Before Jesus ascended into Heaven, He prepared His disciples by introducing the Holy Spirit, not merely as a mystical force but as a person who would be sent to represent Him after His ascension. From Jesus' teachings, we learn many valuable lessons about the Holy Spirit. These aren't merely theological concepts; they are practical truths meant to assist us in our daily lives. Here are seven key teachings from Jesus about the Holy Spirit:
Sent by the Father to be Jesus’ representative in our lives
Preparing His disciples for His absence, Jesus promised them an Advocate—a Helper, Comforter, and Counselor—to be with them forever. Sent by the Father, this Advocate represents Jesus in our lives, offering us a constant companion on our earthly pilgrimage. (John 14:16-17)
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth
The "Spirit of Truth" only dwells within those who belong to Christ, for Jesus stated that the world cannot receive Him. The Holy Spirit can only inhabit a holy temple, which is why Jesus could not send this Helper until He had atoned for the world's sins. Only after cleansing us could we become a holy temple for the Holy Spirit to dwell in. (John 14:17)
The Spirit Teaches and Reminds Us of Jesus’ Words
Jesus told His disciples that the Spirit would help them recall everything He had taught them. This means that the Spirit not only reminds us of past truths but also, with the written Word as the source, teaches us and deepens our understanding of God’s will, showing us how to implement it in the specific situations we face. (John 14:26)
The Holy Spirit Testifies About Jesus
When the Holy Spirit is active, Jesus is always glorified because one of the Spirit’s main roles is to point to Jesus. The Spirit opens our spiritual eyes and empowers us to live the "Jesus-life" daily, making us vibrant representatives of Jesus in action, not just in word. (John 15:26-27)
The Spirit Convicts the World of Sin, Righteousness, and Judgment
The Holy Spirit works not only in believers but also in those yet to believe in Jesus. Jesus explained that the Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, highlighting the Spirit’s crucial role in guiding non-believers toward truth.  (John 16:8-11)
The Spirit Leads Us to All Truth and Reveals Future Events
Jesus emphasized that the Holy Spirit would also provide insights into future events. Approaching discussions about the end times with humility and prioritizing the Spirit’s voice over popular opinions can help us understand the prophetic signs of our times and prepare us for what is coming. (John 16:13)
The Spirit Glorifies Christ
One of the Holy Spirit’s primary roles is to glorify Jesus, making Him more real to us and demonstrating the perfect unity among the Father, the Son, and the Spirit. The Spirit does not only glorify Jesus to us but also through us, making Jesus visible to the world by enabling His supernatural gifts to operate in our lives. (John 16:14-15)
What Does This Mean for Us?
The Holy Spirit is not an abstract force but an ever-present Helper acting in and through us. He guides us daily, instructs us as we study the Bible, empowers us to live out the truths He reveals, and makes Jesus more tangible in our lives. He equips us to witness for Jesus, not just with words but by enabling us to perform the works of Jesus.
As we develop a closer friendship with the Holy Spirit, Jesus becomes more visible in us, and we are better equipped to be a light in the darkness for the world around us.
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