Topical · Week 1 of 6

Who Is the Holy Spirit?

John 14:15-27

The Spirit as person, not force

Main Point

The Holy Spirit isn't an 'it' — He is a Person who comforts, counsels, and stays with you forever.

Application Ideas

Do you relate to the Holy Spirit as a person or a concept? Talk to Him directly this week.

Discussion Questions

Why does Jesus call the Spirit 'another Advocate'? What does it mean that the Spirit 'will be in you'?

Detailed Sermon Outline

Primary Text: John 14:15-27

Supporting Texts: Romans 8:26; 1 Corinthians 12:11; John 15:26

Big Idea: The Holy Spirit is a person, not a force, who works to reveal Jesus and empower believers.

Target Length: 35-40 minutes

Introduction

The Holy Spirit is the most mysterious person of the Trinity. You can see Jesus in the Gospels. You can read about the Father's character. But the Holy Spirit is often overlooked, misunderstood, or reduced to a feeling or experience.

Yet the Holy Spirit is essential. Jesus said it was better that He go away and send the Spirit than for Him to stay. The Spirit empowers believers. The Spirit transforms hearts. The Spirit makes the gospel real in our lives.

This series is about knowing the Holy Spirit personally. Understanding His role. Inviting Him to work. Cooperating with His power.

I. The Holy Spirit Is a Person, Not a Force (John 14:26; Romans 8:26)

Many people treat the Holy Spirit like an impersonal power. They might say 'the spirit moved me' like it's an invisible energy. But the Holy Spirit is a person. He has personality. He has will. He has emotions.

Romans 8:26 says the Spirit intercedes for us. The Spirit prays on your behalf. A force doesn't pray. A person does.
1 Corinthians 12:11 says the Spirit distributes gifts as He determines. He makes choices. He has preferences.

When you relate to the Holy Spirit as a person, everything changes. You don't use Him. You commune with Him. You listen to Him. You partner with Him.

II. The Spirit Testifies About Jesus (John 15:26)

The Holy Spirit is always pointing to Jesus. That's His primary role. 'When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father... he will testify about me.'

Any experience of the Spirit that doesn't center on Jesus is questionable. If it's all about power, or feeling good, or supernatural experiences, be careful.
The Spirit's work is to make Jesus real to you. To help you understand who Jesus is. To empower you to follow Him.

A Spirit-filled life is a Jesus-centered life. The evidence of the Spirit's presence is increasing faith, increasing love, increasing devotion to Christ.

III. The Spirit Empowers Believers (Acts 1:8)

'But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses.' This power is not power to become famous or wealthy. It's power to witness.

The disciples were ordinary people. Uneducated. Afraid. But when the Spirit filled them, they spoke with boldness. They worked miracles. They turned the world upside down.
This power is available to you. Not for your agenda, but for God's agenda. To help you become what you couldn't be alone.

The Christian life is impossible without the Spirit. But with the Spirit, it's possible. That's the promise.

Appeal

Have you been neglecting the Holy Spirit? Have you been trying to live the Christian life in your own strength? Stop. Invite the Spirit to work. Cooperate with Him.

The Spirit is ready. Waiting. Eager to empower you. Welcome Him. Trust Him. Let Him transform you.