Welcome to Day 25. of our devotional study, Who Is The Holy Spirit And What Does He Do? online Bible study. This is our last day in our glorious study of the Holy Spirit.
Today we discuss 2 Corinthians 3:18, and Colossians 1:27, and talk about experiencing the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the physical signs of the presence of the Holy Spirit resting upon you.
Experiencing The Presence Of The Holy Spirit
The presence and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives are deeply connected, each showing a different side of how He works within us.
Think of the Holy Spirit's power as all the amazing things He does for us—like giving us strength and courage. On the other hand, the Holy Spirit's presence is all about who He is—our constant companion who lives right inside our hearts.
When we talk about the Holy Spirit's presence, it means He’s always with us, every step of the way. He's like a close friend who brings the presence of Jesus right into our everyday lives. Jesus, who knows everything about us, longs to be near us. And it’s the Holy Spirit who makes this incredible closeness possible. He fills our hearts with Jesus’ love, just as Paul describes in
2 Corinthians 3:18, lighting up our lives with the glory and splendor of Jesus.
Isn’t that wonderful? The Holy Spirit is like Jesus walking alongside us every day!
The Presence of the Holy Spirit as transformer
Read 2 Corinthians 3:18
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV.
Paul describes a transformative experience where believers, by focusing on the Lord’s glory, are changed "into his image with ever-increasing glory." This transformation is the work of the Holy Spirit. It’s not merely a superficial change but a deep, ongoing renewal of our inner being to reflect the character and love of Jesus.
Paul uses the metaphor of an "unveiled face" to contrast believers under the New Covenant with Moses, who had to veil his face to shield the Israelites from the residual glory of his encounter with God (Exodus 34:33-35). For Christians, this veil is removed in Christ, allowing direct and unhindered access to God’s presence.
We aren't hampered by sin like the Israelites were. Yes, we are still sinful but Jesus' death on the cross paid for that sinfulness and once we put our faith in Him we have access to God's presence without any hindrances. We do not need a veil!
The Presence Of Holy Spirit as the Revealer of Christ (Colossians 1:27)
Read Colossians 1:27
"To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Colossians 1:27 ESV.
In Colossians, Paul talks about the mystery hidden for ages but now revealed to God’s people—Christ in you, the hope of glory. This indwelling of Christ's presence by the Spirit among believers is the core of our hope and the essence of the gospel’s power.
The Holy Spirit makes Jesus' presence in us feel real and active, not just something we think about. It's through the Holy Spirit that Jesus influences our actions, choices, and dreams, truly shaping our lives from the inside out.
For ages, the promise of the Messiah and His redemptive plan was somewhat veiled, even in the prophecies of the Old Testament. The fullness of this mystery, that Christ would dwell in His people and not just among them, was not made clear until the New Testament. This indwelling presence of Christ in believers was revolutionary and signified a new intimacy between God and His people.
Knowing that Christ dwells in us should transform how we live. It compels us to holiness, fuels our love for others, and empowers us
for service. It also gives us the boldness to share this mystery with others, knowing its transformative power.
How the Holy Spirit is Known and Felt
The Holy Spirit communicates with us in ways that go beyond human understanding. This communication often comes as an inner conviction or assurance, aligning our spirit with God’s promises and truth. It’s a felt presence that confirms our identity as children of God and guides us in our decisions.
Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are not just idealistic virtues but tangible evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work within us. As we grow in these areas, it becomes apparent that the Spirit is active in our lives.
The Holy Spirit also endows believers with spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7-11), equipping the Church to fulfill its mission. These gifts are diverse, including wisdom, healing, prophecy, and more, all distributed as the Spirit wills. The presence of these gifts is a practical aspect of how the Holy Spirit's presence is known and experienced.
Physical Signs Of The Presence Of Holy Spirit
Physical signs of the Holy Spirit can be different for everyone, and they can happen in many different situations. These signs can be gentle or really powerful. Here are some of the common physical signs people often feel when they experience the Holy Spirit's presence:
Feeling of Warmth or Heat: Some people report feeling an unexplained warmth or heat, especially during prayer or worship, which they attribute to the Holy Spirit’s presence.
Tingling Sensations: A tingling sensation or a feeling of electricity running through the body is another sign often associated with the Holy Spirit's activity, particularly when experiencing deep spiritual moments or revelations.
Goosebumps or Chills: This can occur during significant spiritual insight or when feeling particularly moved by a religious service, music, or prayer.
Tears of Joy or Conviction: An overwhelming sense of emotion leading to tears can be a response to the Holy Spirit’s touch, especially when these tears come with a profound sense of peace or spiritual clarity.
Feeling of Peace: A deep, inexplicable peace that settles over one in the midst of praying, meditating on Scripture, or listening to a sermon can be a physical manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s comforting presence.
Increased Heart Rate: Feeling one's heart beat faster during moments of spiritual intensity can also be attributed to the Holy Spirit's presence.
Loss of Strength: Some people experience a weakening of their physical strength, often described as feeling 'weak in the knees,' during powerful moments of spiritual encounter.
Speaking in Tongues: Although not a purely physical reaction, the act of speaking in tongues involves physical aspects of speech and is considered by many denominations as a physical sign of the Holy Spirit’s presence.
Spontaneous Vocal Expressions: Shouts, cries, or other vocal expressions that come involuntarily during worship or prayer are sometimes seen as physical manifestations of the Holy Spirit’s movement.
It's good to remember that even if you don't see or feel these physical signs, it doesn't mean the Holy Spirit isn't with you. Often, the most amazing work of the Holy Spirit isn't something we can see or touch; it happens deep inside, transforming our hearts and lives in incredible ways, that we notice over time.
Summary
The presence of the Holy Spirit is not a distant or abstract concept; it's a vibrant and transformative reality. As Paul illustrates in his epistles, the Spirit changes us, reveals Christ in us, and empowers us to live out the gospel. The daily experience of the Holy Spirit’s presence assures us of our place in God’s family and motivates us to pursue a life that reflects the glory and character of Christ. In quiet moments of prayer and in active ministry, let us be keenly aware of the Spirit's work in and around us, transforming us into bearers of God's glorious presence.
God is incredibly real, and His love for you is immense! If you've never felt His presence, I encourage you to reach out and ask God to touch your heart today. Take a moment to pray and seek Him—He is eagerly waiting to connect with you.
Here are cross-references for further study:
John 14:16-17, Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 3:16-19, Romans 8:9-11, 1 Corinthians 3:16.
Prayer for the presence of the Holy Spirit
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, the wonderful presence that dwells within me. I am grateful for Your guidance, comfort, and empowerment as I navigate life.
Lord, open my heart to Your Spirit more fully. Help me feel Your nearness at all times and seek Your guidance in every decision.
As I go about my day, let Your Spirit transform my thoughts, actions, and desires to reflect Your love and goodness. Grant me the peace that surpasses understanding, protecting my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
Enhance my awareness of the spiritual gifts You've given me. Empower me to use these gifts to serve others and strengthen the body of Christ.
In moments of doubt or loneliness, remind me that Christ is in me, my hope of glory. Let this truth fill me with joy and the courage to share Your love.
I ask this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
Who Is The Holy Spirit And What Does He Do? Online Bible Study and Printable Journal
Dive even deep into this study with our printable journal. This journal is designed to guide you through personal reflections and insights, enhancing your experience as you engage with the Scriptures and listen to the Holy Spirit. Grab your journal HERE.
Here are some questions to consider as you study the person of the Holy Spirit:
What is the most important truth I learned about the Holy Spirit?
Did the Holy Spirit convict me of anything that I need to change in my life?
Thank you for joining me on this journey. May the Holy Spirit continue to lead you into a deeper relationship with God and empower you to live out your faith boldly and effectively.
Resources used in today's study on, The Spirit OF The Lord:
You may be encouraged by these resources:
Connect: Join me on Facebook for daily encouragement.
If you have enjoyed this post, share it with Facebook using the button below or pin the graphic above to Pinterest.
Help me spread God's joy to everyone!
Join us in our Restoring Beauty For Ashes Facebook Group for daily Bible study HERE.
And if you need a gift from our shop for yourself or a friend, you will find the current discount codes on our Welcome Page.
Karen xx.
Comentários