The Holy Spirit and the Word

“And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit . . . .” 1 Thess. 1:6.

The Lord and the apostles received the Word in much affliction in the Holy Spirit. So the Word and the Holy Spirit are two different things. There are many people today who have received the Holy Spirit but who have not received the Word in the same Spirit.

It is written that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. John 1:14. However, nowhere is it written that the Spirit became flesh. The Word that God sends can only be received and understood in the Holy Spirit. In the spiritual building that we have received in the Spirit through the ongoing revelation of God’s truth, the Word has become flesh and bone. The Spirit is not the new creation, but the Word—born by water and Spirit—is our life in Christ.

No one should become satisfied with having received the Holy Spirit, because the Spirit can be quenched. Rather, we are to accept the Word in this Spirit, and it will become our personal life.

The Spirit does not glorify Himself; He does not say a single word about Himself. Rather, He speaks what He hears. “For He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.” John 16:14. The Spirit receives the Word and declares it to us. If we, then, do not receive the Word, the Spirit will not be of any benefit to us.

What benefit is it for us to have received the Spirit eight or ten years ago if that has not resulted in us receiving the Word for whose sake the Spirit was sent. Many people go astray on this point by becoming complacent with having received the Spirit. However, God’s Spirit is not content with being idle, for His mind is life and peace. But the way to life and peace goes through water and blood. 1 John 5:6. Everyone who has the testimony of God within senses this, either consciously or subconsciously.

The Word became flesh. This flesh was the seed of the woman that crushed the serpent’s head, because that flesh was offered in the power of an eternal Spirit. However, God raised up Christ in the power of the blood of the everlasting covenant. Heb. 13:20. This covenant is eternal, and the Spirit brings forth eternal life (the Word) because of the blood of the covenant.

The Spirit Himself is not the blood of the covenant, but He testifies about this blood. He is not interested in anything else. The Spirit cannot bring forth any fruit without this sacrifice, and our life is in vain if we do not receive the Word the Spirit speaks, in the Spirit.