Embracing Both the Word and the Spirit

The following is an excerpt from my book Abiding in the Vine that emphasizes the importance of being grounded in the Scriptures while also welcoming the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

The Word and the Spirit

When God does a work on the earth, He accomplishes it through the cooperation of His Word and His Spirit. This is the pattern that was set forth at the creation of the world: “And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said…” (Genesis 1:2-3). It was the Spirit and the Word working together.

Throughout the Bible this pattern holds true. The judges, kings, and prophets were anointed with the Holy Spirit and received the Word of the Lord. Jesus came to the earth as the Word made flesh and was empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill His ministry. The early church was baptized in the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, and then Peter stood up to declare God’s Word. In Ephesians 6:17, the Word of God is referred to as the “sword of the Spirit.” The Spirit uses the Word like a sword to penetrate hearts and to defeat the enemy. Just as it is impossible to speak without breathing, the Word of God and the Breath (or Spirit) of God are meant to be inseparable.

The devil also knows that this is how God works in the earth. Therefore, he works overtime trying to get Christians to fixate on one or the other instead of operating in the power of both. On one extreme, there are believers and churches that focus on the teaching of God’s Word but do not allow for the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. On the other extreme, there is an emphasis on the work of the Spirit, but the meat of the Word seems to be lacking.

This separation of the Word and the Spirit need not be the case. Instead, we should have the balance of being grounded in the Word while welcoming the full expression of the Spirit. This is how we will see the greatest fruit for the kingdom of God.

Let us cultivate a love for God’s Word. Let us be rooted in the Word so that we are not blown about by the storms of life and the winds of deception. At the same time, let us thirst for the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in our midst. Let us soar in the Spirit and welcome His full manifestation. As the Word and the Spirit are married once again, we will see a mighty move of God!

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Abiding in the Vine is a collection of 40 devotional writings that are meant to feed your spirit and draw you closer to God. Rich with the Word of God and insights into the Spirit-filled life, each reflection will bring understanding and encouragement, as well as challenge you to go deeper in your walk with Christ.