Explaining the Holy Spirit

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things.” — John 14:26

The lesson opened with an honest admission: most of us assume we understand the Holy Spirit, and most of us do not — whether this is the first time you have thought about it or the fortieth.

The first thing settled was what the Holy Spirit is not. Not a feeling. Not an atmosphere in a room. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God — a person, the third of the Trinity, sent by Jesus to the disciples after He ascended so they would not be left on their own.

Four things the Holy Spirit does

  • Helps and teaches. John 14:26 — the Comforter teaches all things and brings them to remembrance.
  • Gives strength. Acts 1:8 — ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you. Strength for what is actually in front of you.
  • Leads into truth. John 16:13 — He will guide you into all truth, and away from sin. The guidance is offered; following it is our part, and we do not always.
  • Dwells within. 1 Corinthians 6:19 — your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost. He lives in those who have been born again.

Four ways He guides

  • Through God’s Word
  • Through prayer
  • Through wisdom
  • Through conviction — the check in your spirit before you do the thing

The practical charge: seek God’s direction before the decision, not after it has gone wrong. And the promised fruit of following that guidance is not comfort so much as growth — a faith that gets stronger by being used.

Wednesday, June 3, 2026 · John 14:26, Acts 1:8, John 16:13, 1 Corinthians 6:19