Use The Force Luke!

I well remember Obiwan telling Luke Skywalker to "use the Force". The "Force" was some power that would enable Luke to do things that he otherwise was unable to do. If he could tap into the "Force", he could lift great weight, defeat great opposition and beat a droid while blindfolded. I thought the "Force" was pretty cool and will admit to trying to use the "Force" on occasion, usually on my children.
Some people hold that the Holy Spirit is like that, some impersonal force that emanates from God. But, is that what the Bible teaches? Mr. Lucas had his ideas of the "Force", but the Bible holds the truth of the matter when it relates to the Spirit of God. Let's take a look!

First, the Spirit speaks! He is able to communicate and has the ability to speak ... hold on, don't jump to conclusions. "Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons". (1 Timothy 4:1) The Spirit spoke and His words were recorded for us and His words still speak to us today. He spoke directly to people, Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and overtake this chariot.” (Acts 8:29) There are many other places in Scripture where the Spirits speaking is recorded. He is able to communicate.

Secondly, the Spirit teaches! But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. (John 14:26) He was to teach the Apostles and bring things to their remembrance. He is able to instruct.

Thirdly, He possesses a mind! Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:27) What does that mean... I am not sure. However, the idea of Him having a mind would indicate the ability to think and reason and know and understand.

Fourthly, He has knowledge! Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. (1 Corinthians 2:11) This verse indicates that the Spirit of God knows the things of God. He has a mind and it is filled with knowledge.

Fifthly, He possesses affection! Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me (Romans 15:30) Love is part of His nature (no surprise there!).

This Wednesday night we are going to dig in deeper to see how the Spirit possesses personality. He is much like us in that way. He thinks, He speaks, He teaches, He has knowledge and He loves. We should not be surprised by any of this... we are made in His image! We should share many things with Him in our own personalities.  Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness (Genesis 1:26).
 
The Spirit of God is not some impersonal force that enables us to do great things; rather, He is a being that possesses personality and thinks and feels and can even be hurt by our actions. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? As we continue in our study, let's begin to think about Him in that way; a living, feeling, thinking, loving being.