01/13/2021 MAINTENANCE, POWER and COMFORT PART I
1 Cor. 6:19-20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the HOLY SPIRIT, who is in you, whom you have received from GOD? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor GOD with your body.
[New International translation]
BIBLICAL COMMENTS
One of the most extraordinary events in human history is the indwelling of GOD’s HOLY SPIRIT within our bodies. Paul tells us in 1 Cor. 6:19 that our bodies are human “churches” or “temples.” Each of us is a temple. These “temples” are of extraordinary value to GOD because JESUS sacrificed HIMSELF so that we might have life----life here on earth and everlasting spiritual life hereafter.
It is interesting that as human “temples” and “churches,” GOD sent the HOLY SPIRIT to “comfort” us. In fact, the HOLY SPIRIT is often referred to as “the COMFORTER.”
In John 14:15-17, JESUS said:
If you love ME, obey ME; and I will ask the FATHER and HE will give you another COMFORTER, and HE will never leave you. HE is the HOLY SPIRIT, the SPIRIT who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive HIM. But you do, for HE lives with you now and some day shall be in you. [Living Bible Translation]
In John 14:26-27, JESUS said:
But when the FATHER sends the COMFORTER instead of me---and by the COMFORTER I mean the HOLY SPIRIT---HE will teach you much, as well as remind you of everything I myself have told you. I am leaving you with a gift---peace of mind and heart! [Living Bible Translation]
The HOLY SPIRIT is also called “helper” or “advocate.” The Greek word for “another helper,” “advocate,” or “comforter,” is “parakletos.” “Para” means “alongside of.” It is in the word “paramedic,” which means someone to comes alongside of doctors. As our “advocate,” the HOLY SPIRIT is much like a trusted family attorney who stands by our side in times of trouble.
The HOLY SPIRIT also has POWER! The POWER of the HOLY SPIRIT is the POWER of GOD. The POWER of the HOLY SPIRIT:
- Was in Stephen- The Bible says: “Stephen, the man so full of faith and the HOLY SPIRIT’s power, did spectacular miracles among the people.” (Act 6:8). This power radiated from Stephen, like an angel. (Acts 6:15) It allowed him to be fearless and bold, even in the midst of his own stoning. Asking the LORD JESUS to receive his spirit, Stephen, fell to his knees and in a loud voice cried out, “LORD, do not hold this sin against them.” (Acts 7:59)
- Was in Peter- The Bible says that Peter after being filled with the HOLY SPIRIT on the day of Pentecost, preached a long sermon and those that believed Peter and were baptized were about 3,000. (Acts 2:41) Peter, along with John, spoke again and the number of believers increased to about 5,000 men. (Acts 4:4) Peter, who once denied CHRIST three times, but after being filled with the HOLY SPIRIT spoke boldly to a Council of all the Jewish leaders. (Acts 4:5)
- Was in Paul – Paul admits that he came in weakness, timidity, and trembling, but stated that it was the HOLY SPIRIT’s power, that made him effective in bringing GOD’s message. 1 Cor. 2:1-4.
- Is in each of GOD’s believers—The HOLY SPIRIT displaces GOD’s power through each of us as a means of helping the entire church or for the common good. (1 Cor. 12:7)
If you are battling fear, anxiety, stress, frustration, fatigue, or have had setbacks, you are unsettled by world events, seek the comfort and power of the HOLY SPIRIT. Remember GOD’s WORD.
Remember, you are not alone. The HOLY SPIRIT is in you.
You are a temple of GOD.