How the Holy Spirit operates

The Day of Pentecost in the modern charismatic church has to do primarily with the outpouring of God’s Spirit upon all flesh (as prophesied in Joel 2:28). But to fully comprehend how this takes place we must become totally familiar with the various workings (“operations”) of the Holy Spirit. We must also understand exactly how He has chosen to manifest Himself 'in' and 'through' us.

God's will for you is to be constantly filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:17,18). Because the manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s work in the church (and through God’s people), has to do with being constantly filled. I have found six operations of the Holy Spirit, and each one brings glory to Jesus Christ:

•   There are two operations that are concerned primarily with 'authority' - the various manifestations of power from on high or Gifts of the Spirit.
•   There are two which deal with the 'equipping of the Saints' - equipping for ministry and equipping for duties or service in the church.
•   There are two that deal with the 'outpouring' that comes straight from the throne of God (which contains His life and His nature). And flow directly into other people’s lives.

The Holy Spirit provides you with Authority, Ability and Influence. So that you can do exactly what Jesus did!

Here are the six ways the Holy Spirit operates in and through believers:

(1) BOLDNESS. This can be found in Acts 4:31, and is related to the outpouring of "power from on high" (Acts 1:8), but it is expressly ‘the subsequent manifestation of boldness to speak God’s word’ with signs and wonders following. This ‘operation’ 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, this inspired speech has nothing to do with human qualities or talents as it is a direct result of being filled with the Holy Spirit.

(2) EQUIPPING FOR SERVICE. The next action identified appears is in Luke 4:1, Acts 6:3, 7:55 and 11:21, and it has to do with “equipping for ministry.” This is a special 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." It was the start of our Lord's ministry here on earth and His Father was equipping Him for a divine mission. Note, it never left Him.

(3) GOD-GIVEN ABILITIES. In Acts 6:3 when the disciples chose seven deacons they sought "men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom." Church growth requires organisation and delegation. Therefore, the Holy Spirit will appoint and then equip believers with God-given abilities to perform specific tasks in the church. What are your God-given abilities? Remember, they will operate best in a church environment.

(4) GIFTS OF POWER. The next operation 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" implies "to be filled beyond", which I believe is "beyond our own natural abilities" - thus stepping into the supernatural.

(5) FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT. 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). And it’s always a perfect measure because it is an operation of the Holy Spirit!

Can you see something here? 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 then 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) LIVING WATER. Finally, the sixth working or operation 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, 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 wonderful delights (Psalm 36). But notice something else, this is the only 'flow' that we are told will flow 'from' us - the rest have flowed 'to' us and 'into' us.

Isn’t it amazing? We have continuous living water flowing from the throne of God into our 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 us, and 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." But remember, these "rivers of living waters" should never be restrained. The Greek word translated "flow" implies a "continuous flow" - like a fast running stream.

To reiterate, the Holy Spirit gives you Boldness and Equips you for service; He gives you Abilities and Power beyond your natural means; and He provides the Character and divine Substance you need to influence others.

Chris Demetriou, 31/05/2009