Parenthood can be a good tool, which God uses to teach us about His nature and will. Sometimes parents make promises of gifts for children’s good behaviour in return for the gift. That is obviously trying to strike a deal for both parent and child to benefit. Sometimes parents make promises of punishment for the child’s bad behaviour, trying to prevent future pain, loss and suffering. God is a great and good Father, making both kinds of promises. We need to tell people that our Heavenly Father always keeps His promises of gifts and benefits to us on conditions, but because we are sinners, His promises of punishment are made without conditions. The wages of sin is our own physical death! Romans 6:23, 2nd Thes. 1:8. Equally true, the wages of Christ’s death is eternal life with God in love with His creation. Here are some aims of God’s Spirit. God has many purposes and promises in His word. The Holy Spirit Himself wants to teach us about His purposeful and promise filled presence in the Christian’s daily life.
1. Being Born of the Spirit, John 3:1-8
2. The Indwelling Presence of the Promised Spirit, Acts 2:39, Rom. 8:9, Gal. 3:14.
3. The Supply, Fellowship & Unity of the Spirit, Philippians 1:19-2:1, Eph. 4:3
4. The Law and Sword of the Spirit, Rom. 8:1-5, & 1st Cor. 2:14, Jer. 31:31-33, 2nd Cor. 3:6 & Ephesians 6:17
5. The Firstfruit/Earnest/Seal of the Spirit, Rom. 8:23-27, 2Cor. 1:22, Eph. 1:13-14
6. The Love & Fruit of the Spirit, Rom. 15:30, Gal. 5:22-23, Eph. 5:9.
7. The Sanctification of the Spirit, 2nd Thes. 2:13 & 1st Peter 1:2
Do you believe God’s Spirit promises the following?
1. New Life.
2. His Presence.
3. Unity with other Christians.
4. Writing His law of faith in Christ on our heart.
5. Sealing our hearts with a guarantee of an eternal inheritance.
6. Pouring out His love into our heart.
7. Helping us grow in sanctification.
Epaggelia 