His Role

The Holy Spirit works in us and with us in many different ways. He has many roles in our lives, such as revealing God’s thoughts, guiding us into all truth, and helping us with our weaknesses. He teaches and reminds us of Bible’s instructions to discern right and wrong and make wise decisions. The Holy Spirit develops leadership character and spirit. He helps us navigate through difficult times. He guides us out of temptations. But he may grieve when we ignore his advice, although he never gives up on us.

Due to our past experiences, we may interpret the Bible differently than others. So, while avoiding false doctrines and teachings that cause confusion and division, we should maintain harmony and unity.

“Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.”  Ephesians 4:11-15 (NLT)

Most confusions come from good intentions but wrong interpretations. For example, we may have heard the phrase, “Let the Holy Spirit have the steering wheel of your life,” referring to God being in control of the steering wheel of our lives. Although it sounds poetic, it isn’t Biblical. The Holy Spirit is so gentle that he’d never take over our control. But, as the Scriptures say, evil spirits take control of people. Instead, the Holy Spirit guides us like a GPS system. He advises us on which route to take without forcing us to. When we make a wrong turn, he doesn’t stop helping us. Instead, he provides second chances and finds new routes to get us back on the main road! The Holy Spirit lets us willingly and independently trust and surrender to his guidance.

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit

According to the Scriptures, the dwelling of the Holy Spirit in us begins from the moment we sincerely accept Jesus as our Lord. He is the seal and confirmation that we are saved for eternity and adopted as God's children and heirs:

“In him you also, having heard the word of the truth, the Good News of your salvation—in whom, having also believed, you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.”  Ephesians 1:13

"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God; and if children, then heirs: heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified with him. Romans 8:16,17"

Please click on “Engulfed” to continue.