SPIRITSHIP: THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN GUIDING GOD’S MESSENGERS

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (John 14:26, KJV)

ABSTRACT

This article examines the essential function of the Holy Spirit in appointing and directing leaders in the early Christian community, illustrating God’s profound love through ongoing guidance and empowerment, while detailing our duties toward God in seeking obedience and purity, and toward our neighbors in sharing truth and providing compassionate service, culminating in the imperative to cherish the Spirit’s presence amid the urgency of Christ’s return.

DIVINE SELECTION REVEALED!

The Holy Spirit played a vital role in selecting God’s messengers in the early Christian church. As recorded in Acts 13:2, 4 (KJV), “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. … So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.” This passage reveals how God actively directs His servants, ensuring that His message is entrusted to those He has specifically called and prepared for the task. The apostle Paul emphasized the importance of divine oversight when he warned the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:28 (KJV), saying, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” This highlights the responsibility of spiritual leaders to remain vigilant, guarding the church against false teachings and ensuring faithfulness to God’s Word. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ, with the Holy Spirit leading the community as Romans 8:14 (KJV) declares, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God,” and Galatians 5:16 (KJV) urges, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” Ellen G. White expands on this point in The Acts of the Apostles (p. 161, 1911), stating, “The apostles were men of prayer. It was through prayer and the laying on of hands that they were set apart to proclaim the gospel.” Her insight emphasizes that divine selection requires prayerful preparation and surrender to God’s will. The Holy Spirit unites hearts in service, as Sr. White describes in Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers (p. 323, 1895), “Presidents of conferences, you will be wise if you will decide to come to God. Believe in Him. He will hear your prayer, and come to your assistance, in much less time than the public conveyance could take one, two, three, or four men from a long distance, at a great expense, to decide questions which the God of wisdom can decide far better for you. He has promised, ‘If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.’ If you will sincerely humble your hearts before Him, empty your souls of self-esteem, and put away the natural defects of your character, and overcome your love of supremacy, and come to God as little children, He will bestow on you His Holy Spirit. When two or three shall agree as touching anything, and shall ask the Lord, in the name of Jesus, it shall be done for them.” Sr. White further illuminates in Christian Service (p. 250, 1925), “God desires to refresh His people by the gift of the Holy Spirit, baptizing them anew in His love. There is no need for a dearth of the Holy Spirit in the church. After Christ’s ascension, the Holy Spirit came upon the waiting, praying, believing disciples with a fulness and power that reached every heart. In the future the earth is to be lightened with the glory of God. A divine influence is to go forth to the world from those who are sanctified through the truth. The earth is to be encircled with an atmosphere of grace. The Holy Spirit is to work on human hearts, taking the things of God and showing them unto men.” God’s love is displayed through the Holy Spirit’s active involvement in appointing leaders who are spiritually equipped to guide His people. His concern for the church’s welfare is further reflected in His provision of spiritual oversight, protecting us from deception and guiding us toward salvation. But how does this guidance demonstrate God’s active care for the community?

LOVE’S GUIDING LIGHT!

The concept of the Holy Spirit’s guidance reflects God’s love by demonstrating His active involvement in our lives. God does not leave His followers to wander in darkness but instead provides divine direction and clarity. As stated in John 16:13 (KJV), “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth.” This promise assures us that the Holy Spirit is present to illuminate the Scriptures, reveal divine truths, and provide comfort during times of uncertainty. The Holy Spirit fosters love and unity among us, as Ephesians 4:3 (KJV) states, “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,” and 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) affirms, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Sr. White reinforces this in Testimonies for the Church (Vol. 5, p. 703, 1885), where she writes, “God intends that, even in this life, truth shall be ever unfolding to His people.” This unfolding truth is evidence of God’s enduring love and desire to lead His people into greater understanding and spiritual growth. The Holy Spirit renews minds, as Sr. White notes in Review and Herald (May 28, 1908), “The human heart would never know happiness or real meaning until it is submitted to be molded by the Spirit of God.” Sr. White also teaches in The Acts of the Apostles (p. 54, 1911), “Under the figure of the early and the latter rain, that falls in Eastern lands at seed-time and harvest, the Hebrew prophets foretold the bestowal of spiritual grace in extraordinary measure upon God’s church. The out-pouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was the beginning of the early, or former rain, and glorious was the result. To the end of time, the presence of the Spirit is to abide with the true church.” The Holy Spirit not only convicts hearts but also empowers us to follow God’s will, guiding us into righteousness. But what duties arise from recognizing this divine affection?

This divine love is further demonstrated through the work of the Holy Spirit in convicting individuals of sin, righteousness, and judgment, as stated in John 16:8 (KJV): “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” Through this process, God lovingly corrects His people, calling them to repentance and offering the gift of eternal life. The Holy Spirit seals our commitment, as Ephesians 4:30 (KJV) warns, “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption,” and Romans 15:13 (KJV) prays, “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Sr. White, in Steps to Christ (p. 31, 1892), affirms, “It is through the influence of the Holy Spirit that the heart is made pure.” God’s love is thus reflected not only in providing guidance but also in transforming lives. Sr. White elaborates in The Great Controversy (p. 591, 1888), “It is Satan’s constant effort to misrepresent the character of God, the nature of sin, and the real issues at stake in the great controversy. His sophistry lessens the obligation of the divine law and gives men license to sin. At the same time he causes them to cherish false conceptions of God so that they regard Him with fear and hate rather than with love. The cruelty inherent in his own character is attributed to the Creator; it is embodied in systems of religion and expressed in modes of worship.” Sr. White adds in The Desire of Ages (p. 607, 1898), “And only as we love God supremely is it possible to love our neighbor impartially.” But how does this love compel our obedience to Him?

Recognizing God’s love through the guidance of the Holy Spirit places certain responsibilities upon us. We are called to seek the Holy Spirit through prayer, faith, and obedience. In Romans 10:14-15 (KJV), Paul asks, “How shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?” This underscores our duty to be open to the Spirit’s call, to share the gospel, and to walk in faith. Obedience to this call requires humility and readiness to act when directed by God. The Holy Spirit equips us for service, as 1 Corinthians 12:4 (KJV) explains, “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit,” and Acts 1:8 (KJV) promises, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Sr. White emphasizes the importance of prayer and the study of God’s Word in The Great Controversy (p. 599, 1888): “The Bible should never be studied without prayer. The Holy Spirit alone can cause us to feel the importance of those things easy to be understood.” This statement highlights that prayer connects us to the divine source of wisdom, enabling us to fulfill God’s mission. Sr. White instructs in Patriarchs and Prophets (p. 380, 1890), “The time and strength of those who in the providence of God have been placed in leading positions of responsibility in the church, should be spent in dealing with the weightier matters demanding special wisdom and largeness of heart. It is not in the order of God that such men should be appealed to for the adjustment of minor matters that others are well qualified to handle.” Sr. White counsels in Education (p. 57, 1903), “The greatest want of the world is the want of men—men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.” But what other obligations shape our conduct before God?

Another key responsibility is maintaining purity of heart and motive. In Acts 20:28 (KJV), Paul exhorts us to take heed of our conduct, recognizing that we are stewards of God’s truth. The Holy Spirit purifies intentions, as 1 Peter 1:22 (KJV) states, “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently,” and Philippians 2:13 (KJV) reminds, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Sr. White, in The Acts of the Apostles (p. 45, 1911), writes, “The words of the apostles were as sharp arrows of the Almighty, convicting men of their terrible guilt in rejecting and crucifying the Lord of glory.” We are called to live with integrity, serving as living examples of God’s truth and love. Sr. White warns in Testimonies for the Church (Vol. 5, p. 427, 1885), “In all your temporal concerns, in all your cares and anxieties, wait upon the Lord.” Sr. White advises in Prophets and Kings (p. 31, 1917), “The path of men who are placed as leaders is not an easy one. But they are to see in every difficulty a call to prayer. Never are they to fail of consulting the great Source of all wisdom. Strengthened and enlightened by the Master Worker, they will be enabled to stand firm against unholy influences and to discern right from wrong, good from evil. They will approve that which God approves, and will strive earnestly against the introduction of wrong principles into His cause.” But how does this vigilance prepare us for the end times?

We must also remain watchful and prepared for the return of Christ. Matthew 24:44 (KJV) warns, “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” The Holy Spirit inspires urgency, as Revelation 22:17 (KJV) invites, “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely,” and Joel 2:28 (KJV) prophesies, “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.” Sr. White echoes this urgency in Early Writings (p. 50, 1882): “God’s messengers must speed swiftly on their way to search out the scattered flock.” This responsibility compels us to remain faithful, actively sharing the gospel while awaiting Christ’s return. Sr. White declares in Testimonies for the Church (Vol. 8, p. 21, 1904), “The outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was the ‘former rain,’ and glorious was the result. But the latter rain will be more abundant.” Sr. White stresses in The Southern Watchman (September 5, 1905), “God desires to refresh His people by the gift of the Holy Spirit, baptizing them anew in His love. There is no need for a dearth of the Holy Spirit in the church.” But how does the Spirit’s work extend our care to others?

The Holy Spirit’s work through human messengers highlights our responsibility to share God’s love with others. In Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV), Jesus commands, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations … teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” This commission requires us to extend compassion, share the gospel, and serve others selflessly. The Holy Spirit enables outreach, as Isaiah 61:1 (KJV) proclaims, “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound,” and Luke 4:18 (KJV) echoes, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.” Sr. White, in Steps to Christ (p. 78, 1892), writes, “No sooner does one come to Christ than there is born in his heart a desire to make known to others what a precious friend he has found.” Sr. White encourages in Review and Herald (February 23, 1892), “The way to become great and noble is to be like Jesus, pure, holy, and undefiled.” Sr. White inspires in Welfare Ministry (p. 164, 1952), “The Lord has a work for women as well as for men. They may take their place in His work at this crisis, and He will work through them.” But what safeguards must we employ in this sharing?

We are also called to be discerning and protective of the truth. 1 John 4:1 (KJV) warns, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God.” The Holy Spirit aids discernment, as Hebrews 5:14 (KJV) describes, “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil,” and 1 Thessalonians 5:21 (KJV) instructs, “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” Sr. White adds in Testimonies for the Church (Vol. 5, p. 80, 1885): “The only safety for the people of God is to be thoroughly established in the Scriptures.” We must guard against false teachings while sharing the pure gospel. Sr. White cautions in Manuscript Releases (vol. 14, p. 179, 1891), “The nature of the Holy Spirit is a mystery not clearly revealed, and you will never be able to explain it to others because the Lord has not revealed it to you.” Sr. White affirms in Manuscript 93 (1893), “The Holy Spirit is the Comforter, in Christ’s name. He personifies Christ, yet is a distinct personality.” But how do acts of mercy fulfill this call?

Service to our neighbors also includes acts of kindness, mercy, and encouragement. Galatians 6:2 (KJV) commands, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” The Holy Spirit cultivates fruit in us, as Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV) lists, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law,” and Colossians 3:12 (KJV) exhorts, “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.” Sr. White reinforces this in The Ministry of Healing (p. 143, 1905): “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. … He ministered to their needs and won their confidence.” We are called to meet both the spiritual and physical needs of others, reflecting the love of Christ through our actions. Sr. White teaches in Reflecting Christ (p. 23, 1985), “The exercise of force is contrary to the principles of God’s government; He desires only the service of love; and love cannot be commanded; it cannot be won by force or authority. Only by love is love awakened. To know God is to love Him.” Sr. White urges in Testimonies for the Church (Vol. 2, p. 405, 1868), “All who work for God should have the Martha and the Mary attributes blended—a willingness to minister and a sincere love of the truth. Self and selfishness must be put out of sight. God calls for earnest women workers, workers who are prudent, warmhearted, tender, and true to principle. He calls for persevering women who will take their minds from self . . . and will center them on Christ, speaking words of truth, praying with the persons to whom they can obtain access, laboring for the conversion of souls.” But what ultimate truth ties this all together?

VICTORY’S ETERNAL PROMISE!

The role of the Holy Spirit in guiding God’s messengers demonstrates God’s profound love and care for humanity. His Spirit empowers us, convicts hearts, and directs the proclamation of the gospel, ensuring that His truth is revealed to all. With this gift comes the responsibility to seek the Spirit’s guidance, remain faithful to God’s Word, and extend His love to others through service and evangelism. The Holy Spirit prepares the community for eternity, as 1 Corinthians 2:10 (KJV) reveals, “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God,” and Titus 3:5 (KJV) describes, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” As Sr. White reminds us in Early Writings (p. 50, 1882), “God’s messengers have a message.” Understanding when the Holy Spirit departs from individuals and the gravity of sinning against Him underscores the necessity of preserving the Spirit’s work in one’s life. Sr. White proclaims in The Acts of the Apostles (p. 55, 1911), “The out-pouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was the beginning of the early, or former rain, and glorious was the result. To the end of time, the presence of the Spirit is to abide with the true church.” Sr. White declares in Prophets and Kings (p. 31, 1917), “The path of men who are placed as leaders is not an easy one. But they are to see in every difficulty a call to prayer. Never are they to fail of consulting the great Source of all wisdom. Strengthened and enlightened by the Master Worker, they will be enabled to stand firm against unholy influences and to discern right from wrong, good from evil. They will approve that which God approves, and will strive earnestly against the introduction of wrong principles into His cause.”

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SPIRITSHIP: THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN GUIDING GOD’S MESSENGERS

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