What does the Holy Spirit do?
The Bible teaches that the origin of all divine work begins with the Father, is carried out by the Son Jesus, and is brought into its fruit / completion by the works of the Holy Spirit.
Most Christians understand the roles of God and Jesus; however, some struggle to identify or define what the Holy Spirit does.
The Holy Spirit’s primary work is to point people to Jesus Christ (John 15:26; 16:14) – bringing sinners to a true knowledge of the Savior through the gospel and conforming them to the glorious image of the Son of God (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).
Thus, His ministry’s focus is the Lord Jesus, and those who are Spirit-led and spirit-filled will likewise be Christ-centered.
In addition, let us look at some core truths about the Holy Spirit and His work in our lives?
1. He empowers believers, enabling them to overcome the deeds of the flesh and resist sin.
Romans 8:11 (NKJV)
But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
2. He empowers believers to serve and glorify Christ
Romans 8:9 (NKJV)
But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.
3. He Intercedes for and on behalf of believers.
Romans 8:26 (NKJV)
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
4. He gives divine guidance:
Mark 13:11 (NKJV)
But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak.
But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.
Acts 15:28 (NKJV)For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:
5. He teaches us
John 14:26 (HCSB)
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit—the Father will send Him in My name—will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.
Luke 12:12 (NKJV)For the Holy Spirit willteach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”
6. He testifies that we are children of God.
Romans 8:16 (NKJV)The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
7. He reminds us of Jesus’ and His words
John 15:26 (HCSB)
“When the Counselor comes, the One I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father — He will testify about Me.
8. He convicts us of sin, shows us God’s righteousness and announces Gods Judgment on evil
John 16:8 (HCSB)
When He comes, He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment:
9. He leads and directs us.
Acts 13:4 (NKJV)So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
Acts 16:6-7 (NKJV)6. Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia.7. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them
Romans 8:14 (NKJV)For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
10. He gives us the assurance of our salvation
Romans 8:14-1614. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.15. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”16. The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God
11. He seals us secure in Christ
2 Corinthians 1:22 (NKJV)who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
Ephesians 4:30 (NKJV)And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption
12. He brings glory to Christ
John 16:14 (HCSB)
He will glorify Me because He will take from what is Mine and declare it to you.
Today, the irony in many churches is that those who seem to focus or talk much about the Holy Spirit are generally denying His actual work. Many false attributes are attached to His nature, and all kinds of man-made beliefs are subscribed to His works.
This misunderstanding has undoubtedly led many to ignore the true purpose and power of His life-giving ministry, which is: to free sinners from death, give them everlasting life, transform them by regenerating their hearts, empowering them for spiritual victory, confirming their place in the family of God, interceding for them according to the will of God, sealing them securely for their eternal glory and promising to raise them on the last day to immortality.
The authentic ministry of the Holy Spirit is not flashy, flamboyant (like a circus) and chaotic. On the contrary, it is usually concealed and inconspicuous (the way the fruit develops).
More importantly, the Holy Spirit’s primary role is to exalt Christ and prompt praise for Christ from His people. And He does those in a personal way by first reproving and convicting us of our sins and opening our eyes to true righteousness.
The Holy Spirit’s daily presence in the life of believers is the basis and the secret of our sanctification as He conforms us to the image of Christ.
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