Trust the Spirit

by Laura Springer, Th.M., Ph.D.

Key Passages: Ephesians 1:13–14; 1:15-23; 2:11–22; 3:1-6; 3:14-19; 4:1-6; 4:17-24; 4:30–32; 5:15-21; 6:10-20

 

“If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25 ESV

 

God has given us a tall order: Love God, love people, and teach others to do the same. We cannot do this alone.

We need the Spirit. We need one another.

Let us pay attention to the Spirit. First, let’s recognize that the Spirit is God among us. He is the one who binds us to Christ and one another. Second, let’s seek him out and learn to recognize his voice and differentiate it from the pizza we had last night. As a community of siblings, let us engage Scripture with an ear to the Spirit and remain open to giving one another the gifts of instruction and correction.

Let us obey the Spirit’s illumination of Scripture. This side of heaven, we always understand through a glass darkly. We need to partner with the Spirit, who helps us see what matters. After working alongside the Spirit to understand the ideas and priorities in a passage, talk with other believers to get their take.  In doing this, we train ourselves to recognize his voice and distinguish it from all other voices--including our own. And because Scripture is the voice of God in written text, understanding must be followed by trustful obedience.

Let us trust the Spirit to tune our focus on Jesus. Paying attention to the Spirit and recognizing his illumination of Scripture are the means to a glorious end: seeking Jesus. He is the author and finisher of our faith. We trust the Spirit to train us as individuals and as a community to distinguish Jesus from the false gods held up before us by the world, our desires, and the forces of evil. The Spirit works to maintain our focus on Jesus, conforming us into his image and beautifying us as his Bride.

Only by trusting the Spirit can we fulfill our mission as TFB, for the Spirit takes our individual capacities and creates a community of love and faith that goes out into God’s world and declares his glory. Trusting the Spirit, we are equipped to communicate the good news of Jesus in ways that are clear to family, friends, and neighbors.