Two things stand out in this verse – the message/preaching and the Spirit’s power. Paul warns the church in Corinth that his purpose was not for our faith to rest on human wisdom or persuasion but on God’s power.

Just the Word without the Spirit, we will dry up.
Just the Spirit without the Word, we will blow up.
With both the Word and the Spirit, we will grow up!

A balance of the Spirit and the Word!

The word Spirit in Hebrew is “ruach” which means spirit, breath or wind. In the New Testament, the uttered word in Greek is called “rhema”.

Having the Spirit of God gives us the edge in life and having the Word of God gives us the correct perspective in life. When we have both in our armoury, we can be sharp yet balance at the same time. And that is very powerful!

Romans 8:12-17​

Radical holiness, fearless freedom, filial prayerfulness and hope of glory are four characteristics of the children of God who are indwelt and led by the Spirit of God.
​ John Stott

Ask
i) Is my life pleasing to God?
ii) am I living in fear?
iii) am I drawing closer to Abba Father?
iv) is it leading others and me home to the hope of glory?

This week I want us to take a closer look at God.

Genesis 1, 2

In Genesis 1, God is introduced as Elohim.

In the traditional Hebrew view, Elohim is the name of God as the creator and judge of the universe.

What dominates your conversation today?

Hebrews 11:3​

No, we are not God though we are made in the image of God. So we do not create something out of nothing but we can create something out of something and we can turn something into something better.

Use all the creative spirit of God that is in you to create a better world, a better living.

Remember, creativity is not reserved for a selected few but it is problem solving with flair.

It takes years to build something but an instant to destroy. So, please be careful with how we use our words and our actions.

Genesis 2:7​

YHVH - God's closeness to humans

God is not just mighty. He is intimate as well.

The word breath here in Hebrew is the word “nshamah” which means wind, vital breath, divine inspiration and intellect.

Yes, we may create all kinds of things in life but God’s primary desire is for us to work on the condition of our soul.

3 John 1

The condition of soul shapes everything we see and do.

If our soul is healthy, our words are life giving!
If our soul is prosperous, our actions are generous!

Pneuma - the second breath

The first breath gives us life.
The second breath gives us life forevermore.