory to God through your declarations, offerings, and daily life.
- Seek a Deeper Understanding: Continue to study and seek revelation on the mysteries of the Holy Spirit and your communion with Him.
Stay Tuned for Part 2
As we have only begun to scratch the surface of this profound topic, stay tuned for the continuation of our series, “The Communion of the Holy Spirit Part 2,” where we will further unpack the mysteries and practical applications of this divine fellowship.
