Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2021
Monday, December 20, 2021
Men spoke from God prompted by holy spirit (2 Pet. 1:21).
The Greek word translated "driven" literally means "dragged", "carried away." Luke, the writer of the book of Acts, used a similar form of the same Greek word to refer to a ship that is carried away by the wind (Acts 27:15). So when the Apostle Peter said that the Bible writers were "carried away," he used "a fascinating maritime metaphor," as one biblical scholar pointed out. In fact, he meant that, just as the wind propels a ship to reach its destination, the holy spirit directed the prophets and biblical writers to do their work. The same biblical scholar said: "The prophets raised the candles, so to speak." Jehovah did his part by giving them “the wind,” that is, his spirit. And the Bible writers made theirs following the guidance of that spirit. Today, Just as favorable winds bring a ship to safety in the middle of rough seas, the holy spirit helps us weather the storms of life so that we can reach the new world that God promises. w19.11 9 pars. 7-9
What does the parable of Jesus found in Luke 11: 5-9, 13 teach us about prayer?
(Read Luke 11: 5-9, 13.) This parable of Jesus shows how we should ask for the holy spirit. In it, the man received what he needed "for his insistence and daring." He was not afraid to ask his friend for help even though it was midnight (see study note “Daring Persistence” in the Activity Guide for the July 2018 Christian Life and Ministry meeting). How did Jesus relate this example to prayer? He said: "Keep asking and it will be given to you, keep looking and you will find, keep knocking on the door and it will be opened to you." So what we learn is that to receive the help of the holy spirit, we must ask for it in prayer with insistence.
Why can we be sure that Jehovah will give us holy spirit?
This example also helps us understand why Jehovah will give us holy spirit. The man Jesus spoke of wanted to take good care of the visitor who had arrived so late. He felt compelled to give her something to eat, but he had nothing. Jesus said that his neighbor gave him bread because of his persistence and daring. What did he want to teach us? That if an imperfect human being is willing to help an insistent neighbor, all the more so our loving heavenly Father will give holy spirit to those who ask him again and again. Therefore, we can ask Jehovah for his spirit with confidence that he will answer us. --Psalm 10:17; 66:19.
Why are we sure that we will be victorious?
Although Satan will not stop trying to defeat us, we are confident that we will be victorious. Why? Because the holy spirit helps us in two ways. First, it empowers us to pass tests. And second, it is the force that “blows up our sails” and prompts us to continue serving Jehovah until we reach the new world. Therefore, let us resolve to benefit to the maximum from the help of the holy spirit.
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