Topic: Who is the Holy Spirit and Why do I need Him as a Believer?
Text: John 14:25-26
There are several questions that run through our hearts when we talk about the Holy Spirit and why we need Him as a believer, some of those questions are?
Who is the Holy Spirit?
What is the role of the Holy Spirit?
Why do I need the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is a beautiful and powerful part of what God is. We need it in our lives as a channel to become what God has created us to be, and with His power, we have help in every situation. Without him, we are helpless.
The Bible told us who the Holy Spirit is and what role He can play in our lives.
The Holy Spirit wants to speak to us, especially using the Word of God. When Jesus said goodbye to his disciples, He said that He would pray for the Father to send them the Holy Spirit. “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 that I said to you.” John 14:25-26. Therefore, the disciples needed the Holy Spirit to remember what Jesus said to them while on the earth.
Now, the role of the Holy Spirit is to speak to us through the Bible, which is the Word of God, in the same way. That’s why it’s so important to read the Bible. The Holy Spirit helps us understand what we read. And later, in many situations, the Holy Spirit teaches us and enlightens us, especially by remembering those same words in the Bible.
How Can the Holy Spirit Empower you?
Our first encounter with the Holy Spirit takes place when He convicts us of our sins, showing that none of us can live according to the righteousness of Jesus and reveal the judgment that comes to those who die without Savior (John 16:8-11). When we repent, confess our sins, and receive the gift of salvation, the Holy Spirit regenerates our mortal inner human spirit, which is now becoming sensitive to the spiritual things of God (John 3: 1-16, Acts 2:38).
There is another work of the Holy Spirit when He baptizes a believer (according to Acts 2:1-4). It is available to all (Acts 2:39) and is a gift of power that helps the believer live a holy life. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we become more like Jesus and must do the Father’s will. Moreover, the gift is primarily for the empowerment to witness to others (Acts 1:8).
Several Ways that the Holy Spirit Can Empower You:
a. The Holy Spirit Is Your Helper
Read John 16:7.
When I think of the Holy Spirit, this is how I think above all else: God with us, helping us and allowing us to live a flourishing life that radiates the goodness of God. I don’t know about you but I’m constantly aware of my need for divine help. As my flesh fights for control, it’s the Spirit that steps in and helps me to be whom God created me to be.
When you are feeling powerless or tired or like you’re failing at life, you can have confidence as a believer that you’re not alone. You can start each day knowing that the Holy Spirit is here to help you. He is the power that sustains, energizes and keeps you on a sacred path. Do not hesitate to invite him to enter.
b. The Holy Spirit Sanctifies You
Read 1 Corinthians 6:11.
“Sanctified” means to be set apart as sacred. Essentially, it is the purification of sin and the spiritual maturation to become more like Christ. This is an important process for a believer: to leave the old and become a new person. But it’s a daily process and it takes time.
The Holy Spirit wants to help you in this process of sanctification: to die to your old self and be all that God created you to be; to be free from the entanglement of sin and live victoriously.
c. He Helps You To Do The Father’s Will
Read Acts 8:29.
Throughout the New Testament, we see the Holy Spirit ordering people to do the will of God. He helps us to agree to the Father’s voice and, in faith, to do what we believe He is calling us. Ask the Spirit to show you what the Father’s will would be for you today and ask him to give you the power to make it happen!
d. The Holy Spirit Give You The Gifts For Ministry
Read 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11.
The Holy Spirit gives believers the gifts needed by the Church. Nobody receives all the gifts, but they are distributed among the bodies of Christ, each person receives different gifts. The gift (s) he/she will receive will allow him to answer the call that God has placed in his life. Embrace what God has placed in you and be His instrument for the purpose of the Kingdom!
Additional passages of the gifts of the Spirit can be found in Ephesians 4 and Romans 12.
f. He Imparts Love
Read Romans 5: 3-5.
We find love in our sufferings. As we endure trials, the love of God permeates through us through the Spirit and it is this power that brings you and me through difficult times. When you doubt this love in your difficulty, remember that the Holy Spirit pours it into your heart.
g. The Holy Spirit Gives Hope
Read Romans 15:13.
Hope as God hopes. This is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit. And it is hope that leads people through all trials and tribulations. Hope is a fuel for the soul. Enjoy His power and live the peace among your surroundings.
h. The Holy Spirit Teaches And Gives Insight
Read John 14:26.
The Holy Spirit will give you a glimpse of what you read and help you remember what you read in the scriptures. It brings to your mind the understanding and the truth.
Have you ever had one of those moments when you were in a situation and a scripture verse that you read or memorized years ago appeared in your head, encouraging you at that moment? It was the Holy Spirit who reminded you of what you had been taught.
He allows you to understand and remember important verses that apply to your life.
i. The Holy Spirit Guides Your Prayers
Read Romans 8:26.
Sometimes I have no words. Or I have so much to say that I’m not sure where to start. Ever experience that?
Sometimes we don’t have to have the right words–the Holy Spirit knows just what to say. Lean unto Him and allow Him to express to the Father what needs to be said.
j. He Uses You To Evangelize
Read Acts 1:8.
Tell other people about Jesus and making disciples is our most important role on this earth. It’s literally the last thing Jesus said before he ascended into heaven!
To have the Holy Spirit with us is to have the power to witness. Tell people what Jesus did for them on the cross and how he conquered it and reigns victoriously! Don’t shy away from being an advocate for Christ; this is what you are called to do. Let the Spirit give you power for the Kingdom’s purpose of making disciples!
We are encouraged to ask the Holy Spirit to fill us up on a regular basis. When you feel depleted or need strength, ask Him to replenish you (Ephesians 5:18).
It’s not enough to exist with the belief that The Father and the Son are first and the Holy Spirit is secondary. They are equal and work in harmony with each other. The uniqueness of the Holy Spirit is His presence within us. Jesus said before He ascended to heaven that the Holy Spirit would come and dwell within us as a believer. With that, He empowers us to live victoriously for the cause of Christ and glory of the Father.