THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN EVANGELISM
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Acts 1:8
"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
Supporting Texts: John 16:7-8, Luke 12:12, 1 Corinthians 2:4, Romans 8:26, Matthew 10:20
INTRODUCTION:
Evangelism is a divine assignment that cannot be carried out effectively without the help of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:8, Jesus made it clear that believers need the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to be effective witnesses. The Holy Spirit is not only the source of power but also the one who convicts sinners, gives wisdom to the evangelist, and confirms the gospel with signs and wonders.
Without the Holy Spirit, evangelism becomes a mere religious activity with no lasting impact. The disciples of Jesus, though trained by Him for three years, were instructed to wait for the Holy Spirit before beginning their ministry. This underscores the importance of His role in spreading the gospel.
In this study, we will explore the various ways the Holy Spirit works in evangelism and how we can depend on Him to fulfill the Great Commission.
1. THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES POWER FOR EVANGELISM
Without the Holy Spirit, our efforts in evangelism will be weak and ineffective.
a) The disciples received boldness after Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4)
Before Pentecost, they were fearful, but after, they preached with power.
b) The gospel must be preached in the power of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:4)
It is not through human wisdom but through the Spirit’s demonstration of power.
c) The Holy Spirit emboldens believers to preach (Acts 4:31)
The early church prayed and was filled with boldness to speak the Word.
d) Jesus operated in the power of the Spirit (Luke 4:18-19)
He was anointed to preach, heal, and set captives free.
e) Biblical Example: Peter’s Boldness on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41)
He preached and 3,000 souls were saved in one day.
2. THE HOLY SPIRIT CONVICTS SINNERS
Evangelism without conviction leads to no genuine conversion.
a) The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:7-8)
He opens people’s eyes to their need for salvation.
b) Without conviction, people remain blind to the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:4)
The devil blinds unbelievers, but the Spirit brings revelation.
c) The Spirit leads people to repentance (Acts 11:18)
He softens hearts and turns them toward God.
d) Human wisdom cannot change hearts, only the Spirit can (Zechariah 4:6)
It is not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit.
e) Biblical Example: The Conviction of the Philippian Jailer (Acts 16:29-30)
After Paul and Silas’ worship, the jailer asked, “What must I do to be saved?”
3. THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES WISDOM AND UTTERANCE
He teaches us what to say when preaching the gospel.
a) The Spirit gives us the right words to speak (Luke 12:12)
He teaches us what to say at the right time.
b) The apostles relied on the Spirit’s wisdom (Acts 6:10)
No one could resist the wisdom by which Stephen spoke.
c) The Spirit reveals mysteries that draw people to Christ (1 Corinthians 2:10-13)
Spiritual things are only understood through the Spirit.
d) Evangelism without the Spirit’s wisdom can be ineffective (Colossians 4:6)
Our words must be seasoned with grace to attract souls.
e) Biblical Example: Paul’s Preaching in Athens (Acts 17:22-31)
He used wisdom to present the gospel in a way the Greeks could understand.
4. THE HOLY SPIRIT CONFIRMS THE GOSPEL WITH SIGNS AND WONDERS
Miracles draw attention to the message of Christ.
a) God confirms His Word with signs following (Mark 16:20)
Miracles validate the gospel message.
b) The Holy Spirit releases gifts for effective evangelism (1 Corinthians 12:7-10)
Gifts of healing, prophecy, and miracles accompany soul-winning.
c) Many people believed in Christ through miracles (John 2:23)
Signs and wonders attract people to God.
d) The Spirit works through us to do exploits (Acts 19:11-12)
Extraordinary miracles happened through Paul’s ministry.
e) Biblical Example: The Healing of the Lame Man at the Beautiful Gate (Acts 3:1-10)
After his healing, many believed in Christ.
5. THE HOLY SPIRIT DIRECTS EVANGELISTIC EFFORTS
He leads us to the right places and people.
a) The Spirit led Philip to the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:29-30)
Evangelism is most effective when we follow divine direction.
b) Paul was forbidden by the Spirit to go to certain places (Acts 16:6-7)
The Spirit guides where and when we should minister.
c) Evangelism without the Spirit’s leading can be fruitless (Proverbs 3:5-6)
We must trust God’s direction for maximum impact.
d) God knows where souls are ready to be saved (Luke 10:2)
He sends labourers to the right harvest fields.
e) Biblical Example: Cornelius’ Divine Encounter (Acts 10:1-48)
The Holy Spirit arranged Peter’s visit to Cornelius, leading to his household’s salvation.
CONCLUSION:
The Holy Spirit is the chief strategist and power behind evangelism. Without Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5). He empowers, convicts, gives wisdom, confirms the Word with signs, and directs our evangelistic efforts.
If we desire to be effective in winning souls, we must cultivate a deep relationship with the Holy Spirit. Through prayer, fasting, and sensitivity to His leading, we can experience a mighty harvest of souls for God’s kingdom. Let us depend on Him daily and allow Him to work through us.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Holy Spirit, fill me with power to preach the gospel effectively.
2. Lord, convict sinners through my words and actions.
3. Father, grant me divine wisdom and utterance to reach the lost.
4. Holy Spirit, confirm Your Word with signs and wonders as I evangelise.
5. Lord, lead me to those who are ready to receive salvation.
