Without the Spirit of God, we can do nothing. We are ships without wind, chariots without steeds, branches without sap. It is better to speak six words in the power of the Holy Spirit than to preach seventy years of sermons without Him. — Charles Spurgeon

In this message from our series "Fullness," Pastor Ron opens Ephesians 4:30–32 and focuses on the work and person of the Holy Spirit — His condescension, what grieves Him, and what delights Him.

The Condescension of the Spirit: The fact that God can be grieved is staggering. The Holy Spirit is infinite, holy, and utterly independent — yet He condescends to dwell in us and is affected by what we do and think. And no matter what we do, He will not leave — we are sealed for the day of redemption.

How We Grieve the Holy Spirit: Paul lists bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking, and malice. But there are others: unholy thoughts we entertain rather than take captive; failing to acknowledge His presence altogether — ignoring God the way you'd ignore a date you drove to dinner but never spoke to; failing to respond to His promptings; and going to extremes — either ignoring the Holy Spirit in favor of man-centered programs, or attributing everything quirky and unbiblical to Him.

The Desire of the Holy Spirit: Kindness (krestos — pleasant and gracious, the same word used for God in Luke 6:35), tenderheartedness (the Greek literally means "good bowels of compassion"), and forgiveness — not seven times, but seventy times seven. We never so reflect the nature of God as when we forgive.