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Recognizing The Work Of The Holy Spirit In A Person. Series
Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Mar 10, 2024 (message contributor)
Summary: The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, who dwells in the hearts of believers, guiding, empowering, and transforming them.
Holy Spirit is the Sanctifier, the Helper, Comforter, the Giver of graces, he who leads persons to the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit is credited with inspiring believers and allowing for them to interpret all the sacred scripture, and leads prophets both in Old Testament and New Testament.
But how can we recognize His work in a person's life? In this article, we will explore the biblical signs that indicate the Holy Spirit is working in someone, examining key verses that reveal His transformative presence. The Bible provides clear indicators of the Holy Spirit's work in a person's life, from the fruit of the Spirit to the gifts and empowerment He provides. By examining these biblical signs, we can recognize the transformative presence of the Holy Spirit in ourselves and others, giving glory to God for His work in our lives.
1. Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
When the Holy Spirit is working in someone, He produces a harvest of virtues, manifesting in a life marked by love, joy, peace, and more.
2. Gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)
"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit... To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."
The Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts to believers, such as prophecy, tongues, healing, and teaching, for the benefit of the Church and the world.
3. Sanctification (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14)
"As for you, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how-to live-in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more."
The Holy Spirit works in believers to progressively sanctify them, making them more like Christ in their thoughts, words, and deeds.
4. Confession and Repentance (John 16:8-11)
"And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment... concerning sin, because they do not believe in me."
The Holy Spirit convicts people of their sin, leading them to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
5. Empowerment and Strength (Acts 1:8, Philippians 4:13)
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
"I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to witness and serve, providing strength and courage in the face of adversity.
6. The Spirit's Witness (Romans 8:16)
"The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."
This verse confirms that the Holy Spirit testifies to our spirit, assuring us of our salvation and adoption as children of God.
7. Indwelling (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."
This passage emphasizes that the Holy Spirit dwells within believers, making our bodies His temple.
8. Sealing (Ephesians 1:13-14)
"In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."
The Holy Spirit seals believers, marking us as God's possession and guaranteeing our inheritance.
9. Praying in the Spirit (Jude 1:20)
"But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit."
This verse indicates that praying in the Holy Spirit is a hallmark of His presence in a person's life.
The Bible provides clear and convincing proof of the Holy Spirit's presence in a person's life. From the Spirit's witness to the fruit of the Spirit, indwelling, sealing, and praying in the Spirit, these biblical signs confirm the transformative presence of the Holy Spirit in believers. May this understanding deepen our relationship with God and encourage us to walk in the Spirit's power and guidance.