Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints."
Text: Ephesians 6:18
GOD’S GLORIOUS PROVISION
Thank God for His provision of a powerful and protective panoply. Thank God that we have a mighty Commander leading His army triumphantly. There is One more Person we must thank God for… the Spirit of God Himself who was sent to minister in the name of the Lord Jesus.
THE MINISTRY OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD
God’s army is like no earthly army. His army was meant to be in contact with the Spirit of God. Only when there is this vital link with the Spirit of God can there be great victory. Let us take time to review the role of the Spirit of God.
1. The Divine Helper (“parakletos”) (John 14:16-17)
Jesus promised that He will pray and ask the Father to give His disciples another Helper just like Himself. The disciples would never be able to manage on their own.
2. The Spirit of God as Teacher (“didaskalos”) (John 14:26)
The work of teaching must continue. The disciples had been taught much already by the Lord Jesus, but there were many things that needed clarification. The Spirit of God would take over that task and more.
3. The Holy Spirit as Witness (“martus”) (John 15:26)
The disciples of Jesus were commissioned to bear witness of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Spirit of God would be their Co-witness in this challenging work.
4. The Holy Spirit as Guide (“hodegesei”) (John 16:13)
The Spirit of God will actually show the disciples the way they should go. He would take an active role in leading the Church.
5. The Holy Spirit will ever seek to glorify the Lord Jesus (John 16:14)
The Spirit of God will not draw attention to Himself. On the other hand, He will seek only to bring glory to the Lord Jesus Christ. (This is one of the ways we can distinguish the true ministry of the Spirit of God from false claims of His ministry)
6. The Holy Spirit will always in perfect harmony with the Father and the Son (John 16:15)
This perfect harmony will always be maintained. Any leading of the Spirit of God will never clash with whatever the Lord Jesus has taught.
THE NEED TO BE SENSITIVE TO THE LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
It behooves the church, the army of God, to learn what it means to be in close touch with the Holy Spirit, if it is to be successful in its mission!