Understanding the Workings of the Spirit

Devotional message

Beloved in Christ, one of the greatest privileges of being born again is having the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. Yet, many believers desire the power of the Spirit without understanding how He works in their daily lives. The Holy Spirit is not merely a feeling or an emotional experience during worship. He is the third Person of the Godhead, sent to dwell in believers, reveal Christ, guide them into truth and empower them for godly living and kingdom assignment. Jesus said in John 14:16–17 that the Father would give His disciples another Comforter, the Spirit of truth, who would abide with them forever. But how does the Holy Spirit work in the life of a believer? First, the Holy Spirit works through spiritual transformation. The first evidence of the Spirit’s work is not necessarily how loudly a person prays, but how increasingly their life reflects the character of Christ. Galatians 5:22–23 identifies the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. Brethren, a person may be gifted and still struggle with anger, pride, unforgiveness or dishonesty. Spiritual gifts are important, but they must never replace spiritual maturity. The Spirit does not only want to work through you; He wants to work within you.

Secondly, the Holy Spirit works through divine guidance and understanding. Romans 8:14 declares that those who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God. To be led by the Spirit means allowing God’s truth and direction to influence your decisions, conduct and response to life’s situations. Consider Philip in Acts 8:26–40. An angel of the Lord directed him toward the road leading from Jerusalem to Gaza. Later, the Spirit instructed him to approach the Ethiopian official’s chariot. Philip obeyed, explained the Scriptures and preached Jesus to him. Notice that Philip’s sensitivity to divine direction created an opportunity for salvation. Child of God, divine guidance is not always about where to go; sometimes it is about whom to speak to, when to remain silent, what to avoid and how to respond. However, not every thought, dream or strong feeling comes from the Holy Spirit. His leading must be tested against Scripture because the Spirit of truth will never contradict the written Word of God.

Thirdly, the Holy Spirit works through empowerment for kingdom assignment. Jesus declared in Acts 1:8, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me…” The Holy Spirit empowers believers to witness for Christ, endure opposition, pray effectively and serve God with courage. Peter, who had previously denied Jesus out of fear, later stood boldly and proclaimed Christ on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:14–41). The same Peter who once struggled with fear became a courageous witness through the empowering work of the Holy Spirit. Beloved, the Holy Spirit was not given merely to make us feel spiritually excited. He was given to help us live for Christ and fulfil the assignment of Christ.

Fourthly, the Holy Spirit works through conviction and correction. John 16:8 reveals that the Spirit convicts the world concerning sin, righteousness and judgment. When the Holy Spirit exposes an ungodly attitude, corrects our conduct or brings God’s Word to our remembrance, we must respond with humility and repentance. Do not silence the conviction of the Spirit simply because His correction makes you uncomfortable. Divine correction is an expression of God’s loving work in our lives. Brethren, understanding the workings of the Spirit requires more than seeking spiritual experiences. It requires surrender, obedience, intimacy with God and consistent attention to His Word. You cannot continually resist His correction and expect to enjoy the fullness of His guidance. The Holy Spirit is not only interested in what you accomplish for God, but also in who you are becoming in Christ. Therefore, cultivate fellowship with Him through prayer, study the Scriptures, obey God’s instructions and remain sensitive to His correction. Do not seek His power while neglecting His character. Do not desire His gifts while resisting His guidance. Walk in the Spirit, live by the Spirit and allow Christ to be revealed through your life.