The Holy Spirit TodayEsimerkki

DAY TWO: WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?

When we understand who the Holy Spirit is and how he functions, we can better embrace his role in our lives. There are several important aspects to who the Holy Spirit is. First, the Holy Spirit is a person. This one comes as a surprise to many people. However, just like Jesus, who is fully God and fully man, the Holy Spirit is fully God but also functions as a person. How do we know? Think about three of the qualities and characteristics you and I have as people. We have a mind; we can think. We have emotion; we can feel. We also have a will; we can choose. The Holy Spirit has these three qualities as well. Scripture tells us the Holy Spirit has a mind (Romans 8:27), emotions (Ephesians 4:30), and a will (1 Corinthians 12:11). Second, the Holy Spirit is God. He is not part-God, but fully God. We believe there is one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son (Jesus Christ) and Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal. Our God is a triune God, meaning three in one. Finally, the Holy Spirit is for today. When we take all of these thoughts and put them together, we come up with a good description of who the Holy Spirit is: The Holy Spirit is the person of God in the now. The great news is, God has given us the Holy Spirit to dwell in all believers. As a result, he is with us—strengthening, comforting, and leading us every moment of our lives!

Key Thought: The Holy Spirit is the person of God in the now. 

Questions to Reflect On: 

• Read John 16:7. Notice Jesus’ description of the Holy Spirit: “the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby)…” (AMPC). This verse shows us some of the roles the Holy Spirit plays in our lives, and the many ways he helps us. Which one resonates with you most and why? 
• Refer back to John 16:7. What kind of relationship does God want us to have with the Holy Spirit?
• Life can get busy and there are so many sources of “input” telling us what to do, how to think and what to feel. It can be easy to let the other influences and voices in our lives become louder than the still small voice of the Holy Spirit. Are there things in your life that can distract you from the Holy Spirit’s leading in your life? What are some practical changes you could make?

Prayer: Thank You for sending us the Holy Spirit. I’m so grateful that in every season and in every situation, the Holy Spirit is with me to comfort, strengthen, and help me. Help me to recognize and deal with any distractions that are barriers to receiving the Holy Spirit’s help. Amen.