The Holy Spirit is a person, not an impersonal “it.” He is a member of the Trinity; one with the Father and the Son. “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all” (II Cor. 13:14). He has personality and emotions. “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God” (Eph. 4:30). “The fruit of the Spirit is love,…” (Gal. 5:22, 23).
What does the Holy Spirit do?
- He convicts of sin (John 16:8).
- He teaches us (John 14:26; I Cor. 2:13).
- He reminds us of Christs teachings (John 14:26),
- He guides us (John 16:14).
- He gives us spiritual birth (John 3:5).
- He gives spiritual gifts (I Cor. 12:11).
- He seals us (Eph. 4:30).
- He intercedes for us (Rom 8:26, 27).
- He glorifies Christ (John 16:14).
The Holy Spirit is not only active on the earth, but He actually indwells the lives of those born again. “He abides with you, and will be in you” (John 14:17). “If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His” (Rom. 8:9).
With such a resource in our possession to guide us on our spiritual journey, we should be careful to allow Him to lead us every moment, and in every circumstance. Romans 8 is a wonderful teaching on the life led by the Holy Spirit. It speaks of walking in the Spirit (v. 4); having the mind set on the Spirit (v. 6); not having the Spirit means we do not belong to Christ (v. 9); His Spirit indwells us (v. 11); He will raise us up as He did Christ (v. 11); if we are led by the Spirit we are sons of God (v. 14); we are adopted and can cry Abba Father (v. 15); He testifies that we are children of God (v. 16); He helps our weaknesses (v. 26); He intercedes for us (v. 26).
To walk in the Spirit, and to be led by the Spirit, indicates progress. There is no way to grow spiritually without the Spirit’s help. Of course, being led requires our following or obeying. To disobey is to offend Him, or grieve Him (Eph. 4:30).