In our previous post on the Holy Spirit we have seen how vital the Holy Spirit is in the evangelistic work of the Church. Without Him, there is no true preaching, no real conviction, and no new birth. But the Spirit’s role does not end at conversion; He is equally essential in the ongoing life of the believer and the gathered Church. If we neglect the Holy Spirit here, we rob ourselves of strength, joy, and power for Christian living.

The Spirit Within: Indwelling and Empowering

First, the Spirit comes to indwell every true believer. Romans 8:9 (BSB) reminds us, “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.” This indwelling is not a luxury for a few advanced Christians but the inheritance of all who are truly born again. The Spirit within us bears witness that we are God’s children (Romans 8:16, BSB), assuring us of our adoption and stirring our hearts to cry, “Abba, Father!”

Second, the Spirit empowers us for daily obedience. Paul exhorts the Galatians, “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16, BSB). The Christian life is not lived by human strength, but by divine enablement. The Spirit produces His fruit in us—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23, BSB). Without the Spirit’s power, we revert to the works of the flesh, which bring spiritual decay and defeat.

Third, the Spirit teaches us the truth of God’s Word. Jesus promised, “But when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13, BSB). The Bible is a living book, but it requires the Spirit’s illumination for us to truly understand and apply it. As Paul says, “We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us” (1 Corinthians 2:12, BSB). Without the Spirit’s teaching ministry, Scripture remains a closed book.

The Spirit Among Us: In the Church and in Worship

Fourth, the Spirit creates and sustains the unity of the Church. Paul urges the Ephesians, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3, BSB). Church unity is not merely organizational—it is spiritual. It is the Spirit Himself who knits believers together in one body, with one faith, one hope, and one Lord.

Fifth, the Spirit enables bold and faithful witness. Jesus told His disciples, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses…” (Acts 1:8, BSB). Evangelism without the Spirit’s anointing becomes a barren exercise. But when the Spirit moves, even the simplest words become arrows of conviction and seeds of life.

Sixth, the Spirit comforts and encourages believers through every sorrow and trial. Jesus calls Him “the Comforter” or “Helper” (John 14:26, BSB). He reminds us of God’s promises, strengthens us in suffering, and fills our hearts with hope even in the darkest valleys.

In the gathered Church, the Holy Spirit is the source of true worship and ministry. “God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24, BSB). Every genuine spiritual gift—whether teaching, serving, encouraging, giving, or leading—is energized by the Spirit for the building up of Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 12:4-11, BSB). Paul commands, “Do not quench the Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 5:19, BSB). Yet how easily, through coldness, unbelief, formalism, or pride, we do just that. A church may have all the right doctrine and still be spiritually lifeless if the Spirit is grieved and His ministry is suppressed.

What then shall we do?

First, we must pray for a deeper filling of the Spirit. Paul exhorts, “Be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18, BSB)—present tense, ongoing, daily.

Second, we must yield ourselves fully to His control. “Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25, BSB). His leading must become our delight, not our reluctance.

Third, we must re-center our lives on Christ through the Spirit’s power. As Jesus promised, the Spirit glorifies Christ—not Himself. Whenever the Spirit is truly at work, Christ is lifted up, not obscured.

Fourth, we must expect and desire the Spirit’s operations among us—in conviction, regeneration, comfort, guidance, and sanctification. Without Him, all our efforts will be in vain.

A Closing Plea

Dear friends, let us not neglect the Holy Spirit any longer. He is not a distant influence but God with us and within us. Let us pray for His mighty work among us again—both in our own hearts and in the Church. May we not be found grieving or quenching the Spirit, but rather walking joyfully and powerfully in His presence and strength.

“If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25, BSB)

Cross References for Meditation:
Isaiah 32:15 – “Until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, and the desert becomes a fertile field…”
Titus 3:5-6 – “He saved us… through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly…”
Psalm 51:11 – “Do not cast me away from Your presence; do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.”