Week #2 - The “Friendly” Holy Ghost
Blog Series Intention Recap: Over October, I want to encourage you to journey alongside the Holy Spirit, understanding His roles as a friend, educator, source of solace, and guiding presence. This exploration involves examining the Holy Spirit's interactions with New Testament believers, contemplating the invaluable gifts He provides, and discerning our appropriate responses. Hopefully, by the end of the series, you will no longer be “Scared of the Ghost.”
Let’s jump into Week 2:
Often referred to as the Counselor and Paraclete, the Holy Spirit is both God and a person of the Trinity. We discussed this concept in the previous week’s post. We talked about how the Holy Spirit isn’t spooky. Then we spent some time discussing the person of the Holy Spirit and the role of the Holy Spirit in the Trinity. Today, we will take a few moments and look to the Holy Spirit as our trusted friend, helper, and counselor.
First, we explore the role of Holy Spirit as a Counselor and Paraclete.
Let’s define what we mean by "Counselor" and "Paraclete." To fully appreciate the Holy Spirit's role as a Counselor and Paraclete, we must first understand these terms. In Greek, "Paraclete" (παράκλητος) means "one called to the side of another" or "comforter," while "Counselor" signifies a trusted advisor or guide.
Both terms point to the Holy Spirit's role as the divine Helper, Advocate, and Comforter.
Comforter:
One of the primary meanings of "Paraclete" is "Comforter." The Holy Spirit is often described as the Comforter who brings solace, peace, and reassurance to the hearts of believers. In times of distress, grief, or trials, the Paraclete provides a profound sense of comfort and consolation, reminding Christians of God's presence and care.
Advocate:
The term "Paraclete" can also be understood as "Advocate." In this role, the Holy Spirit serves as the divine representative or legal counsel for believers. The Paraclete stands beside them, defending their rights and interests. This advocacy extends to convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8-11), helping individuals recognize their need for salvation and the righteousness found in Christ.
Helper:
As a Helper, the Paraclete comes alongside believers to offer assistance and guidance. In times of uncertainty, decision-making, or spiritual growth, the Holy Spirit acts as a divine Helper. It's like having a trusted companion who provides wisdom, direction, and support throughout life's journey.
The Promise of the Holy Spirit as Counselor
Jesus promised the coming of the Holy Spirit. In John 14:15-18, Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit as another Counselor who will be with believers forever. He described the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive but who will dwell within believers. In John 14:26, Jesus further explains that the Holy Spirit will teach and remind believers of everything He has said to them.
This teaching role is vital for deepening our understanding of our faith. Jesus portrays the Holy Spirit as a Counselor, offering divine wisdom and guidance. Just as a counselor provides advice, insight, and encouragement in various life situations, the Holy Spirit imparts spiritual wisdom and understanding. Believers can turn to the Counselor for guidance in areas such as relationships, decision-making, and understanding God's Word.
The Holy Spirit also serves as our Companion in truth. In a more personal sense, the Holy Spirit can be seen as a divine companion. The term implies closeness and presence, indicating that the Holy Spirit is not a distant or impersonal force but a constant companion in the lives of believers. This divine companion walks with us through the various seasons of life, providing reassurance and guidance. In this, the Holy Spirit provides the unwavering and unchanging support. Regardless of life's circumstances, the Holy Spirit remains a steadfast presence, offering comfort, advocacy, help, and counsel. This understanding underscores the reliability and faithfulness of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christians.
The Holy Spirit also provides us with a Divine Guide. As the Counselor and Paraclete, the Holy Spirit guides and counsels believers on their spiritual journey. The Spirit provides divine wisdom, insight, and discernment, helping believers navigate life's challenges.
The Work of the Holy Spirit as Counselor and Paraclete
Conviction of Sin and Righteousness
In John 16:8-11, Jesus elaborates on the Holy Spirit's work of convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. The Counselor guides individuals to recognize their need for salvation and righteousness.
Comfort in Times of Trouble
The Holy Spirit provides comfort during times of distress, loss, and difficulty. Like a soothing balm for the soul, the Spirit offers solace and peace (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
A Personal Relationship with the Holy Spirit
The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
For believers, the Holy Spirit doesn't merely work from the outside but resides within them. This indwelling is an intimate, personal relationship, reflecting the profound nature of the Counselor.
Prayer and Communication
Building a relationship with the Holy Spirit involves consistent prayer and communication. Believers can actively seek the guidance of the Counselor through prayer, just as one would turn to a trusted friend for advice.
The Fruit of the Spirit
The Transformation of Character
One of the tangible signs of the Holy Spirit's work is the production of the "fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22-23).
These qualities, such as love, joy, peace, patience, and self-control, reflect the character of God and are nurtured by the Counselor.
Practical Implications and Application
Seeking Wisdom and Guidance
Embracing the Holy Spirit as a Counselor involves seeking wisdom and guidance in all aspects of life. Believers can turn to the Counselor for insight in decision-making, relationships, and daily living.
Confidence and Comfort
The Holy Spirit provides believers with confidence and comfort. In times of uncertainty or trials, believers can find solace in the presence of the Paraclete.
Living by the Spirit
Galatians 5:25 encourages believers to live by the Spirit, walking in step with the Counselor. This involves surrendering to the Holy Spirit and being open to His guidance.
So How Does This Help Me Not Be “Scared of the Ghost?”
First, what does it practically look like to engage with the Holy Spirit? How do I understand messages or words from God?
People don’t care that you pray. They care when you say God answers back. So what do we mean when we hear or get a message from God. For me, these messages have often felt like impressions or certainties in my soul. I have prayed and at just the right time or moment I get an impression or a scripture will pop into my head. Often, I will read a scripture and the Holy Spirit will illuminate in my heart the meaning of the Scripture.
Another way of hearing through the Spirit comes in form of gifts the Spirit empowers through a believer. We will discuss in a later post but the Holy Spirit can bring words of knowledge or wisdom as well as prophecies. The Holy Spirt can empower the believer to understand or know whatever he or she needs in a moment to bring the greatest glory to God.
These belief should remind us of how the infinite cannot be understood by the infinite and how in control God is of our universe. He cares for us and leaves us with the Holy Spirit to lead and guide. We can relax in who God is and what He has done.
Second, the Holy Spirit bring comfort to us in moments of anxiety or fear. In the second letter to Timothy, Paul writes: For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. This Passage show us the Holy Spirit brings to us power, love and a sound mind. We can rest in the role of the Spirit accomplishing those things inside of us, even when the darkeness surrounds us.
In conclusion, the Holy Spirit as Counselor and Paraclete plays a pivotal role in the lives of believers. This Helper, Advisor, and Comforter guides individuals in their spiritual journey, offering wisdom, conviction, and solace. Understanding and embracing the Holy Spirit as the Counselor leads to a deeper relationship with God, transformation of our character, and a source of unwavering support in life's challenges. As believers actively seek the counsel of the Holy Spirit, we can experience the transformative impact of the Counselor in their lives, walking in step with the Paraclete.