Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
Source: The Life Application Study Bible
10 “This salvation was something the prophets wanted to know more about. They prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you, even though they had many questions as to what it all could mean. 11 They wondered what the Spirit of Christ within was talking about when He told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and His great glory afterward. They wondered when and to whom all this would happen. 12 They were told that these things would not happen during their lifetime, but many years later, during yours. And now this Good News has been announced by those who preached to you in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.” ~ 1 Peter 1:10-12
The Spirit of Christ is another name for the Holy Spirit. Before Jesus left His ministry on earth to return to heaven, He promised to send the Holy Spirit, the Counselor, to teach, help and guide His followers. – 15 “If you love Me, obey My commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and HE will give you another Counselor, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive Him, because it is not looking for Him and does not recognize Him. But you do, because He lives with you now and later will be in you.” – John 14:15-17 – Jesus was soon going to leave the disciples, but He would remain with them. How could this be? The Counselor – the Spirit of GOD HIMSELF – would come after Jesus was gone to care for and guide the disciples. The word translated “Counselor” combines the ideas of comfort and counsel. The Holy Spirit is a powerful person on our side, working for us and with us. The regenerating power of the Spirit came on the disciples just before Jesus’ ascension, and the Spirit was poured out on all the believers at Pentecost, shortly after Jesus ascended to heaven. The Holy Spirit is the very presence of GOD within us and all believers, helping us live as GOD wants and building Christ’s church on earth. By faith we can appropriate the Spirit’s power each day. The Holy Spirit has been active among people from the beginning of time, but after Pentecost He came to live in all believers. Many people are unaware of the Holy Spirit’s activities, but to those who hear Christ’s words and understand the Spirit’s power, the Spirit gives a whole new way to look at life.
The Holy Spirit would also tell about Jesus and would reveal His glory. – “But I will send you the Counselor – the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will tell you all about Me.” – John 15:26 – Once again Jesus offers hope. The Holy Spirit gives strength to endure the unreasonable hatred and evil in our world and the hostility many have toward Christ. This is especially comforting for those facing persecution. The Old Testament prophets, writing under the Holy Spirit’s inspiration, described the coming of the Messiah. The New Testament apostles, through the inspiration of the same Spirit, preached the crucified and risen Lord. Although the plan of salvation was a mystery to the Old Testament prophets, they still suffered persecution, and some even died for GOD. In contrast, some Jewish Christians who read Peter’s letter had seen Jesus for themselves and knew why He came. They based their assurance on Jesus’ death and resurrection. With their firsthand knowledge and personal experience of Jesus, their faith could be even stronger than that of the Old Testament prophets. Based on your knowledge and personal experience of Jesus, how strong is your faith?
Father fill us with YOUR very presence through the Holy Spirit and help us to live as YOU want. YOUR Word tells us that by faith we can appropriate the Spirit’s power each day. Make us aware of the Holy Spirit’s activities in our lives and help us to hear Christ’s words and understand the Spirits power in our lives. Give us a whole new way to look at life!
Photo: Surfside Beach (Texas)
Photographer: Lisa K Gonzales
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