The 18 Different Ways The Spirit Works In A Believer's Life | John 16:13-16

Many people talk about the Holy Spirit and mistakenly call Him "It." But the Holy Spirit is not an "it." This misunderstanding arises because most people have been taught so rarely and poorly about the subject matter of the Spirit. Therefore, they think of Him as some mystical power, kind of like an impersonal "force." But that's not at all who He is. In John 14-16, Jesus makes five declarations about the Helper. The texts are John 14:16-17, 14:26, 15:26, 16:7-10, and 16:13-15. He gave Him the proper and dignified name "Paraclete" in the Greek language, which we translate to "Helper" or "Advocate" in the English language. And if you quickly survey these five sections, you will discover five things Jesus says about the Helper: He exclusively dwells within a believer (John 14:16-17). He teaches and reminds believers of what Jesus has said (John 14:26). He speaks the truth and testifies to Jesus (John 15:26). He convicts on matters of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:7-10). He speaks and declares things to come (John 16:13-15). So here is the text for today: When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you. — John 16:13-15 So from this, there is one thing I want you to know today. The Spirit that lives within you is not an impersonal force. It is the third person of the Trinity that lives within you. The same Spirit that was at work at the beginning of time (Genesis 1:1-2). The same Spirit that was present at the conception of Jesus (Matthew 1:20-21). The same Spirit that descended on Jesus at His baptism (Luke 3:21-22). The same Spirit that fell on the people of God after the ascension (Acts 2:4). And that same Spirit we are baptized into (Matthew 28:19). If you read further into the New Testament, you will discover even more that he does in a believer's life. Empowers: He gives the power to witness (Acts 1:8). Knows: He knows our good and bad desires (Acts 5:3–11). Speaks: He speaks to believers (Acts 10:19; 11:12; 13:2; 21:11). Directs: He guides the decision-making process (Acts 15:28). Prevents: He can stop or prevent something (Acts 16:6). Intercedes: He prays on our behalf (Romans. 8:26). Resides: The Spirit resides in believers (1 Corinthians 6:19). Wills: He has a will and makes choices and decisions (1 Corinthians 12:11). Gives Gifts: He gives spiritual gifts to believers for the building up of the church (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). Communes: We can be in fellowship with him (2 Corinthians 13:14). Produces: He produces spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). Feels: He can feel sorrow or be grieved (Ephesians 4:30). Influences: He can be resisted or suppressed (1 Thessalonians 5:19). Here is what we learn from a list like this. This person of the Trinity is not some impersonal force. He is the living and active Spirit of God that dwells within every believer. Many believers often never consider him or get to know him. But he is the means by which we live, grow, and experience the supernatural working of Christ in our everyday life. So today, I want you to stop living life by your own power and strength. If you keep doing things this way, you will only get the limited results of your power and strength. Become increasingly more aware of the Spirit within you. Find one attribute of the person of the Spirit of God, and ask him to make this known in and through you. Just one, and then pay attention today and see if he does not immediately come to you. I dare you. ASK THIS: Reflect on your understanding and relationship with the Holy Spirit. How has your perception of the Spirit as an impersonal "force" hindered your connection to Him? What steps can you take today to recognize and invite the Holy Spirit's personal and active role in your daily life? Choose one attribute of the Holy Spirit from the list provided (such as empowers, knows, speaks, etc.). How have you seen this attribute manifest in your life or the lives of those around you? How will you intentionally seek to experience this attribute of the Spirit in your walk with Christ today? DO THIS: Stop thinking of the Spirit as an impersonal force and treat him like a person of God who lives within you. Check out other all Vince Miller's videos and audios for small groups at: https://beresolute.org/ Get Vince's most widely read resources The Daily Devotional at: https://beresolute.org/mdd