In the Old Testament, one of the most common things that we see regarding the Spirit is that the Spirit “comes upon” a person, causing him to say or do what the Spirit wills. Sometimes this is a good person, sometimes it is an evil person. But when the Spirit comes upon them, they are under the control of the Spirit.
You can look at some of these passages: Num 24:2; Judg 3:10; 6:34; 11:29; 14:6, 19; 15:14; 1Sam 10:6, 10; 11:6; 16:13; 19:20, 23; 2Chr 15:1; 20:14; 24:20; Ezek 11:5
Miraculous activity under the power and control of the Spirit was neither a sign of godliness nor of God’s approval. And, based on what we saw last post, it had nothing to do with God’s indwelling Spirit, which was not given until after the cross. God’s Spirit has existed since the beginning, has worked among men since Old Testament days, but has not lived in the hearts of men until after Jesus’ death on the cross.
We’ll continue this study tomorrow (Lord willing).
Hey!
This site lets me comment :)
“Miraculous activity under the power and control of the Spirit was neither a sign of godliness nor of God’s approval.”
The miraculous activity under the power of God the Spirit was a sign that WHAT was being said was godly and from God. God the Spirit spoke through a soulless beast. The miraculous didn’t affirm the speaker but the speech. IMO
That’s a good point. Truth was truth no matter the medium used. (All puns intended)