Compare Saul's experience with the Holy Spirit's role in believers today. Saul’s Story in a Single Verse “Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD terrorized him.” (1 Samuel 16:14) What Was Happening to Saul? • The Holy Spirit had once come on Saul for service and power (1 Samuel 10:6, 10; 11:6). • Persistent disobedience (see 1 Samuel 13:13–14; 15:22–23) led to God’s rejection of Saul as king (1 Samuel 15:26–29). • When the Spirit departed, Saul lost divine empowerment and protection, leaving him vulnerable to an evil spirit that tormented him. • David later prayed, “Do not take Your Holy Spirit from me” (Psalm 51:11), showing that under the old covenant the Spirit’s presence could be withdrawn. Key Features of Saul’s Experience • Temporary anointing for a specific office. • Conditional on obedience. • Capable of departing. • Followed by oppression when the Spirit left. The Promise to New-Covenant Believers Jesus: “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth… He abides with you and will be in you.” (John 14:16–17) Paul: • “In Him, having believed, you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the pledge of our inheritance.” (Ephesians 1:13–14) • “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you?” (1 Corinthians 6:19) • “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.” (Romans 8:9) How the Spirit’s Role Differs Today Old Covenant (Saul) • Came upon select individuals. • Purpose: empower for specific tasks (kings, prophets, judges). • Could depart after disobedience. • No permanent inner sealing. New Covenant (Believers Today) • Given to every believer at conversion (Acts 2:38–39; 1 Corinthians 12:13). • Indwells permanently as guarantee of salvation (Ephesians 1:13–14). • Never leaves, though He can be grieved or quenched (Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19). • Empowers for daily holiness and witness (Acts 1:8; Galatians 5:16–25). • Presence of the Spirit rules out demonic possession (1 John 4:4). Unchanging Character, New Covenant Context • Same Holy Spirit—from Genesis 1:2 to Revelation 22:17. • His character is constant; His covenantal ministry changes. • At Pentecost, He began a new, abiding ministry that fulfills Ezekiel 36:26–27 (“I will put My Spirit within you…”). Practical Takeaways for Us • Confidence: the Spirit will never abandon a true believer. • Responsibility: obey and cooperate—do not grieve or quench Him. • Assurance: freedom from fear of demonic domination; “greater is He who is in you” (1 John 4:4). • Purpose: the same power that once elevated kings now empowers ordinary believers for holy living and bold witness. |
    |