What is the task of the Holy Spirit? Who is the Holy Spirit? Why do I need the Holy Spirit? Many people have a lot of questions about the Holy Spirit.
The Bible clearly explains who the Holy Spirit is and what He can do in our lives.
The Holy Spirit wants to speak to us, especially through God's Word
When Jesus returned to heaven, He told His disciples that He would pray that the Father would send them the Holy Spirit. “The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you.” John 14:25-26 (GNT). So the disciples needed the Holy Spirit so that they could be reminded of what Jesus had said to them when He was on earth.
Today the Holy Spirit speaks to us especially through the Bible – the Word of God – in the same way. That’s why it’s so important to read the Bible. The Holy Spirit helps us to understand what we read. And later, in many situations, the Holy Spirit will teach us and open our spiritual eyes by reminding us of those words from the Bible that we have read or heard.
The Holy Spirit wants to teach us who Jesus really is
“I have much more to say to you, but right now it would be more than you could understand. The Spirit shows what is true and will come and guide you into the full truth … The Spirit will bring glory to me by taking my message and telling it to you.” John 16:12-14 (CEV).
When Jesus was on earth, He was tempted just like us, but never gave in to any sin. He made it possible for us to go the same way as He went. He is our High Priest, our Forerunner, who understands us and helps us in our battles. You can read about this in the letter to the Hebrews. Take time to read this, and pray that the Holy Spirit will speak to you and explain what you are reading. The Holy Spirit has many things to say to us about who Jesus is and what it means that He lived here on earth as a human being.
The Holy Spirit helps us and gives us power in our fight against sin
Before He returned to heaven, Jesus said, “… you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit … you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” Acts 1:5-8.
“And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit …” Ephesians 4:30 (NLT). In our sinful human nature there are forces that are much stronger than ourselves. Paul says: “Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves... Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” Galatians 5:16-25 (NLT). The Holy Spirit will give us power, so that every time we are tempted, we do not give in to the sinful lusts and desires of our human nature.
The Holy Spirit wants to live in our hearts. He wants to speak to us through the Bible. But who reads the Bible with a true longing for the Spirit to speak to them? The Holy Spirit wants to give us power, but who wants to use that power to fight against the sin in his own nature with its sinful passions and desires? The task of the Holy Spirit is to help us, so let us not cause Him sorrow. Let us rather listen to Him and obey Him.