WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: John 14:16-17 (KJV)
"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."
Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 13:14 – “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.”
Supporting Texts: Genesis 1:1-2, Acts 1:8, Romans 8:14, 1 Corinthians 2:10-11
INTRODUCTION:
The Holy Spirit is one of the most misunderstood Persons in the Godhead. Many people think of Him merely as a force, a feeling, or an influence. However, the Bible makes it clear that the Holy Spirit is a Person; He has a will, He speaks, He leads, He can be grieved, and He empowers believers.
From Genesis to Revelation, the Holy Spirit is revealed as the active power of God, present in creation, inspiring prophets, empowering kings, anointing Jesus, and filling the early Church with boldness. He is not an optional part of the Christian faith; He is central to our walk with God.
Without the Holy Spirit, a believer cannot truly understand God’s Word, live a victorious Christian life, or carry out the mission of Christ. To know the Holy Spirit is to know God intimately and to experience His presence daily.
1. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GOD
The Holy Spirit is not less than the Father or the Son; He is equally God, co-equal and co-eternal with them.
a) He is part of the Trinity – Matthew 28:19
Jesus commanded baptism in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, showing His divine equality.
b) He is eternal – Hebrews 9:14
The Spirit is described as “eternal,” meaning He has no beginning or end.
c) He is the Creator – Genesis 1:2
The Spirit of God moved upon the waters at creation, working with the Father and Son to bring forth life.
d) He is Omniscient and Omnipresent – Psalm 139:7-8, 1 Corinthians 2:10-11
The Spirit knows all things and is present everywhere, which are attributes of God alone.
Biblical Example: In Acts 5:3-4, Peter declared that lying to the Holy Spirit is lying to God, proving the Spirit’s deity.
2. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS A PERSON
The Holy Spirit has personal qualities that show He is not an impersonal force but a living divine Person.
a) He has a mind – Romans 8:27
He searches and knows the deep things of God.
b) He has emotions – Ephesians 4:30
The Spirit can be grieved when we sin, showing His sensitivity.
c) He has a will – 1 Corinthians 12:11
He distributes spiritual gifts according to His own will.
d) He speaks and teaches – John 16:13
The Spirit guides believers into all truth and speaks what He hears from the Father.
Biblical Example: In Acts 13:2, the Holy Spirit spoke directly, saying, “Separate unto me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.”
3. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S ROLE IN THE BELIEVER’S LIFE
The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in every area of a believer’s journey with God.
a) He regenerates – John 3:5-6
We are born again by the Spirit, who gives us new life in Christ.
b) He indwells – 1 Corinthians 6:19
Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, meaning He lives within us.
c) He empowers – Acts 1:8
The Spirit gives us power to witness, serve, and live victoriously.
d) He leads and guides – Romans 8:14
Those led by the Spirit are the true children of God.
Biblical Example: The apostles were timid before Pentecost, but after being filled with the Holy Spirit, they boldly preached and thousands were saved (Acts 2).
4. THE HOLY SPIRIT REVEALS CHRIST AND GOD’S TRUTH
The Spirit’s work is not to glorify Himself but to glorify Christ and reveal God’s will to us.
a) He testifies of Christ – John 15:26
The Spirit always points people to Jesus, not Himself.
b) He illuminates Scripture – 1 Corinthians 2:10
He gives believers understanding of the mysteries of God’s Word.
c) He convicts the world – John 16:8
The Spirit convicts of sin, righteousness, and judgment.
d) He gives revelation and guidance – Isaiah 30:21
Through the Spirit, God gives direction to His people in every season.
Biblical Example: Simeon, by the Holy Spirit, recognised the baby Jesus as the Messiah (Luke 2:25-32).
CONCLUSION:
The Holy Spirit is not an optional luxury for the Christian life; He is the very breath of God within us. He is God, He is a Person, and He is actively at work in the life of every believer to reveal Christ, empower us, and guide us into God’s perfect will.
To live without a relationship with the Holy Spirit is to live beneath God’s plan. But to walk with Him daily is to live in power, victory, and divine fellowship. Every believer must therefore surrender to the Spirit’s leading and allow Him to rule their lives.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit in my life.
2. Holy Spirit, reveal Yourself to me in a deeper way.
3. Father, let my life be a temple that honours Your Spirit.
4. Lord, fill me with the power of the Holy Spirit daily.
5. Holy Spirit, guide me into all truth and righteousness.
6. Lord, help me not to grieve or quench the Holy Spirit.
7. Father, baptise me afresh with the fire of the Holy Ghost.
8. Holy Spirit, empower me for effective witnessing.
9. Lord, let Your Spirit always lead me in my decisions.
10. Holy Spirit, transform me into the likeness of Christ.
