The Holy Spirit plays a critical role in helping us as believers understand Scripture and discern God’s will. This process is often called “illumination” because the Holy Spirit shines light on God’s Word, allowing believers to see and understand its deeper meanings and apply its truths.
In 1 Corinthians 2:10-12, Paul explains this by saying that the Holy Spirit “searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.” Just as only a person truly knows their inner thoughts, only the Spirit of God can fully understand the depths of God’s will and purposes. By His Spirit, God reveals these truths to believers, giving them insight into His plans and purposes.
A. The Spirit Reveals God’s Wisdom
The Holy Spirit opens our minds to understand God’s wisdom, which cannot be fully grasped by human reasoning alone. Paul emphasises that God’s truths are not like the wisdom of the world, but instead come directly from God.
He declares in 1 Corinthians 2:13, “These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”
This highlights that the Holy Spirit communicates divine wisdom, helping believers discern the spiritual meaning behind the Scriptures and how it applies to their lives.
B. Guiding Believers into All Truth
One of the most direct promises of illumination is in John 16:13, where Jesus tells His disciples, “When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will tell you things to come.”
The Holy Spirit “guides” believers, meaning He leads them step-by-step into understanding Scripture and God’s will. This involves helping them discern truth, avoid error, and apply the teachings of Scripture in practical ways that align with God’s will.
For example, a believer might be reading about Jesus’ command to love their enemies (Matthew 5:44), and the Holy Spirit might bring a specific situation to their mind where they need to show love instead of resentment. By prompting this application, the Holy Spirit helps them obey God’s command in real, transformative ways.
C. Providing Insight into Spiritual Realities that we have as believers in God’s kingdom
The Holy Spirit enables believers to understand spiritual truths that are otherwise hidden from natural perception. Ephesians 1:17-18 offers Paul’s prayer that “the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened.”
This “enlightening” of understanding allows believers to see the reality of their salvation in Christ Jesus, God’s power, and His promises for them. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we gain a clearer vision of our identity in Christ and God’s purposes for our lives.
D. Conviction and Personal Application
The Holy Spirit also convicts us, showing us specific areas of our lives that need change or growth. Hebrews 4:12 describes the Word of God as “living and active,” capable of revealing “the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
The Holy Spirit uses Scripture to highlight areas where we may need repentance, encouragement, or transformation. For instance, reading about the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), a believer might realise they need to grow in patience. This realization is the Spirit’s work, prompting personal growth in alignment with God’s character.
E. An example from the Bible of the Holy Spirit illuminating scriptures to believers: The Disciples on the Road to Emmaus
A powerful example of the Holy Spirit’s role in illuminating Scripture is seen in Luke 24:13-32, where two disciples walked with Jesus on the road to Emmaus. At first, they didn’t recognize Jesus and couldn’t understand why He had to suffer. However, “beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, [Jesus] explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself” (Luke 24:27). After Jesus revealed Himself, the disciples exclaimed, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32). This “burning” is a metaphor for the Holy Spirit stirring within them, helping them see God’s plan for salvation through Jesus.
F. Clarity in Life Decisions
The Holy Spirit also illuminates Scripture when believers seek guidance in their decisions. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
When believers are confused or in need of direction, the Holy Spirit can bring specific Scriptures to mind or highlight biblical principles that provide clarity for their choices, aligning them with God’s will. For instance, if a believer is deciding whether to take a job, the Spirit may remind them of verses that emphasise honesty, stewardship, or the importance of work-life balance, helping them choose wisely.
What Illumination Is Not
It’s important to understand that illumination is not the same as adding new revelation or changing Scripture’s original meaning. Whatever revelation the Holy Spirit drops in your inner man will always align with God’s word. Never act on a prompting in your inner man without first checking that it aligns with Scripture. If you are unsure, consult your pastor or someone godly and seasoned in God’s word, so that you do not fall into error.
Remember, the Holy Spirit will never contradict what is written in the Bible. Rather, He helps believers understand its true meaning and how it applies to their lives.
Final Remark
The Holy Spirit’s role in illuminating Scripture is transformative, bringing spiritual truths to life, guiding you and I as believers into God’s wisdom, and aligning our hearts with His purposes. Through the Spirit’s work, we can better understand God’s Word and apply it, leading to growth, assurance, and a closer walk with God.
God bless you in Jesus Name. Amen
Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name
Prayer: Holy Spirit, please increase my knowledge of God as I study His Word. Help me to understand the deep truths of God’s mysteries through His Word, in Jesus name.
Feast of Light Word Ministry
