Rejoice: Celebrating the Season of AdventSample

God’s Word and God’s Spirit

Read: Luke 2:21-26; John 14:15-26

SOAP: John 14:26

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and will cause you to remember everything I said to you.”

Into the Text

Simeon was a living reminder to the people in Israel that they should not forget God’s Words. Even though the promises of the coming Messiah had been made centuries before, Simeon did not doubt that God would come through. He knew deep in his heart that God does not lie and is always faithful to His promises. But there was something else which made Simeon so sure: the Holy Spirit had specifically revealed to him that he would not die before seeing the Messiah.

Simeon had two testimonies: the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. These are the same testimonies believers have today. Through the Word of God, the Bible, we learn of God’s great deeds in redemptive history and His plans for the future. But only through the Holy Spirit can we truly understand these words and believe them personally.

It says in the Bible that God does not tolerate sin and will punish everyone for the wrong they have done. The Holy Spirit gives the specific warning, “YOU are under God’s wrath!”

The Bible says to all people everywhere that God loved the world so much that He gave His Son. The Holy Spirit says, “It’s for YOU that Jesus came.”

The Bible points to the cross of Jesus and says, “Look, there is the lamb of God who carries away the sins of the world.” The Holy Spirit speaks to our restless hearts and says, “Jesus took YOUR sins!”

It’s amazing how God’s Word and God’s Spirit work together to bring us to faith in Jesus Christ. What do we need to do in order to believe? The answer is simple. Read the Bible and ask for the Holy Spirit to give you understanding. When we study the Bible without the help of God’s Spirit, it will remain a dead book to us. And when we seek the Holy Spirit without the Bible, we quickly end up in all sorts of weird teachings and imaginations. God’s Word and the Holy Spirit always belong together.

Prayer

Lord, let your Word and your Spirit accomplish their powerful work in me. Amen.