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In today’s sermon, we delve deeply into understanding a profound and essential truth about the Holy Spirit: He is not merely a force or an attribute of God, but is fully and distinctly God Himself. This recognition is pivotal to our faith, for it shapes how we relate to the Holy Spirit and understand His work in our lives. Let us explore this truth through Scriptural affirmations and analogies that help us grasp the divine nature of the Holy Spirit.
Firstly, the Holy Spirit is referred to by names that unequivocally belong to God:
The Lord: In 2 Corinthians 3:17, Paul states, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." This title, "The Lord," is a direct designation of divinity, traditionally used to refer to God in the Old and New Testaments. Like the sun, which cannot be separated from its warmth and light, the Lord cannot be separated from His Spirit.
God: Acts 5:3-4 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” These scriptures provide a striking revelation when Peter says to Ananias that he has not lied to men but to God, referring explicitly to the Holy Spirit. This is not merely a rhetorical flourish but a theological declaration: the Holy Spirit is God, as integral to the Godhead as the beams or rays are to the sun.
The Holy Spirit is described in Scripture as possessing attributes that only God could embody:
Eternity: Hebrews 9:14 calls Him the "eternal Spirit." Eternity is an attribute that belongs only to God. Just as numbers extend infinitely without beginning or end, so does the Holy Spirit exist eternally beyond the bounds of time.
Omnipresence: Psalm 139:7 poignantly asks, "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?" This rhetorical question underscores that the Holy Spirit, like the air that fills all spaces, is everywhere—there is no place devoid of His presence.
Omniscience: 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 reveals that "the Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God." This omniscience, or all-knowingness, likens the Spirit to the depths of the ocean, where every hidden treasure and secret is known.
Omnipotence: Romans 15:13, 19 shows the Spirit’s power in filling believers with all joy and peace and performing mighty deeds through them. Like the wind that moves ships and turns windmills, the Holy Spirit exerts His powerful influence in and through believers. He is all powerful.
Divine Works: The works of the Holy Spirit imply His possession of divine attributes. He is involved in creation, sustenance, and the orchestration of miraculous events—acts that require unlimited power and authority.
Through these scriptures, we see not just isolated traits but a consistent portrayal of the Holy Spirit as possessing all the hallmarks of divinity. The attributes and names given to Him in Scripture are not merely symbolic; they are definitive and literal, pointing us to the unavoidable conclusion that the Holy Spirit is indeed God.
Let us, therefore, approach the Holy Spirit not as a distant force or abstract power, but as God Himself—intimately involved in our lives, desiring a relationship with us, and working in us to fulfill God’s divine purposes. As we acknowledge His deity, may we lean on Him more fully, listen to His guidance more attentively, and worship Him more fervently, recognizing His vital presence in every aspect of our lives. The Holy Spirit, like the very air we breathe, is both around us and within us—empowering, guiding, and sanctifying us in our journey of faith.
May the peace of God dwell within you throughout this week. If you've been touched by today's message and wish to explore deeper faith, join us for Sunday services at AFM in Canada. Together, we can grow in love, strengthen our community, and uplift each other in our spiritual journeys. We look forward to welcoming you into our family. Blessings and grace be upon you.
Senior Pastor
Leo T Mukumba