Module 1: The Spirit Who Is God
10 min read
If the Holy Spirit were merely a power, a thing, or an influence, you could not have a relationship with Him. You do not have a friendship with electricity. You do not apologize to gravity. But you can grieve the Holy Spirit. You can lie to Him. You can insult Him. You can pray to Him. You can hear Him. These are personal realities, not impersonal ones.
The Bible treats the Spirit as a Person in the full sense of the word. He thinks, chooses, feels, speaks, and acts.
"The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God" 1 Corinthians 2:10-11. The Spirit knows the mind of God because He shares the divine mind. And He makes that mind available to us as we grow in wisdom.
"All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines" 1 Corinthians 12:11. The Spirit decides. He chooses. He is not a tool we manipulate. He is a Person who acts according to His own perfect wisdom and love.
"Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption" Ephesians 4:30. And in another place: "How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant... and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?" Hebrews 10:29. The Spirit can be grieved. The Spirit can be insulted. These are the responses of a Person, not a force.
In the book of Acts, the Spirit says, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them" Acts 13:2. The Spirit issues commands, warns, forbids, invites, and teaches. He communicates with persons because He is a Person.
The Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness Mark 1:12. The Spirit led Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch Acts 8:29. The Spirit sent Paul and his companions on mission Acts 16:6-7. The Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words Romans 8:26. He is not passive. He is the most active Person in your spiritual life.
You can talk to the Spirit as you talk to a trusted friend — with honesty, respect, and expectancy. You can ask for help. You can confess when you grieve Him. You can thank Him. You can listen for His voice. The Spirit is not far away, waiting for you to perform correctly. He is already within you, eager to lead you into the fullness of life.
This week, practice speaking to the Spirit directly. Not about Him. Not through Him only. To Him. Say good morning. Say thank you. Say you need help. Relationship begins with address.