It is the joy of every true Christian to know that God lives in him by the Holy Spirit. True Christian life is not difficult: it is impossible. But God in His mercy makes possible the impossible. Even today God works in us through His Holy Spirit. Let us see how:

He Convicts Us of Sin

It is the Holy Spirit who convicts people of their sinfulness (John 16:8-11), because they do not trust in Jesus Christ. Therefore the Holy Spirit calls us to stop being disobedient (Nehemiah 9:30).

He Gives Us the New Birth

When the Holy Spirit works in the heart of man, the result is the miracle of being born again (John 3:8) so that everything in that man's life becomes new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

He Gives Us Assurance

He gives us the full assurance that we have been forgiven and have become children of God through the new birth (Romans 8:13-16). Then He reveals to us all the wonderful blessings that God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9-10). The Holy Spirit is the seal that proves that we belong to God (Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 John 3:24).

He Works Out God's Will In and Through Believers

He comes to equip us for a pure life to serve God and man. He empowers us to lead godly lives.

Discover for yourself some of the blessings the Holy Spirit gives.

Write next to each reference what you learnt in that verse:

• Psalm 143:10:
• Matthew 10:19-20:
• Luke 2:26-27:
• John 14:26:
• John 16:12:
• John 16:13-14:
• Acts 1;;8:
• Acts 4:31:
• Acts 8:29:
• Acts 13:2-4:
• Acts 15:28:
• Acts 16:7:
• Acts 20:28:
• Romans 5:5:
• Romans 7:6:
• Romans 8:11:
• Romans 8:26-27:

(I am sure that this study took some time. But by now you will realize what a great privilege it is to every believer to have God the Holy Spirit living in him!)

In John 16:12 Jesus promised the disciples that the Holy Spirit would “guide you unto all truth . . .” After Pentecost the Holy Spirit inspired them to write the different books of the New Testament for all people of all times, and even now He helps us to see and understand those truths.

The Fruit of the Spirit

The more one surrenders oneself to the guidance and control of the Holy Spirit, the more the “fruit of the Spirit” become visible in one's life:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-24).

Look again at that list, and compare it to your own life. Surely such fruit truly glorifies God!

Do Not Resist the Holy Spirit

It is possible to miss all the blessings that the Holy Spirit wishes to give us. This happens when we

• resist the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 63:10; Acts 7:51);
• grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30);
• lie to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3);
• test the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:9);
• insult the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 10:29);
• blaspheme against the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31; Mark 3:29-30).

The consequence of such action is terrible and leads to darkness, despair, sin, lostness and meaninglessness of life (Hebrews 6:4-6; 10:26-31).

“So, as the Holy Spirit says: Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:7).

Test yourself No. 16

Answer the following questions and compare your answers.

• 1. Name four things that the Holy Spirit does in man.
• 2. What is the first fruit of the Spirit?