Prayer: 

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, the very power that raised Jesus from the dead and now lives in us. Lord, we acknowledge that this power is not for our own glory or comfort, but that we might be Your faithful witnesses—to proclaim Jesus in our homes, in our communities, and to the ends of the earth.

Fill us afresh with Your Spirit today. Let Your boldness replace our fear, Your wisdom guide our words, and Your love compel our actions. May people see Christ in the way we live, speak, and serve. Use us, Lord, as instruments of Your Kingdom, so that through our lives, others will come to know You as their Savior and King.

Empower us, Lord, to be Your witnesses—beginning in our Jerusalem, spreading to Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest parts of the earth.

In Jesus’ mighty name we pray,

Amen.

JOHN 16:7 But I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I am leaving; for if I do not leave, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.

Jesus was speaking to His disciples before His crucifixion, preparing them for His departure. He assured them that although He would no longer be physically present, it would actually be for their benefit because the Holy Spirit would come to dwell within them.

JOHN 14:12 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father.

After returning to the Father, Jesus would send the Holy Spirit (the Helper) to empower believers. So the reason believers can do “greater works” is not because we are greater than Jesus, but because His Spirit now dwells in every believer, multiplying His ministry across the world

When Jesus was on earth, His ministry was localized to one region. But after He sent the Holy Spirit: Believers could share the gospel worldwide, Thousands could come to faith, and Miracles, transformed lives, and spiritual fruit multiplied through the Spirit’s presence. So the Helper enables believers to continue and expand Christ’s work on earth.  “Greater works” means greater in scope, not in power. Greater in scope refers to the worldwide spread of the gospel and the transformation of hearts through the Spirit’s work in millions of believers.

ACTS 1:8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”

The purpose of receiving the Holy Spirit is not merely for personal blessing or spiritual experience—it is to be empowered to fulfill God’s mission. Jesus promised that when the Holy Spirit comes upon us, we will receive power—divine strength and boldness—to be His witnesses. This means our lives, words, and actions will testify about who Jesus is. God’s desire is to empower us so that through us, others may come to know Him—from our homes (“Jerusalem”) to the ends of the earth.

LUKE 24:49 And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

The Holy Spirit is the promise of the Father—a divine gift given to every believer. Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He instructed His followers to wait in Jerusalem until they were clothed with power from on high. This power was not human ability but the very presence and strength of God working within them. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live victorious lives, to boldly share the gospel, and to fulfill God’s purposes. God desires not only to dwell with us but to live in us through His Spirit.

EZEKIEL 36:26 Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.

We cannot truly change ourselves. No amount of effort or discipline can transform a heart of stone into a heart that loves and obeys God. That is why God promised through Ezekiel, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.” The Christian life is not merely difficult—it is impossible without the Holy Spirit. It is not meant to be lived by human effort but by divine empowerment.

When God places His Spirit within us, He enables us to walk in His ways and obey His commands. What once felt impossible becomes possible through His power. That is why, even in times of crisis, early believers experienced peace, joy, and love amid persecution. It was not their strength—it was the Holy Spirit living through them.

It’s one thing to know what is right; it’s another to have the power to do it. That is why understanding and yielding to the ministry of the Holy Spirit is essential. We need supernatural power from on high to live the life God calls us to.

The Holy Spirit is God

The Holy Spirit is God; it is one of the essential teachings of the Bible and of the Christian faith. The Holy Spirit is not merely a force, influence, or abstract power; ; He is a divine Person, equal in essence, majesty, and glory with the Father and the Son. God is a Tri-unity: one God in three coequal and coeternal Persons — the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

DEUTERONOMY 6:4 “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one (echad)!

This verse is known to Jews as the Shema, from the Hebrew word “Shema” meaning “hear” or “listen.” is a compound unity. It is a compound oneness.

GENESIS 2:24 For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one (echad) flesh.

The Hebrew word “echad”—translated “one”—its use in these passages reveals a profound truth about unity with distinction. In Deuteronomy 6:4, echad does not describe a solitary or isolated oneness, but a unified oneness, a single God who is perfectly united in His being. The same word appears in Genesis 2:24, where a husband and wife—two distinct persons—are said to become “one (echad) flesh.” They do not lose their individuality, yet they form a unified, inseparable bond. This parallel helps us understand that biblical “oneness” often refers to a compound unity—a unity made up of distinct persons who share a common life. Therefore, while Deuteronomy 6:4 affirms that God is absolutely one, Genesis 2:24 shows that echad can describe a unity that is relational and composite.

ROMANS 8:9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. 10 If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness.

A true Christian is someone in whom the Holy Spirit truly dwells. Paul makes it clear that those who belong to Christ are no longer controlled by the flesh but are now living in the Spirit, because the Spirit of God lives in them. He adds that if a person does not have the Spirit of Christ, that person does not belong to Him—showing that the presence of the Holy Spirit is the defining mark of genuine Christianity. This means Christianity is far more than religious habits, cultural background, or weekly church attendance. In the Philippines, many people grow up surrounded by Christian traditions, so it is easy to assume that being familiar with Christian practices—such as attending Sunday worship or believing certain teachings—automatically makes someone a Christian. But this is what we call “cultural Christianity,” where faith is shaped by environment rather than by a personal relationship with Christ. A real Christian is one who has been made spiritually alive through the Holy Spirit, whose life is being transformed from within, and who genuinely belongs to Jesus. It is the indwelling Spirit of Christ—not culture, tradition, or outward habits—that defines true Christianity.

The Holy Spirit is a Person

ACTS 5:3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

Ananias had sold a piece of land and brought part of the money to the apostles, but he pretended that he had given the full amount. His sin was not in holding back some of the money—Peter made it clear that the property and its price were entirely under his control. His sin was in deception: he wanted the appearance of total devotion without the reality of it. Peter confronted him by saying that he had “lied to the Holy Spirit” and then added, “You have not lied to men but to God.” This passage unmistakably teaches that the Holy Spirit is not merely a force or influence but a divine person, capable of being lied to, grieved, and resisted. Peter’s words affirm the deity of the Spirit: to lie to the Holy Spirit is to lie to God Himself. Ananias’s outward generosity hid an inward hypocrisy, and the story warns us that God sees the heart and desires integrity, sincerity, and truth in our worship and service.

The Holy Spirit Speaks

ACTS 8:29 Then the Spirit said to Philip…

ACTS 10:19 … the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you.

ACTS 13:2 … the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

The Holy Spirit does speak, but many times, our hearts are too crowded with noise to hear Him clearly. Throughout Scripture, the Holy Spirit is portrayed as a communicating God — He speaks, guides, warns, teaches, and comforts. The Spirit still speaks today — not through new revelations that contradict Scripture, but by illuminating God’s Word, convicting our hearts, and guiding our steps in alignment with His truth. The issue is that we are distracted. Our spiritual ears are often drowned out by what you called “ambient noise.”

That noise can take many forms:

• Busyness – constant activity leaves no room for stillness.

• Worry and anxiety – the noise of fear overwhelms God’s gentle voice.

• Sin or disobedience – dulls spiritual sensitivity.

• Media and worldly voices – endless opinions, entertainment, and distractions.

• Self-centeredness – when we are focused on “me,” we miss what God is saying.

The Holy Spirit is a Seal

EPHESIANS 4:30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

The Holy Spirit Himself is God’s mark of ownership, authenticity, and security upon every Christian. When we put our faith in Christ, God places His Spirit within us as His personal seal, declaring, “This one belongs to Me.” The Holy Spirit is not merely a sign or symbol; His very presence in our lives is the proof that we are truly God’s children. He authenticates our salvation, bearing witness in our hearts that we are His, and He guarantees our eternal security as the pledge of our future inheritance. The Spirit’s seal means that our lives are under God’s ownership and protection until the “day of redemption,” when our salvation will be fully realized.

EPHESIANS 1:13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.

This verse beautifully describes the sequence of salvation and the certainty of our relationship with God. Paul says that everything begins with hearing “the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation.” This gospel is the simple but powerful truth that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again—fully paying the price for our redemption. Hearing this message is not enough by itself; the heart must respond. Faith comes by hearing, but salvation comes when hearing leads to believing. When a person places their trust in Christ—not depending on works, good deeds, or religious performance—God unites them with Jesus and grants them new life.

At that very moment, God performs a supernatural act: He seals the believer with the Holy Spirit of promise. This seal is God’s mark of ownership, security, and identity. It means, “You belong to Me.” Paul also calls the Holy Spirit a pledge or down payment of our inheritance, the guarantee that God will complete what He began and bring us to full redemption. Just as a down payment assures that the full amount will be paid, the Spirit is God’s personal assurance that every promise of eternal life will be fulfilled.

Yet Scripture also teaches that while every true believer receives the Holy Spirit at salvation, not every believer walks in the fullness of His power. The Spirit can be resisted, ignored, or grieved. It is possible to possess the Spirit but not experience His transforming influence if we live in disobedience or self-reliance. Being sealed is once-for-all; being filled is ongoing. Therefore, while we are eternally secure in Christ, we are also called to continually yield to the Spirit—allowing Him to empower us, guide us, and produce His fruit in our lives.

The Holy Spirit Changes Us

2 CORINTHIANS 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 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 from the Lord, the Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is truly God and the One who brings genuine freedom into the life of the believer. This freedom is not a license to live however we want, but a release from everything that once enslaved us—sinful habits, guilt, fear, and the heavy burden of legalism. When the Holy Spirit dwells within a person, He breaks the power of sin, renews our desires, and gives us strength to live in righteousness. He frees us from trying to earn God’s approval and teaches us instead to obey out of love and gratitude. When someone turns to Christ, the spiritual veil that once blinded them is removed. With an “unveiled face,” believers can now behold the glory of the Lord—seeing His character, His beauty, and His holiness more clearly. As we fix our gaze on Him through His Word, prayer, and worship, the Holy Spirit works within us to transform us into the image of Christ. This transformation is a lifelong, progressive process—“from glory to glory”—as the Spirit continually reshapes our attitudes, desires, and actions to reflect Jesus more and more.

EPHESIANS 4:28 He wo steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing work with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who need.

This verse shows how God transforms a person’s life when they come to Christ. Paul addresses the one who used to steal and commands him to stop stealing—not merely to change his behavior, but to change his heart and purpose. Instead of taking from others, God calls him to work diligently and honestly with his own hands. The goal is not just self-support, but generosity. God wants the former thief to become someone who contributes, someone who works in order to have something to share with those in need. This verse beautifully demonstrates how the gospel changes a life: the taker becomes a giver, the selfish becomes generous, and the one who once harmed others now becomes a channel of God’s kindness and provision.

The Holy Spirit is in Us

1 CORINTHIANS 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 20 For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.

This verse reminds us of a profound truth about the Christian life: our bodies are now the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. When we came to Christ in repentance and faith, God placed His Spirit within us—not as a temporary visitor, but as a permanent presence. This is what normal Christianity truly is: a life indwelt, empowered, and guided by the Spirit of God.

Jesus paid the full price for our redemption through His death on the cross. Every sin—past, present, and future—was laid upon Him. Because He purchased us with His own blood, we now belong to Him. And God sealed this relationship by giving us the Holy Spirit as His mark of ownership, His guarantee that we are His forever.

JUDGES 3:10 The Spirit of the Lord came upon him (Othniel), and he judged Israel…

JUDGES 11:29 Now the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah

JUDGES 14:6 The Spirit of the Lord came upon him (Samson) mightily

In the Old Testament, when “the Spirit of the Lord came upon” Othniel, Jephthah, and Samson, it was never without purpose. God empowered them for a specific mission—to judge, to deliver, to fight, or to lead His people. The Spirit’s coming was always tied to obedience and God’s calling on their lives.

Likewise, in our lives today, we experience God’s power most fully when we walk in obedience to what He calls us to do. God does not empower us for passivity; He empowers us for purpose. When we submit to His will, step into His assignments, and trust His leading, His Spirit works mightily through us—not for our glory, but for His.

Christianity, therefore, is not merely a religion or a set of rules. It is a living relationship with God Himself, who now dwells in us by His Spirit. And because we have been bought with a price, our calling is clear: to glorify God in our bodies, in our choices, in our daily life, as people who no longer belong to themselves but to the One who saved them.

The Holy Spirit is the Helper

JOHN 14: 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

An advocate is someone who supports, defends, guides, and represents another person. Jesus was the first Advocate for His disciples while He was on earth — teaching, guiding, and interceding for them. When He returned to the Father, the Holy Spirit took His place as the continuing divine Helper who would dwell within believers.

The Holy Spirit provides divine help in every area of a believer’s life:

• Comforts in times of sorrow — reminding us that we are never alone.

• Gives strength and courage when we are weak or fearful.

• Intercedes for us in prayer when we don’t know what to say.

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father,

We come before You acknowledging that we cannot change ourselves. No amount of effort or discipline can make our hearts pure or obedient apart from You. Thank You for Your promise in Ezekiel that You will give us a new heart and put a new Spirit within us.

Lord, we confess our need for Your power. Fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit. Replace our hearts of stone with hearts of flesh—tender, responsive, and obedient to Your will. Teach us to depend on You, not on our own strength.

When we face trials, remind us that it is not by might nor by power, but by Your Spirit that we can stand firm. Let Your Spirit produce in us peace when circumstances are unstable, joy when life is difficult, and love even when it costs us.

Empower us to walk in Your ways, to live in holiness, and to reflect Christ in all that we do. May our lives be living testimonies of Your transforming grace.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

The content of this article is adapted from the source below:

Knowing God - Know The Holy Spirit 1