Holy Spirit: What Does He Actually Do?

But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as first fruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 (NIV)

Key points:

He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
2 Thessalonians 2:13–17 (NIV)

Happy to confess that the first half of chapter 2 of 2 Thessalonians remains tough for me to wrap my understanding around.

The overview about Jesus’ return and evil’s limited scope has me in all sorts of head scratching.

By sharp contrast, the final verses of this chapter appear much more approachable.

Even as we battle with sin, we can totally trust in the holy renovation project of the Spirit.

Within these wonderful words about steadfast faith and God’s Gospel call, the Holy Spirit pops up.

Don’t you often find that this is the case with the Holy Spirit?

Frequently, God the Father and God the Son are front and centre while we sideline God the Spirit.

The Spirit is at constant work in believers to make all of us more like Jesus (‘sanctifying’).

Yet as this passage reminds us, the Spirit is at constant work in believers to make all of us more like Jesus (‘sanctifying’).

Sure, there is more head scratching to be had around God dwelling in us through His Spirit.

But paired here with belief in the truth, the Spirit’s transformative efforts within us are nothing short of divine.

Even as we battle with sin, we can totally trust in the holy renovation project of the Spirit.

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Devotional written by Ben McEachen

Originally published as Holy Spirit – The Work of the Spirit

Feature image: CanvaPro