13. Who is the Holy Spirit?
Key Verses / Passages
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 14:16–17
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26
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Discussion
The third person of the Holy Trinity is the Holy Spirit. We have previously learnt that God is one substance, three persons: through God the Father (the Creator God), Jesus the Son (the physical face of God), and the Holy Spirit. We know that these three persons are all united as one God. Three persons as one being. So, let’s unpack who the Holy Spirit is:
The Holy Spirit is a person – The Holy Spirit is a person through whom God the Father expresses himself to us. In this case, the word ‘person’ does not depict a separate individual but rather a part of God who has its own mind, will, and emotions. This means that through God the Father, the Holy Spirit can prompt us however He wants to. The Apostle John of the New Testament writes that the Holy Spirit: Teaches us (John 14:26), guides us (John 16:13), and comforts us (John 14:16-17). This means that God is just not merely an “energy” but a divine, thoughtful person who acts.
The Holy Spirit is ‘The Helper’ - The Holy Spirit explicitly in the New Testament is termed as ‘Parakaletos’, which is Greek for “one who is called alongside to help”. The Holy Spirit was given by God the Father after Jesus’s return to Heaven to help us with our Christian Walk. (Acts 1:4-5).
The Holy Spirit (God) helps us by:
· Indwelling in us (lives inside of us). Romans 8:9-11
· Transforming our character. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
· Convicting us of sin (wrongdoing against God). John 16:8-11
· Giving us spiritual gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:4-10
· Empowering us for ministry and mission. Acts 1:8
· Guiding, helping, and comforting us. John 14:26
So, to recap - The Holy Spirit is the promised comforter, sent by God the Father, who dwells in our hearts to help us become more like Jesus Christ.
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Reflection / Questions
• How can the Holy Spirit be one with God and be his own ‘person’?
• Have you experienced God through the Holy Spirit? If so, what did it look and sound like?
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Prayer
Dear God, thank you for dwelling in my heart through your Holy Spirit. Thank you for guiding me through your Spirit every day, even when I do not see it. Continue to guide me towards experiencing more of you.