Acts 19:2 *“Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” he asked them. “No,” they replied, “we haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit*” (NLT)
*THE PERSON OF THE HOLY SPIRIT* (d)
Your Christian life will change the moment you encounter the Holy Spirit. Your understanding about the third person in the Godhead is crucial to a flourishing life and ministry.
Today, I want to introduce to you a vital ministry of the Spirit in the life of every believer. Your knowledge of this will help you take advantage of it.
*IV. HE IS THE COMFORTER*
John 15:26 *"But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me*" (KJV)
There is a misunderstanding some believers have about the comforting work of the Spirit. Oftentimes, when people are grieving, we say things like: "Holy Spirit, comfort them". We reduced His comforting ministry to times of sorrow only. That is inaccurate.
The word 'comforter' is from the Greek "Parakletos" (παράκλητος) meaning "one called alongside to help". In context, to comfort is to help. Further synonyms of that word is advocacy. The Holy Spirit is our advocate, a standby, someone who pleads our case.
In moments when you feel helpless and seem all hope is lost, what you need is the help of the Holy Spirit.
In life, we all need help. There are moments of weakness. Sometimes, we are just too weak to pray. There are times we don't meet up with the demands of our consecration.
Some of my memorable preachings and manifestations of God's power happened at a time of weakness and inadequate preparation. This is not an excuse for laziness in the things of the Spirit.
However, the ministry of the Spirit is available to help when we need Him. He is our standby because by strength shall no man prevail.
Look at areas in your life where help is needed, ask the Holy Spirit to help you.
Holy Spirit, help me (...mention areas in your life where help is needed).