The Holy Spirit in the Life of the Believer

The whole life of Jesus as the perfect man was governed by the Spirit, if Jesus depended upon the Holy Spirit, how much more should we as believers constantly depend on the Holy Spirit.

All that God has for us and wants to do in us can only be done by the operation of the Holy Spirit in our lives. As individual believers and the corporate church, (ecclesia) we need to open our hearts and seek the fullness of the Spirit working through us.

The Holy Spirit is not to be looked upon as an impersonal influence. Through a lack of sound Biblical knowledge many believers are robbed of a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit because they consider the Holy Spirit to be an impersonal influence, power or energy.

Jesus promised to send us the Holy Spirit

(John 14:16) And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.

Vs.17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. — NLT

(John 14:26) But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. —NLT.

In Acts, we read how the Holy Spirit arrived and remained on and in the Believers.

(Act 2:2) Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting.
Vs.3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them.
Vs.4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. —NLT.

(Acts 11:15) “As I began to speak,” Peter continued, “the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as he fell on us at the beginning.
Vs.16 Then I thought of the Lord’s words when he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’
Vs.17 And since God gave these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God’s way?” —NLT.

The Holy Spirit in the Life of the Believer

Now let’s study what the Bible says about the Holy Spirit in us as believers and disciples of Jesus Christ.
Each one of the following headings and subsequent bible verses have a story around them, I am going to give you the Bible verses for you to look up and study the relevant story to the Bible verses I am giving you.
Plus, I am going to give the translation or bible I have chosen for the verses.

The new birth is brought about by the Spirit.

(John 3:5) Jesus answered, Truly, truly, I say to you, Unless a man is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.Vs.6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

This is such an important story that it worth reading all the verses around it. This is what it says in the Remedy Bible.

(John 3:3) Jesus ignored the attempted flattery, and cut directly to the heart of the issue which Nicodemus needed to understand. He said, “I tell you plainly, no one can see God’s kingdom unless they are born again.”

Vs.4) But Nicodemus was resistant to Christ’s teaching and asked, “How can a person, once they are already born and fully grown, be born again? Surely one cannot re-enter their mother’s womb to be born again!”

Vs.5 Jesus answered, “I tell you plainly, no one can be part of God’s kingdom unless they are first born into the world and then renewed by the Spirit.
Vs.6 The first birth—the natural, water birth—is a birth of individuals infected with sin and selfishness, but the second birth—the birth of the Spirit—is a birth of a right heart and a new mind: a new mind that is no longer controlled by sin and selfishness.

Vs.3 You should not be so astounded by my telling you that you must be born again. The Remedy Bible.

The Holy Spirit indwells the believer’s spirit.

(Romans 8:9) But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)—NLT

(1Corinthians 3:16) Don’t you realize that you yourselves are the very temple of God—the place he dwells on earth—and that God’s Spirit actually lives in you (in your heart and mind)?—The Remedy Bible.

The Holy Spirit gives assurance of our salvation.

(Romans 8:16) The Spirit himself confirms in our hearts and minds that we are God’s children.—Remedy Bible

The Holy Spirit fills the believer with Himself.

(Acts 2:4) They were all filled and equipped with the Holy Spirit and were inspired to speak in tongues— empowered by the Spirit to speak in languages they had never learned!—The Passion Translation.

(Ephesians 5:18) Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, –NLT

The Holy Spirit, by baptism in the Spirit, enables the believer to speak in unknown languages.

(Acts 2:4) They were all filled and equipped with the Holy Spirit and were inspired to speak in tongues— empowered by the Spirit to speak in languages they had never learned! —TPT

(Acts 10:44) While Peter was speaking, the Holy Spirit cascaded over all those listening to his message.

Vs.45) The Jewish brothers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on people who weren’t Jews,

Vs. 46) for they heard them speaking in supernaturally given languages and passionately praising God. — TPT

(Acts 19:6) Then when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in other tongues and prophesied. —NLT

(Mark 16:17) These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. —NLT

(1Corinthians 14:2) When someone speaks in tongues, no one understands a word he says, because he’s not speaking to people, but to God—he is speaking intimate mysteries in the Spirit. —TPT

(1Corinthians 14:4) A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church. —NLT.

The expression, “baptism with or in the Holy Spirit” is a Scriptural expression and experience.

John the Baptist said this.

(Matthew 3:11) “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. —NLT

Jesus Himself said,

(Acts 1:5) John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” NLT

(1Cornthians 12:13) Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. —NLT

John the Baptist said, Jesus is the one who baptizes us with the Holy Spirit

(John 1:33) And I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water, that One said to me, Upon whom you shall see the Spirit descending, and remaining upon Him, He is the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. —MKJV

The Holy Spirit speaks to the believer.

(Acts 8:29) The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.” NLT.

(1Timothy 4:1) Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. —NLT

(Revelation 2:7) “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. (ecclesia) To everyone who is victorious I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God. —NLT

(Revelation 2:11) “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. Whoever is victorious will not be harmed by the second death. –NLT

(Revelation 2:17) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give to him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knows except he who receives it –MKJV.

(Revelation 2:29) “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. —NLT.

The Holy Spirit opens the believer’s understanding to the things of God.

(1Corinthians 2:12) And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. —NLT

The Holy Spirit teaches the believer, and guides he or she into all truth.

(John 16:13) When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. Vs.14 He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. —NLT

The Remedy Bible unpacks verse John 13 to 15 beautifully,

(John 16:13) But when you open your minds to the Spirit of Truth, he will guide you in comprehending all truth. He will not be speaking for himself; he will speak what he hears from me, and he will reveal to you what the future holds.

Vs.14) He will honor and glorify me by taking what I have done and reproducing it in you. He will connect together in your minds all the evidence I have provided—so that you will comprehend the truth about me and the Father, our methods and principles, the nature and character of sin, the destructiveness of Satan’s methods, the true character of Satan—and he will take my perfect character and reproduce it in you.

Vs.15) Everything that belongs to the Father is equally mine. That is why I said that the Spirit will not be speaking for himself but will take all I have achieved and reproduce it in you. —The Remedy Bible.

The Holy Spirit imparts life.

(2Corinthians 3:6) He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life. —NLT

The Modern King James reveals to us that the Word without the Spirit can “kill”.

(2Corinthians 3:6) who also has made us able ministers of the new covenant; not of the letter, but of the spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit makes alive. —MKJV

The Holy Spirit brings about renewal.

(Titus 3:5) He saved us because of his mercy, and not because of any good things that we have done. God washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit. He gave us new birth and a fresh beginning. —CEV— Contemporary English Version.

The Holy Spirit strengthens the believer’s inner being.

(Ephesians 3:16) that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; –MKJV.

(Ephesians 3:16) I pray that out of the glorious riches that emanate from his being, and through the working of his Spirit in your minds, you will be fully transformed into Christlikeness and so settled into God’s methods and principles that you cannot be shaken, –Remedy Bible.

The Holy Spirit enables the believer to pray.

(Jude 1:20) But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit—MKJV

(Romans 8:26) Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Vs.27 And He searching the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Vs.28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. —MKJV.

(Romans 8:26) And in a similar way, the Holy Spirit takes hold of us in our human frailty to empower us in our weakness. For example, at times we don’t even know how to pray, or know the best things to ask for. But the Holy Spirit rises up within us to super-intercede on our behalf, pleading to God with emotional sighs too deep for words.

Vs.27 God, the searcher of the heart, knows fully our longings, yet he also understands the desires of the Spirit, because the Holy Spirit passionately pleads before God for us, his holy ones, in perfect harmony with God’s plan and our destiny.

Vs.28 So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God’s perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose. —TPT.

The Holy Spirit enables the believer to worship in spirit and truth.

(John 4:23) But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way.

Vs.24) For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” NLT.

(Philippians 3:3) For we have already experienced “heart-circumcision,” and we worship God in the power and freedom of the Holy Spirit, not in laws and religious duties. We are those who boast in what Jesus Christ has done, and not in what we can accomplish in our own strength. —TPT.

(1Corinthians 14:15) So here’s what I’ve concluded. I will pray in the Spirit, but I will also pray with my mind engaged. I will sing rapturous praises in the Spirit, but I will also sing with my mind engaged. —TPT.

The Holy Spirit leads the believer.

(Romans 8:14) For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. —NLT.

(Romans 8:14) The mature children of God are those who are moved by the impulses of the Holy Spirit. — TPT.

The Holy Spirit enables the believer to put fleshly deeds to death.

(Romans 8:13) For if you live according to your human nature, you are going to die; but if by the Spirit you put to death your sinful actions, you will live. —GNB Good News Bible

The Holy Spirit produces Christ-likeness in character and fruit in the believer’s life.

(Galatians 5:22) (22-23) 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, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless. —TPT.

The Holy Spirit gives a calling to the believer for special service.

(Acts 13:2) One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.”

Vs.3 So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.

Vs.4 So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit. They went down to the seaport of Seleucia and then sailed for the island of Cyprus. — NLT

The Holy Spirit Guides believers into their ministry.

(Act 8:29) The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.” —NLT.

(Acts 16:6) Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time.

Vs.7 Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there. —NLT.

The Holy Spirit empowers the believer to witness.

(Acts 1:8) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” —NLT.

The Holy Spirit imparts spiritual gifts to the believers as He wills.

(1Corinthians 12:7) A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.

Vs.8 To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge.

Vs.9 The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing.

Vs.10 He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said.

Vs.11 It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have. —NLT.

The Holy Spirit will bring about the resurrection and immortality to the believers’ bodies in the last day.

(Romans 8:11) The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. —NLT.

Vs.47 Adam, the first man, was made from the dust of the earth, while Christ, the second man, came from heaven.
Vs.48 Earthly people are like the earthly man, and heavenly people are like the heavenly man.
Vs.49Just as we are now like the earthly man, we will someday be like the heavenly man.
Vs.50 What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever.
Vs.51 But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! —NLT.

(1Thessalonians 4:15) We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died.
Vs.16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves.

Vs.17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.
Vs.18 So encourage each other with these words. —NLT.