What is the work of the Holy Spirit? Why is it as important today as it was to Mary? In our story, we see Mary becomes pregnant by the Holy Spirit. 34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” 35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.[1] Luke 1:34-35.
Think for a moment of the power of the Holy Spirit in conjunction with Mary becoming pregnant with Jesus. Mary would conceive a child supernaturally and God Himself would be born into this world as the baby Jesus. God is eternal, but He would humble Himself to be born as both God and man. God would step into time. That is the power of the Holy Spirit, for nothing is impossible with God.
The Holy Spirit does many things in the life of a believer and here are just a few.
The Holy Spirit is our helper and reminder: John 14:26 –But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. [2]
The Holy Spirit convicts people of sin: John 16:7-8.
The Holy Spirit dwells in every believer: Wow! How amazing is this that God himself dwells in us. 1 Cor. 3:16 –Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?[3]
The Holy Spirit helps in a Christian’s weakness and intercedes for them: Romans 8:26-27 – And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. [4]
The Holy Spirit gives people spiritual gifts 1 Cor. 12:7-11.
As we look at the Holy Spirit, we see His work as supernatural that only God could do. How has the Holy Spirit been active in your life? How would your life be different today if you had never encountered the Holy Spirit? Take time and rejoice in the work of the Holy Spirit.
Listen to the story of Mary here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/god-steps-into-time/gods-plan-stretches-and-molds-me
[1, 2, 3, 4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Lk 1:34–35, John 14:25-26, 1 Cor. 3:16, Romans 8:26-27). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.