PENTECOST CELEBRATION.
THE WORKS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: SUB-THEME: PIETY AND COUNSEL
Written by Senior Pastor Ndayiragije Misigaro Joel. May 22, 2023
"Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; 23 for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you:" Acts 17:22–23 (NKJV)"
INTRODUCTION
The apostle Paul was speaking to the people of Athens, who were known for their many gods and idols. He used this opportunity to introduce them to the one true God, whom they had unknowingly been seeking through their altar to the unknown God.
Piety is one of the Holy Spirit's works; what is it? and how can we cultivate it in our lives?
Piety is a deep reverence and devotion towards God, which leads to a desire to worship and serve Him. It involves recognizing God's sovereignty, submitting to His will, and showing respect and love toward others who are made in His image. To cultivate piety, we must prioritize our relationship with God through prayer, reading the Bible, and participating in the Christian community. We must also seek to live out our faith by serving others and sharing the gospel with those around us. Piety is not just about following religious rituals; it is a way of life that encompasses all aspects of our being. It requires us to be intentional in our thoughts, words, and actions and to strive for holiness in everything we do.
The apostle Paul was speaking to the people of Athens when he made this statement. He acknowledged their devotion to religion but also pointed out that they were worshiping an unknown god. Paul, the speaker in this passage, addressed the people of Athens, who were known for their religious devotion. He noticed that they had even erected an altar to an unknown god, which gave him an opportunity to introduce them to the true God.
Paul explained that the true God is the one who created everything and does not live in temples made by human hands. He urged the people to turn away from their idols and seek a personal relationship with this God, who offers forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus Christ.
What does the counsel of the Holy Spirit do? You believe that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity and guides and counsels believers in their daily lives. The counsel of the Holy Spirit is to lead us into all truth and help us understand God's will for our lives. As we seek to follow His guidance, we can experience a deeper relationship with God and find peace and joy in His presence.
In one word, what are the piety and counsel of the Holy Spirit? The piety and counsel of the Holy Spirit can be summed up in the word "guidance." The Holy Spirit is our guide and counselor, leading us to make wise decisions and helping us to live a life that is pleasing to God. By relying on the Holy Spirit's guidance, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence and trust in God's plan for our lives. Guidance.
The Holy Spirit is our guide and counselor, leading us toward righteousness and helping us make decisions that align with God's will.
There are three acts of piety that can help us cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit: prayer, reading and studying the Bible, and participating in worship and fellowship with other believers. By practicing these acts of piety, we can open ourselves up to the Holy Spirit's guidance and allow Him to work more fully in our lives.
1. PRAYER
Is an essential component in developing a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit. Through prayer, we can communicate our desires and needs to God and seek His will for our lives. Additionally, prayer helps us stay connected to God throughout the day and strengthens our faith.
Romans 8:26 "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words."
We are reminded that even when we do not know what to pray for, the Holy Spirit guides us and intercedes on our behalf. Knowing that we are never alone in our prayers is a comforting thought.
Matthew 26:41 "Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak.”
With this, the writer of Matthew says that prayer is not only a way to communicate with God but also a way to strengthen our spirit and resist temptation. By relying on the Holy Spirit's guidance, we can overcome our weaknesses and grow in faith.
1 Chronicles 16:11 "Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always."
Prayer can also bring comfort and peace during difficult times, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. Additionally, it allows us to express gratitude for the blessings in our lives and ask for guidance in making important decisions.
2. READING AND STUDYING THE BIBLE (SEARCHING SCRIPTURES)
This is another important way to deepen our relationship with the Holy Spirit. By studying God's Word, we can gain a better understanding of His character and His plan for our lives
Another important aspect of deepening our relationship with the Holy Spirit is reading and studying the Bible. The Bible is God's word and contains wisdom, guidance, and encouragement for every aspect of our lives. By regularly reading and studying the Bible, we can gain a better understanding of God's character and His plan for us, which can help us grow in our faith and relationship with Him.
2 Timothy 3:16 ESV "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness."
John 5:39 ESV "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life, and it is they that bear witness about me," yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life."
We do see here the importance of Scripture in our lives. Not only is it inspired by God and beneficial for our spiritual growth, but it also points us toward Jesus Christ, who is the source of eternal life. As believers, we should strive to study and apply the teachings of Scripture in our daily lives while also recognizing that they ultimately lead us to a deeper relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ.
John is clearly recording the importance of studying and understanding the Scriptures, as they are not only a source of knowledge and guidance but also testify about the person and work of Jesus Christ. As believers, we should approach the Bible with reverence and humility, seeking to apply its teachings to our lives and grow in righteousness.
Matthew 22:29ESV "But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God."
Here we learn the importance of studying and understanding the Scriptures, not just for knowledge but also for spiritual growth and salvation. It is crucial to approach the Bible with an open heart and mind, seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit to fully comprehend its teachings.
3. PARTICIPATING IN WORSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHER BELIEVERS
Is also crucial in strengthening our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Being part of a community of believers allows us to share our faith, support one another, and grow together in our walk with God. Additionally, worshiping together can help us connect with the Holy Spirit in a powerful way and deepen our understanding of His presence in our lives.
It is also an important aspect of our spiritual growth. Being a part of a community of believers can provide support, accountability, and opportunities for service. It can also help us learn from others’ experiences and perspectives and deepen our understanding of God's love and grace.
Psalm 55:14 "We who had sweet fellowship together walked in the house of God in the throng." Being part of a community of believers can also provide a sense of belonging and foster lifelong friendships. Additionally, it can offer a space for worship and prayer, which can strengthen our relationship with God and bring us closer to Him.
1 John 1:3 "What we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed, our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ."
This fellowship with God can bring us peace, joy, and a sense of purpose in life. It also allows us to experience the love and grace of God in a deeper way.
Philippians 1:5 “View of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now."
If we are actively involved in spreading the gospel and sharing the message of Christ with others, it is through our participation in this mission that we can continue to grow in our relationship with God and experience the fullness of His love and grace.
As we continue to walk in this fellowship with God, we can be confident that He will guide us and provide for us every step of the way. Let us strive to maintain this connection with Him and share the gospel’s good news with others.
