When The Spirit Is Present: Victory

Today we continue our reflection on the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes we forget.

Sometimes we forget that the strategy that brings victory involves wellness and wholeness. Prior to the accounts in the book of Acts, we have other accounts of individuals having the ability to heal the sick and cast out demons. An example of this is found in Matthew 10:1. Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.

Sometimes we forget that the strategy that brings victory involves war. We are in a war against demonic forces. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12. For our war is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Sometimes we forget that the strategy that brings victory involves waiting. The resurrected Christ told His disciples, "...wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 1:4-5).

How do we get this ability to heal the sick, cast out demons, wage war for the kingdom of God? Through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. He is the one who gives gifts: "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good" (First Corinthians 12:7).

Victorious living is not just temporal, but also eternal: "The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life" (Galatians 6:8). When the Spirit is present, we can look to Him for help in living a life that is pleasing to God. And we can look to Him for power (see Acts 1:8) that will equip us to be agents of healing and deliverance, for the purpose of drawing souls into the kingdom of God.

When the Spirit is present, we expreience victory over demonic bondage. But the ministry of the Spirit extends beyond victory to transformation. We'll get more into that with tomorrow's blog.