The Holy Spirit
“When He, the Spirit of truth, is come,” “He will reprove the world
of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” [
John 16:13, 8
.]
The preaching of the word is of no avail without the presence and
aid of the Holy Spirit; for this Spirit is the only effectual teacher of
divine truth. Only when the truth is accompanied to the heart by the
Spirit, will it quicken the conscience or transform the life. A minister
may be able to present the letter of the word of God; he may be familiar
with all its commands and promises; but his sowing of the gospel seed
will not be successful unless this seed is quickened into life by the dew
of heaven. Without the co-operation of the Spirit of God, no amount
of education, no advantages, however great, can make one a channel
of light. Before one book of the New Testament had been written,
before one gospel sermon had been preached after Christ’s ascension,
the Holy Spirit came upon the praying disciples. Then the testimony
of their enemies was, “Ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine.”
[
Acts 5:28
.]
God’s Promises Subject to Conditions
Christ promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to His church and the
promise belongs as much to us as to the first disciples. But like every
other promise, it is given on conditions. There are many who profess
to believe and claim the Lord’s promises; they talk about Christ and the
Holy Spirit; yet they receive no benefit, because they do not surrender
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their souls to the guidance and control of divine agencies.
We cannot use the Holy Spirit; the Spirit is to use us. Through
the Spirit, God works in His people “to will and to do of His good
pleasure.” [
Philippians 2:13
.] But many will not submit to be led.
They want to manage themselves. This is why they do not receive
the heavenly gift. Only to those who wait humbly upon God, who
watch for His guidance and grace, is the Spirit given. This promised
blessing, claimed by faith, brings all other blessings in its train. It is
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