Holy Spirit: His Purpose

In scripture, it is easy to see that Jesus had a mighty ministry on earth. Miracles, signs, and wonders followed Him everywhere He went. One might say, “Of course, He is God!” which is true; He is God, but Jesus did nothing on earth in His power. That does not mean he doesn’t have the power, but he abides by the rules he put in place.

Jesus’ Reliance on the Holy Spirit

Jesus relied totally on the instructions of the Father (John 5:19) and the power of the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:14). He did so to be an example for us. He represented us, and we can follow His example because He depended on the Holy Spirit and not His own power. If Jesus relied on the Holy Spirit, how much more do you and I need His help?

We need The Holy Spirit, but He could not come if Jesus remained with us here on earth. We see that Jesus was aware of this in John 16:7 when He is comforting His disciples and says, “It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you;”

Why would it be better for Jesus not to be on earth? He became one of us, which means that, on earth, He had a physical body that limited Him to one place at a time. This limitation reduced the number of people he could reach. The Holy Spirit has no physical limitations; He can guide, empower, and help all believers simultaneously. Jesus abides in us through Him.

The Holy Spirit’s Role in Our Lives

God wants to shape, reform, and help us live the life He has purposed for us. Jesus came to show us the way and became our example. He sent another comforter to help us follow His example.

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

Jesus says He will send another comforter. The word “another” means that there is already an existing one(Jesus). The term shows that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are equal in person and are both a comforter, advocate, intercessor, counselor, strengthener, and standby (John 14:16 AMP). But it is also showing that Jesus wants to be with us forever. How wonderful is it to know that!

Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to aid you. Will you accept His help? Will you incline your ear to His voice? So many of us know about faith but don’t know how to use it. Know about the Holy Spirit, but not how to be led by Him.

The Holy Spirit’s purpose is to draw us to Jesus and empower us to live righteously and walk with God according to His purpose. He speaks to believers and unbelievers and shows us the way to the Father. He makes people aware of their sins so they recognize their need for repentance and change, for their need for Jesus. The Holy Spirit convicts us so we can turn away from unrighteousness and be in the right standing with God through Jesus Christ.

“And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.” – John 16:8-11 (NKJV)

The Holy Spirit’s Conviction and Redemption

He draws unbelievers to salvation through Jesus and believers to greater intimacy, relationship, and walking in our purpose. Jesus came to redeem us, and one of the Holy Spirit’s purposes is to convict us, not condemn us. God is not trying to get us. If you feel like God doesn’t love you or like stepping into a church will cause the ceiling to fall on you, there is nothing you’ve done that God does not already know about. If He wanted to get you, He could, but we can see where God’s heart is in John 3:16 and 17.

He did not send Jesus to condemn or beat us down but to renew and restore the relationship between us and Him if we allow it. A true salvation and restored relationship with God requires repentance. For as long as you have breath, it isn’t too late to come to Him. Come as you are; He will change, heal, and help you.

Choosing to Listen to the Holy Spirit

What’s happening in your life is the result of the choices you make in life. Choose to listen to the pressing of the Holy Spirit. Without Him, we will fall into heartache and pain. The Holy Spirit is trying to save us from destruction and lead us to the one who is our salvation. He wants to help us in all things(according to God’s will) and in every area, big or small. Follow the example of Jesus. Don’t just know about the Holy Spirit; accept His help and let Him lead you.

The Holy Spirit is a gift from God, and when the Holy Spirit speaks to you or convicts you, you have a choice. To listen to Him and obey, or ignore and reject Him.

“Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” – Acts 2:38 (NKJV)

God’s Loving Call to Us

God draws us to Himself with love and kindness (Jeremiah 31:3 NKJV). He will not force His love upon us. He gives us the gift of choice, the ability to choose who we love and listen to. God calls people to Him. He is calling everyone to Himself, but only some are listening. Will you be one of the few?

 

 

Follow along in the coming weeks as I expand on the person and power of the Holy Spirit. The information expressed above is excerpted from the sermon “Holy Spirit: His Purpose, His Person and Power” by Dr. Lee A. Simpson. You can listen to the complete sermon series on the Faith Clinic Christian Center YouTube channel.