GOD THE SPIRIT

READ: John 14:15-30, John 16:5-14, Genesis 1:1-2, 26, Ephesians 1:13-14, Galatians 5:22-23,1 Corinthians 12, and Romans 12

The Holy Spirit is the third manifestation of the triune God of the Bible. Genesis 1:2 (NIV) notes the Holy Spirit’s presence, “hovering over the waters,” in the beginning with God. We also see an early reference to the Trinity when God says, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness . . .” (Genesis 1:26 NIV)

Although the Holy Spirit operates in unique ways, He’s coequal with God the Father and God the Son. Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit as “the Helper,” also translated as “the Advocate” or “the Comforter.” He went so far as to say that it was good that He was going away because He would send the Holy Spirit to them once He departed. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is evidence that Satan has been defeated by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection from the grave!

When we believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we’re “sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory” (Ephesians 1:13–14 NKJV). In John 14:23 (NKJV), Jesus promised the disciples, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” God makes His home with us through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is vital to the lives of those who have put their faith in Jesus. He works in believers “both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). Through Him, we bear the fruit of the Spirit, which “is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23 NKJV). He also gives believers spiritual gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12.

In John 14, Jesus told the disciples that the Spirit would teach them “all things” and “bring to remembrance the things” He had told them. The Holy Spirit still teaches us and speaks to us by reminding us of what He’s already spoken through His Word. Jesus also spoke extensively about the Holy Spirit in John 16. He stated that, when the Spirit came, He would convict the world of sin, reveal righteousness, and bring awareness of the coming judgment. Additionally, Jesus told the disciples, “He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you” (John 16:13–14 NKJV). The Holy Spirit is our guide, and we have continual access to Him. We can turn to Him at any time, whether we have questions or needs. What an amazing gift Jesus gave us in the Holy Spirit!