Q 37: How does the Holy Spirit help us?
A: The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, comforts us, guides us, gives us spiritual gifts and the desire to obey God; and he enables us to pray and to understand God’s Word. (Crossway 2017)
Scripture Reference
Ephesians 6:17–18 “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”
The Vertical Truth in Faith – What does this truth mean in my relationship with God?
We believe that the Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) who dwells in the world. As the living Spirit of God, we believe while He has always been, He was given as a gift to believers on the day of Pentecost according to the divine promise of our Lord Jesus Christ. He simultaneously dwells in every believer and by His baptism unites all under the headship of the Father to Christ as one body of believers, which is the church. The Holy Spirit is the source of all divine power and all acceptable God-honoring and spiritual worship and service. We believe, while the Holy Spirit never departs from the church, nor anyone who believes in the true God and/or gathers in the name of Jesus, it is right to pray for His guidance in all spiritual matters. We also believe the Holy Spirit is the very Truth of God and is a consummate advocate for believers and a pursuer of the lost in accordance with the perfect will of God.
- John 14:16-17 “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.”
- John 16:7-15
- 1 Corinthians 6:19 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own.”
- Ephesians 2:22 “In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”
- 2 Thessalonians 2:7 “For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way.”
The Horizontal Truth in Love – What does this truth mean in my relationship with humanity?
Consideration: Through the Holy Spirit believers carry a divine seal of approval and the redemptive power of God. The Holy Spirit is a vital part of baptism into the body of Christ, and for teaching and service of believers as they subject themselves to the will of God. It is right for every Christian to depend on the Holy Spirit for guidance when interacting with humanity. We believe the ministry purposes of the Holy Spirit are in support of the ministry obligations of every Christian. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is disciple-making empowerment by restraining evil in the world in accordance with God’s will; the conviction of sin in the world, righteousness, and judgment.
- John 3:6 “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”
- John 16:7-11 “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.”
- Romans 8:9 “You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.”
- 1 Corinthians 12:13 “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.”
- Ephesians 4:30 “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
- Ephesians 5:18 “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”
- 2 Thessalonians 2:7 “For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way.”
- 1 John 2:20-27
Practical Truth in Action – How can I put this truth into action?
Consideration: While the Holy Spirit is always present, believers should pray for His guidance and for the ability to hear and adhere to His direction. The Bible says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him…” (James 1:5) Godly wisdom comes from our Lord through the Holy Spirit. Being intentional about seeking His Wisdom is a good practical step for all Christians at any stage of their Christian walk.