What does God the Holy Spirit do in our lives?
In this article, we will:
- Identify 7 qualities of the Holy Spirit
- Discover 10 roles He performs in our lives
- Learn 7 ways we can take advantage of His work
But first, let’s get to know about His divine identity.
Let’s dive right in!
Who is God the Holy Spirit?
God the Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity.
He stands coequal with God the Father and God the Son as in Matthew 28:19 (NIV). The verse says, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Additionally, the Holy Spirit is often referred to as our Helper or Comforter, guiding us in our journey of faith. He is also our Advocate before God. He is even the Seal and Guarantee of our salvation (John 14:16, 26; Ephesians 1:13-14).
His name is derived from Hebrew Rûach Qodesh and Greek Hagion Pneuma. These names translate as “Holy Ghost” or “Holy Spirit” in the King James Version of the Bible (Siegfried Horn, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Dictionary, 504-5).
7 of His Qualities
1) He is divine.
Just like God the Father and God the Son, God the Holy Spirit is also divine.
For instance, in Acts 5:3-4, Peter confronted Ananias for lying to the Holy Spirit, equating this act with lying to God Himself. This clearly highlights the Spirit’s divine identity and coequality with the Father and the Son.
Also, in 1 Corinthians 2:10-11, the Spirit searches the deep things of God, a task only fitting for a divine being.
This divinity assures us of His omnipotence, omniscience, and the ability to work in perfect harmony with the Father and the Son in fulfilling the divine plan (Micah 3:8; John 14:26, 16:13-14; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11).
2) He is comforting.
As Jesus promised in John 14:16, the Holy Spirit is the Comforter sent by the Father to dwell with us forever.
This divine Comforter provides solace in times of distress, reassurance in moments of doubt, and peace in the midst of turmoil1.
In Romans 8:26 (NIV), He even intercedes for us “through wordless groans.” He understands our deepest needs when we cannot express them.
Summing it up, the Holy Spirit’s comforting presence reminds us that we are never alone. His unfailing comfort is readily accessible to those who need it.
3) He is guiding.
Jesus promised in John 16:13 that the Holy Spirit, as the Spirit of truth, would guide us into all truth.
This divine guidance leads us in discerning God’s will, understanding His Word, and making righteous choices2.
Just as the Israelites were led by the pillar of cloud and fire in the wilderness (Exodus 13:21), the Holy Spirit provides a spiritual compass that directs us through life’s complexities.
Trusting in His guidance allows us to walk confidently in the path God has laid out for us. This ensures that we remain aligned with His purposes.
4) He is convicting.
As stated in John 16:7-8, the Holy Spirit convicts the world of its sin, righteousness, and judgment.
This divine conviction serves as a spiritual mirror. It reveals our need for repentance, righteousness through Christ, and awareness of the coming judgment3.
It draws us closer to God, leading us to acknowledge our need for His grace and the transformative power of His presence (Romans 3:23-24).
Through this conviction, we find redemption, transformation, and a renewed sense of purpose in our relationship with God (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:10; 1 John 1:9).
5) He is empowering.
As seen in Acts 1:8, Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would empower His disciples to be witnesses. He filled them with courage and boldness to spread the gospel.
This divine empowerment is not, however, limited to evangelism. It extends to all aspects of the Christian journey4.
Through this empowerment, we become equipped to face life’s challenges, serve others selflessly, and fulfill God’s purposes with unwavering confidence.
6) He is transformative.
The Holy Spirit regenerates and renews us, washes away our sins, and gives us a new birth and new life (Titus 3:5).
This transformation is not merely external but also internal as it reaches deep into our hearts, making us new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
This transformative power of the Holy Spirit empowers us to shed the old self, embrace righteousness, and walk in the path of sanctification5.
7) He is unifying.
“We were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink” (1 Corinthians 12:13, NIV).
True enough, the Holy Spirit baptizes us into one body—the body of Christ—regardless of our backgrounds.
This divine unity transcends barriers, creating a spiritual bond among believers that goes beyond human divisions.
Through the Holy Spirit, we become part of a universal family, bound by love and a shared faith in Christ6.
This unity enables us to work together harmoniously, support one another, and collectively fulfill God’s purposes7.
10 Roles God the Holy Spirit Performs in Our Lives
1) He guides us.
The Holy Spirit functions as our divine Guide. He leads us along the path of God’s truth and purpose.
As Jesus assured in John 16:13, the Spirit of truth guides us into all truth, providing spiritual discernment and wisdom.
This guidance is not, however, limited to understanding the Word of God. It also covers life’s decisions, offering direction and conviction for the future8.
When we trust the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we align our steps with God’s will. This gives us assurance and confidence as we journey in faith (Proverbs 3:5-6).
His guidance empowers us to navigate life’s complexities, making choices that reflect His light and love.
2) He reveals the truth.
Another vital role the Holy Spirit plays in our lives is that of a truth revealer.
As 1 Corinthians 2:10 emphasizes, the Spirit searches the depths of God, revealing divine truths that would otherwise remain hidden fromto us.
This role, however, goes beyond intellectual understanding. It also leads us to a deeper spiritual comprehension of His Word and character9.
Through the Holy Spirit, the truths of the gospel become alive in our hearts, enlightening our faith and guiding us in righteous living (John 16:13).
This divine revelation empowers us to walk in God’s truth and share it with others, nurturing a deeper relationship with Him.
3) He teaches and reminds us.
Another significant role the Holy Spirit fulfills is that of a divine teacher and reminder.
Based on Jesus’ promise in John 14:26, the Holy Spirit is sent by the Father to teach and remind us of Christ’s teachings.
His guidance is invaluable as He illuminates God’s Word, helping us grasp its depths and apply it in our lives10.
The Holy Spirit’s role as a constant reminder ensures that we stay rooted in the truths of the gospel and the wisdom of Christ. He empowers us to navigate life’s challenges with a firm foundation in God’s Word.
4) He comforts and counsels us.
The Holy Spirit serves as our Comforter and Counselor, offering solace and guidance in our lives.
As Jesus promised in John 14:16, the Spirit is sent by the Father to be with us forever, providing a constant source of comfort and counsel.
In times of distress, He offers divine consolation, soothing our hearts and granting us peace that surpasses understanding (verse 27).
Additionally, the Holy Spirit counsels us. He offers divine wisdom and direction in our decisions and challenges11.
His presence ensures that we are never alone in our trials, always accompanied by His comforting and guiding hand.
5) He intercedes for us.
The Holy Spirit is our divine Intercessor, offering prayers on our behalf when we don’t have the words.
Romans 8:26 mentions that the Spirit helps us in our weakness, interceding with groanings too deep for words.
In moments of uncertainty, when we don’t know what to pray for, the Holy Spirit steps in. He aligns our prayers with God’s will12.
His intercession strengthens our connection with God. He ensures that our needs and concerns are heard and answered according to His perfect plan.
This role of intercessor underscores the Holy Spirit’s vital work in our lives, deepening our relationship with God through prayer13.
6) He convicts us of sin.
The Holy Spirit plays a pivotal role in convicting us of our sins, a vital aspect of our spiritual journey.
As Jesus stated in John 16:8, the Spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment. This leads to self-examination and recognition of our need for God’s grace.
This conviction is not meant to condemn but to guide us toward repentance and righteousness14.
As gentle as it seems, it powerfully leads us to a deeper understanding of God’s holiness and our dependence on His forgiveness. This fosters spiritual growth and transformation15.
7) He regenerates and renews us.
The Holy Spirit aids in our spiritual regeneration and renewal.
As Titus 3:5 emphasizes, it is through the Spirit that we experience a rebirth and renewal through the cleansing of our sins and by creating a new life in us.
This transformative work, however, goes beyond surface changes. It touches the core of our being, making us new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Through the Holy Spirit, we are continually renewed. We experience spiritual growth, sanctification, and an ongoing transformation into the image of Christ16.
8) He bestows spiritual gifts.
The Holy Spirit bestows upon us a diverse array of spiritual gifts, as highlighted in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. These gifts are not only for personal edification but for building the body of Christ.
Each of us is uniquely equipped with spiritual talents—from wisdom and faith to prophecy and healing. All these contribute to the unity and effectiveness of the church17.
Through the Holy Spirit’s distribution of these gifts, every member of the body has a vital role to play. This fosters a harmonious and dynamic community of believers18.
As we utilize these gifts, we fulfill our collective mission. We reflect the Holy Spirit’s work in empowering and equipping us for service.
9) He empowers and equips us for God’s mission.
The Holy Spirit plays a foundational role in empowering and equipping us for God’s mission.
As Jesus promised in Acts 1:8, the Spirit empowers us to be His witnesses, providing the necessary strength and courage to share the gospel.
He bestows upon us spiritual gifts and equips us for service. This enables us to fulfill God’s purposes and make a meaningful impact in the world (1 Corinthians 12:7).
In doing so, He assures us that we are never alone in this divine mission. He empowers us with His presence and guidance19.
10) He helps us bear fruit.
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in helping us bear fruit in our lives.
As outlined in Galatians 5:22-23, the Spirit produces fruit in us. These are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
These qualities reflect the transformation that occurs when we yield to His work in our hearts20.
By manifesting such qualities, we increasingly exhibit Christ-like character. This impacts not only our own lives but also the lives of those around us21.
Ultimately, the Spirit’s role in cultivating these virtues ensures that we bear fruit that aligns with God’s divine principles.
7 Ways to Take Advantage of His Work in Our Lives
1) Invite His guidance in our decisions.
One way to maximize the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives is to actively invite His guidance in our decisions.
By inviting Him into our decision-making process, we align our choices with God’s will. This ensures that His wisdom guides our path (Psalm 143:10; John 16:13).
This reliance on His guidance fosters a deeper connection with God. It empowers us to make choices that reflect His purpose and plan22.
2) Pray in the Spirit.
Praying in the Spirit is a powerful way to tap into His work in our lives.
Romans 8:26 assures us that when we don’t know how to pray, the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. He intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
This form of prayer connects us intimately with God, allowing the Spirit to align our petitions with His perfect will12.
It enables us to look beyond our understanding, fostering a deeper communion with the divine23.
Indeed, praying in the Spirit is a means of drawing closer to God, relying on His wisdom, and experiencing the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in our prayer life.
3) Acknowledge His presence.
Acknowledging the presence of the Holy Spirit is a foundational step in taking full advantage of His work in our lives.
As Psalm 139:7 emphasizes, there is nowhere we can go to escape His presence. Wherever we go, it can be felt24.
This reminds us that the Spirit is constantly with us to guide, comfort, and empower us25.
By acknowledging His presence, we open ourselves to His influence and become more attuned to His leading in our daily walk26.
4) Respond to His convictions.
Responding to the convictions of the Holy Spirit is vital in cooperating with His work in our lives.
In Acts 2:38, Peter’s response to the Spirit’s conviction led to repentance and baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
Similarly, when we heed this conviction, we embark on a journey of self-examination, repentance, and transformation27.
It is a process of aligning our lives with God’s righteousness, allowing the Holy Spirit to refine our character28.
Responding to the Holy Spirit’s convictions is an active step in our spiritual growth. It shows our sensitivity to His guidance and openness to His transformative work.
5) Cultivate the fruit of the Spirit.
Cultivating the fruit of the Spirit is one way to maximize the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives.
As outlined in Galatians 5:22-23, which we discussed earlier, this fruit encompasses love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
These virtues reflect the transformation that occurs when we yield to the Spirit’s influence. They shape our character to be aligned with Christ’s20.
By intentionally nurturing these attributes, we become living testimonies of God’s work within us. This impacts our relationships and communities positively29.
Cultivating the fruit of the Spirit is a continuous process that deepens our spiritual walk. It bears witness to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
6) Utilize our spiritual gifts.
Utilizing our spiritual gifts is a strategic way to harness the Holy Spirit’s influence in our lives.
As 1 Corinthians 12:7 affirms, these gifts are given by the Spirit for the common good of the body of Christ. These are unique abilities such as teaching, serving, leading, and showing mercy.
By actively utilizing these gifts, we participate in God’s divine plan. This contributes to the growth and edification of the church30.
It’s a collaborative effort with the Holy Spirit, allowing His empowerment to flow through us for the benefit of the entire community of believers31.
Eventually, utilizing our spiritual gifts enriches not only our own spiritual journey but also that of other people.
7) Pursue holiness and transformation.
Pursuing holiness and transformation is a profound way to fully embrace the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives.
As 2 Corinthians 3:18 beautifully illustrates, as we behold the glory of the Lord, we are transformed into His image from one degree of glory to another.
This process involves yielding to the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying work, allowing Him to mold us into the likeness of Christ32.
It calls for intentional efforts to live in obedience to God’s Word, setting us apart for His purposes33.
Pursuing holiness and transformation is a lifelong journey marked by spiritual growth, reflection, and conformity to God’s divine plan. It showcases the remarkable work of the Holy Spirit within us.
Any Thoughts About This Topic?
Has this article enlightened you? What are your thoughts about the roles God the Holy Spirit performs in our lives?
Share them with us by commenting below.
To learn more about this topic, check this out: Season 1 Lesson 7: What is the Holy Spirit?
- Ellen White, Daughters of God, 185.2 [↩]
- Elen White, Christ’s Object Lessons, 55.1 [↩]
- Ellen White, The Acts of the Apostles, 52.2 [↩]
- Ellen White, True Revival, 8.1 [↩]
- Ellen White, Colporteur Ministry, 106.1 [↩]
- Ellen White, The Acts of the Apostles, 20.2 [↩]
- Sabbath School Net, 2017 [↩]
- Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 5, 1048 [↩]
- Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 6, 671 [↩]
- Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 5, 1039 [↩]
- Ellen White, The Acts of the Apostles, 49.2 [↩]
- Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 6, 572-573 [↩] [↩]
- Ellen White, Evangelism, 187.1 [↩]
- Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 5, 1047-1048 [↩]
- Ellen White, Ye Shall Receive Power, 25.2 [↩]
- Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 7, 370-371 [↩]
- Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 6, 770-772 [↩]
- Ellen White, Spiritual Gifts, 16.1 [↩]
- Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 6, 124 [↩]
- Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 6, 981-982 [↩] [↩]
- Ellen White, The Acts of the Apostles, 48.1 [↩]
- Ellen White, The Ministry of Healing, 114.4 [↩]
- Ellen White, Pastoral Ministry, 21.4 [↩]
- Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 3, 925 [↩]
- Ellen White, Manuscript Releases, volume 19, 324.1 [↩]
- Ellen White, The Acts of the Apostles, 49.3 [↩]
- Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 6, 158-160 [↩]
- Ellen White, Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 223.1 [↩]
- Our Daily Bread, “A Fresh Look at the Fruit of the Spirit,” 2023 [↩]
- Alberto Timm and Dwain Esmond, The Gift of Prophecy, 70.6 [↩]
- Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 6, 770-771 [↩]
- Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 6, 699-700 [↩]
- Ellen White, The Acts of the Apostles, 49.3 [↩]
