Blaspheming the Holy Spirit

[Jesus said,] "Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin." He said this because [the teachers of the law] were saying, "He has an impure spirit."

—Mark 3:28-30 NIV

Key Thought

The first part of this Scripture strikes fear in some folks because they sometimes are afraid they may be guilty of this sin. However, in this context, blasphemy of the Holy Spirit means denying the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus' ministry and miraculous power. It means saying that Jesus' ability to do miracles comes from the power of demons while denying that his power comes from the Holy Spirit of God. This type of blasphemy is not something we as disciples of Jesus are going to do accidentally!

So, sit down and read through the Gospel of Mark. Be reminded of the great power of Jesus to heal and cast out demons. Then, realize that the power of the Holy Spirit is also at work in you as a follower of Jesus. The power of the Holy Spirit to transform, heal, and make new is at work in you! Give glory to God for the incredible presence of the Spirit in your life.

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, when I see the incredible power displayed in the ministry of Jesus, I cannot help but wish I were present when he performed his miracles. However, I am humbled to realize that the Holy Spirit who empowered his miracles is the gift of your presence inside of me, given by your grace to empower, comfort, and encourage me. Use the Holy Spirit to conform me to the character and compassion of Jesus, in whose name I thank and praise you. Amen.

Ⓒ 1996-2019 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware.
Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

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[KayC]

Determining whether one is used by the Holy Spirit or the devil can be challenging, especially with the presence of false prophets. Here are some guidelines to consider:

1. **Alignment with Scripture**: Teachings and actions that align with the Bible are more likely to be from the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will never contradict Scripture.

2. **Fruits of the Spirit**: According to Galatians 5:22-23, the fruits of the Spirit include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If someone's life and teachings consistently produce these fruits, it is a sign of the Holy Spirit's work.

3. **Humility and Love**: The Holy Spirit leads with humility and love. Be wary of those who seek attention, power, or control, as these can be signs of the devil's influence.

4. **Consistency**: The Holy Spirit's guidance is consistent over time. If teachings or actions are erratic or change frequently, they may not be from the Holy Spirit.

5. **Confirmation through Prayer**: Seek confirmation through prayer and the counsel of mature believers. The Holy Spirit can provide peace and clarity when seeking guidance.

6. **Test of Spirits**: 1 John 4:1 advises testing the spirits to see whether they are from God. This involves discerning whether the teachings and actions are in line with God's character and truth.

7. **Community and Accountability**: Engage with a community of believers for accountability. False prophets often operate in isolation, while the Holy Spirit works within the body of Christ.

8. **Personal Experience**: Pay attention to your own spiritual experience. The Holy Spirit will convict and guide you personally, while the devil may lead to confusion and fear.

By applying these principles, you can better discern the source of spiritual influence in your life and in the teachings of others.

 

[Muani]

Amen. By their fruits.