365 Ways to Know God by Elmer Towns November 28

365 Ways to Know God by Elmer Towns

(Devotional Readings on the Names of God)

NOVEMBER 28

THE HOLY SPIRIT: THE SPIRIT OF JUDGMENT

When the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion,

and purged the blood of Jerusalem from her midst, by the

spirit of judgment and by the spirit of burning.

Isaiah 4:4

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Judgment who convicts believers of sin and shows them the error of their ways (John 16:8-11). Because He is the Holy Spirit, He is grieved when Christians allow sin to exist in their lives (Ephesians 4:30). If they continue sinning, the Holy Spirit brings judgment and the consequences of sin. The Holy Spirit would rather do good things for the child of God, but as the Spirit of Judgment, He must deal with sin. So keep yourself from sin.

Holy Spirit, I want to obey You and become more godly. But temptation

is so subtle and I am weak. Give me strength to live a godly life.

The Holy Spirit does not warn you about judgment to terrify you or make you feel guilty. You don’t grow as a believer by legalistically abstaining from sin. The Holy Spirit tells you of sin in order to protect you from harm and help you live a good life. You grow in the Spirit as you love the Father and obey the Scriptures. But the Spirit of Judgment will punish you when you sin. He is also the Spirit of mercy, who forgives you when you cry out for mercy. Don’t look to others to learn how the Spirit has judged sin; rather, look to Him alone for grace and mercy.

Holy Spirit, thank You for both Your mercy and Your judgment in my

life. I look to You alone for Your grace and love. Amen.

Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:14-28

Key Thought: The Holy Spirit will judge the sin He finds in the lives of Christians.