The Holy Spirit

John 14:16-18 - "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever– the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you" (NIV).

Romans 8:16 - "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children" (NIV).

Romans 8:26-27 - "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s wil" (NIV).​

Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law" (NIV).

Who is the Holy Spirit? Is He an atmosphere, a warm feeling, a power from God? No, He is God (John 14:23), and He is a person. He is called the "Holy" Spirit, not just a spirit. He is perfect in all His ways - perfectly reflecting the nature and character of God, because He is God! The Holy Spirit is also a person. Jesus told us that He would send "another Counselor" to be with us - a person just like Jesus, except without a physical body (John 14:16-18). The Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of truth. He is the One who speaks the truth… all the time.
What does the Holy Spirit do? As a member of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit is in intimate connection with Father and Son (John 14:26). He will always bring glory to Jesus (John 16:14). That is the motive and outcome of all His actions. What does that mean specifically?
  • The Holy Spirit speaks only what He is given to say (John 16:13).
  • He comes alongside us and counsels us (John 14:16).
  • He teaches us how to walk with God (John 14:26).
  • He reminds us of everything Jesus has said (John 14:26).
  • He brings peace to us and comforts our hearts (John 14:27).
  • He brings conviction of sin (John 16:8-9).
  • He guides us into all truth (John 16:13).
  • He will tell us what is yet to come (John 16:13).
  • He intercedes for us according to God's will (Rom. 8:26-27).
  • He connects us with our Father (Rom. 8:15).
  • He brings unity to the church (1 Cor. 12:13).
  • He gives spiritual gifts to God's people (1 Cor. 12, 14).
  • He gives power for overcoming sin in our lives (Gal. 5:16).
  • He produces fruit in the lives of God's people (Gal. 5:22-23).
  • He gives power to God's people for evangelism and world missions (Acts 1:8).
and more….

How do we relate with the Holy Spirit? Galatians 5:25 says, "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit" (NIV). So, it's possible to live with the Holy Spirit, yet be out of step with Him. Relating with the Holy Spirit is not just a one-time decision. It is more like a dance - where He leads, and we follow. We need to develop great sensitivity to His voice and His ways, so that we can follow His moves on the dance floor. He is the perfect leader. But, we can get out of step by not listening and not wanting to follow. In Ephesians 5:18, we are called to keep on being filled with the Holy Spirit. This is not just a one-time event. Again, a practiced leaning in to listen to the Spirit will result in you filling up with His words and power - indeed, being full of the Spirit.

For More Study
  • John 14-16
  • Acts 2
  • Romans 8:1-27
  • 1 Corinthians 12-14
  • Galatians 5

Thoughts and Questions for Application
  • Treat the Holy Spirit as if He is a real person… because He is real! When you walk and talk with the Holy Spirit, actually act like you are walking with and talking to someone. Remember, He is a person.
  • Which of the Holy Spirit's activities have you already experienced? Which activities would you still like to become more familiar with? Take some time to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal Himself and His ways to you… in greater ways than you have yet known.
  • Do you know what it is to "dance with the Holy Spirit" (Gal. 5:25)? It takes great sensitivity to His voice. How does one become a great dancer? Practice. Keep practicing and don't give up!
  • The Holy Spirit responds to us. Remember, He is a person. So, cry out to be "filled with the Holy Spirit" (Eph. 5:18). He will definitely fill you with Himself.

​Memorization

Galatians 5:25 - "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit" (NIV).