The Holy Spirit isn’t optional for the Christian life. Jesus made it clear: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8). The Spirit is the personal, empowering presence of God who enables believers to carry out God’s mission, live holy lives, understand truth, and glorify Jesus.
Rather than sending His disciples out immediately after the resurrection, Jesus told them to wait—because the task ahead could not be done in their strength. The Spirit would come, and with Him, the power to live the life Christ commanded.
1. Who Is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force but the third Person of the Trinity—fully God and fully personal. Unlike a fictional energy source (like the “Force” in Star Wars), the Spirit has intellect, emotions, and will. He teaches, speaks, grieves, guides, and can be lied to or blasphemed. He is always called “He,” not “it.”
The Spirit’s divine nature is evident throughout Scripture. He is eternal (Heb. 9:14), omniscient (1 Cor. 2:10-11), and omnipotent (Gen. 1:2). He creates (Gen. 1:2), gives life (Rom. 8:2), and inspires Scripture (2 Pet. 1:21). He is included in Trinitarian expressions of faith (Matt. 28:19) and is directly called God (Acts 5:3-4).
More than theological truth, the Spirit brings practical help. Jesus said it was better for Him to leave so the Helper could come (John 16:7). Believers don’t walk alone—God Himself walks with them, lives in them, and equips them for the journey ahead.
2. What Does the Holy Spirit Empower Believers to Do?
A. Witness to the Gospel
Jesus promised the Spirit to empower gospel proclamation (Acts 1:8). The early Church’s mission began with the Spirit’s arrival, and Peter’s transformation at Pentecost proves it. The same man who denied Jesus stood and boldly proclaimed the resurrection, resulting in thousands coming to faith (Acts 2:14-41).
Every Christian shares this call. J.D. Greear notes that the Spirit in you is better than Jesus beside you. You are a missionary, whether in a foreign land or a local coffee shop. The Spirit empowers that witness and convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8-11).
The gospel message—not clever words or cultural trends—has the power to save (Rom. 1:16). Faithful gospel preaching depends on Spirit-driven conviction and clarity. Our job isn’t to produce results, but to speak boldly and faithfully trust the Spirit to bring life (Titus 3:3-6).
B. Become Like Jesus
The Spirit also empowers sanctification. God’s goal isn’t just that we believe, but that we become holy (Eph. 1:4; 1 Pet. 1:16). At salvation, He places His Spirit within us, transforming hearts of stone into hearts of flesh (Ezek. 36:26-27).
This transformation is not passive. The Spirit fuels both desire and discipline (Phil. 2:12-13). He empowers believers to put sin to death and pursue holiness (Rom. 8:13; Col. 3:5). Spiritual growth requires effort—intentional striving, resisting, and seeking.
Sanctification happens by walking in the Spirit (Gal. 5), bearing fruit that reflects Christ’s character. Jerry Bridges says:
“God has made it possible for us to walk in holiness. But He has given us the responsibility of doing the walking.”
C. Understand the Truth of Scripture
The Holy Spirit is both the Author and the Illuminator of Scripture. He inspired the apostles to write the Bible (2 Pet. 1:21), ensuring its authority and accuracy. To hear Scripture is to listen to the voice of God (John 16:12-13).
Beyond authorship, the Spirit enables believers to understand the Bible. He makes Scripture come alive—bringing remembrance, conviction, and clarity. Without His help, spiritual truths remain hidden (1 Cor. 2:14). With His guidance, Scripture trains believers in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
Every time a Christian opens the Bible, they should ask for the Spirit’s help. His role is not just academic—it’s personal and transformative. He opens eyes to beauty, brings conviction, and fuels growth.
D. Glorify Jesus
The Spirit’s ultimate aim is not self-promotion—it’s Christ-exaltation. Jesus said, “He will glorify Me” (John 16:14). Like a floodlight, the Spirit shines not on Himself, but on the Son.
Every part of His work—Scripture, sanctification, power, presence—leads back to Jesus. He reminds disciples of Christ’s words, reveals His love, and fuels worship (Eph. 3:14-21). A Spirit-filled life is a Christ-centered life.
As with the lights illuminating the Washington Monument, the Spirit does His job best when people aren’t looking at Him, but at Jesus. His power reveals Christ’s beauty and presses believers to trust, love, and obey the Savior more deeply.
Conclusion
Believers cannot follow Jesus in their strength. God knows that. That’s why He gives the Spirit—to empower, transform, teach, and glorify.
Does dependence on the Spirit mark your life? Do you open the Word with expectation, pray for holiness, and work toward Christlikeness? The Spirit’s presence is not measured by perfection but by progress.
The question is not “Do you have the Holy Spirit?” but “Does the Holy Spirit have you?”
As Paul prayed in Ephesians 3:14-21, may God strengthen His Church with power through His Spirit, so that Christ may dwell richly in every heart.
