God has given us what we need to know in the Bible, which is the Word of God. But not only that, I am so thankful that when Jesus ascended back to the Father, he put within us the Great Instructor and Teacher: the Holy Spirit that confirms and illuminates what we read and teaches us new things that we haven’t read yet. But to be clear, he does not speak on his “own authority” – meaning the Holy Spirit will never say something to you that contradicts what God has already said. We end up in error (and even with false religions) when we follow what we thought or felt that the Spirit said instead of making sure it lined up with the Bible.But the Holy Spirit doesn’t just want us to hold on to the truth he gives us. Jesus said that in the Acts 1:8 “Great Commission” passage that we are given “power” from the Spirit to be his “witnesses” everywhere we go.4. He Glorifies the Son.The work that the Holy Spirit does in the world and in the life of believers will never glorify or point people to an individual; it will always point people to the Son of God, who takes away the sins of the world. There are so many people who stand up in front of crowds or in front of cameras claiming to have this gift or that gift from God, who conveniently end up padding their pockets and putting their name in lights. God uses people – absolutely. But in the end, whether you use your gifts in front of people or behind the scenes, and where you are from or far away on a mission field – it is all for the glory of God.Nothing good comes from you being lifted up. A quick look at human history shows that to be true. But as Jesus said in John 12:32 that when we lift him up, he will “draw all people” to himself.I encourage you to join me in taking time to examine the Scriptures from the Old Testament to New Testament to find out as much as you can about the Holy Spirit. You’ll still be left with a few mysteries for sure, but you’ll also be better at listening to, relying on, and being empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in this world.Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/LillyRoadstones
Robert Hampshire is a pastor, teacher, writer, and leader. He has been married to Rebecca since 2008 and has four children: Brooklyn, Bryson, Abram, and Aubrey. Robert attended North Greenville University in South Carolina for his undergraduate and Liberty University in Virginia for his Masters. He has served as a worship pastor, youth pastor, family pastor, church planter, and Pastor of Worship and Discipleship. He now serves at Calvary Baptist Church in Florence, South Carolina. He furthers his ministry through his blog site, Faithful Thinking, and YouTube channel. His life goal is to serve God and His Church by reaching the lost with the gospel, making devoted disciples, equipping and empowering others to go further in their faith and calling, and leading a culture of multiplication for the glory of God. Find out more about him here.
