Think Again!

Chapter 8: The Spirit’s Power • 77

• He gives us insight and wisdom (Eph. 1.18, 3.4-6) • He provides access to the Father (Eph. 2.18) • He builds the body into a dwelling place for God (Eph. 2.22) • He gives us capacity to take in knowledge (Eph. 3.16-19) • He speaks to us through the Word (2 Pet. 1.21) • He gives us wisdom leading to a harvest of righteousness (James 3.13-18) In all these attributes, we are the beneficiary of his power, expressed in three important ways: Making Us One, Bridging the Gap, and Making a New Creation. Making Us One The Holy Spirit is the “Great Integrator,” bringing various scattered people and factions into a single body of Christ. He builds the Temple of the Spirit, constantly adding members, disciplining, strengthening, gifting, comforting, and encouraging. The Spirit integrates the body to the Head (Eph. 2.15-16; 4.11-16; Col. 1.28). 43 The Holy Spirit is constructing a Christ-centered, fully functioning body, with a diversity of operating members, characterized by Paul’s words:

• Saints equipped for ministry • A built-up body • Unity of the faith • Knowledge of the Son of God

• Spiritual maturity (“mature manhood” like Jesus) • The measure of the stature of the fullness of the Head