INTRODUCTION: Many of the teachings about the Holy Ghost are false. But that is no reason to ignore Him. The Bible says much about the Holy Spirit and His working in the life of the believer. Every believer has the indwelling Spirit of God (Romans 8:9). But every believer does not respond to the working of the Spirit in him or her. In scripture, the dove is given as a type and picture of the Holy Ghost. This type provides much valuable teaching and direction.
- A SOURCE OF COMFORT
- The dove (Genesis 8:8-12)
- The Spirit
- The Comforter (John 14:16, 26, John 15:26; John 16:7)
- The Fellowship of the Spirit (Philippians 2:1)
- AVAILABLE TO THE POOR
- The dove (Leviticus 5:7)
- The Spirit
- The contrite and humble spirit (Isaiah 57:15; 66:2)
- The poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3)
- UNTIRING IN FLIGHT
- The dove (Psalm 55:6; Isaiah 60:8)
- The Spirit of power (Zechariah 4:6; 1 Corinthians 2:4; 2 Timothy 1:7)
- FOUND IN SECRET PLACES
- The dove (Song of Solomon 2:14; Jeremiah 48:28)
- The Spirit (Psalm 91:1; Matthew 6:6)
- A SYMBOL OF PURITY
- The dove is white, a color that symbolizes purity (Song of Solomon 5:2; 6:9)
- The Spirit is called the Holy Spirit or the Holy Ghost (Romans 1:4; Ephesians 1:13)
- CAN BE GRIEVED
- The mourning of the dove (Isaiah 38:14; 59:11)
- The grieving of the Holy Ghost (Ephesians 4:30)
- GENTLE IN NATURE
- The dove (Matthew 10:16)
- The Spirit (Romans 8:6; Galatians 5:22)
- SWEET IN VOICE
- The dove (Song of Solomon 2:14)
- The Spirit
- A still small voice (1 Kings 19:12)
- A voice behind thine ears (Isaiah 30:21)
- SIGN OF COMING SPRING
- The dove (Song of Solomon 2:10-13; Jeremiah 8:7); the turtle is the turtledove
- The Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5; Ephesians 1:13-14); the earnest of the Spirit
CONCLUSION: Do you know Jesus Christ as your Saviour? If so, you have His Holy Spirit in you? Are you fighting Him? Or, are you surrendering to His leading?
