LIVING BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. (Part 20).
2 Timothy 1. Verse 7 reads:
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.
We have consistently mentioned in this series that the Holy Spirit is a spirit of expression. If permitted by the person in whom he dwells, he will showcase God to the world through varied supernatural expressions. Today’s text highlights some virtues the Holy Spirit desires to express through believers.
The Holy Spirit is not timid. For this reason, the man in whom he dwells has no justification to live in fear. In a world of abounding uncertainties, situations that promote fear are common, especially where men are inclined to viewing things from the natural perspective. Such situations tend to rob most men of the courage to take what is legitimately theirs. In the presence of fear, strength and courage are crippled, which in turn robs men of the power of conquest. One of God’s cures for the fears that cripple men is the Holy Spirit.
From today’s text, the Holy Spirit has a three-fold expression in man. These are:
- The expression of power. This speaks of the potency of the Holy Spirit to get things done. He is unstoppable, accurate, and timely in execution. This expression of the spirit is what inspires strength, courage, and boldness in men who have the Holy Spirit.
- The expression of love. This speaks of the sum total of God’s personality. In God’s nature, he demonstrates mercy and benevolence to all, impartially. The expression of the spirit of love produces in men the fruit of the spirit, which is a perfect reflection of the personality or nature of Christ.
- The expression of self-discipline. This is what keeps the believer in check and within God’s bounds of operation, beyond which man falls out of the will of God.
Any man who permits these three expressions to flow out of his life positions himself for the supernatural life of the Holy Spirit. Such a man exhibits the strength, character, and standards of God. Brethren, believers have the privilege of a solid partnership with the Holy Spirit through which they can live lives devoid of fear and filled with power, love, and self-discipline. This is the means by which the supernatural life of God is expressed amongst men.
SHALOM