Seattle, October 24, 2005. (111)
0NE SPIRIT. Eph. 4:4 Variously identified, as the Holy Spirit. A gift most gracious given to the believer by the heavenly Father, when requested. Luke 11:13 He is likewise called the “spirit of holiness” in keeping with his character. His welcomed presence in the life of the Christian will produce holiness, when His instructions are followed. Rom. 1:4 He is also acknowledged as the “Spirit of Christ.” 1 Pet. 1:11 He is that chrisma, the anointing that was in Christ Jesus. That Spirit dwelling in Christ which enabled Him to preach the gospel, heal broken hearts, bring deliverance to those in captivity, to open blind eyes and proclaim liberty to those who are oppressed. Luke. 4:18 He
is also known as the Spirit of God. The same Spirit which came upon the Lord Jesus when He was baptized of John the Baptist. His presence is repeatedly acknowledged through out the scriptures in a great variety of ways. From creation even until today He is involved in all the activities of the Lord.
THE UNITY OF THE LORD. When we become aware of the unconditional, the perfect unity which exemplifies the Godhead, it is absolutely astonishing. While easily distinguished one from the other, there are times when they are indistinguishable. Their labors together involve the completeness of all that the Lord portrays Himself to be. For instance, in the beginning, “God created the Heaven and the earth. Gen. 1:1 “And the Spirit of God moved.” Gen. 1:2 “In the beginning was the Word.” John 1:1 John 1:3 “Without Him was not anything made that was made.” The fullness of God was involved in creation. In perfect harmony the Lord brought forth all that we see around us, on earth and in the heavens.
HIS GIFT WILL PROMOTE UNITY. Through the person of the Holy Spirit the Lord has established in the body of believers that which is known as the five-fold ministry. Eph. 4:11 Their gift is given to minister to the body of Christ. They are gift of the Lord to the body. The body is not a gift to them. They are to minister to the body. Their work is to develop God like perfection, maturity and full spiritual growth in the church. They are to edify, build up, the body of believers. Their responsibility before the Lord is great. Eph. 4:12. Their responsibility is to move according to the Spirit of the Lord and not after their own spirit. The Lord will use individuals called to fulfill His appointed ministries to perfect His church.