Complete Installation

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:17-18

Beloved,           

A friend recently came to my house to help me install a ceiling fan.  I had the fan for about two months, but did not feel confident to complete the task without help.  My friend came and guided me along the process of the installation.  He walked me through turning the power off and removing the old fan. Then he guided me through installing the new fan piece by piece and step by step. Without the help of my friend, I would not have started or have been able to complete the task.  In many ways, my friend was acting similar to the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit begins and finishes the work of salvation.  Philippians 1:6, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”  The Holy Spirit opens our eyes to see the light of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  As the Holy Spirit first opens our eyes, He continues to guide us to a deeper relationship with Christ. He convicts us of our sin when we are going in the wrong direction. He guides us through the Word of God to live in righteousness and holiness. He gives us strength and gifts to do the good works that God has prepared for us in advance. 

The Holy Spirit leads us step by step until we are complete and mature lacking in nothing.  Jesus says that, “when the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). Without the Holy Spirit, we cannot start our journey of faith, continue our journey or complete our journey. The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth. Therefore, we must be willing to ask for help and guidance from the Holy Spirit.

We must pick up the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. As we read the Word, the Holy Spirit convicts and corrects, guides and directs us into truth.  As Spurgeon says, “And even the Bible, itself, without the Spirit of God is but a lantern without a light!”

Beloved, we need the Holy Spirit’s guidance and wisdom to live in truth. Therefore, we must be praying all times in the Spirit, looking to Him to complete God’s work of salvation in us and to equip us for the good works the Lord has called us to complete.