Holy Spirit: His Person

As believers and followers of Christ, the most important aspect of our faith is our relationship with Jesus Christ. This relationship grows and deepens when we spend time reading and studying scripture and seeking Him through heartfelt prayer. Through these things, we communicate with God and understand His will for our lives. However, a deeper relationship with Christ and growth as a believer requires more than our efforts; it takes divine assistance, the Holy Spirit.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

Jesus introduces the Holy Spirit as “another comforter,” showing the continuation of His ministry on earth. This term “another” suggests a comforter of the same kind, just as present and real as Jesus was to His disciples. As the Spirit of truth (John 16:13 NKJV), He embodies the essence of Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life. The Holy Spirit leads believers in all truth, reflecting Jesus’ mission and character and helping us to do the same. It is through the Holy Spirit that Jesus can abide in and with us. The Holy Spirit deepens our relationship with Christ by revealing His presence, wisdom, and love in every area of our lives.

A Distinct Person

John 14:16 (KJV) beautifully shows the nature and work of the Holy Spirit, where Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will abide with believers forever. This eternal promise introduces us to the Holy Spirit not as a fleeting presence or feeling but as a distinct person—referred to as “He” and “Him,” not “It.” It highlights the personal nature of the Holy Spirit. He is more than the chills or feelings of energy and excitement we might experience; He is a person and is actively speaking to and guiding us.

“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;” – John 14:16 (KJV)

Equipped & Empowered

Without the Holy Spirit, our human limitations and weaknesses would hinder our attempts to grow closer to God and His calling on our lives. With Him, we are equipped and empowered to overcome our challenges and fulfill God’s will just as Jesus did. Jesus worked through the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit, and just as He worked through Jesus, He is now working through us if we acknowledge Him.

In John 14:17 (AMP), we learn that the Holy Spirit’s role is to help believers, reveal truth, and aid us in our walk with Christ and everyday lives. The world cannot receive and take to heart the work and identity of the Holy Spirit. They cannot see Him or know Him as we can. He is a gift and abides in us, but if we do not acknowledge Him, we can miss out on what He wants to do in us, for us, and through us.

“the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you.” – John 14:17 (AMP)

The Active Choice to be Led

The Holy Spirit desires to help us walk and grow in fellowship with Jesus, but He will not force himself into our lives. By not acknowledging the Holy Spirit, we risk missing out on His work within us and through us. What could you be missing out on if you don’t acknowledge Him? What challenges are you facing that the Holy Spirit has the answer to?

The Holy Spirit wants to uplift and enrich us, intercede for us and our loved ones, and strengthen us through life’s challenges and difficulties, but we must allow Him to lead us. To be led by the Holy Spirit is an active choice to be alert and pay attention, surrendering pride and self-will for God’s will in our lives.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” – Revelation 2:7 (NKJV)

Hearing & Obeying the Spirit

In a world filled with distractions, hearing and obeying the Holy Spirit’s voice is something we must strive not to neglect. The abundance of noise and distractions in our modern lives can make it difficult to hear Him, but He is speaking in our lives, thoughts, and hearts. He is speaking to both believers and unbelievers.

Work in Believers and Unbelievers

For believers, He serves as a helper, comforter, intercessor, counselor, strengthener, and standby—ready to assist, console, intervene, counsel, strengthen, and support us in our journey. As our comforter, consoling and encouraging us through our trials, as an intercessor, He intervenes on our behalf, guiding us away from sin and towards a path of holiness and righteousness. He serves as our counselor, providing wisdom and advice to navigate life’s complexities. Further, He strengthens us, supplying the power and endurance we need to persevere. All things are possible if you are willing to believe and trust with faith in God.

For unbelievers, He is convicting them of sin and leading them towards salvation through Jesus Christ. This act of salvation demonstrates God’s immense love for all of humanity, which is expressed in John 3:16 (NKJV). God’s love for us is the reason salvation is made available. If you are not a believer, it is not too late to receive the free gift of salvation.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16 (NKJV)

Guiding Us Toward Holiness and Purpose

The Holy Spirit is critical to our success and relationship with Jesus. He offers guidance, comfort, and support to believers while also reaching out to unbelievers to draw them to Jesus. By keeping our eyes fixed on the Lord and trusting in the Holy Spirit, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God’s love and fulfill His purpose in our lives. Let us embrace the presence and person of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide us toward a life of holiness, righteousness, and divine purpose.

 

 

 

 

Writing this article has helped me reflect on how far I have come in my relationship with myself and God. I pray that it also helped to encourage you. Watch for my next article, where I cover “The Power of the Holy Spirit.”

The information expressed above is excerpted from the sermon “Holy Spirit : His Purpose | His Person & Power Part 3” preached by Dr. Lee A. Simpson. You can listen to the complete sermon on our YouTube channel.