Lesson 1, Topic 6
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God Is Relationship: Spirit

Sean May 28, 2021
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God is Relationship

The Spirit

The Holy Spirit is present in our lives through both hiddenness and manifestation

The Spirit of Christ (cf. Romans 8:9) is the very Presence of God that makes all our spiritual exercises meaningful. Without the Helper, we are helpless. Like a master shipbuilder, we can craft masts and sails but our vessel will not move unless the Wind of God blows on it. The Holy Spirit is the agent behind our transformation, conviction, discovery of truth, empowerment for miracles, and intimacy with God. 
 
Depending on your background, you may think of the Holy Spirit as a shadowy, mysterious, distant aspect of the Triune God. Or you might think that He only moves where there is music, flags, miracles, tears, and laughter. Depending on your theological convictions, you may think He is only present in the spontaneous or in the crowd. Wherever we come from, we must cultivate a better understanding of the Spirit of God to grow in intimacy with Him. 

The Holy Spirit is found in both hiddenness and in manifestation.

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Are you comfortable with both hiddenness and manifestation?

Manifestation brings break though, but hiddenness cultivates perseverance. Most of us tend to gravitate toward one or the other. As you consider your relationship with Christ, reflect honestly on how you lean. Do you struggle to pray or rest with Him when you are behind closed doors? Or are you fine in that sense but feel uncomfortable asking for God’s immediate action in prayer like healing or deliverance? If you are neglecting one side or another, there may be layers of depth that you have not yet experienced waiting to be uncovered.

Test Yourself

Sean said he felt God say to him that the difference between his Christian life and the other faiths is what?

Answer

The presence of the Holy Spirit.
There are many doctrinal differences, but one of the most important and impactful differences in the Christian life is the presence of God, the Holy Spirit.

Talk it Through

Home Forums 1.6 God Is Relationship: Spirit

  • 1.6 God Is Relationship: Spirit

    Posted by ECO on August 9, 2021 at 11:09 am

    Rather than look at a passage through the Discover, Share, Obey approach, following this lesson spend some time in stillness. Seek the Holy Spirit in God’s hiddenness. Encounter Him in the secret place. See what comes up when you adore Him in solitude and silence with the same zeal you might seek him in a packed and vibrant worship service. 

    In a brief paragraph, either share your encounter with the Holy Spirit or share a little about your thoughts, frustrations, observations about the time in stillness itself.

    Abayomi replied 6 months, 1 week ago 5 Members · 4 Replies
  • 4 Replies
  • Karlena

    Member
    September 15, 2022 at 5:14 am
    Rank: Level 2

    I relate to the Holy Spirit both in His manifestation as well as in His hiddenness. However, I would say that His hiddenness is something that is more intrinsic to me. Manifestations are like mountaintop experiences–they can be quite surprising and marvelously overwhelming. Dramatic. After the mountaintop, I feel like you need to come down and live in the day to day. If something really spiritually dramatic happens, it can take a few days to make the transition. I recall the LORD shielding Moses when His glory passed by him (Exodus 33.18-33). That’s how I feel sometimes after a dramatic encounter with God–like it is awesome, amazing, yet I am glad that the LORD remembers that I am very human and am just dust. The hiddenness of the Spirit is something that to me is like going deeper, deeper, deeper. Deep calls onto deep. The secret place is one of safety, intimacy, being perfectly known and loved, and connecting with God. In stillness, I can hear the voice of the Rock of Ages. In this stillness, I can see His eyes searching my heart and showing me what is in my heart. He may also give me a word or even a new song. I can get a glimpse of His heart and love Him even more.

  • Kaela

    Member
    March 4, 2023 at 3:49 pm
    Rank: Level 1

    Personally I tend to struggle more with stillness, not always and in every situation. But I do find it hard to just be still, to just spend time with God. It’s something I desire to do very much so, but in the moment I don’t have the motivation. I feel full and refreshed. I also tend to get distracted sometimes, so that’s something I need to work on.

  • Josiah

    Member
    May 30, 2023 at 4:56 pm
    Rank: Level 2

    It is when I encounter The Holy Spirit in hiddenness and adore Him in stillness, That I can sense His presence as I have never had before.

    It is in those times of hiddenness that The Holy Spirit gives us the blueprints to do God’s will.

    It is in the times of manifestation that God’s work is carried out.

  • Abayomi

    Member
    September 20, 2023 at 1:27 pm
    Rank: Level 1

    I relate to the Holy Spirit in His manifestation as well as in His hiddenness moments.

    But, i would say that His hiddenness is more essential to me.

    Manisfestations are like mountain-top experiences, they can be surprising and marvelously dramatic.

    In stillness i can feel the voice of God, i can see Him and feel Him helping and praying for us.

    God is Love.

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