The Holy Spirit’s Work

Different New Testament writers emphasized various aspects of the Holy Spirit's work. The apostle John, for example, emphasized the Spirit's role as a teacher and revealer of God's thoughts and ways (John 14:17, 26; 15:26; 16:13–15; 1 John 2:20, 27). The apostle Luke focused on the Spirit's guidance and power for spreading the Christian message (Acts 1:8; 4:8–12, 31; 8:29–40; 13:9–12). Meanwhile, the apostle Paul provided a broad perspective of the Spirit's work.

Paul teaches that God gives the Holy Spirit to everyone enters a saving relationship with Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:19; Galatians 3:2–5; Ephesians 1:13–14). The Spirit brings new life in Christ and confirms the salvation of Christians and their identity as God's children (1 Corinthians 6:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Romans 8:9, 14–17).

The Holy Spirit gives Christians:

• power over sin (Romans 8:1–4);

• power to live the Christian virtues (Galatians 5:22–23); and

• power to serve in Christian ministry (1 Corinthians 12:1–31).

Christians must "be filled with the Holy Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18). They may encounter a struggle between their human desires and the Spirit. But, they can please God by obeying the Spirit's guidance and strength (Galatians 5:16–18).

The Holy Spirit helps Christians understand God's thoughts and ways (1 Corinthians 2:9–16). He provides spiritual gifts to Christians to support the church's overall health (12:1–31). The Spirit guides and strengthens worship as Christians use the gifts given by him (14:26–33, 39–40).

The Holy Spirit guarantees that Christians will receive all the blessings God has promised (2 Corinthians 1:21–22; 5:1–5; Ephesians 1:13–14). The Spirit supports Christians and prays for them when they are weak (Romans 8:26–27). The Spirit's goal is to make Christians "conformed to the image of" God's Son (Romans 8:28–29).

Passages for Further Study

John 14:15–17, 26; 15:26; 16:7–15; Acts 1:8; 2:4; 5:32; 6:1–7; 8:29, 39; 9:31; 13:1–5; 14:3; 15:28; 16:6; 20:28; Romans 8:1–4, 9, 14–17, 26–29; 1 Corinthians 2:9–16; 6:11, 19; 12:1–31; 14:1–33, 39–40; 2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5; Galatians 3:5; 5:16–18, 22–23; Ephesians 1:13–14; 5:18; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Hebrews 2:4; 3:7–11, 15; 9:8; 10:15–17; 1 Peter 1:11–12; 2 Peter 1:20–21; 1 John 2:20, 27