Empowered by the Spirit

Building a Real Relationship with the Holy Spirit

Most believers know about the Holy Spirit. Fewer know the Holy Spirit. Yet Jesus said it’s better for Him to leave so the Spirit could come. Why? Because the Holy Spirit isn’t a theological idea—He is a personal gift from God meant to walk with you every day. He’s the key to power, peace, and partnership in your faith journey.

It’s Not Father, Son, and Holy Bible

Some flinched when I said this last week: "It's not Father, Son, and Holy Bible." It’s Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And when you receive salvation, you receive all of God—not two-thirds. The Holy Spirit is not an optional upgrade for the spiritually elite. He’s God with us, from the moment you believe.

Why Did Jesus Have to Go?

In John 16, Jesus tells His disciples, "It is to your advantage that I go away." (v.7) He explains that if He doesn’t go, the Advocate—the Holy Spirit—won’t come. But why?

Because if Jesus remained physically on Earth, access to Him would be limited. With over 8 billion people alive today, if Jesus gave each person 60 seconds of His time, it would take millions of years to meet everyone. But the Holy Spirit? He’s present everywhere, all the time, in every believer.

This wasn’t Plan B. This was the original plan.

What Does the Holy Spirit Do?

Here are just a few of the roles He plays in our lives:

1. He Focuses You on Jesus

   • John 15:26 says the Spirit testifies of Jesus. When you're distracted, discouraged, or drifting, the Holy Spirit recenters you.

2. He Heals and Empowers

   • The gifts of healing come through the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:4–9). What He gives to you, He also desires to give through you. You become a carrier of supernatural help for others.

3. He Comforts You

   • The Holy Spirit is the Comforter (John 14:26). He gives peace that isn’t based on circumstance—it surpasses understanding.

4. He Guards Against Burnout

   • Burnout often comes when we serve in our own strength. Staying connected to the Holy Spirit during the week prevents that Sunday slump.

5. He Gives You Power to Be a Witness

   • Acts 1:8 says, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you." The power isn’t for a show—it’s for the mission: to live a life that invites others to embrace Jesus.

So How Do You Partner with the Holy Spirit?

1. Surrender to the Will of God

Jesus Himself surrendered in baptism "to fulfill all righteousness." You don’t wait until everything is cleaned up to surrender. You obey now. Water baptism, obedience, and surrender are gateways to supernatural assignment.

2. Walk in Humility

James 4:6 says "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Pride isn’t just arrogance—it’s the belief that you can run your life better than God. Humility is the posture that invites the Spirit’s voice and guidance.

3. Submit to Spiritual Authority

If you want the Spirit’s power, you also need the Spirit’s process. That often includes godly leaders who help refine and guide you. Don’t go rogue under the banner of "God told me." Even Paul said, "It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us..." (Acts 15:28)

4. Confess Your Sins

Confession cultivates connection. Hidden sin hinders the Spirit’s work. Repentance clears the path. And sometimes, saying "I'm sorry" to your spouse or your kids is the most spiritual thing you can do.

5. Serve in Secret

Jesus said those who seek praise have received their reward in full. When you serve without applause, you build eternal reward and cultivate humility.

6. Surrender the Stuff

It might not be sin—it might just be weight. What activities, hobbies, or people pull you away from intimacy with God? For mature believers, growth comes through subtle adjustments. If it hinders worship, generosity, or obedience, it might be time to let it go.

7. Listen to the Spirit’s Warnings

David said in Psalm 23, "Your rod and your staff, they comfort me." The Spirit’s correction and direction aren't punishments—they're gifts. Little nudges like "Don’t say that right now" or "Walk away from that partnership" are how the Spirit protects and leads you.

Final Thought: Draw the Attention of Heaven

When you surrender, humble yourself, and walk by the Spirit, you draw the Father’s attention. God saw Abraham’s faith, Noah’s obedience, David’s worship, and Job’s faithfulness. When the Spirit is active in your life, God says, "That one looks like Me."

You weren’t meant to do ministry (or life) in your own strength. You were meant to be filled, led, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. So don’t just acknowledge Him.

Partner with Him. Live by Him. Expect Him.

Because that’s how we live a life that invites others to embrace Jesus.

Hungry for more? Join us this Sunday at The Gathering in Prosper, TX. Come encounter the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.