This week I’m answering some questions about the Holy Spirit. So far we’ve talked about whether the Spirit is an “it” or a “who,” on whether the Spirit makes you “feel” different, and what holiness means.

Here’s today’s question: What does the Spirit actually DO?

After all, if the Holy Spirit dwells inside of us as followers of Jesus, what does he want to do in and through these bodies and minds of ours?

Does he just want us to be safe?
Or pick the short lane at the grocery store?
Or have fun-filled weekends with memorable selfies?

In John 15:26, Jesus says, “When the Advocate [the Holy Spirit] comes… he will testify about me.” In John 16:14 he goes on to say that the Spirit “will glorify me.”

In other words, the Holy Spirit’s goal is to testify about and glorify Jesus.

It’s. All. About. Him.

So, what does it matter to you? Let me put it this way.

As a follower of Jesus, the Holy Spirit is always inside of you. However, the Spirit is especially manifest in your life when you do the things the Spirit himself wants to do—when you honour Jesus, talk about Jesus, and do the loving work of Jesus. In those moments it is as if the volume of the Holy Spirit is turned up in your life!

Can you think about a time when you knew the Holy Spirit was powerfully active in something you were doing? I’m guessing it was when you were somehow honouring Jesus, talking about Jesus, or doing the loving work of Jesus. It was no coincidence!

Pastor Francis Chan said, “the Holy Spirit is as essential to a believer’s existence as air is to staying alive.” That’s because the Spirit enables us—in thought, word and deed—to vitally honour the one we’re named after: Christ.

As a follower of Christ, the Holy Spirit is always inside of you. But the Spirit is especially manifest in your life when you do the things the Spirit himself wants to do—when you honour Jesus, talk about Jesus, and do the loving work of Jesus. In those moments it is as if the volume of the Holy Spirit is turned up in your life.

By Matthew Ruttan

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.
–To hear more about the Holy Spirit, listen to my most recent podcast called “The Advocate.”