Functions of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit has many  functions.  He is involved at every point of development in a Christian's walk with God.   

Inheritance : The Holy Spirit  confirms our inheritance as God's children.  Specifically, the Spirit:

• Seals God's ownership of us in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:13, 4:30; 2 Corinthians 1:22)
• Reveals and teaches about the things that God has freely given us (1 Corinthians 2:12-13, 1 Thessalonians 1:5)
• Guarantees our inheritance as a child of God, foreshadowing our heavenly, glorious "habitation" and new life following death of our earthly body (2 Corinthians 5:5)
• Glorifies Jesus Christ by taking what is Christ’s and declaring it to us (John 16:14-15)

Purification : The Holy Spirit:

• Sanctifies us (Romans 15:16, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 1 Peter 1:2)
• Washes, Sanctifies, Justifies us before God in the name of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:11)

Empowers New Life in Righteousness: The Holy Spirit:

• Serves as vehicle by which Christ abides in us (1 John 2:24)
• Gives new life to our mortal bodies just as He resurrected Christ from the dead  (1 Peter 3:18, Romans 8:10-11, 2 Corinthians 3:6)
• Empowers us to serve God in a "newness of the Spirit" (Romans 7:6, John 7:37-39, John 6:63)
• Empowers us to put the sinful deeds of the body to death (Romans 8:13)
• Ministers righteousness to us (2 Corinthians 3:8-10)
• Fosters growth of the "fruits of the Spirit" in our lives:  love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)

Revelation :  The Holy Spirit reveals the truth and guides us in living in righteousness.  Specifically, the Spirit:

• Tells us of things to come (John 16:13)
• Inspired the writers of the scriptures (1 Peter 1:10-11; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Samuel 23:2; Acts 1:16) and brings the scriptures to mind for present day applications (John 14:26)
• Searches all things; the deep things of God (1 Corinthians 2:10-11), and speaks whatever he hears (John 16:13)
• Speaks the truth and helps us discern truth  (John 14:17, John 15:26).  He guides us in all truth (John 16:13).
• Teaches us all things (John 14:26)
• Writes God’s laws in our heart when we become a Christian (Hebrews 10:15-16)
• Convicts the world of sin (because they do not believe in Christ) (John 16:9-11)
• Convicts the world of righteousness (because Jesus is now in Heaven (not on earth)   (John 16:9-11)
• Convicts the world of judgment (because the ruler of this world is judged)    (John 16:9-11)

Preparation / Equipping for Ministry:  The Holy Spirit prepares us for ministry to other people.  Specifically, the Spirit:

• Abides with us forever.  He is also called the "Helper," and is sent by Father God at Jesus’ request. (John 14:16, John 15:26)
• Makes us sufficient as ministers of the New Covenant (2 Corinthians 3:6)
• Leads us (Romans 8:14)
• Helps us in our weaknesses (Romans 8:26)
• Intercedes for us in prayer (Romans 8:27)
• Enables us to abound in hope (Romans 15:13)
• Enables us to love in the Spirit (Romans 15:30)
• Continues to grow the fruits of the Spirit in us (Joy – 1 Thessalonians 1:6) (fruits – Galatians 5:18,22-25)
• Prepares us for facing trial and temptation (Mark 1:12)

Testimony :  The Spirit testifies to God that Christ lives in us and justifies us as children of God.  Specifically, he:

• Testifies that Christ abides in us (1 John 4:13)
• Justifies us before God in the name of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:11)
• Testifies of Jesus Christ (John 15:26)