Welcome to Day 3. of our devotional study, Who Is The Holy Spirit And What Does He Do online Bible study. Today's Bible study is about the Holy Spirit as the breath of God!
Today, we’ll dive into two scriptures, Genesis 2:7 and John 6:63, and discover how the Holy Spirit breathes life into us. This journey will not only help us understand more about the Holy Spirit but also show us practical, everyday ways to feel and enjoy the Spirit's life-giving presence.
Holy Spirit As The Breath Of God
In the Bible, the "breath of God" is so much more than just air; it symbolizes His Spirit, the very essence of life. The Holy Spirit is often described as the "breath of the Almighty," a powerful image that highlights how the Spirit gives and sustains life. In both Hebrew and Greek, the words for "spirit" (Hebrew: ruach; Greek: pneuma) also mean "breath" or "wind." This beautiful connection highlights the Holy Spirit's role as both a heavenly power and the source of all life.
The Breath Of The Holy Spirit
The book of Genesis begins with the creation narrative, detailing how God created the heavens and the earth. In Genesis 2, the focus shifts to the creation of humanity. Unlike other creatures, man is uniquely fashioned from the dust of the ground. This detail highlights the humble beginnings of humankind.
Then the Holy Spirit breathes life into Adam's nostrils!
Read Genesis 2:7
Click on the Bible verse to read it in various translations at Biblegateway.
"then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature." Genesis 2:7 ESV.
Just as God had used the Spirit as His breath (ruach) hovering over creation (we discussed this yesterday - The Holy Spirit And Creation) and bringing life out of the chaos in Genesis 1:2, He used the Holy Spirit to breathe into the dirt itself as He formed man. In this way, Adam became a living soul. The ruach is the breath of God that gives life.
Another Bible verse that emphasizes this is found in Job 33:4, Elihu. He says to Job:
"The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life." Job 33:4
Elihu recognized that his life and existence were directly sustained by the Spirit of God. This verse identifies the Holy Spirit as a creator and the continual source of the life force that sustains all living beings.
In John 6, Jesus performs amazing miracles: He feeds 5,000 people and then walks on water. The next day, the crowd follows Him, hoping to see more miracles. But Jesus wants to shift their focus from just physical needs to spiritual nourishment. He tells them that He is the Bread of Life and that eternal life comes through Him.
In the midst of this teaching, Jesus makes a powerful statement in John 6:63:
"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life." John 6:63 ESV
Jesus shows us the amazing power of the Holy Spirit and His words, which bring us spiritual life and transformation. He teaches that true life comes from the Spirit. While our physical bodies are important, they can't give us the eternal life and spiritual energy that the Holy Spirit offers. Just like our bodies need food, our spirits need nourishment too. Jesus' words, filled with the Spirit, are our spiritual food. They sustain and energize our souls. The Holy Spirit changes us from the inside out, not just by changing our behavior, but by renewing our hearts and minds to match God's will.
Breathing in the Holy Spirit
The breath of God is the Spirit of God at work. Understanding the Holy Spirit as the breath of God can profoundly impact our daily lives. Here is a quote from Tony Evans from his book, The Power Of The Holy Spirit's Names, about the necessity of constantly and consciously breathing in the Holy Spirit:
One of the problems that runs rampant in our Christian culture today is a lack of Holy Spirit oxygen. Christians are not breathing in the Holy Spirit, and so they have no spiritual oxygen circulating in them. Just as the physical body begins to break down without oxygen, the spiritual life does as well.
Just as breath is essential for physical life, the Holy Spirit's oxygen is essential for spiritual life. Without the Spirit, spiritual vitality and growth are impossible. The Holy Spirit revives, rejuvenates, and empowers believers to live under God’s will.
How can you make sure you are breathing in enough of the Holy Spirit so that you get enough Holy Spirit oxygen?
6 Ways to breathe in the Holy Spirit to ensure You Receive Enough Holy Spirit Oxygen
Receiving enough "Holy Spirit oxygen" means staying spiritually nourished and connected to God.
Here are some practical and encouraging ways to ensure you are continually filled with the Holy Spirit:
1. Daily Prayer: Make prayer a daily habit. Talk to God throughout your day, sharing your thoughts, feelings, and needs. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide and fill you.
Action: Set aside specific times each day for prayer, even if it's just a few minutes in the morning and evening.
2. Read and Meditate on Scripture: The Bible is filled with God’s words, which are full of the Spirit and life. Regularly reading and reflecting on Scripture nourishes your spirit.
Action: Choose a daily Bible reading plan or start with a book of the Bible that interests you. Spend time meditating on what you read and how it applies to your life.
3. Worship Regularly: Worship is a powerful way to connect with the Holy Spirit. Whether through singing, listening to worship music, or simply praising God for His goodness, worship invites the Spirit into your heart.
Action: Incorporate worship into your daily routine. Sing along to your favorite worship songs, or take a moment to praise God for His goodness.
4. Fellowship with Believers: Spending time with other Christians encourages and strengthens your faith. Fellowship allows you to share experiences, support each other, and grow together in the Spirit.
Action: Join a small group or Bible study at your church. Make an effort to build relationships with other believers.
5. Listen for the Holy Spirit: Make time to be still and listen for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. This can be during prayer, meditation, or quiet reflection.
Action: Spend a few minutes each day in silence, asking the Holy Spirit to speak to you. Be attentive to any thoughts, impressions, or scriptures that come to mind.
6. Confess and Repent: Regularly confessing your sins and seeking God’s forgiveness keeps your heart pure and open to the Holy Spirit.
Action: Make confession a regular part of your prayer life. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas where you need to repent and seek God’s forgiveness.
Remember, staying connected to the Holy Spirit is a journey, not a one-time event. As you incorporate these practices into your life, you’ll find yourself more attuned to the Spirit’s presence and guidance. The Holy Spirit is always with you, ready to fill you with God’s life-giving breath. Keep seeking, you will continually receive the spiritual oxygen you need to thrive.
Conclusion:
The Holy Spirit, known as the "breath of the Almighty," is essential for our life, sustenance, and renewal. Reflecting on Genesis 2:7 and John 6:63, we recognize our dependence on the Spirit and are encouraged to seek His presence daily. John 6:63 highlights that true life comes from the Spirit, with Jesus' words as our spiritual nourishment. By prioritizing spiritual nourishment, seeking the Spirit’s guidance, we can fully experience the life God intends for us. Let's live each day filled with the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to lead and transform us.
Let's pray together:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, the breath of life that sustains us. Help us to recognize our dependence on You and to seek Your Spirit in all we do. Please help us prioritize spiritual nourishment and embrace transformation. Strengthen us in our daily decisions and lead us to live in the fullness of Your life.
Holy Spirit fill us with life, guide us in truth, and empower us to live for Your glory.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Who Is The Holy Spirit And What Does He Do? Online Bible Study and Printable Journal
Dive even deeper 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?
Come back tomorrow as we study The Holy Spirit as Helper.
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 Holy Spirit As Breath Of God:
You may be encouraged by these resources:
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