The Holy Spirit: God's Power Living Inside You

Have you ever noticed how certain topics in Christianity seem to create more confusion than clarity? While most believers can agree on the existence of God the Father and Jesus the Son, when it comes to the Holy Spirit, churches split, theologies divide, and confusion often reigns. Is it "Holy Spirit" or "the Holy Spirit"? What about "Holy Ghost"? And what exactly does the Spirit do in our lives today?

If I took a poll asking who's still dealing with sin despite being saved, I think many of us would raise our hands. Those fleshly desires, those selfish cravings that linger in our lives—we all have them. But here's what we can all agree on: we need more of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Period.

The Enemy's Fear of the Holy Spirit
The enemy works overtime to create confusion around the Holy Spirit because he's terrified of what happens when believers understand and embrace this power. Just like he attacks our identity in Christ (because he knows once we realize who we are in Jesus, he's in trouble), he also creates chaos around the topic of the Holy Spirit.

Why? Because when we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, real transformation happens. The enemy is fine with you coming to church on Sunday as long as you're just a spectator who takes it in and leaves it there. But when you get a taste of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to change how you think, act, and treat people—that's when the enemy has a problem.

Who Is the Holy Spirit?
In John 14, Jesus makes an incredible promise to His disciples: "I will ask the Father, and he will give you another helper to be with you forever" (John 14:16).

That word "helper" in Greek is "parakletos," which means defense attorney. Think about that for a moment. When you go to court, there's an opposing counsel trying to convict you, bringing accusations against you. But then there's someone representing you—your personal defense attorney.

That's what the Holy Spirit is for us! When the enemy brings accusations against us, when he tries to put shame and guilt on us, the Holy Spirit is right there as our defense attorney. And what do attorneys tell their clients in court? "Remain silent. Don't say anything. Let me work for you." That's exactly what the Holy Spirit does.

The Holy Spirit is also translated as:

• Comforter (because we'll face uncomfortable situations)
• Counselor (helping us articulate what we're feeling inside)
• Advocate (speaking on our behalf)
• Intercessor (praying for us when we don't have the words)

Why Jesus Had to Leave
In John 16, Jesus makes a statement that must have shocked His disciples: "Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away. If I do not go away, the helper will not come to you" (John 16:7).

Put yourself in the disciples' sandals for a moment. These men had been with Jesus for three years. They'd seen Him cast out demons they couldn't cast out. They'd watched Him multiply food when they had none. They'd seen Him calm storms and heal the sick.

And now He's telling them it's better for Him to leave? How could that possibly be true?

Here's why: Jesus was sending His Spirit not just to one location, but to dwell inside each believer. When Jesus was physically present, He could only be in one place at a time. But with the Holy Spirit, He can be with each of us, all the time, wherever we go—guiding us at work, filtering our words, and empowering us for every situation we face.

The Holy Spirit Effect: Peter's Transformation
Look at Peter's transformation as the perfect example. He had the revelation that Jesus was the Son of God (Matthew 16:16), yet when Jesus was arrested, Peter denied Him three times. He knew who Jesus was, but he lacked the boldness to stand up even to a servant girl.

But in Acts 2, after receiving the Holy Spirit, Peter preached boldly and 3,000 people were saved! What changed? The Holy Spirit gave him the power and boldness he lacked before. This is the same transformation available to each of us.

The Fruit of the Spirit vs. The Flesh
In Galatians 5:16-17, Paul writes: "But I say walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."

Something in you wants to be fed—either the Holy Spirit or the flesh. By your habits and actions, you're feeding one or the other. It's your choice.

The works of the flesh are evident: "Sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies..." (Galatians 5:19-21). Paul warns that "those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."

I personally believe Paul isn't just talking about getting into heaven—he's talking about experiencing God's kingdom here and now. Jesus prayed, "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). When we're absorbed with fleshly things, we miss out on experiencing God's kingdom around us.

But when we walk surrendered to the Holy Spirit, the fruit is evident: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23). These fruits aren't just feelings—they're actions meant to affect the people around us.

Recognizing the Spirit's Work in Our Lives
As I listened to Ben share about the Holy Spirit this week, I was reminded of the countless conversations I've had with believers who struggle to understand how the Spirit works in their daily lives. Many come to me confused about manifestations, wondering if they're "spiritual enough" or if they've somehow missed out on what God has for them.

Here's what I've observed over years of ministry: The Holy Spirit's work is often less dramatic and more transformative than we expect. I've watched teenagers in our youth group discover that their newfound ability to show kindness to difficult family members isn't just personal growth—it's the Spirit bearing fruit. I've seen adults realize that their increased patience during stressful seasons at work is evidence of God's power living inside them.

The beauty of Ben's message is this reminder: we don't need to chase after spectacular experiences. When someone accepts Jesus, the Holy Spirit takes up residence immediately. The question isn't whether He's there—it's whether we're yielding to His influence and allowing Him to produce His character in us.

Practical Steps for Walking in the Spirit
As your pastor, I want to offer some practical guidance for those hungry to experience more of the Holy Spirit's power in their lives:

Start Where You Are: You don't need to wait for a special service or emotional moment. The Holy Spirit is ready to work in your Monday morning commute, your Tuesday team meeting, your Wednesday family dinner. Begin each day by simply acknowledging His presence and asking Him to guide your thoughts and responses.

Look for the Fruit: Pay attention to the nine fruits of the Spirit that Paul lists in Galatians 5. When you find yourself responding with patience instead of frustration, or showing kindness when you'd rather be harsh, celebrate that as evidence of the Spirit's work. These aren't just nice personality traits—they're supernatural manifestations of God's character flowing through you.

Create Space for Growth: Just as Ben emphasized the battle between flesh and Spirit, recognize that spiritual growth requires intentional choices. What you feed grows. Spend time in prayer, worship, and Scripture not as religious duty, but as ways to nourish the Spirit within you.

Trust the Process: I've counseled many believers who become discouraged because their transformation doesn't happen overnight. But I've also witnessed incredible long-term changes in people who consistently surrender to the Spirit's work. Some of the most powerful testimonies in our church come from those who can look back over months and years and see how the Holy Spirit has gradually but dramatically changed their hearts, relationships, and responses to life's challenges.

Stay Connected: The Holy Spirit works through community. Don't try to grow in isolation. Whether through small groups, serving teams, or simply authentic friendships with other believers, allow the Spirit to work in and through your relationships with others.

Moving Forward
Remember, you don't need to beg for the Holy Spirit—you need to recognize His presence and surrender to His work in your life. The goal isn't to become a "super Christian" with dramatic spiritual experiences. The goal is to become more like Jesus—and that happens as we daily yield to the Holy Spirit's gentle but persistent work in our lives.

As Ben so powerfully shared, when we allow the Spirit to have His way, real transformation happens. That transformation doesn't just change us—it impacts everyone around us. And that's exactly what our world needs to see: believers who are truly walking in the power of the Holy Spirit, bearing His fruit, and demonstrating His love in practical, everyday ways.