Thursday Devo
Scripture Reading:
Luke 12:10-12
10 Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
11 “And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.”
10 Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
11 “And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.”
Commentary from the ESV Study Bible:
12:10 Speaks a word against … will be forgiven versus blasphemes against … will not be forgiven. Jesus closes this occasion of teaching his disciples (v. 1) with one of the most enigmatic, debated, and misunderstood sayings of his ministry. Key to understanding this passage is the distinction Jesus makes between, on one hand, the extreme case of blasphemy against “the Holy Spirit” and, on the other hand, the lesser case of speaking in an dishonorable way against “the Son of Man.” One who asks to be forgiven for disrespectful words hastily spoken against Jesus (the Son of Man) will be forgiven. (Note, e.g., Peter’s rejection of Jesus [see 22:54–62] and his subsequent restoration [John 21:15–19].) But blasphemy against the Holy Spirit—that is, the persistent and unrepentant resistance against the work of the Holy Spirit and his message concerning Jesus (cf. Acts 7:51)—this, Jesus says, will not be forgiven. The person who persists in hardening his heart against God, against the work of the Holy Spirit, and against the provision of Christ as Savior, is outside the reach of God’s provision for forgiveness and salvation. Christians often worry that they have committed this sin, but such a concern is itself evidence of an openness to the work of the Spirit.
12:11–12 Before the synagogues, i.e., before the Jewish authorities. The rulers and the authorities, i.e., before Gentile courts. Do not be anxious because the Holy Spirit will guide at such times.
12:11–12 Before the synagogues, i.e., before the Jewish authorities. The rulers and the authorities, i.e., before Gentile courts. Do not be anxious because the Holy Spirit will guide at such times.
Study Questions:
- The last takeaway from Sunday was that we must HEAR the Spirit. We need to listen to him as he testifies about who Jesus is. To continually deny this message is the unforgivable sin! But he will also always be with us, day to day. He will be there to comfort, strengthen, and teach us. He will be with us no matter what trials we encounter. He won't leave us when things get difficult. He'll be there even in the most trying of circumstances, even unto death. Is this a comforting thought to you? How much attention do you give to the Holy Spirit on a day to day basis?
- We should all learn what it means to "walk in the Spirit." If you are a Christ follower, you have the Holy Spirit in you right now. The fact is, he is constantly speaking to you. The question is, are you listening? What does that mean to you? How do you know if you have heard him speak to you? Think about a time or two when the Holy Sprit spoke to you and you were absolutely certain you were hearing from God. Ask him to speak to you today!
Pray:
- That you would remember the Holy Spirit is always with you, even in the most trying of circumstances.
- That you would learn to discern his voice and walk in the Spirit every day.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
5. Why do I follow Jesus? I follow Jesus because Jesus rose from the dead proving that He is the way, the truth and the life.
(Matthew 7:24-27; John 14:6)
(Matthew 7:24-27; John 14:6)
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