allnighter number one.

Three functions of the Holy Spirit include revealing, filling and leading. The Spirit reveals to us things of the Lord, mysteries and knowledge. He fills us, to a point of overflowing and therefore is present here with us, not hidden behind a curtain in His temple. Lastly, he leads us. “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” (Romans 8:14) The Holy Spirit is part of the trinity, God’s Spirit here on earth just loving away.

The Holy Spirit reveals to us the mysteries of our Lord God: things which were previously hidden. Without the Holy Spirit, we, as humans, would not be able to fathom that God sent his son to die for us; you and I. We could understand neither the gravity nor the necessity of this sacrifice, brought on by God’s deep love for us, His creations. This love itself requires a bit of revelation because of the intensity of such a complete love that we do not experience in any other relationship. “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him- these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:9b-10) By revealing these things to us, the Spirit has helped us connect to a God we cannot comprehend, with the acknowledgment that we are still limited by our nature to understand a God so vast. The mysteries of God comprise of things known to him, but not us, and prophecy is, in part, a revelation of these unknown things. “But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!” (1 Corinthians 14:24-25) These revelations are surely a privilege, for “Even angels long to look into these things.” (1 Peter 1:12b) What the Spirit reveals is to help us understand the love of God, and is, ultimately, for his glory.

Unable to live the in-between life we are called to live as Christians on our own, we are filled with the Holy Spirit. We are a people in the end times, with a taste of the Spirit of the Lord, but not yet fully with the Lord. The Old Testament is full of men “the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon,” (Judges 14:19) but in the New Testament “the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 13:52) God has sent His Spirit, no longer just to come upon us, but to fill and enable us to preach and teach and love everyone. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7) The Spirit of the Lord stirs hearts and gives us fruit such as kindness and joy. He fills us to overflowing! “Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:19) We are given gifts of tongues and prophecy, to better communicate with God and encourage our brothers and sisters. As Christians we are filled with the Spirit, a taste of what is to come.

The Spirit who fills us also leads us in the way of the Lord, according to His will for our lives. “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16-17a) God wants us to live our lives in a way pleasing to Him; to love others and serve them out of that love. 1 Corinthians 13 goes into great detail about how to love one another, and the Holy Spirit helps us in that as it would be impossible on our own. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:22-25) We have been born with a sinful nature, but born again in the Lord. This new life requires a new walk, and a guide different from that of this world’s. Ever eloquent, David pleas, “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” (Psalm 143:10) When we listen and are willing, the Spirit of God leads us according to the will of the Lord.

The Spirit of God has three main functions: to reveal, fill and lead. When the Spirit reveals, it is for our better, things that will encourage, enlighten or exclaim. When the Spirit fills us-- oh to be filled with the Spirit of the Lord--He fills us to overflowing with joy, wisdom and love. When the Spirit leads, He leads us in the will, walk and way of the Lord. The Holy Spirit is God’s presence here on earth, His way of being in communion with His people; His children.