The activity of the Spirit is never given to us in Scripture in isolation from the person and work of Christ or in isolation from the eternal will of the Father. Any endeavor to think of the Spirit in terms that are entirely mystical and divorced from Scripture will take us down all kinds of side streets and eventually to dead ends (Alistair Begg).
I recently shared some thoughts on social media concerning a catchy phrase that has made its way through some circles of Christianity since last year.
This phrase originated on a television show as a spontaneous outburst, resulting in many others embracing this saying by repeating it verbally or by purchasing items adorned with the declaration, “Holy Spirit activate.”
If you were to search for this saying online, you would soon find yourself inundated with clothing and other items making this very statement.
While there were a number of people who agreed with the concern over such a statement being embraced and the theological questions posed surrounding its potential meanings, others viewed it as either a cute way to refer to the Holy Spirit or as being too critical or overthinking in addressing the matter.
It would be unreasonable to think all of us are going to agree on every single matter where there is a personal conviction, and we should be able to engage in discussions with patience and gentleness while not forsaking the truth.
Having said that, our understanding of the Holy Spirit is an important aspect of our Christian faith. The reason for discussing this was to direct back to Scripture in such understanding and to not forsake reverence for God, which is easy to do in our modern culture.
What Could it Mean?
The statement in question could be taken one of two ways depending upon how it is perceived. First, it could mean the Holy Spirit needs activation, and two, it could mean the individual is telling the Holy Spirit to activate him/her.
Both trains of thought are concerning, and here is why. With regards to the first interpretation, when looking at Scripture, there are no passages indicating that the Holy Spirit needs to be activated.
He is the Third Person of the Trinity, and He is always at work. There are many things the Holy Spirit does in the lives of believers and in the earth.
As for the second interpretation in telling the Holy Spirit to activate an individual, this could have the implication of creation giving orders to the Creator of the universe, God. When looking at Scripture, this is not modeled by those who are God’s people.
Rather, God is the One who instructs us in the way we should go. When we approach God in prayer, we are to do so with humility and reverence.
We understand based on the Word of God that spiritual gifts are given as the Holy Spirit wills (1 Corinthians 12:11). Paul told Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God, which came through the laying on of Paul’s hands (2 Timothy 1:6).
This gift, which was likely preaching and proclaiming the gospel, was not merely based on Timothy’s effort, but he was to cooperate with the Holy Spirit by following His guidance in every area of his life while stewarding the gift God had given him in not letting it grow cold through neglect.
What Does the Holy Spirit Do?
When we read through Scripture, it is beautiful to see the many ways the Spirit of God works in the lives of believers. This is not an exhaustive list, but it is rich with the works of God. We are regenerated by the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation.
We can see this in John 3:6-7, and Titus 3:5 tells us, “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit” (ESV). We are sealed by the Holy Spirit for the day of redemption, meaning He guarantees our salvation (Ephesians 1:13; 4:30).
He is also our Teacher and Helper. John 14:26 says, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” He helps us in prayer.
We see this in Jude 1:20, and Romans 8:26-27 says, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”
Sanctification is a crucial aspect of a believer’s life, and it is not possible without the work of God.
The Holy Spirit convicts us according to John 16:8, and Romans 8:13 tells us that he gives us the power to kill sin in our lives. Galatians 5 is a wonderful passage for us as believers to consider as the Holy Spirit leads us (Galatians 5:18,25) and in this leading, He makes us fruitful (Galatians 5:22-23).
John 16:13 also helps us to understand the Holy Spirit guides us into all truth, and as the Spirit of truth, He testifies of Jesus Christ (John 15:26).
Ephesians 5:18 instructs believers in being filled with the Spirit. In doing so, we submit to His leading and control.
The Holy Spirit conforms us to the image of Christ, and this is seen in 2 Corinthians 3:18, “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” How reassuring that He conforms us to the image of Christ!
Who Is the Spirit?
In seeing how the Spirit of God works in the lives of believers in Christ, it is important for us to understand in looking at Scripture that the Holy Spirit is God. He is co-eternal and co-equal within the Trinity.
He is a Person. He is not a force, energy, or an “it.” He is to be reverenced when referring to Him, understanding that He can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30). He convicts the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8).
We can see from Scripture that the Third Person of the Trinity is working in believers, and He is working in the world through believers. Though this list is not exhaustive, one thing is clear.
Theology matters. Having a high view of the Holy Spirit in our understanding matters. He is to be reverenced, not activated.
For further reading:
Can We Pray to the Holy Spirit? 5 Prayers to Use
What Is the Role of the Holy Spirit?
How Are Believers Empowered by the Holy Spirit?
How Can I Recognize the Guidance of the Holy Spirit?
What Does it Mean to Worship the Lord in Both Spirit and in Truth?
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