The Holy Spirit and HIS Purpose
The Trinity, being the three-part God-head, is one of the hardest things to explain. The concept of having three parts to God and each having designated responsibilities can become quite confusing. The Holy Spirit is one part of the God-head that Jesus requested be left here on Earth to lead and direct those who have a personal relationship with God. It is stated that this request was the first time Christ filled his role as an intercessory.
The word Spirit used in the Old Testament is ruwach (Hebrew) which means “gust of wind” or “blast of breath.” In the New Testament, the Greek word pneuma is used which is translated as “breath” or “to give life.” Both words describe a force or living energy. Many times people use the analogy of wind to describe God. You can feel its presence and see its effect on other beings, but you can not physically see it or touch it. We should think of the Holy Spirit more as a person with specific personality traits rather than a mystical “thing.” Jesus told us in scripture the purpose and reason for the Holy Spirit:
Counselor/Helper: “one called along side to help.”
John 14:16
“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.”
The Holy Spirit stop be a practical helper and co-laborer. Many commentaries say “one who picks up the other end of the log or load you are carrying.”
Teacher: “to instill doctrine into.”
John 14:26
“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 said to you.”
A purpose here is for the Holy Spirit to help these disciples recollect the teachings and principals he spoke of while he was on Earth. This is influential for the faith because these disciples were the ones writing what we know as the scripture. We believe in the inerrancy of scripture because of the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Convict: “bring to the light with shame of the person convicted.”
John 16:8
“ And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment;”
This meaning of convict means more of a persuasion to good rather than a punishment of bad. The Holy Spirit is to help us recognize our need of a Savior and keep us on the path of righteousness.
Guide: “lead in one’s way.”
John 1613
“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.”
The final purpose is to keep us on the straight and narrow. He is but a middle man of the truth of the Gospel and seeks to keep us close to God through conviction and prepared for the hardships to come.
Observing these characteristics should make us recognize as we seek to be more like Christ, it should change us and those around us. If we model ourselves after these characteristics and speak them into other people, we are growing the kingdom of God.
