The Holy Spirit does not glorify Himself, He glorifies the Son.

The Holy Spirit does not glorify Himself; He glorifies the Son. One of the most amazing aspects of the Spirit’s work is that He works quietly behind the scenes, drawing attention not to Himself but to Christ, who is exalted by the redeemed.

Jesus said in John 16:14, “He will glorify Me, for He will take what is Mine and declare it to you.” In this way, the Holy Spirit magnifies the Son’s work in the hearts of believers, directing their worship and devotion to Jesus.

John MacArthur, in Strange Fire, observed, “Show me a person obsessed with the Holy Spirit and His gifts, and I will show you a person not filled with the Holy Spirit. But show me a person focused on the person and work of Christ, and I will show you a person who is filled with the Spirit.” This highlights an essential truth: the Spirit-filled believer is one who is captivated by Christ and devoted to knowing Him more deeply.

What Does It Mean to Be Focused on Christ?

To be focused on Christ means to make Him the center of our thoughts, affections, and actions. Believers should never grow tired of learning, thinking, and boasting about Christ. As Paul writes in Philippians 3:8, “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” Believers are called to be enthralled by His perfections and beauty, seeing Him as the treasure worth every sacrifice.

A heart focused on Christ looks for ways to serve Him and exalt Him in every area of life. In 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, Paul reminds us, “For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for Him who for their sake died and was raised.” This passage speaks to the self-giving love that defines a Christ-centered life, where every action flows from a desire to please and glorify Him.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Our Focus on Christ

The Holy Spirit fuels this devotion to Christ. As the Spirit illuminates God’s Word, He reveals more of Christ’s character, deepening our understanding and worship. Ephesians 1:17-18 says, “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which He has called you.” Through the Spirit’s work, our hearts and minds are enlightened to comprehend the richness of Christ’s love and truth.

In the end, true Spirit-filled worship is Christ-centered, as the Holy Spirit continually points us to the Savior and glorifies Him in our lives. By focusing on Christ, we align ourselves with the Spirit’s purpose, allowing His power to transform us as we seek to live for the One who redeemed us.