Word and Spirit

Just preparing a session for Lancaster University CU's houseparty. I've come across an interesting article by Mark Heath on the relationship between God's Word and the Spirit. I don't think I agree with everything that the author has written, but I loved this section:

The Word and the Spirit have a common focus: The Word and Spirit both point us to Jesus.

The Word is the book of Jesus; it reveals truth about Jesus. The Spirit glorifies Jesus; he reveals the beauty of Jesus.

The Spirit inspired the Word (e.g Heb 3:7 "the Holy Spirit says"; 2 Tim 3:16). The Word tells us to be filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18) and the Spirit prompts us to be filled with the Word.

The Word says, "Have you received the Spirit?" The Spirit says, "Have you read my book yet?"

The Word helps us to understand who the Holy Spirit is, and the Spirit helps us to understand what the Word says.

There is a synergy between Word and Spirit – they work in harmony:

• The Word orients us (points us in the right direction) and the Spirit energises us (pushes us forwards)
• The Word gives us the truth and the Spirit gives us the power
• The Word tells us how to behave and the Spirit enables us to live that way
• The Word tells us that God is our Father, and the Spirit helps us to relate to God as Father