The God I Never Knew

1. The Holy Spirit: The God You Never Knew

The dynamic, full life Jesus promised to believers is a natural outgrowth of intimate friendship with God, the Holy Spirit.

Unfamiliar relationship. Many Christians, like the author, grew up in denominations that largely avoided discussing the Holy Spirit, treating Him "a bit like the crazy uncle who shows up at Thanksgiving once every few years and horrifies everyone with his inappropriate behavior." This widespread misinformation or incomplete understanding prevents believers from experiencing the vibrant, overcoming Christian life promised by Jesus. The Holy Spirit is often seen as an ornamental feature rather than a vital, active presence.

A Helper sent. Jesus introduced the Holy Spirit as "another Helper" (John 14:16-17), emphasizing His role to assist, teach, and bring remembrance of Jesus's words. This Helper assures us we are never alone, providing divine guidance and insight. The Greek word parakletos, translated as "Helper," also means one who pleads your case like a lawyer or intercedes on your behalf, highlighting the Spirit's active support.

Life-changing friendship. Discovering the Holy Spirit transforms a Christian's life, making it richer, fuller, and more exciting. This intimate friendship provides answers to life's questions and empowers believers to overcome temptation and make wise decisions, moving beyond a dull, powerless Christianity to one aligned with the vibrant church depicted in the book of Acts.

2. The Holy Spirit is a Person, Not a Force

If you don’t see the Holy Spirit as a person, you’ll never develop a personal relationship with Him.

Beyond an "it." Many people mistakenly refer to the Holy Spirit as an "it" or an impersonal force, similar to how one might describe wind or energy. This misconception hinders the development of a personal relationship, as we don't typically form friendships with inanimate objects or abstract concepts. The Holy Spirit is not merely a power or influence; He is a distinct person within the Trinity.

Possessing a soul. A person is defined as a being with a soul, which comprises a mind, a will, and emotions. Scripture clearly attributes these qualities to God the Father and God the Son. Similarly, the Holy Spirit exhibits:

• Mind: He "searches the hearts" and knows "the mind of the Spirit" (Romans 8:27).
• Will: He "forbids" actions (Acts 16:6) and distributes gifts "as He wills" (1 Corinthians 12:11).
• Emotions: He can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30) and experiences joy, love, and peace (Galatians 5:22).

Intimate connection. Recognizing the Holy Spirit as a person with a mind, will, and emotions allows for a deep, personal friendship. He lives within believers, desiring to help them think, desire, and feel as God does. This understanding is foundational to experiencing the full benefits of His presence and guidance.

3. The Holy Spirit is Fully God, Omniscient and Omnipresent

However, even though the Holy Spirit doesn’t toot His own horn, we shouldn’t think that He isn’t a full and equal member of the Godhead.

Equal in Trinity. The Holy Spirit is a full and equal member of the Trinity, alongside the Father and the Son. While He often points to Jesus and glorifies Him, this humility does not diminish His divine status. Treating Him as a "second-class" member or an afterthought is a subtle, yet incorrect, teaching that hinders a true relationship.

Divine attributes. As God, the Holy Spirit possesses all divine attributes, including:

• Omniscience: He is "all knowing," possessing perfect and eternal knowledge of all things (1 Corinthians 2:10-11). He knows the future and can guide us accordingly.
• Omnipotence: He is "all powerful," capable of doing "exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20). His power works within us.
• Omnipresence: He is simultaneously everywhere, transcending space and time (Psalm 139:7-10). No place is beyond His reach.

Lying to God. The book of Acts provides a sobering example in the story of Ananias and Sapphira, where Peter states, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit?" and then immediately follows with, "You have not lied to men but to God" (Acts 5:3-4). This clearly establishes the Holy Spirit's full deity and underscores the seriousness of our relationship with Him.

4. Knowing God's Will Through the Holy Spirit's Mind and Will

You have Someone living in you who knows the will of God for your life.

Accessing divine wisdom. Many Christians struggle to know God's will, often asking, "How can I know the will of God?" The answer lies in cultivating a friendship with the Holy Spirit, who resides within believers and possesses the mind of God. He knows all truth and is committed to being our teacher, guiding us into God's thoughts and purposes.

God's two wills:

• General Will: Revealed in the Bible, providing clear moral and behavioral boundaries applicable to all (e.g., not stealing, honoring parents).
• Specific Will: Revealed through the Holy Spirit's voice, guiding individual decisions (e.g., whom to marry, career paths). This is not found in specific Bible verses but through personal communion.

Personal revelation. The coming of the Holy Spirit marked a profound shift in history, making it possible for all believers, not just a select few prophets, to hear God's voice directly. Peter's sermon on Pentecost declared the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy: "I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy" (Acts 2:17). This means you can have a personal, clear, and consistent relationship with God through the Holy Spirit, receiving specific direction and encouragement for your life.

5. The Holy Spirit Has Emotions: Don't Grieve Him

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Emotional connection. Like any person, the Holy Spirit experiences emotions, including joy, peace, and love, which are part of the "fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22-23). Conversely, He can also feel sadness or grief. Grieving the Holy Spirit signifies a temporary loss of intimacy caused by our actions, particularly those that harm others or involve willful sin.

Behaviors that grieve. Ephesians 4:25-32 lists specific behaviors that grieve the Spirit, primarily those related to how we treat fellow believers:

• Lying
• Uncontrolled anger or wrath
• Stealing or neglecting to give
• Corrupt or evil speaking
• Bitterness, malice, and unforgiveness

Iniquity's impact. The story of Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8) illustrates how "bitterness and iniquity" grieve the Spirit. Simon's desire to buy God's power stemmed from envy and a stronghold of immorality. Iniquity, or habitual sin, creates bondage that hinders intimacy with the Holy Spirit. The author shares his personal struggle with moral purity, where an unbroken stronghold prevented him from hearing the Spirit clearly until he humbled himself and sought freedom.

6. Pentecost: A Grand Entry for All Believers

For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.

A historic outpouring. The Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) marked the "grand entry" of the Holy Spirit, fulfilling Jesus's promise to send "power from on high." This event involved a sound like a rushing wind and visible "tongues, as of fire" resting on each of the 120 disciples, enabling them to speak in "other tongues" (languages unknown to them). This supernatural demonstration unified diverse people, allowing them to hear "the wonderful works of God" in their native languages.

Empowerment for righteousness. Pentecost was not just a one-time event; it initiated an ongoing experience available to all believers. Before Pentecost, the Law revealed God's will but couldn't provide the internal power to keep it. The Holy Spirit's indwelling presence empowers believers to live righteously, writing the "Law of Love" on their hearts and enabling them to walk in love, overcoming the frustration of trying to live the Christian life in their own strength (Romans 8:1-5).

A continuing promise. Peter explicitly stated that the "promise" of the Holy Spirit was "to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off" (Acts 2:39), meaning it extends to all whom God calls, across all generations and locations. This is evidenced by subsequent outpourings in Acts (chapters 8, 10, 19), demonstrating that the Holy Spirit continues to fill and empower believers today, just as He did in the first century.

7. Three Baptisms: Salvation, Water, and Spirit Empowerment

There are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one.

Elementary truths. The Bible teaches about three distinct baptisms, which the writer of Hebrews considers "elementary principles of Christ" (Hebrews 6:1-2). These are:

1. Baptism by the Holy Spirit into Christ (Salvation): The Holy Spirit draws us to Jesus, regenerating our spirit and making us part of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13).
2. Water Baptism: An outward sign of an inward transformation, symbolizing the death and burial of the old self and resurrection to new life in Christ (Ephesians 2:5-6).
3. Baptism in the Holy Spirit by Jesus: Jesus is the baptizer, immersing believers in the Holy Spirit for power and empowerment (Matthew 3:11).

Biblical patterns. This three-fold pattern is evident throughout Scripture:

• Peter's Sermon (Acts 2:38-39): Repent (salvation), be baptized (water), receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
• Samaria (Acts 8:12-17): Believed (salvation), water baptized, then received the Holy Spirit through laying on of hands.
• Ephesus (Acts 19:1-6): Disciples who believed were then water baptized and received the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues and prophesying.

Old Testament foreshadowing. The three baptisms are also foreshadowed in Old Testament events:

• Abraham's call: Leaving his country (salvation), covenant cutting (water baptism), name change to Abra-ha-m (Spirit baptism, "ruah" or Spirit/breath).
• Israel's Exodus: Leaving Egypt (salvation), crossing the Red Sea (water baptism), being led by the cloud (Spirit baptism, 1 Corinthians 10:1-2).
• Tabernacle rituals: Sacrifice of the lamb (salvation), washing at the laver (water baptism), anointing with oil (Spirit baptism).

These examples demonstrate that the Holy Spirit's empowering baptism is a distinct and vital experience for believers, not automatically received at salvation.

8. The Holy Spirit Empowers Us to Live Victoriously

For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Beyond self-effort. Many Christians attempt to live the Christian life in their own strength, leading to frustration and defeat. The Holy Spirit's baptism provides the supernatural "dunamis" (power) needed to live victoriously, enabling believers to overcome sin and walk in righteousness. This power is not merely for spiritual leaders but for every believer.

Jesus's example. Jesus Himself, though fully God, lived His earthly life fully yielded to and empowered by the Holy Spirit. He performed no miracles until after the Spirit descended upon Him at His baptism. He consistently demonstrated what is possible for a Spirit-filled, Spirit-led person, emphasizing that His followers would do "even greater works" because He would send the Helper (John 14:12, 16:7).

Transformation and boldness. The disciples, initially timid and fearful, were transformed into bold witnesses after the Holy Spirit's outpouring on Pentecost. This empowerment enabled them to proclaim Jesus publicly, heal the sick, and perform miracles, turning the world upside down. This same power is available today to equip believers for effective ministry and daily living.

9. Spiritual Gifts: Grace for Edification

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.

Gifts of grace. The Holy Spirit bestows "charisma" or "grace gifts" upon believers, which are "instantaneous enablement of the Holy Spirit in the life of any believer to exercise a gift for the edification of others." These gifts are not earned but freely given out of God's love and goodness. They are for "any believer," not just an elite few, and are intended to build up the entire body of Christ.

Nine manifestations. Paul lists nine distinct gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, categorized into three groups:

• Discerning Gifts (Perceiving):
  • Word of Wisdom: Divine solution for a specific challenge.
  • Word of Knowledge: Supernatural information not naturally known.
  • Discerning of Spirits: Awareness of demonic presence or influence.
• Declarative Gifts (Vocal):
  • Prophecy: Encouraging message from God (edification, exhortation, comfort).
  • Different Kinds of Tongues: Messages in unknown languages.
  • Interpretation of Tongues: Understanding and expressing the intent of a message in tongues.
• Dynamic Gifts (Power):
  • Faith: Supernatural confidence for a specific situation.
  • Gifts of Healings: Supernatural endowments of divine health.
  • Working of Miracles: Divine intervention altering circumstances.

Distributed as He wills. The Holy Spirit owns all the gifts and distributes them "to each one individually as He wills" (1 Corinthians 12:11). This means a believer may operate in different gifts at different times, as prompted by the Spirit, always for the "profit of all" and to bless others.

10. Tongues: A Beneficial Language of Friendship

For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.

Gift vs. Grace. It's crucial to distinguish between the "gift of tongues" (a public message requiring interpretation for the church's edification) and the "grace of tongues" or "prayer language" (a private language for personal spiritual edification). Paul encourages the latter, stating, "I wish you all spoke with tongues" (1 Corinthians 14:5). This personal prayer language is a direct communication from one's spirit to God, bypassing the understanding of the mind, and speaking "mysteries."

Personal edification. Praying in tongues "edifies himself" (1 Corinthians 14:4), meaning it builds up, strengthens, and improves the individual spiritually. This personal strengthening is vital for a believer's growth and effectiveness in God's kingdom. It is not a selfish act but a necessary means of spiritual nourishment, akin to daily Bible reading or personal worship.

Spiritual armor. Praying in the Spirit is a vital part of the "whole armor of God" (Ephesians 6:18). Paul instructs believers to "be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" by "praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit." This spiritual exercise provides strength and power to stand against the schemes of the devil and to withstand in "the evil day," reinforcing one's faith (Jude 20).

11. Trusting the Holy Spirit: Overcoming Fear and Misconceptions

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!

Choice and faith. Operating in spiritual gifts, including praying in tongues, is a conscious choice and an exercise of faith. The Holy Spirit does not force Himself or control a person involuntarily. Just as regular prayer requires faith in an unseen God, stepping out in a prayer language requires a deliberate act of will and trust. Initial expressions may be simple syllables, developing over time.

Overcoming fear. A common fear is that asking for the Holy Spirit might lead to receiving something demonic or unholy. Jesus directly addressed this concern, assuring His disciples that a good Father would never give a "serpent" or "scorpion" when asked for "bread" or "fish" (Luke 11:11-13). This promise guarantees that when we ask for the Holy Spirit, our loving Heavenly Father will only give us good and perfect gifts.

Breaking strongholds. Personal experiences, like the author's, reveal that religious tradition or past negative teachings can create mental strongholds that hinder receiving the Holy Spirit's fullness. Overcoming these requires humility, repentance from prejudice, and a willingness to trust God's Word above human misconceptions. The Holy Spirit desires to break these barriers, leading to greater freedom and intimacy.

12. Embrace the Holy Spirit: Your New Best Friend

Fellowship, communion, and intimacy—in other words, the friendship—with the Holy Spirit is the greatest blessing of all.

Beyond "cheese-and-crackers" Christianity. Many believers live a deprived Christian life, unaware of the abundant blessings and provisions available through the Holy Spirit. They settle for a "cheese-and-crackers" existence, missing out on the rich banquet of God's presence, power, and guidance that was fully purchased by Jesus on the cross and freely offered to all.

Countless benefits. Friendship with the Holy Spirit brings a multitude of benefits:

• Comfort: Infuses peace and assurance.
• Conviction: Draws us to Jesus and assures us of right standing.
• Counsel: Guides into truth, reveals future insights, and provides perfect words.
• Fellowship: An ever-present companion and friend who is God.
• Gifts: Equips for usefulness in God's kingdom, strengthening the body.
• Fruit: Produces love, joy, peace, patience, and other godly qualities.
• Revealed Mysteries: Brings insight into God's plans and solutions to challenges.
• Prayer Help: Enables effective prayer and prays through us.
• Power: Empowers for witnessing, boldness, understanding Scripture, and living the Christian life.
• Liberty: Works true freedom in our lives.

Ask and receive. The Holy Spirit is not mystical but practical, desiring to help us daily. His power and presence are as critical today as in apostolic times. Receiving Him is as simple as asking and receiving by faith, just like salvation. The greatest blessing is not just the gifts, but the intimate friendship with God the Holy Spirit, who desires to be our comforting, empowering best friend.

Last updated: July 31, 2025