God's Holy Fire: 'Understanding the Spirit'

Sunday, March 31, 2024

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No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God — his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. ... But people who aren't spiritual can't receive these truths from God's Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can't understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.
— 1 Corinthians 2:7-8 NLT; 1 Corinthians 2:14 NLT

Key Thought

Over the last few months, we have repeatedly been reminded that the Holy Spirit lives in the follower of Christ. Without the Spirit living in us, we don't belong to Christ and cannot live for God. Without the Spirit, we will not be transformed to become like Christ. What's more, real prayer happens only because of the Spirit's work in our hearts. Now, this last verse today goes a step beyond what we've seen to this point: We can not truly understand the message of God — the Scriptures of God, the word of God — without the Holy Spirit within us. Not only did the Holy Spirit inspire God's message (2 Timothy 3:16-17), but the Spirit helps us understand this message and apply it to our lives. We cannot follow Christ without the Spirit of Christ alive in us!

Today's Prayer

Holy God, I come to you in reverent appreciation today. I cannot help but fall to my knees in humble thanks that the two things most necessary for me to be saved and to live for you were provided to me by your grace. I thank you for the first gift, the gift of your Son, who died for my sins and was raised to ensure my salvation. I also thank you for the second gift, the gift of the Holy Spirit, who makes my life as a follower of Jesus possible. Please accept my heart's deepest appreciation that, because of your love for me, you provided what I could never achieve or deserve. In Jesus' name, I offer you my thanks. Amen.

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Illustration

Illustration of 1 Corinthians 2:7-8 NLT; 1 Corinthians 2:14 NLT — It all sounds foolish to them and they can't understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.

About This Devotional

God's Holy Fire is a daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

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