Imagine this with me. We are one of the disciples and we see Jesus for the first time after the devastating loss of the crucifixion. As our eyes lock on his, peace and joy course through our hearts as relief washes over us. Talk about a good reason to ugly cry.
Now fast forward to the moment that you realize Jesus is about to leave AGAIN. As all of the feelings of disappointment come flooding back through tear-stung eyes. you hear Jesus say this is for the best. Why? The Holy Spirit. The Advocate. Let’s take a look at this in scripture.
“But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.”
John 16:7
Yes Jesus would be in heaven, but they could cling to the Holy Spirit. A crucial stand in, sent by the Messiah himself. Imagine how important this spirit was to the disciples at that moment. And He is just as vital to us today. This is why by the end of this blog post you will understand Who the Holy Spirit is and what he does.
Let’s begin with the first question.
Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is God. Not a seprate god but the very presence of God himself. We get a first look at him in Genesis hovering over waters, as God prepared to give the Earth purpose. (Genesis 1:2)
Where ever God’s spirit is healing, restoration and freedom are soon to follow. (2 Corinthians 3:17)
This is why Jesus said it was better that he should go. When Jesus humbled himself to the human body he also accepted the limationatons. (Phillippians 2: 7-8 NLT) Which means he could not be with everyone at once.
However the Holy Spirit is omnipresent meaning God’s presence can be with me and you at the same time.
When we invite the Holy Spirit into our lives, we are saying God your presence is welcome here in my heart. Which creates a space for the God to rest with in is and to do the work that only God himself can do.
It is worth noting that God is not into the whole “mind control” thing. Which means our thoughts are still our responsibility.
The Holy Spirit also will not control our actions. Meaning we are still responsible for what we choose to do.
He works by giving us understanding. Opening our eyes to truths we would not know without him. Jeremiah prophesied about this happening in Jermniah 31:33
““But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel after those days,” says the Lord. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
The Holy Spirit Gives us a leaning towards holiness, through conviction. For example, A tv show that you usually watch suddenly does not seem right. We are no longer comfortable talking the way we used to. Or behaving a certain way towards others.
The more we obey that leading of God the more we become like him. This is the sanctification process that leads to life change. It is a process every child of God is called to. ( Philippians 2:12-13)
Obedience leaves the door wide open for God’s Spirit to fill our hearts. And when the Holy Spirit is in our hearts, he gets to work.
What is that work exactly? Well, that brings me to part two.
What Does the Holy Spirit Do?
The Holy Spirit ensures that we are never alone.
“This is how we know that we remain in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit.” 1 John 4:13 CSB
The Holy Spirit gives us wisdom when we do not know what to say.
“for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” Luke 12:12
The Holy Spirit gives boldness and Power!
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
“I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit.” Ephesians 3:16
The Holy Spirit gives us hope.
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
The Holy Spirit help us to Pray.
“In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings.”Romans 8:26 CSB
The Holy Spirit Advocates for us.
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.” John 14:16 NLT
I pray that by now you see how vital the Holy Spirit is. If you have never invited him into your heart I encourage you to do so today!
It is by a simple prayer:
“Lord, I invite you into my heart and life today to fill me with your Spirit. I am open to what you have for me in Jesus name.
If you have already prayed a prayer like that, I invite you to make it a habit. Holy Spirit to fill their hearts is not a one-time occurrence. The disciples set an amazing example of this by constantly asking the Lord to fill them. ( Acts Acts 2:4, Acts 13:9, Acts 13:5)
Take some time to study these scriptures and passages and yourself. If you have any questions please leave them below, we would love to hear from you!