Holy Spirit- Who He Is

Our Counselor and Advocate.

The Holy Spirit has many roles in our lives. He wears several different hats, and actually works with Jesus for us. Today I read I John, chapter 2. Verse 27 says "But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don't need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you all things and what he teaches is true- it is not a lie. So continue in what he has taught you and continue to live in Christ."

The Holy Spirit is very much like the idea of a conscience. In fact, I wholeheartedly believe that it is the Holy Spirit who acts as our conscience- even before we have met Christ personally. He helps steer us in the right direction. He's that voice in the back of your head that tells you something is wrong before you do it. What verse 27 is saying to me is that with the help of the Holy Spirit, I don't need someone else to tell me what is right. I need to pay attention to that voice in my head that says to make amends with someone, or to turn the channel when something unwholesome comes on the screen.

In this way, the Holy Spirit can be likened to a counselor. The root meaning of the actual word counselor is "one who is called alongside to help." Schools today have at least one counselor on staff at all times. These counselors are there to help. If a student has a problem at home, with school, with peers, or a different sort of problem, they can turn to these counselors to help guide them. So it is with Christians and the Holy Spirit. He is there to help us whenever we need it. Whether it be direction in a decision, help in dealing with another believer, or help to endure a crisis. The Holy Spirit is our counselor in times of need, and in times of peace. What a comfort to know that we have him there when we need him!

Another term for counselor could be an advocate. An advocate is one who is called to one's side to help against an accuser or a judge. We hear about advocates a lot in the court system today. The Holy Spirit is there to help us plead our case and defend our beliefs to a non-believer. The Holy Spirit helps us by being an advocate for Jesus. He shows us the direction we need to head to understand Jesus's role in our lives. He helps our minds and our hearts wholly accept what Jesus has done for us, and shows us that the only way is through Christ.

And just as the Holy Spirit is an advocate for Jesus, Jesus is our advocate with God. I John 2:1 says " There is someone to plead for you before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who pleases God completely." The Holy Spirit puts Christ in the forefront of our minds, and Jesus in turn, gives us the direction we need to take to get to God. And that is through Jesus Christ and what he has done for us. It's amazing to see how all three beings of God work together. And even more amazing is that they all work together for me! They want me to be happy, and they want me to spend eternity with them. Wow!

Tomorrow we'll begin 5 days about sin... stay tuned.