Filled with Power: Understanding the Work of the Holy Spirit

A car without gas is useless. And in the same way, a Christian who isn’t filled with the Holy Spirit is running on empty.

Many believers misunderstand or overlook the Holy Spirit. Some attribute wild, unbiblical experiences to Him, while others, fearing excess, ignore Him altogether. But according to Jesus in John 16, the Holy Spirit is essential to the Christian life. Without Him, we can’t live faithfully, grow spiritually, or make an eternal difference.

Here’s the key truth: You need to understand the work of the Holy Spirit.

1. The Holy Spirit Indwells Every Believer

When you put your faith in Jesus, God Himself takes up residence in you. In John 14:16–17, Jesus promised, “He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever… for He dwells with you and will be in you.”

The Holy Spirit isn’t a force—He’s a person. He is fully God, working within you to transform your heart and produce spiritual fruit like love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness. Wherever the Spirit goes, holiness follows.

If you want to know whether the Holy Spirit is working in your life, don’t look for emotional highs or goosebumps—look for growth in holiness.

2. The Holy Spirit Empowers Followers of Jesus

When the disciples realized Jesus was leaving, they were filled with sorrow. But Jesus reassured them: “It is to your advantage that I go away… if I go, I will send [the Helper] to you” (John 16:7).

That “Helper” is the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live for Christ and carry out His mission. Without Him, we’re like lamps unplugged from the power source. But when we yield to the Spirit, He empowers us to serve, endure trials, and bear witness for Jesus.

3. The Holy Spirit Brings Conviction

Jesus said the Holy Spirit “will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8).

The Spirit acts like a divine prosecutor—exposing our sin, revealing God’s righteousness, and warning of judgment. Conviction is painful, but it’s also God’s mercy at work. As Warren Wiersbe said, “There can be no conversion without conviction.”

The same Spirit who convicts unbelievers of sin also continues to refine believers—showing us where we fall short and pointing us back to grace.

4. The Holy Spirit Guides Believers in Truth

Jesus promised, “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).

The Spirit inspired Scripture through the apostles, and He still speaks today—primarily through that same Word. Every time you open your Bible, the Spirit teaches, convicts, and comforts you. He also guides you in daily life, prompting your heart toward obedience and away from sin.

And remember this: The Holy Spirit will never guide you to do anything that contradicts God’s Word or the character of Jesus.

The Holy Spirit’s Ongoing Renovation

Pastor Jeff compared the Spirit’s work to an Extreme Home Makeover. The Holy Spirit moves into your life, takes ownership, and begins a lifelong renovation. He cleans out sin, rebuilds broken areas, and fills your heart with the beauty of Christ’s character.

But you have to give Him the keys. For some, that means unlocking the door marked “anger,” “lust,” “unforgiveness,” or “fear.” Let Him in. He won’t just rearrange the furniture—He’ll rebuild the foundation.

Don’t Run on Empty

God is doing a renovation project not only in your life but also in the world. His Spirit is drawing people to Jesus and advancing His kingdom until the day Christ returns.

So this week, don’t be like a car without gas. Stay filled with the Spirit. Let Him empower, convict, and guide you—so your life overflows with the power and presence of God.