As I mentioned in part 2 of this series, practical atheism profoundly attacks the person of the Holy Spirit. And though many areas of life are affected by an inappropriate understanding of the Spirit, I’d like to survey a few of the effects as seen upon church methodologies. The church, and especially the church’s leaders, must recover a proper understanding and dependence on the Holy Spirit. This is absolutely crucial because without Him, the work of God and His Christ in this world is impossible.
In the first three chapters of First Corinthians, the apostle Paul reveals three works which can be accomplished only by the Spirit, and not by the wisdom and abilities of men.
First, it is the Holy Spirit’s work to establish men of faith. Paul’s message was “in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” for the express purpose that faith would not rest on the wisdom of men. “Men who have a solid foundation for faith do not arrive at that point by clever arguments or the winsome personality of the preacher but by the application of the truths of God by the Spirit of God.” [1] Unless the Spirit of God convinces men of the message of the cross it is either foolishness or a stumbling block. This derides the modern notion that rationality, or the right manipulative process can guarantee a given end, even in spiritual work. True faith is only engendered by the work of the Spirit.
Second, it is the Holy Spirit who makes spiritual teaching possible. It is the Spirit of God who reveals the thoughts of God, and these thoughts are procured by no other means than the Spirit. Paul spoke “not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the spirit, combining spiritual thought with spiritual words.” The teacher of the Word of God must depend on the Spirit of God to communicate God’s thoughts properly. Again, this is completely contrary to the ideals of modern science and technology. Since the Spirit is necessary for teaching then the abilities of men are displayed as worthless, and God is exalted to His proper place.
Third, the Holy Spirit is involved in building the church of Christ. The Corinthians believers were full of jealousy and strife due to allegiances to different men. Paul’s conclusion is that they were walking not as spiritually clothed men, but rather as mere (or natural) men. He states that the church cannot be built that way. Instead, “the Spirit of God is necessary to mold workers into a team so no one is concerned about who gets the credit.” “Man by his fleshly nature wants to be noticed, wants to be heard and wants full credit for any accomplishment.” But if “we insist on giving glory to men instead of glory to Christ we are destined to build that which cannot last….”
Surely there are numbers of other problems not mentioned here which are associated with a failure to understand all three persons of the Trinity, as many of the current trends in church methodology reveal nothing less than a belief in a practical Duality. At best the Holy Spirit is recognized to be a mystical force which is somehow present but still distant and impersonal. At worst, the Spirit is forgotten altogether and the spirit of men, through science and technology, endeavors to create and systematically manipulate nature as well as human nature toward certain ends. This is ultimately a disgrace to God and an improper awareness of His Spirit. May God grant, even through His Spirit, a renewal of interest and trust in His Spirit.
[1] Glenn O’Neal, “The Pastor and the Holy Spirit” in Grace Theological Journal, (V14 #3, Fall 1973), 27. [2] ibid., 30
read Part 1: the Holy Spirit is not the Force | read Part 2: a practical denial of the Holy Spirit
Sean wanted to test the comments again and see if they worked. I have really appreciated these posts on the Holy Spirit. Definitely what we as a church need to hear today in all our pride.
Thanks for the encouragment, Mike. Now if I can just live in dependence on the Holy Spirit half as much as I can blog about how important it is….
hey i’m lovin’ this series. keep it up.