An outpouring of emotion, such as passionate praise and worship, is often seen as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit. However, the Holy Spirit plays a much more significant role in a believer's life, serving as the source of strength that upholds our faith and is a critical component of our spiritual growth. Here are five key attributes of the Holy Spirit to help us understand His true purpose and work.
The Comforter (Helper, Advocate, Counselor):
“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” John 14:16-17 KJV
The Holy Spirit, as the Comforter, provides emotional and spiritual help to believers. In difficult times, he offers comfort, support, and encouragement, helping us through life's obstacles. The Holy Spirit also "advocates" for believers, meaning that He intercedes on their behalf before God in prayer.
The Teacher:
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26 KJV
As a supernatural teacher, the Holy Spirit provides Christians with spiritual understanding and insight. By leading them into all truth, He helps them understand the lessons of Scripture and recall the words of Jesus. This characteristic highlights the Holy Spirit’s role in enhancing the believer's understanding of God and His will.
The Convicter of Sin:
“And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:” John 16:8
One of the essential functions of the Holy Spirit is to convict people of their sins, bringing awareness of their need for repentance and forgiveness. This conviction is not about condemnation but about encouraging people to seek holiness, deepen their relationship with God, and acknowledge their need for His love and mercy.
The Giver of Spiritual Gifts:
“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NKJV
There are many different spiritual gifts that are given to believers by the Holy Spirit, enabling them to serve and build the Church. The purpose of these gifts, such as prophecy, healing, and knowledge, is to strengthen the body of Christ and empower Christians to achieve the goals set by God. These gifts are provided in alignment with God's will.
The Sanctifier:
“And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:11 KJV
Sanctification is the ongoing process of making believers holy and shaping them to be more like Christ. The Holy Spirit plays a significant role in the process of sanctification, where Christians are made holy. His presence within Christians, the Holy Spirit purifies their minds and hearts, helping them grow spiritually and become more holy, and equipping them to fulfill God's purposes.