THREE ATTRIBUTES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

2 Timothy 1:7
We have a spirit of love, power and self-discipline. These are three essential attributes of the spirit that God has given us.


1. THE SPIRIT OF POWER

Romans 8:11
There are all sorts of power - electric, geothermal, nuclear, etc. But the power within us is even greater. It is the power that raised Jesus from the dead.

Ephesians 1:18
Paul desires that the disciples understand the hope that they have, the inheritance that they have and the incomparably great power at their disposal. We need to not only know about this power but have a deep understanding that it is within us and available to us.

Because of this, we can all be powerful and dynamic.

2 Timothy 1:8
Because of this power, we have no reason to ever be ashamed. In many cases, many of us have been ashamed about our salvation when among non-Christian friends, work colleagues or relatives.

Our outreach and Bible studies with the lost should be getting better and better with the years as the available power within keeps growing.


2. THE SPIRIT OF LOVE

Romans 5:5-8
Through the Holy Spirit, God poured out his love on us. He did not merely sprinkle his love, and neither did his love merely trickle out. We have God's love in abundance. We are therefore all able to love in an incredible and increasingly great way.

The right order of our priorities in loving is the following:
J - Jesus
O - Others
Y - Yourself. We will have true joy when we love this way.

We are born naturally selfish. We think of satisfying ourselves first and taking care of our needs and the needs of those close to us before we think of others. It makes it a challenge to love, but we can all do it as we walk in the Spirit.

As we grow in our love, we will grow in giving sacrificially of ourselves and our resources for the good of others.


3. THE SPIRIT OF SELF-DISCIPLINE

Power is dynamic, love is caring, but without self-discipline to direct it, the fruits of the Christian life cannot be realized.

Proverbs 20:13
We must be early risers. Habitual late rising only makes us disorganized and ineffective.

Matthew 5:37
Honour your appointments and be punctual. Whether it is for a church service or a private appointment, you must be in the habit of being on time.

Ephesians 4:29
We must be disciplined in our speech. Do not speak carelessly, but consider the impact and consequences of you say and how you say it.