Fruitful Living
The ministries of the Holy Spirit
• The Savior was raised from the dead by the Holy Spirit
In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise – Ephesians 2:11
We continue our study on the ministries of the Holy Spirit. Please enjoy and share it with others!
A. HIS MINISTRY CONCERNING THE DEVIL
The Holy Spirit now acts as a divine dam, holding back and limiting the full power of Satan and of sin.
- As stated by Isaiah
From the west, people will fear the name of the Lord, and from the rising of the sun, they will revere His glory. For He will come like a pent-up flood that the breath of the Lord drives along. – Isaiah 59:19
- As stated by Paul
For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.
But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. – 2 Thessalonians 2:7-14.
B. HIS MINISTRY CONCERNING THE SAVIOUR
From his bodily conception to his final ascension, the Lord Jesus Christ was led by the Holy Spirit.
1. The Saviour was begotten by the Holy Spirit.
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. – Luke 1:35.
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. – Matthew 1:18-20
2. The Saviour was anointed by the Holy Spirit.
As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on Him. – Matthew 3:16.
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, – Luke 4:18
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how He went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with Him. – Acts 10:38
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” – Hebrews 1:9.
3. The Saviour was sealed by the Holy Spirit
Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” – John 6:27.
The seal here demonstrated the Son’s identification with both Father and Spirit. It also spoke of his genuineness, value, and authority.
4. The Saviour was led by the Holy Spirit.
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. – Matthew 4:1
5. The Saviour was empowered by the Holy Spirit.
But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. – Matthew 12:28
According to Philippians 2:5-8, Christ abstained from using, in an independent way, His divine attributes (His omnipresence, omniscience, etc.) while on earth, but chose rather to depend completely upon the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance.
6. The Saviour was filled by the Holy Spirit
For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. – John 3:34
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, – Luke 4:1.
The words ‘filled’ and ‘full’ refer simply to control. Thus, the Saviour was totally controlled by the Holy Spirit while on this earth.
7. The Saviour sorrowed in the Holy Spirit
When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. – John 11:33
8. The Saviour rejoiced in the Holy Spirit.
At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. – Luke 10:21
9. The Saviour offered Himself at Calvary through the Holy Spirit
How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death,[a] so that we may serve the living God! – Hebrews 9:14
10. The Saviour was raised from the dead by the Holy Spirit
And who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. – Romans 1:4
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. – 1 Peter 3:18
11. The Saviour commanded His disciples after His resurrection through the Holy Spirit
until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. – Acts 1:2.
- The Saviour will someday return and raise the dead in Christ
And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because ofhis Spirit who lives in you. – Romans 8:11.
The point of this particular section of our study should be painfully obvious. If the sinless Son of God found it necessary to depend totally upon the Holy Spirit to form every word and guide every step, how much more is this absolutely vital for us.
Culled from Willmington’s Guide to the Bible
Stay blessed!
By Dr. Joyce Aryee, the author
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Fruitful Living
Qur’anic Evidence on Environmental Responsibility (Part 2)
Allah draws our attention to the divine wisdom in creating the earth and subjugating its resources for human benefit:
“It is He Who created for you all that is on the earth.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:29).
“And He has subjected to you, as from Him, all that is in the heavens and on earth. Behold, in that are signs indeed for those who reflect.” (Surah Al-Jathiyah, 45:13).
These verses affirm that the natural world is a divine gift created for human benefit, but not for reckless exploitation.
The trust (Amaanah) placed upon mankind requires careful and sustainable use, respecting the rights of future generations and all other creatures.
Islam and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SDG 6 – Clean Water
and Sanitation
Clean water and hygiene are essential for life and spiritual purity. Islam obliges ablution (wudu) and cleanliness as part of daily worship.
The preservation of life (Hifz al- Nafs) is one of the five objectives of Shariah, and access to clean water and sanitation plays a key role in achieving it.
SDG 13 – Climate Action
Islam calls for moderation in consumption and energy use. Wastefulness (Israf) is condemned:
“Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils, and the devil is ever ungrateful to his Lord.”
(Surah Al-Isra, 17:27).
Climate change, driven by overuse of fossil fuels and deforestation, threatens life on earth.
Muslims are taught to protect air quality, plant trees, and reduce carbon emissions—principles that resonate with SDG 13.
SDG 14 – Life below water
Oceans and marine ecosystems are under threat from pollution and overfishing. The Prophet warned against contaminating water:
“Do not urinate in stagnant water which people use.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 282).
This Hadith underscores early Islamic environmental regulations aimed at preserving clean water and marine life.
SDG 15 – Life on Land
Islamic teachings are rich in directives for land preservation. Allah warns: “And the earth we have spread out, and placed therein firm mountains and caused to grow therein all kinds of things in due proportion.” (Surah Al-Hijr, 15:19).
Tree felling without cause, soil erosion, and habitat destruction are all contrary to Islamic ethics.
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, the Author
Fruitful Living
Why Should I forgive others? (Final)
Forgiveness is thenhigher way
Paul acknowledges the gravity of Onesimus’ offense. Legally and ethically, Onesimus had done wrong. Under Roman law, Philemon had every right to punish him. Yet Paul calls him to choose a higher path—grace.
“For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever” (v. 15). Paul reframes the pain of separation as a providential opportunity for lasting unity.
As Christians, we’re invited to see beyond the offense and choose the eternal perspective. Forgiveness isn’t minimising the pain—it’s maximising the grace of God. It’s choosing to imitate Christ, who bore our sin without bitterness.
We are a forgiven people
Years in ministry often reveal a painful pattern: unresolved conflict and an unwillingness to forgive can cripple individuals and entire communities. Families drift. Churches divide. And the gospel is obscured by pride and pain.
Someone said something. Someone got offended. Someone refused to forgive. And so, healing never happened. Every time forgiveness is withheld, the Body of Christ suffers. But when we take steps to reconcile, we bear witness to the redemptive power of the gospel.
Forgiveness is more than an emotional release—it is a spiritual act of obedience. It puts God’s grace on display. It makes visible the invisible love of Christ.
Are you struggling
to forgive ?
Here are five helpful questions to evaluate your heart:
1. Do I feel anger or anxiety when I think about this person?
2. Do I secretly wish for them to suffer as I did?
3. Would I serve or help them if they needed it?
4. Can I sincerely pray for their well-being?
5. Would I be upset if God blessed them?
These questions don’t condemn us—they guide us. They help us identify areas where grace is still needed, where healing is still possible.
CONCLUSION
Forgiveness is one of the most Christlike things we can do. It doesn’t ignore justice—it entrusts it to God. It doesn’t excuse the offense—it acknowledges the cost and chooses love anyway.
Is there a Philemon in your life? Someone you need to forgive? Or are you more like Onesimus—longing to return but unsure if you’ll be received?
Today is a good day to choose grace. For the sake of the gospel, the Church, and your own soul, why not begin the process of forgiveness?
Let’s make this commitment together: By the grace of Christ, I will pursue unity, forgive freely, and live in the freedom that only forgiveness brings.
- By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee, the author
