Personal Applications of the Trinity, Part 3

In this final installment, we'll take a look at the Holy Spirit. Ware remarks about the Holy Spirit: "Amazingly, even though the Spirit has identically the same nature as the Father and the Son, even though he is fully and equally God, yet he willingly accepts this behind-the-scenes position in nearly everything that the Triune God does. In creation, redemption, and consummation, he willingly accepts the role of supporter, helper, sustainer, and equipper, and in all these respects he forsakes the spotlight.

Ware also offers this in regard to the Spirit's roll in the inspiration of Scripture: "It is because the Spirit moved the hearts and minds of the writers of Scripture so that when they wrote what they wanted to write--that is, they wrote the truths that were on their hearts, with the words, grammar, and syntax that they chose to use--the Spirit was working in them so that what they wrote was simultaneously their word and God's Word."

Ware also points out that no matter what, the Spirit always points the attention to the Son.

Personal Applications of the Trinity:

1. Ware says, "There is something in all of us that wants to be seen and to receive the credit for what we've done. To accept the behind-the-scenes position where no one may know and notice the service we have rendered is difficult indeed. To work sacrificially, all for the purpose of pointing constantly to another, and for the honor he might receive, can be extremely hard to accept. But this is the way of the Spirit, and this is the power that is at work in us, to help us to serve to the honor of Christ, that he may receive all the glory." I can see that this type of sacrificial anonymity is extremely difficult in a work environment, especially in our success-driven society. Some may ask, "If no one notices our accomplishments, how can we move up the ladder of success?" Whose praise are we looking for?
2. The Spirit's humility is a "beautiful example of willingness to accept the behind-the-scenes place for the sake of advancing the common mission, unified purpose, all for the glory of another.
3. In the Spirit's role as "third-fiddle," notice that he joyfully and willingly embraces it. There is no resentment. As we assume this type of mentality, let us be wary of attitudes of resentment or getting a martyr complex.