Jesus in Me

1. The Holy Spirit: Our Constant Companion and Helper

"The Holy Spirit is all that Jesus is, though without His physical body. He is Jesus without skin."

The Holy Spirit's nature. The Holy Spirit is not an "it" or a force, but a person with a mind, will, and emotions. He is the third person of the Trinity, fully God, and equal with the Father and Son. The Holy Spirit's role is to be our constant companion, helper, comforter, advocate, intercessor, counselor, strengthener, and standby.

The Holy Spirit's presence. He has been present since before creation and throughout human history. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came to indwell believers permanently, fulfilling Jesus' promise to never leave us alone. This indwelling is a unique aspect of the New Testament era, distinguishing it from the Old Testament where the Spirit would come upon people temporarily.

Key aspects of the Holy Spirit:

• Personhood: Has intellect, will, and emotions
• Divinity: Fully God, equal with Father and Son
• Presence: Eternal, from creation to present
• Indwelling: Permanently in believers since Pentecost

2. Experiencing the Transformative Power of the Holy Spirit

"The very same power of the Holy Spirit that transformed planet Earth in the beginning is available to transform human life today."

Transformation process. The Holy Spirit works to transform believers into the image of Christ, a process that can be both sudden and gradual. This transformation affects our character, actions, and spiritual growth. The Spirit's power is not diminished over time; it remains as potent as it was at creation.

Evidence of transformation. The transformation brought about by the Holy Spirit is evident in changed lives, such as the disciples after Pentecost. Peter, once fearful and denying Christ, became bold in proclaiming the gospel. The Spirit's power enables believers to overcome sin, face persecution, and live out their faith courageously.

Signs of the Holy Spirit's transformative work:

• Increased boldness in faith
• Growth in character and spiritual fruit
• Overcoming sinful habits and patterns
• Enhanced ability to resist temptation
• Greater love for God and others

3. Living by the Precepts and Purity of the Holy Spirit

"The Holy Spirit desires for us to be cleansed continuously of sin for our own well-being, protection, and blessing."

Holiness and purity. The Holy Spirit, being holy, works to make believers holy. This involves separation from sin and conformity to God's character. The Spirit convicts us of sin, leads us to repentance, and empowers us to live pure lives.

Practical holiness. Living by the Spirit's precepts involves daily choices to obey God's Word, resist temptation, and pursue righteousness. It's not about perfection, but a continual process of yielding to the Spirit's guidance and conviction.

Steps to cultivate holiness:

• Regular self-examination and confession of sin
• Yielding to the Spirit's conviction
• Pursuing purity in thoughts, words, and actions
• Separating from worldly influences
• Surrounding oneself with godly influences

4. The Holy Spirit's Role in Guiding and Shaping Our Lives

"The Holy Spirit quickens us, guides us, ignites us, shapes us, and equips us until our lives resound with the glory of the Lord."

Divine guidance. The Holy Spirit guides believers in understanding God's Word, making decisions, and discerning God's will. This guidance often comes through impressions, circumstances, wise counsel, and most importantly, alignment with Scripture.

Shaping process. The Spirit shapes believers through various means, including trials, blessings, and everyday experiences. This shaping process is likened to a potter molding clay, with the ultimate goal of conforming us to Christ's image.

Ways the Holy Spirit guides and shapes:

• Illumination of Scripture
• Inner promptings and convictions
• Orchestrating circumstances
• Using trials and difficulties
• Providing spiritual gifts for service

5. Trusting in the Providence and Prayers of the Holy Spirit

"The Holy Spirit knows how to pray and how to get answers to His prayers."

Divine intercession. The Holy Spirit intercedes for believers with "groans that words cannot express" (Romans 8:26). This intercession is perfect, aligning with God's will and addressing our deepest needs, even when we don't know how to pray.

Trusting God's providence. The Holy Spirit works all things for the good of those who love God (Romans 8:28). This doesn't mean all things are good, but that God can use all circumstances for our ultimate benefit and His glory.

Aspects of the Holy Spirit's intercession and providence:

• Perfect understanding of our needs
• Alignment with God's will
• Constant availability
• Ability to work through all circumstances
• Long-term perspective on our spiritual growth

6. The Holy Spirit's Focus on Glorifying Jesus Christ

"The Holy Spirit's ultimate purpose is to glorify Jesus, His ultimate goal is to make Jesus known to you and to me, and His priority is to guide us into all truth as He transforms us into the image of Jesus."

Christocentric ministry. The Holy Spirit's primary role is to glorify Christ and make Him known. All the Spirit's work points to Jesus, from conviction of sin to empowering for service.

Revealing Christ. The Spirit illuminates Scripture, helping believers understand and apply God's Word. He also works to form Christ's character in believers, making them more like Jesus in thought, word, and deed.

Ways the Holy Spirit glorifies Christ:

• Convicting of sin and need for a Savior
• Illuminating Scripture to reveal Christ
• Empowering Christ-like living
• Enabling bold witness for Christ
• Producing spiritual fruit that reflects Christ's character

7. Practical Steps to Be Filled with the Holy Spirit

"To be filled with the Holy Spirit is not mystical or emotional. It's not reserved for an exclusive group of people. It is actually a command that we are to obey."

Continuous filling. Being filled with the Spirit is not a one-time event but a continuous process of yielding to His control. It involves confession of sin, repentance, and surrender to God's will.

Practical application. To be filled with the Spirit, believers must actively pursue holiness, study Scripture, pray regularly, and obey God's promptings. It's a daily choice to allow the Spirit to have full control over every area of life.

Steps to be filled with the Holy Spirit:

• Confess all known sin
• Repent and turn away from sin
• Make things right with others
• Destroy any idols in your life
• Surrender all areas of life to God
• Ask God to fill you with His Spirit
• Believe by faith that you are filled
• Walk in obedience to the Spirit's leading

Last updated: October 21, 2024