THE HOLY SPIRIT - WHO HE IS AND WHAT HE DOES

My next few blog posts will be thoughts and messages on the Holy Spirit that  I have shared with the local assembly God has placed us in.  I pray they will be a blessing to you.

Scripture reading: John 14:15-17, 26; 16:7-15

Who is the Holy Spirit? He is God as the Father is God. He is God as the Son is God

The Holy Spirit is a person. He's not an “it”. Many make the mistake of thinking of Him impersonally. Some falsely teach He is only a force as though He's part of a Star Wars movie. The Bible tells us some things about the Holy Spirit. For example, The Holy Spirit has intellect (Romans 8:27). The Holy Spirit has emotion (Ephesians 4:30). The Holy Spirit has a will (1 Corinthians 12:11). These are the characteristics of personality, not some mystical force. But what does the Holy Spirit do?

First of all we know the Holy Spirit comforts. He is called the Comforter (John 14:16, 26; 16:7). Jesus calls the Holy Spirit another Comforter. The Greek work translated Comforter literally means One called alongside to help. This is a rich word meaning Comforter, Strengthener, Counselor, Helper, Adviser, Advocate, Ally and Friend . Isn't it interesting that this is the first adjective used by Jesus to describe the Holy Spirit?

Think about how often we need comforting. We need comfort when separation is near. Jesus was about to be separated from His disciples. The cross and all it's agony was ahead. We need comfort when the tears are flowing (Gethsemane). We need comfort when we feel alone. We need comfort when others turn against us. We need comfort when death has come to those close to us.

The Holy Spirit counsels. Jesus said, He shall teach you all things (John 14:26). The word translated Comforter combines the ideas of comfort and counsel. The Holy Spirit is a powerful person on our side, working for and with us.

We need a Counselor when we are perplexed. There are many things in this old world that perplex us. Perhaps you are troubled and perplexed today. Jesus had been a Counselor to His disciples. Now He would send the Holy Spirit to teach them. The Holy Spirit can help us in the same way.

As we study the Bible, we can trust Him to plant truth in our mind, convince us of God's will and remind us when we stray from it. The Holy Spirit is a Tutor. He teaches us individually. He teaches us corporately. He teaches us continually

What does He teach us? He teaches us all about the Bible (2 Peter 1:20-21). He teaches us all about life (John 14:26). He teaches us all about Jesus (John 14:26; 16:13-15).

It is the job of the Holy Spirit to convict us. He will reprove (John 16:13-15). He convicts of sin. People have consciences. The Holy Spirit prods the conscience about sin. Do you feel guilty when you sin? This is the Spirit's first work. Conviction comes before conversion. Correction comes before comfort. He convicts of the lack of righteousness. We have failed to do right. Jesus demonstrated a perfect life while here on earth. We fall far short of this perfect standard. We are all sinners (Romans 3:23). He convicts of judgment. After death there's a judgment (Hebrews 9:27). The prophet Amos declared, Prepare to meet thy God (Amos 4:12).

The purpose of conviction is to bring us to Jesus. The convicting work of the Holy Spirit is not only directed toward the unsaved, but also operates in believers and the church in order to instruct, teach, correct and guide us into truth.

The Holy Spirit is the very presence of God within us and all believers, helping us live as God wants us to live and building Jesus' church on earth. By faith we can appropriate His power each day. What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today? Respond to His conviction. Receive His comfort and counsel.

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray


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