Holy Spirit–Counselor and Power
The Lord Jesus called the Holy
Spirit the "Counselor." The Holy Spirit is like a personal friend and
teacher who can guide us any time, without having to make an appointment. He is
with us forever, if we live by the Lord's words.
This Counselor teaches us to understand
the truth, for he is the Spirit of Truth. "When the Spirit of truth comes,
he will guide you into all the truth" (John ). The Spirit opens our limited understanding, so we
can comprehend God's will and ways, for "no one comprehends the thoughts
of God except the Spirit of God" (1 Corinthians ).
Because the Holy Spirit enables us
to know God's will and truth, he is able to help us pray effectively. "And
he who searches the hearts of men knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because
the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God" (Romans
). Praying with tongues
benefits ourselves, much more so than if we pray with our limited words.
The Holy Spirit also gives us
God's power. The power to transform our lives. The power over temptations. The
power to witness for Christ. "But you shall receive power when the Holy
Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem
and in all Judea and Samaria
and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8).
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