Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts (2 Corinthians 1:22).
What does the Holy Spirit do? He helps us to persevere in our life through faith. He anoints us with power to witness, to do the works of Jesus, and to know the truth. The word “anoint” means to authorize or set apart. He helps us to understand. He is God’s seal of ownership showing that we belong to God, which helps us to produce a godly character. The Holy Spirit indwells in the believer.
Ephesians 1:13-14 we read, “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise. Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”
The Holy Spirit is essential for the believer. He is a divine person like God and Jesus. He thinks, feels, wills, loves, and can fellowship with us. God sent Him to help us to have a better relationship with Jesus. He can open our spiritual eyes so that we can see what God has forthcoming for us. He opens our spiritual hearts so that we can understand what God wants to tell us.
He convicts us of sin, reveals the truth about Jesus, and brings us into the body of Christ. “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:13). In other words, He unites us, making us one body, one spirit, and able to worship Jesus in one accord.
It is at conversion that the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us. Romans 8:8-11 says: “So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by the Spirit that dwelleth in you.”
The Holy Spirit helps to sanctify us. This means to set us apart. When He does this, it helps to cleanse, lead, guide and motivate us. This helps us to live a holy life. He helps us to worship God, directs us in our prayer life, and intercedes when we cry out to God.
The Holy Spirit is our teacher. He helps us to have a better understanding of God’s Word. He helps us to have a closer relationship with Jesus. We can walk hand in hand with other Christians to stand up for righteousness and truth. He comforts us in times of trouble.
He gives us joy: “And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost” (1 Thessalonians 1:6).
He abides in the church: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16).
He helps to build the church: “In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:22). He inspires worship, directs the church’s mission, anoints preachers.
Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come and assist us in every aspect of the church. In John 14: 16–18 we read: “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” The word “comforter” means, strength, helper, advisor, ally, and friend.
The Holy Spirit bears witness to Jesus. He stands for truth, because Jesus is truth. Our battle is with a sinful world. The Holy Spirit is here to help us in every situation that may come our way. What we must do is listen to His voice and obey what He says.
If you are not a Christian, why not take the time and ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins. Once you do, the Holy Spirit will dwell within you and become the guide that you need.
