Who is the Holy Spirit and What He Does:
- The Holy Spirit is our helper, teacher and coach (Jn 14:26).
The Greek word is parakletos (par-ak’-lay-tos). It’s a Greek word made up of two words: Para which means “very close.” And, the word “kaleo” which means “to beckon or to call.” When you put the two words together, the word means, “one called alongside to help.”
The word parakletos is such a rich word that the translators of the NT had difficulty adequately describing it’s meaning. That’s why NIV84 renders the word, “counselor.” The NLT and current NIV renders it, “advocate.” The KJV, “comforter.” The ESV, “helper.” My favorite may be The Amplified Bible which renders the word, “Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener and Standby).”
According to John Bevere the word parakletos (helper) means that, “…the Holy Spirit is permanently called closely alongside each of us to provide coaching, direction, instruction and counsel in our life Jesus.” [1]
Wow! The Holy Spirit is our “helper.”
And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever…
—JOHN 14:16 AMP
“…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 that I have said to you.” —JOHN 14:26 ESV
- The Holy Spirit exposes and convicts the world of sin, reveals the truth about God’s righteousness and the reality of coming judgment (Jn 16:8).
- The Holy Spirit will “take us by the hand and guide us into all the truth there is” (Jn 16:13 MSG).
- The Holy Spirit is our “inside man.” Because the Spirit has “unlimited access to Jesus — to all that He possesses and knows” — He will take everything He receives from Jesus and make it known to you and me (Jn 16:14b Voice / NLT).
- The Holy Spirit gives us power — [dunamis – dynamic, inherent or resident power and ability to accomplish and achieve] — to be everything God wants us to be (Acts 1:8).
“…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you
and you will be my witnesses…”
—Acts 1:8 NIV
- The Holy Spirit equips us with gifts that enable us to glorify God and serve others (1 Cor 12:7-11).
- The Holy Spirit sets us free and keeps us free from the power of sin and death (Rom 8:2).
“…there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.
2 …the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from
the power of sin that leads to death.”
—ROMANS 8:1-2
- The Holy Spirit makes the same resurrection power available to us that raised Jesus from the dead (Rom 8:11).
- The Holy Spirit produces fruit of the Spirit in our lives. He is constantly at work to produce wholeness and holiness in us!
“But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue [goodness], faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and, strength of spirit.”
—Gal 5:22-23 TPT
- The Holy Spirit works in us to ensure that our salvation is as good as “signed, sealed and delivered” (Eph 1:13-14 MSG).
- The Holy Spirit confirms and reminds us of who we really are. That we are children of God (Rom 8:16 MSG).
- The Holy Spirit doesn’t put the spotlight on or draw attention to Himself, but constantly puts the spotlight on and draws attention to Jesus! He “grooves” on glorifying Jesus (Jn 16:14)!
The Holy Spirit is a PERSON.
He is GOD…
He wants a RELATIONSHIP with you!
[1] John Bevere, The Holy Spirit: An Introduction, Location 514 of 3851, Kindle Edition.