MADE HOLY BY THE SPIRIT

2 Corinthians 3:4-6
God's Holy Spirit gives us life and makes us competent, effective disciples of Christ. In this way, the Spirit sets us apart to serve God in a fun, fruitful and fulfilling way and makes us:


1. PURPOSEFUL IN PRAYER
Romans 8:26,27
Even when you don't know what to say in prayer, as long as your heart desires to truly communicate with God, the Spirit gives your words direction and distinction. That way our prayers achieve the purpose for which we come before the Father.

Because of this, we have no excuse for having poor prayer lives. Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence.


2. POWERFUL IN PREACHING
John 16:5-11
The best we can do as we reach out to non-disciples and disciple Christians is to share the Bible and add the best illustrations and explanation that we can. But we are powerless to convict people. It is the Spirit who convicts people (v. 8),thus helping them change their lives. We are merely instruments for that work. The Spirit, thus, gives power to our preaching and meaning to our message.

So, be confident as you reach out to people.

Example: Philip converted a prominent rich man in Acts 8:26-39. But he did not start off as a great preacher or noted missionary. His role in the church was to serve as a waiter and oversee the distribution of food - Acts 6:1-5. So how does a waiter convert a royal treasurer? Because, Acts 6:3-5, he was full of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit, and not any talent or training, made his preaching powerful.

We can all preach and teach effectively if we walk in the Spirit.

3. PLEASANT AS A PERSON
Galatians 5:22,23
This is what the Spirit produces in those who keep in step with him. For any of these qualities that you lack, the issue is not your upbringing or background. While those might be factors in having shaped your character, today you can overcome any sin or character weakness and become a man or woman with these qualities - as long as you keep in step with the Spirit.

These qualities make you pleasant, i.e. attractive, such that people would want to be with you, listen to you, and follow you. As disciples we need to have a character that draws people to us and not drives them away.

Q. Do your spouse, children, roommates enjoy spending time with you? Do they respect and admire your character? Do they desire to imitate you?
Q. At work, school or with your relatives, is your character a light or would it more likely make people question your faith?

Let us keep in step with the Spirit and allow him to raise us up to effective service in the kingdom of God.