The Holy Spirit

What Does the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit Do?

Follow Scripture’s own descriptions of the Spirit’s work in revealing Christ, dwelling in believers, producing fruit, helping prayer, and empowering witness.

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Key Scriptures (KJV)

Read each passage in its surrounding chapter as you study.

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
John 14:26

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.”
John 16:13-14

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”
Romans 8:26

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
Acts 1:8

Study the Word

What the passages teach

Each section separates the text’s direct teaching from explanation and personal response.

Part 1

He teaches truth and glorifies Jesus

John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:13-15; 1 Corinthians 2:10-13

Scripture says

Jesus says the Comforter teaches, brings His words to remembrance, testifies of Him, guides into truth, and glorifies Him. Paul says spiritual truth is taught by the Holy Ghost.

Understanding

The Spirit’s ministry is Christ-centered and consistent with the Word He inspired. A claim that diminishes Jesus or contradicts Scripture should not be credited to the Spirit.

Apply it

Ask for understanding as you read Scripture, and test spiritual claims by the apostolic witness to Jesus rather than by intensity of feeling alone.

Part 2

He convicts and gives new life

John 3:5-8; John 16:8-11; Titus 3:5-6

Scripture says

Jesus says the Spirit reproves the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment. Scripture also connects the Spirit with new birth, washing, and renewal.

Understanding

Conviction exposes sin and points to Christ; it is different from hopeless condemnation. Renewal produces a changed direction, not mere religious information.

Apply it

Respond to conviction with repentance and faith. Do not harden your heart when Scripture exposes sin or directs you toward Christ.

Part 3

He dwells in, seals, and assures believers

Romans 8:9, 14-16; 1 Corinthians 6:19; Ephesians 1:13-14

Scripture says

The New Testament says the Spirit dwells in believers, leads God’s children, bears witness with their spirit, and seals those who believe the gospel.

Understanding

The Spirit’s indwelling marks belonging to Christ and begins a life of ongoing dependence and holiness; it is not permission to become passive about obedience.

Apply it

Remember that your body belongs to God, reject sin, and seek to follow the Spirit’s leading through truth, prayer, and obedient choices.

Part 4

He produces fruit, gives gifts, helps prayer, and empowers witness

Acts 1:8; Romans 8:26-27; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Galatians 5:16, 22-25

Scripture says

The Spirit empowers witness, helps believers in prayer, distributes gifts as He wills, and produces love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.

Understanding

Power and gifting serve Christ’s mission and His body. Spiritual fruit is essential evidence of the Spirit’s sanctifying work and must not be displaced by fascination with gifts.

Apply it

Use whatever God supplies to serve others, pray in dependence, speak of Christ, and measure growth by increasing obedience and Christlike fruit.

Reflect together

Discussion questions

Which works of the Spirit in these passages have I overlooked?
How does John 16 help me test whether a spiritual claim truly honors Jesus?
Where do I need the Spirit’s help to obey, pray, or bear witness?
Which fruit named in Galatians 5 needs deliberate attention in my life?

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Fellowship

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