Personal Actions of The Holy Spirit

Last week we blogged about the cementing effect of communing with the Holy Spirit and offered some practical steps we can take to commune daily with Him. Today we wanted to meditate on who the Holy Spirit is and what he does.

The Holy Spirit is a personal being with definite characteristics.

The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and Son in his deity and personhood. He's not merely an impersonal force or an emanation of the power of God. The baptismal perspective of Matthew 28:19–20 puts the Spirit on an equal plane with the Father and the Son in his deity and personhood—“baptizing them in [or into] the name [singular] of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (See also Matt. 3:13–17; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 12:4–6; 2 Cor. 13:14; Eph. 4:4–6; 1 Pet. 1:2).

The personal nature of the Holy Spirit is evident in his title “Comforter” or “Helper” (Greek, Paraklētos) found in John 12:26; 14:16, 26; 15:26; and 16:7. Jesus says he will send the Comforter, who will take his place as his disciples’ helper: “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7). An impersonal force could never provide comfort as Jesus did. The Holy Spirit must be personal in order to fulfill this most personal ministry.

Scripture speaks of several activities of the Spirit that can be performed only if he is a personal agent:

Comforts:

John 12:26; John 14:16; John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:7

Teaches:

John 14:26; 1 Corinthians 2:13

Speaks:

Acts 8:29; Acts 13:2

Makes Decisions:

Acts 15:28

Grieves Over Sin:

Ephesians 4:30

Overrules Human Actions:

Acts 16:6-7

Searches the Deep Things of God & Knows the Thoughts of God:

1 Corinthians 2:10-11

Life's Biggest Questions

K. Erik Thoennes

Tackling fifteen of life’s biggest questions relating to God and his relationship to humanity by presenting biblical answers, this is an excellent crash course on Christianity for believers and seekers alike.

Determines Distribution of Spiritual Gifts:

1 Corinthians 12:11

Interprets & Brings Prayer Before the Throne of the Father:

Romans 8:26-27

Assures Believers of their Adoption:

Romans 8:16

Bears Witness to & Glorifies Christ:

John 15:26; John 16:14

Questions for reflection:

Am I communing with the Holy Spirit on a regular basis?
What steps can I take today to do so?
What do I tend to disbelieve or forget about who he is and what he does daily in my daily life?

Adapted from Life's Biggest Questions by Erik Thoennes.

Erik Thoennes (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is professor and department chair of biblical and theological studies at Biola University and a pastor at Grace Evangelical Free Church in La Mirada, California. Previously he taught at Wheaton College and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He is the author of numerous articles and several books. Erik lives with his wife, Donna, and their four children.