BYM ONLINE DESK Blessing July 2017 E-magazine English | Page 3

JULY 2017
makes us understand and appreciate this Divine
Love. Christian life is nothing but a positive response
to the love of God. “We love Him because He first
loved us!” (1 John 4:19).
2. Joy of Assurance
When we believe in Christ we instantly receive
an inner assurance through the Holy Spirit that we are
the children of God (Rom 8:16). This assurance is
further confirmed when we are filled with the Spirit.
He makes us cry out joyfully, spontaneously - “Abba,
Father!”(Rom 8:15). The Holy Spirit is called the
“seal,” the “guarantee” and the “deposit” of God's
ownership on us for the day of redemption (2Cor
1:22; Eph 1:13; 4:30). Even in moments of defeat and
despair, the Holy Spirit quickens our spirit to realize
our sonship in God's family.
3. Help in Prayer
Everyone is weak to some degree in prayer.
“The Spirit helps us in our weaknesses. We do not
know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself
intercedes for us with groans that words cannot
express” (Rom 8:26). Prayer is energized when
offered in the Spirit (Jude 20). Prayer is no more a
drudgery or mere duty but becomes a delight when
we are filled with the Spirit. The prayer life of the
disciples of Christ had a remarkable transformation
after Pentecost.
4. Understanding the Scriptures
Who can explain a book better than its author?
The Bible is authored by the Holy Spirit (2 Pet 1:20,
21). Jesus introduced the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of
Truth who would guide us into all truth (John 16:13).
The Holy Spirit not only enlightens our
understanding of the Scriptures but also interprets the
message of the text practically for our personal needs
and situations.
5. Victory over Sin
The Holy Spirit fights against the works of the
flesh (Gal 5:16-21). He enables us to say 'no' to the
lusts of the flesh. As His very name suggests, He
creates in us a passion for holiness and leads us in the
paths of righteousness. The Holy Spirit makes a holy
people. Our part is to open up ourselves to His
fullness and Ownership.
6. Relationship with Fellowmen
Apostle Paul lists nine virtues as the fruit of the
Spirit. Note that almost all of them are relevant to
interpersonal relationships. “Love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control” (Gal 5:22,23).
Relationships become smooth when oiled by the
Holy Spirit. Loving the unlovable is impossible
without the Spirit of God's love.
7. Power to Witness
The disciples who deserted Jesus and denied
Him became daring witnesses of His resurrection
when the Holy Spirit filled them (Acts 1:8, 4:31). It is
possible for a believer to witness for Christ and
manifest certain gifts of the Spirit before being
anointed with the Spirit. But newer dimensions and
fuller manifestations can be experienced in ministry
when we receive the Holy Spirit in His baptismal
power (1 Cor 12: 7-10). Though Christ is the very
Son of God, He worked in the power of the Spirit
rather than His own strength and abilities, thus giving
us a pattern (Acts 10:38).
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