Sermon:What the holy spirit does in the life of a believer.

WHO IS A HOLY SPIRIT?

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, co-equal with the Father and the Son, and fully divine. As a person, the Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force, but a being who can be grieved, quenched, and worshipped.

Scripture teaches that the Holy Spirit can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30) when His will is resisted or ignored, and He can be quenched (1 Thessalonians 5:19) when His work is suppressed. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit, like the Father and the Son, is worthy of worship for His divine nature and work in the world.

 He has a personal relationship with believers, convicting, guiding, and empowering them for godly living and service. The Holy Spirit plays an essential role in the salvation process, regenerating believers, indwelling them, and sealing them for the day of redemption. 

THE ROLES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

□ Role of the Holy Spirit in Creation:The Holy Spirit was present at creation, hovering over the waters. "

-Genesis 1:2,"And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters."

□Role of the Holy Spirit in the Ministry of Jesus:The Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus during His baptism, empowering Him for His earthly ministry. 

-Matthew 3:16,"The heavens were opened to Him,and He saw the spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him."

□Role of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament.

◇In the Life of Jesus: The Holy Spirit empowered Jesus in His earthly ministry. In passages like, Luke 4:1, Luke 4:18-19, and Acts 10:38, the Spirit is shown to guide, strengthen, and anoint Jesus for preaching, healing, and deliverance.

-Luke 4:1,"Then Jesus,being filled with the Holy spirit,returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the Wilderness "

-Luke 4:18-19,"The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to preach the  gospel to the poor,He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted......:

-Acts 10:38,"How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy spirit and with power,who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil."

 ◇In the Life of Believers: The Holy Spirit is central to the life of the believer, guiding, convicting, and empowering them to live according to God's will and fulfill their mission (Acts 1:8, Acts 2:4).

-Acts 1:8,"But you shall receive power when the Holy spirit has come upon you..."

-Acts 2:4,"And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit  and began to speak with other tongues as the spirit gave them utterance "

□The Holy Spirit as the Helper, Teacher, and Intercessor:The Holy Spirit serves as a helper (advocate), teaching believers God's truth and interceding for them in prayer, especially in moments of weakness or when they don’t know what to pray.

-John 4:26,"But the helper,the Holy spirit,whom the Father will send in my name,He will teach you all things.

-Romans 8:26,"For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought,But the spirit Himself makes intercession for us.."

□Role of the Holy Spirit in the church:The Holy Spirit empowers the church to fulfill the Great Commission and to spread the gospel globally .The Spirit equips believers with spiritual gifts to serve the body of Christ and to carry out evangelistic efforts.

-Matthew 28:19,"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations..."

□The Holy Spirit in the End:The Holy Spirit prepares and equips believers for the return of Christ. He calls and empowers people to come to Jesus, guiding them in readiness for the end times.

-Revelation 22:17,"And the Spirit and the bride say,Come!"

WHAT DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT DO IN THE LIFE OF A BELIEVER? 

□Conviction of sin:The Holy spirit convicts the world of sin,righteousness and judgment. 

-John 16:8,"And when He has come,He will convict the world of sin,and of righteousness,and of judgment of sin..."

□Indwelling presence:The Holy Spirit dwells within believers,bringing them into intimate fellowship with God.

-1 Corinthians 6:19,"Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy spirit who is in you, whom you have from God,and you are not your own?

□Regeneration and new birth:The Holy Spirit gives new life to believers. The spiritual rebirth is essential for salvation and begins a new life in Christ. 

-John 3:5"Most assuredly ,I say to you ,unless one is born of water and the Spirit,he cannot enter the kingdom of God."

-Titus 3:5,"But according to His mercy He saved us,through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.

□Empowerment for service:The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live for Christ and serve others.Spiritual gifts are given for the edification of the church.

-Acts 1:8,"But you shall receive power when the Holy spirit has come upon you;and you shall be witnesses to me..."

-1 Corinthians 12:4-11,"There are diversities of gifts,but the same spirit...."

□Guidance and direction:The Holy Spirit guides believers in their decision-making, helping them walk according to God's will.He leads believers into truth,providing wisdom and understanding. 

-Romans 8:14,"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God,these are sons of God.

-John 16:13,"However,when He,the spirit of truth,has come,He will guide you into all truth.."

□Comfort and Peace:The Holy Spirit comforts believers in times of trouble. His presence brings peace,even in difficult circumstances. 

-2 Corinthians 1:3-4,"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble,with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

-Romans 8:6,"But to be spiritually minded is life and peace."

□Producing fruit:The Holy spirit cultivates the fruit of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives.

-Galatians 5:22-23,"But the fruit of the Spirit is love,joy,peace,long-suffering, kindness,goodness,faithfulness,gentleness,self-control..:

□Sanctification:The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the believers sanctification, transforming them into the image.

-2 Corinthians 3:18,"But we all,with unveiled face,beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord,are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory,just as the spirit of the Lord."

□Assurance of Salvation :The Holy Spirit gives believers assurance that they are children of God.

-Romans 8:16,"The spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."

□Intercession and prayer:The Holy Spirit intercedes for believers in prayer,helping them pray when they don't know how to.He assists believers in aligning their prayers with God's will.

-Romans 8:26-27,"Likewise the spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought,but the spirit Himself makes intercession for us.......Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is,because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God."

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT?

□ The Spirit of God is present at creation, hovering over the waters, indicating His involvement in bringing order and life to the earth.

-Genesis 1:2,"And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters."

□The Spirit is described as giving wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and fear of the Lord.

-Isaiah 11:2,"The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him,The spirit of wisdom and understanding,the spirit of counsel and might,the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord."

□The Spirit is the one who raised Jesus from the dead and will give life to the believers' mortal bodies.

-Romans 8:11,"But if the spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you,He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His spirit who dwells in you."

□Those who are led by the Spirit of God are considered children of God.

-Romans 8:14,"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God,these are sons of God."

□The Holy Spirit knows the deep things of God, revealing them to believers.

-1 Corinthians 2:11,"For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him?

□The Spirit of God dwells within believers and those who defile the temple of God  will face consequences.. 

-1 Corinthians 3:16-17,"Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the spirit of God dwells in you?If anyone defiles the temple of God,God will destroy him."

□The Holy Spirit is the helper, teaching believers and reminding them of all that Jesus said.

-John 14:26,"But the helper,the holy spirit,whom the Father will send in my name,He will teach you all things,and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. "

□The Spirit testifies about Jesus and empowers believers to bear witness to Him.

-John 15:26,"But when the helper comes,whom I shall send to you from the Father,the spirit of truth who proceeds from the father,He will testify of Me."

□ The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment and guides believers into all truth.

-John 16:7-14,"And He will convict the world of sin,and of righteousness,and of judgment of sin......However,when He,the spirit of truth,has come,He will guide you into all truth.."

□The Spirit helps in weakness, interceding for believers in prayer when they do not know how to pray.

-Romans 8:26,"Likewise the spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do nor know what we should pray for as we ought,but the spirit Himself makes intercession for us..."

□ God will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask, emphasizing the Spirit’s availability to believers.

-Luke 11:13,"If you then,being evil,know how to give good gifts to your children,how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him."

□The Holy Spirit is given to those who obey God and witness to Jesus.

-Acts 5:32,"And we are His witnesses to these things,and so also is the Holy spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.

□ Believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit, marking them as God's own.

-Ephesians 1:13,"Having believed,you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise."

□ The Holy Spirit is involved in the new birth, making one spiritually alive through water and the Spirit.

-John 3:5-6,"Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and spirit,he cannot enter the kingdom of God.That which is born of the flesh is flesh,and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."

□Those who belong to Christ have the Spirit living in them, a mark of being in Christ.

-Romans 8:9,"But you are not in the flesh but in the spirit,if indeed the spirit of God dwells in you.Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ,he is not His."

□God promises to give His people a new heart and spirit, with the Holy Spirit enabling them to follow His decrees.

-Ezekiel 37:26-27,"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.....I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes"

□The Holy Spirit empowers believers to be ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit.

-2 Corinthians 3:6,"Who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant,not of the letter but of the Spirit. 

□The Holy Spirit renews and regenerates believers, bringing salvation through Jesus Christ.

-Titus 3:5,"But according to His mercies He saved us,through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy spirit."

□The Holy Spirit sanctifies and empowers believers to serve God effectively.

-Romans 15:16,"That I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles,ministering the gospel of God,that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable,sanctified by the Holy spirit."

□Believers are urged to walk by the Spirit, avoiding the desires of the flesh.

-Galatians 5:16,"Walk in the spirit,and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh."

□The Spirit sanctifies believers and sets them apart for salvation.

-2 Thessalonians 2:13,"Because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit..."

□The believers are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit.

-1 Peter 1:2,"Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the father ,in sanctification of the Spirit.."

□The Holy Spirit produces fruit in the lives of believers, including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

-Galatians 5:22-23,"But the fruit of the Spirit is love,joy,peace,long-suffering ,kindness, goodness,faithfulness,gentleness,self-control.."

□The Spirit brings freedom and transformation, making believers more like Christ.

-2 Corinthians 3:17-18,"Now the Lord is a spirit;and where the spirit of the Lord is,there is liberty.......Are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory,just as by the Spirit of the Lord. "

□Believers will be baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire.

-Matthew 3:11,"He will baptize you with the Holy spirit and fire."

□The Holy Spirit will baptize the followers of Jesus,empowering them for witness.

-Acts 1:5,"But you shall be baptized with the Holy spirit. "

□People are called to repent and be baptized, promising the gift of the Holy Spirit.

-Acts 2:38,"Repent,and let everyone of you be baptized.....And you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. "

□All believers are baptized by the Spirit into one body, regardless of background.

-1 Corinthians 12:13,"For by one spirit  we were all baptized into one body-whether Jews or Greeks,whether slaves or free..."

□The Holy Spirit fills believers, empowering them to speak in other tongues.

-Acts 2:4,"And they were all filled with the Holy spirit  and began to speak with other tongues,as the spirit gave them utterance.

 □Believers are commanded to be filled with the Spirit, which contrasts with being drunk on wine.

-Ephesians 5:18,"And do not be drunk with wine,in which is dissipation;but be filled with the Spirit."

□The Holy Spirit speaks through believers, enabling them to testify about Christ.

-Matthew 10:20,"For it is not you who speak ,but the spirit of your Father who speaks in you."

□The Holy Spirit empowers believers to be witnesses of Jesus in all the world.

-Acts 1:8,"But you shall receive power when the Holy spirit has come upon you;and you shall be witnesses to Me...."

□The Holy Spirit fills the believers, giving them boldness to speak God’s word.

-Acts 4:31,"And they were all filled with the Holy spirit,and they spoke the word of God with boldness. "

□The Holy Spirit produces hope and endurance in the midst of suffering.

-Romans 5:5,"Now hope does not disappoint,because the Love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy spirit who was given to us. "

□The Holy Spirit fills believers with joy and peace, resulting in hope.

-Romans 15:13,"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. "

□The Spirit distributes spiritual gifts to believers for the common good.

-1 Corinthians 12:7-11,"But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profil of all....But one and the same spirit works all these things,distributing to each one individually as He wills."

□Believers  has been given a spirit of power, love, and of a sound mind, not of fear.

-2 Timothy 1:7,"For God has not given us a spirit of fear,but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 

□ Believers are instructed not to quench the Spirit.

-1 Thessalonians 5:19,"Do not quench the Spirit."

□The Holy Spirit descends on Jesus like a dove during His baptism, and the Father affirms Him.

-Matthew 3:16-17,"Behold the heavens were opened to Him,and He saw the spirit of God descending like a dove  and a lighting upon Him.And suddenly a voice came from heaven ,saying,"This is My beloved son,in whom I am well pleased."

□The Holy Spirit overshadows Mary, enabling her to conceive Jesus.

-Luke 1:35,"The Holy spirit will come upon you,and the power of the highest will overshadow you. "

COMMON INDICATORS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT’S  PRESENCE

□Inner Peace and Joy:The Holy Spirit gives a sense of peace and joy that surpasses understanding, even in difficult circumstances. 

□Conviction of Sin: The Holy Spirit helps believers become aware of sin and prompts them toward repentance. 

□Spiritual Growth and Transformation: The Holy Spirit works to sanctify believers, helping them grow in holiness and become more like Christ.

□Fruit of the Spirit:The Holy Spirit produces qualities such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in the life of a believer.

□Desire to Serve Others: The Holy Spirit inspires believers to serve others selflessly. This might involve acts of kindness, helping those in need, or sharing the gospel. 

□Spiritual Gifts:The Holy Spirit often equips believers with spiritual gifts, such as wisdom, knowledge, prophecy, healing, teaching, and tongues, for the edification of the church and the service of God’s kingdom.

□Desire for God’s word: The Holy Spirit creates a hunger for the Bible and a deeper understanding of God's will.

□Prayer Life: The Holy Spirit helps believers pray, even when they don’t know what to say.(Romans 8:26-27), 

□Witnessing and Boldness: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to share their faith and speak boldly about the gospel, even in difficult or uncertain circumstances.

□Love for God and Others: A deep, genuine love for God and a desire to love others as Christ does are key signs that the Holy Spirit is at work in a person’s life.

PRAYERS

1.O Lord,fill me with the joy of the Holy spirit. May this joy strengthen my heart and uplift my spirit,enabling me to reflect Your love in all I do, in Jesus' name.

2.Holy spirit,I surrender my life to you completely. Take full control of my heart,my mind,my actions and my decisions. Guide me in every moment,and lead me according to the will of God ,in Jesus' name.

3.Heavenly Father, I praise You for the presence of Your Spirit, who hovered over the waters in the beginning, bringing forth life and order. May Your Spirit continue to bring light and renewal in my life, shaping me into the person You’ve called me to be,in Jesus ' name.

4.Lord, may Your Spirit rest upon me, guiding me in righteousness and helping me to walk in Your ways, in Jesus' name.

5.Holy Spirit, I thank You for the resurrection power You have given me, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. Strengthen my spirit daily, empowering me to live in victory over sin and death,in Jesus' name.

6.Holy Spirit, lead me as Your child. Teach me to listen to Your voice and follow Your guidance, so I may walk according to Your will and not according to the flesh, in Jesus' name.

7.Lord, I acknowledge that it is Your Spirit who makes me grow. Help me to build my life on the foundation of Jesus Christ, and may Your Holy Spirit work in me to produce lasting fruit, in Jesus' name.

8.Holy Spirit, my Comforter, teach me all things and remind me of everything Jesus has said. May Your presence bring me peace and wisdom in all circumstances, in Jesus' name.

9. Holy Spirit, empower me to be a faithful witness of Christ. Fill my heart with boldness and truth, that I may testify to the world of the love and salvation found in Jesus,in Jesus' name.

10.Holy Spirit, thank You for convicting my heart of sin and righteousness. Lead me into all truth and glorify Jesus in my life, teaching me to understand God’s will and walk in obedience,in Jesus' name.

11.Holy Spirit, when I don’t know how to pray, help me. Intercede for me with groans that words cannot express. Strengthen me in my weakness and draw me closer to God’s heart, in Jesus' name.

12.Heavenly Father, You are a good giver. I ask for the gifts of Your Holy Spirit, that I may be empowered to serve others and bring glory to Your name. Fill me with Your Spirit, that I may live according to Your will, in Jesus' name.

13.Holy Spirit, I praise You for Your guidance and strength. Grant me the courage to obey God’s commands and to stand firm in my faith. Fill me with boldness to proclaim the truth of the Gospel, in Jesus' name.

14.Holy Spirit, I thank You for sealing me in Christ and making me part of God’s family. Help me to always be confident in my salvation and trust in Your faithful work in me, in Jesus' name.

15.Holy Spirit, I thank You for the new birth You have given me. May Your presence within me transform my life, so that I may live in the Spirit and not in the flesh, in Jesus' name.

16.Holy Spirit, I ask that You give me a new heart and a new spirit. Remove my stony heart and replace it with a heart of flesh, one that is sensitive to Your leading and obedient to Your commands, in Jesus' name.

17. Holy Spirit, You are the true bread that comes down from heaven. Feed my soul with Your presence and truth, that I may never hunger again, in Jesus' name.

18. Holy Spirit, you are the Spirit of truth. Guide me into all truth, revealing God’s word and will in my life, in Jesus' name.

19.Holy Spirit, I invite you to transform me from glory to glory. Help me to reflect the image of Christ more each day as I yield to Your work within me, in Jesus' name.

20.Holy Spirit, I thank You for baptizing me with fire and power. Fill me with boldness to do the work of the kingdom and be a witness for Jesus. May Your fire burn within me, purifying my heart and strengthening my spirit, in Jesus' name.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and love of God,and the communion of the holy spirit,be with you all.Amen