Some seminary students called him “Machine-gun” Garrett. James Leo Garrett taught systematic theology. He spoke so fast that we said, “If you drop your pen while taking notes, you have to drop the course, because you will never catch up.” Eventually, he put those notes in two huge volumes of systematic theology. I smile when I turn to them these days. Dr. Garrett inspired us. We loved his calm and peaceful demeanor. Honestly, we saw the fruit of the Spirit so clearly in his life. As I turned in my final exam, with a flourish of enthusiasm, I told him, “I would like to study the Holy Spirit for my doctoral work.” Dr. Garrett smiled at me and accepted my exam.
As Jesus encouraged his anxious disciples, he promised them that he would send an Advocate from the Father. John provides one of the best concentrations of teaching about the Holy Spirit in these chapters. Someone has called the Holy Spirit the “unexplored continent of the Christian faith.” Another has called him, “Forgotten God.” What do we know about the Holy Spirit? The Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He guides us into truth. The Spirit glorifies Jesus.
It is so important to study the Holy Spirit. The more we study, the more he teaches us the truth about Jesus. The Holy Spirit is better than a map. He is our guide. Years later, I served with dr. Garrett again at Glorieta Conference Center. He taught us about reconciliation with others. I was privileged to preach that weekend with Dr. D. L. Lowrey. It was an unforgettable time. We were seeking to find peace in our convention. Peaceful Dr. Garrett knew all about forgiveness and kindness.
As I read these verses today, I realized why I blurted out my desire to do a doctorate in Pneumatology. Dr. Garrett kept in close step with the Spirit. If anyone could teach us about the Spirit, it would be Dr. Garrett because he actually knew him. Even better than studying the Spirit is staying in step with him, following his guidance, and glorifying Jesus. Dr. Garrett did that as well as anyone I have known. Sometimes the most “Spiritual” people are the last to even realize they are.
