Sidharth Mohandas
Introduction
Before attempting to understand today’s lesson, I want to introduce the Holy Spirit, especially to those who are unfamiliar with Him. Notice, I said “Him” by no accident. To many, the Holy Spirit has been reduced to a power or some strange emotion. Therefore, my primary objective in this article would be to make it crystal clear to you that the Holy Spirit is a Person.
One of the main reasons why we must believe that the Holy Spirit is a Personality is simply because our Lord Jesus refused to call Him an ‘it’. He was specifically called a “He” (John 14:16-17, John 14:26, John 15:26, John 16:7-8). Moreover, the Holy Spirit has been ascribed some characteristics that only a person can have. For example, we are told that the Holy Spirit has emotions (Romans 15:30, Ephesians 4:30), He has a will (1 Corinthians 12:11, Acts 20:28), He can speak (John 16:13, Acts 13:2, 1 Timothy 4:1), He can be blasphemed, insulted, lied to (Matthew 12:31-32, Hebrews 10:29, Acts 5:3-4), and finally we are told that we can fellowship with Him (II Corinthians 13:14).
But above all, it is vital that we approach Him, speak of Him and even speak to Him as we would with God the Father, and His Son. He is no lesser a being. He is God Himself (Acts 5:3-4, Matthew 28:19).
The Governor of the Kingdom
Having introduced the Holy Spirit in this way, let us move forward with today’s teaching: What is the role of the Holy Spirit?
Jesus summed it up in one word: “the Helper” (John 14:16, 26, John 15:26, John 16:7). However, the Greek word used, “Parakletos”, carries a deeper meaning than just “helper”. The word “Parakletos” stood for “any friend who was called alongside to take action and offer help in legal matters”. In other words, the Holy Spirit is the Person who has been called alongside to help bring about Kingdom authority, power, and culture into our world. In our modern day lingo, we could call Him the Governor of the Kingdom.
The Governor’s Residence
As you read this, take a moment to think of the great salvation that is ours. We were once immersed in death because of our sins, incapable of even relating to the living God. But God who is rich in mercy, because of His intense love for us, exchanged the very life of His Son to purchase us from the domain of darkness (Ephesians 2:4-5, AMP). But He didn’t stop there, He made us living temples for His Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19, John 14:17). The Governor resides in us! And once He takes up residence, He starts influencing our lives and behaviour to conform us to that of the King (Luke 17:21, Romans 5:5, Galatians 5:22-23). He will change our standards and values (John 16:8), He will change the way we speak (Acts 2:4, Acts 4:31, Acts 10:45-46, Acts 19:6, Ephesians 5:18-20), He will change our religious and denominational traditions (Acts 10:34-35), He’ll make clear our callings (Acts 13:2,4), He will give us direction (Acts 16:6-7), He’ll help us make the right decisions (Acts 15:28) and the list goes on…
The Ultimate Goal
A lot of believers go through life clueless of what the ultimate goal of the Holy Spirit is. Let me expound a bit here. For example, many times when a believer faces hardships, there is a verse that often pops up… Romans 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose. No doubt it is an amazing Scripture, but unfortunately, most of us have no understanding of the context of it. We see “good” mostly in the light of things that concern our earthly life.
“I lost my job, but when God closes one door, He opens another.”
“I did not get into the University I wanted to. God surely has something good in mind”
Everything said the right way, but none of these has to do anything with the context in Romans 8:28. Let’s read the verse in its context once more:
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.” (Romans 8:26-29)
Do you know for what the Holy Spirit intercedes with groans? What God’s will is? What “good” is? It is to conform us to the likeness of God’s Son, Jesus Christ!
The Holy Spirit has one paramount interest, and He uses everything that comes your way for this goal, and that is to form God’s character traits in you. (James 1:2-4, Romans 5:3-5).
I encourage you today, to submit to the Governor, the Holy Spirit. Draw near in fellowship with Him. Take on His purpose and goal today. Work with Him to bring God’s world into ours! I assure you, your adventure with Him will be nothing less than exciting!
I love it that He is changing me to be like Jesus, the ultimate ‘good’, and that I can have a relationship with Him in the process. It is awe inspiring. Thanks Sid.
Thanks Sid! A wonderful article, especially the part where you’ve mentioned, “Do you know for what the Holy Spirit intercedes with groans? What God’s will is? What “good” is? It is to conform us to the likeness of God’s Son, Jesus Christ!”
As He works out His likeness into our lives, our lives become so much more worth living. Amen! We’re being prepared for a greater life in Him.
There’s a good ebook that’s free to help pastors and their wives with discouragement and burnout. You can find it at http://www.stoppastorburnout.com. It’s quite helpful.
Wonderful post.
It´s so important for believers to rely on the Holy Spirit in many areas of their lives. For me He has been a great help when I find myself in those hopeless situations.
As always, He answers my request in remarkable ways.
Blessings