Who or what is the Holy Spirit?
To understand the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we must first answer the question, “Who or what is the Holy Spirit?”
According to the Bible, the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, alongside God the Father and Jesus the Son. The question that often stumps believers is if the Holy Spirit is a person, spirit, or both. Jesus told his disciples in John 14:25-26, “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things I have said to you.”
The Holy Spirit possesses attributes of personhood, such as intellect, emotions, and will. In 1 Corinthians 2:10-11, Paul explains, “The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.” This demonstrates the Spirit’s intellectual ability to understand and communicate God’s profound truths in the lives of believers. Likewise, the Holy Spirit experiences emotions. Ephesians 4:30 instructs, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” The ability to be grieved indicates the Holy Spirit’s emotional depth, further affirming His personhood.
The Holy Spirit also exercises will, distributing spiritual gifts to believers as He determines. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 states, “ But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” This demonstrates the Holy Spirit’s sovereign will to empower the church.
While the Holy Spirit is a distinct person within the Trinity, He is also spirit, embodying the divine essence. Jesus explains in John 4:24, “God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” Additionally, in 2 Corinthians 3:17, Paul writes, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” This verse explicitly identifies the Holy Spirit as spirit and emphasizes His divine nature.
Understanding the Holy Spirit as both a person and spirit enriches our relationship with Him. By seeking His guidance, comfort, and empowerment on a daily basis, we deepen our connection with Jesus, to whom the Holy Spirit leads us.
What does the Holy Spirit do?
When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. However, the role of the Holy Spirit is often a mystery to believers. What exactly does the Holy Spirit do? Well, to begin, the Holy Spirit’s greatest job is to lead us to Christ. As depicted in the book of Romans, “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.” Because the Holy Spirit is part of the Holy Trinity, He will always lead believers to Jesus. With this guarantee, we are no longer considered slaves to sin but instead adopted sons and daughters grafted in by His grace and mercy. In Acts 8:26-39, we see an example of how the Holy Spirit guided Philip to meet an Ethiopian eunuch who was reading Isaiah while traveling. Philip explained the passage, proclaiming Jesus as the suffering servant. The eunuch believed and, upon seeing water, asked to be baptized. Philip baptized him, and the eunuch rejoiced, having been led to Christ through the Spirit’s guidance.
The Holy Spirit speaks
Another way the Holy Spirit works is by speaking to us. One of the wonderful benefits of having the Holy Spirit within us is the ability to hear His voice. John 15:26 says, “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.” Furthermore, John 16:12-14 states, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.” When we hear a small voice giving us direction or nudging us, it is often the Holy Spirit. This was the experience of the Apostle Peter in Acts 11:12, where he says, “Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover, these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house.”
The Holy Spirit teaches
Additionally, the Holy Spirit leads Believers through His teaching, as emphasized in 1 Corinthians 2:13: “These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” This verse highlights the internal teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit in every believer, illuminating our minds to understand and apply God’s truth through His Word. A notable example of the Holy Spirit teaching believers is found in John 14:26. Jesus tells His disciples, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.” After Jesus’ ascension, the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles at Pentecost (Acts 2). The Spirit empowered them to recall Jesus’ teachings and to understand the Scriptures in new ways, enabling them to teach others with clarity and boldness.
The Holy Spirit intercedes
The Holy Spirit also intercedes for believers, as highlighted in Hebrews 7:25: “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” As part of the triune God, the Holy Spirit continuously intercedes with the Father on behalf of believers. Even when we don’t know what to pray for, the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf when we humble ourselves before God. Romans 8:26-27 says, “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 through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”
How believers know the Holy Spirit is leading them
Simply stated, we know we are being led by the Spirit when we listen to the Spirit and do what he tells us, as highlighted in John 14:15-17: Jesus says, “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and 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.” This passage connects obedience to Jesus’ commands with the Holy Spirit, who guides and teaches believers in truth.
Additionally, believers can recognize that the Spirit is leading them through the spiritual fruit that is evident in their lives. We should look for signs of spiritual growth, such as sharing the gospel and being passionate about spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. Another key indicator is exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Regularly praying in the Spirit, seeking God’s guidance, and aligning our will with His helps us stay aligned with His direction. Moreover, allowing the Spirit to work in and through us transforms our character and empowers us to serve others, fulfill our God-given purpose, and manifest His kingdom on earth. These are just a few actions demonstrating a life led by the Holy Spirit, marked by continual growth and a deeper relationship with God.
Final thoughts
In closing, “Embracing the Holy Spirit: How It Transforms Your Life Today” reveals the Holy Spirit’s profound impact on our lives. He leads us to Christ, guiding us toward a deeper relationship with our Savior. The Holy Spirit speaks to us, providing wisdom and direction in our daily decisions. He intercedes on our behalf, especially in times of weakness, offering comfort and strength. Moreover, the Holy Spirit teaches us, providing wisdom and enhancing our understanding of God’s Word and His plan for our lives. By embracing the Holy Spirit, we experience a transformative connection with God, empowering us to live out our faith with purpose and joy. Can you describe a time when you were led by the Holy Spirit and what the results were? Share below.
