The Workings of the Holy Spirit

Let’s examine the various workings of the Holy Spirit and see how He has chosen to manifest Himself 'in' and 'through' us. God's will for us is to be constantly filled with the Holy Spirit [Ephesians 5:17,18].

[1] Acts 4:31, is related to the outpouring of "power from on high" [Acts 1:8], but is expressly ‘the subsequent manifestation of boldness to speak God’s word’ [with signs and wonders following]. This ‘working’ of the Holy Spirit refers to a clear presentation of the gospel without being ambiguous or unintelligible. Yet it also denotes a divine enablement that comes to ordinary people exhibiting spiritual power and authority. Note, it has nothing to do with human qualities or talents, but is as a direct result of being filled with the Holy Spirit!

[2] The next working mentioned appears is in Luke 4:1, Acts 6:3, 7:55 and 11:21, and has to do with 'equipping for ministry' - this is the anointing that comes with your calling. When Jesus stepped into His calling [ministry] in Luke 4:1, it says...."being filled with the Holy Spirit, ...he was led into the wilderness." This was the start of our Lord's ministry here on earth and His Father was equiping Him for His divine mission.

[3] In Acts 6:3 when the disciples chose 7 deacons they sought "men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom." Church growth demands organisation and delegation. Therefore, the Holy Spirit will appoint and equip believers with God-given abilities to perform specific task in the church. What are your God-given abilities?

[4] The forth working of the Holy Spirit we find demonstrated in Acts 13:9 and 4:8, and this relates directly to the operation of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Greek word used hear and translated "filled" actually implies "to be filled beyond", which I believe is "beyond our own natural abilities" [thus into the super-natural].

[5] The fifth working of the Holy Spirit we find in Ephesians 5:18,19... "And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord."

Here, the Greek word translated "filled" literally means "to fill to the full", and implies "always having a perfect measure of something." It is also used when referring to the 'joy' and 'peace' [Romans 15:13]. This is a perfect measure because it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit! Can you see something? When you have the fruits of the Holy Spirit flowing in your life, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, you are fully equipped to "speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in our hearts to the Lord."

[6] Finally, the sixth working of the Holy Spirit is the most profound, and it can be found in John 7:28...."out of his innermost being will flow rivers of living water [continuously]." This is the unlimited and eternal flow of life from heaven. According to Revelation 22:1 this pure living water is the fountain of life that flows from the throne of God.

What’s more, its rivers contain God's pleasures and His wonderful delights [Psalm 36]. Notice something else - this is the only 'flow' that we are told will flow 'from' us [the rest have flowed 'to' us and 'in' us].

You have continuous living water flowing from the throne of God into your spirit. This water contains divine life and it flows as a stream containing God's pleasures and His divine delights. Also, it is the fountain that pours out His great love. Therefore, whoever comes into contact with you, and whoever is spiritually thirsty, may drink and be satisfied. Isn't this exactly what Jesus said to the Samaritan woman in John 4:10? ...."If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give me a drink', you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water."

These "rivers of living waters" should never be restrained. The Greek word translated "flow" implies a "continuous flow" [like a fast stream].

To recap:

There are two workings that are concerned primarily with 'authority' [the various manifestation of power from on high, and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit].
There are two which deal with the 'equipping of the Saints' [equipping for ministry and equipping for duties or service].
There are two that deal with the 'outpouring' that comes straight from the throne of God (and it contains ‘His life and His nature’). This is meant to flow directly into other people’s lives.

Chris Demetriou, 22/10/2006