Luke 1 - You Can't Do Anything Without the Holy Spirit!

Luke 1 - NIV

Enduring Word Commentary

Today we start the third gospel, the gospel of Luke. Luke has many unique features. Here is a summary.

The Gospel of Luke is uniquely characterized as a detailed, orderly, and literary account focusing on Jesus as the Savior for all people, particularly highlighting the marginalized, women, the poor, and Gentiles. Written by a physician, it features exclusive parables like the Good Samaritan and Prodigal Son, emphasizes the Holy Spirit, and presents Jesus' compassionate ministry and post-resurrection appearances. - Benedictine College

Verses for the Day

1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled[a] among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

Commentary

The first chapter of Luke provides us with many historical details. For anyone who says someone made up the gospels, or the bible is fiction, they have not considered the gospel of Luke. Luke gives us an eyewitness account of the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Specifically in chapter 1, we see the miraculous birth of John the Baptist to Elizabeth at a very old age. We see the Holy Spirit all over the place, which is also a important distinctive of the gospel of Luke. 

Luke is a physician, which is why he is so detailed in his gospel. Luke traveled with Paul on his missionary journeys, and also wrote the books of Acts. When you look at the introduction of Acts, it is virtually the same as in Luke. Here are the instances of the Holy Spirit's role in the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus, who were cousins, as Mary and Elizabeth were relatives. 

"He will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born." Verses 14-15 

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Verses 34-25

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Verse 41

His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied.

And the child grew and became strong in Spirit.

Do you think Luke wanted to emphasize the Holy Spirit? Mark and Matthew don't focus a lot on the Holy Spirit, though John does for sure. 

If you know me, I am a big fan of the Holy Spirit. I think the Holy Spirit gets left out of a lot in our teaching and preaching and life of faith. Churches rightfully focus on the Father and the Son, but the Holy Spirit is key to our coming to faith in Jesus, and our life in Jesus. Here are some passages showing the Holy Spirit.

1. No one can say "Jesus is Lord" apart from the Holy Spirit. - 1 Corinthians 12:30

2. Live by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16. Paul is basically saying you can't live the Christian life without the Holy Spirit.  

3. Each one of you is given a spiritual gift as determined by the Holy Spirit to use in the church. 1 Corinthians 12:11

4. The Holy Spirit is the one who will raise you from the dead. Romans 8:11

5. Jesus said, "It is good for me to go because I will give you the Holy Spirit who will guide you into all truth. John 16:7 

The Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus, essentially giving you the ability to do the same things as Jesus did. Jesus also calls the Holy Spirit your "Comforter, Helper, and Advocate".

6. The Spirit gives you to words to say and pray. Luke 12:12

The Holy Spirit helps you to pray and intercedes through you for others.

I think you,get the point. The Third Person of the Trinity is essential for everything you do as a Christian. Early in my call to be a pastor, I had concerns about whether I had what it takes to become a pastor, and I believe the Lord gave me these words from Zechariah 4:6

"Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord!" As I have relied on the Holy Spirit in my ministry everything has gone great. When I have not, "not so much!" 

Application for Life

1. Do you rely on the Spirit for everything you do in your Christian life? Try praying every morning, "Come Holy Spirit". The Holy Spirit is a person and you can talk to Him."

2. Have you discovered your spiritual gifts and are you using them in your church to serve?

If you don't know what your spiritual gifts are you can google "online spiritual gifts inventory". It will give you 2-3 spiritual gifts you might want to try out. Take it and then go over it with your pastor or spiritual mentor. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you for sending us Your Spirit until our work is done. Help us to ask for and rely on the Holy Spirit for everything we do, as your sons and daughters. Jesus, thank you for giving us Your Spirit so we can do the things you did when you were here. Come Holy Spirit! Come Holy Spirit! Amen." 



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