Devotional 02-13-2022

Understanding the Holy Spirit

While the first two members of the Trinity are frequently discussed and studied by believers, many of them unfortunately pay little attention to the Holy Spirit. Despite the crucial roles He holds in the Christian life, He is arguably the most misunderstood member of the Godhead. Fortunately, the Scriptures share many truths concerning who the Holy Spirit is, the works He specifically performs, and His importance in the daily Christian life. For example, among these truths are:

He is an equal Person within the Trinity. Some Christians have multiple misconceptions about who the Holy Spirit is, such as Him simply being a spiritual force or a lesser Trinity member compared to God the Father. However, the Scriptures repeatedly refute these claims, demonstrating how the Holy Spirit is not only a member within the Godhead, but also an equal one. For example, in Matthew 28:19, Jesus states, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," indicating the Spirit's Personhood and equality. Also, we see the simultaneous presence of all three Persons in Matthew 3:16-17 following Jesus' baptism. Other verses such as 1 Peter 1:2 note how the three Persons have unique roles and yet are equally God. Thus, the Holy Spirit is not simply a force or lesser spiritual being but an equal Person within the Trinity worthy of our worship and submission.
He holds distinct roles within the Godhead. Despite being an equal Person, the Scriptures specifically attribute specific works and roles to the Holy Spirit. For example, in Acts 2:2-4, it was the Holy Spirit that empowered the early church believers to speak in tongues and Peter to boldly preach the Gospel. Also, in Genesis 1:2, He is seen giving form to the earth during Creation. Furthermore, Matthew 1:18, 20 note the Holy Spirit's role in conceiving Jesus in the womb of Mary. In addition, multiple Scriptures note the many roles the Spirit has in continuing the spiritual growth of believers following salvation. Thus, it can be said that the Holy Spirit's responsibility is to carry out, continue, and sustain what God the Father plans and what Jesus Christ begins.
His daily works are crucial to believers. The Spirit's work of continuing what Christ's salvation begins in believers includes a multitude of provisions that can be requested daily. For example, Romans 8:26 notes that He can empower our prayers and give us strength in our weakness. Also, Romans 8:13 states that He can empower us to resist the flesh and overcome sin. Furthermore, the Apostle Paul frequently describes the Spirit's role in guiding us to make godly decisions. In addition, Ephesians 4:23-24 notes the Holy Spirit's role in renewing our minds to conform our thoughts and will to that of God's. Through these works and more, the Holy Spirit distinctly holds many crucial roles to help believers live a triumphant life in Christ.

Far more than just an arbitrary spiritual force or a lesser part of God, the Holy Spirit is a vital and equal member of the Godhead that holds many roles in the plan of God. From conceiving Jesus in Mary's womb to providing daily providence to believers, the Spirit's role in maintaining, sustaining, and carrying out what God the Father plans and what Jesus starts is clearly proven in the Scriptures. By increasing our understanding and dependence on Him, we receive the guidance, empowerment, and purification necessary to wholeheartedly serve the Lord and further His Kingdom.

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