Holy Spirit
God with us and within us.
Original Word: רוּחַ (ruach)
Reference: Genesis 1:2
Meaning: Breath, wind, spirit.
Used when the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters at creation — the active, life-giving presence of God.
The Holy Spirit is not a force or feeling — He is God, the third Person of the Trinity, equal in power, holiness, and glory with the Father and the Son.
From the beginning of creation to the new birth of believers, the Spirit is always present — empowering, guiding, and transforming.
Jesus promised that the Spirit would dwell within His people, teaching, convicting, and strengthening them for a life of holiness and mission.
To walk with God is to walk by the Spirit — surrendered, led, and empowered by His presence.
The Spirit in Creation and Prophecy
The Spirit was active in creation (Genesis 1:2), in empowering leaders (Judges 6:34), and in filling prophets with God’s word (2 Peter 1:21).
The prophets foretold a day when the Spirit would be poured out on all people (Joel 2:28–29) — a promise fulfilled in Christ.
The Spirit and Jesus
Jesus was conceived by the Spirit (Luke 1:35), baptized with the Spirit (Luke 3:22), and led by the Spirit (Luke 4:1).
He performed miracles by the Spirit (Matthew 12:28) and promised to send the Spirit to His followers after His ascension (John 14:16–17).
The Spirit Gives New Life
We are born again by the Spirit (John 3:5–6). He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8), and applies Christ’s work to our hearts.
The Spirit regenerates, seals, and indwells believers, marking them as God's own (Titus 3:5; Ephesians 1:13).
The Spirit Empowers and Transforms
At Pentecost, the Spirit was poured out with power (Acts 2), fulfilling Joel’s prophecy. Believers received boldness, spiritual gifts, and unity.
He produces the fruit of holiness in us (Galatians 5:22–23) and empowers us for mission (Acts 1:8).
Walking by the Spirit
The Christian life is not lived by our strength but by the Spirit’s power. “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).
He teaches, comforts, guides, and assures us of God’s love (Romans 8:14–16).
Scripture References
- Genesis 1:2
- Joel 2:28–29
- Luke 1:35
- Luke 3:22
- Luke 4:1
- Matthew 12:28
- John 3:5–6
- John 14:16–17
- John 16:8
- Titus 3:5
- Ephesians 1:13–14
- Acts 1:8
- Acts 2:1–4
- Galatians 5:16, 22–23
- Romans 8:14–16
The Holy Spirit is God’s personal presence, dwelling within every believer. He gives life, convicts of sin, points to Jesus, and empowers us to live for God's glory. To know the Spirit is to experience God not only above us or beside us — but within us.
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