Why We Need the Spirit

"'Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?' And they said to him, 'No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.'...And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying." - Acts 19:2-6 NASB


These men from Ephesus considered themselves Believers, but something was missing from their lives: the Holy Spirit. In fact, they had never even heard about the Spirit. But Paul knew that the power of the Spirit was critical to living a victorious Christian life. He had learned to depend on the Spirit, and he wanted to make sure these Ephesians were also filled with the Spirit.
      Why is the Holy Spirit so important? The Bible tells us that He is our Comforter (John 14:16), guiding us into all truth (John 16:13). He provides God's anointing (Luke 4:18) and gives us the right words to say (Luke 12:12). He speaks to us and guides us (Acts 16:6). He helps us pray (Romans 8:26-27) and gives us righteousness, peace, and joy (Romans 14:17). The Spirit gives us power to perform signs and wonders (Romans 15:19). He searches our hearts and teaches us (1 Corinthians 2:10-13).
      The Holy Spirit also seeks to maintain our unity (1 Corinthians 12:1-11). He gives us His fruit (Galatians 5:22-23) and allows us to reap life everlasting (Galatians 6:8). He gives us the power to defeat our enemies (Ephesians 6:17) and tells us about things to come (1 Timothy 4:1).
      Jesus told the disciples that it was to their "advantage" that He went away. Why? Because then He would send the "Helper," the Holy Spirit (John 16:7).
      Many Christians don't realize that the Spirit isn't a mystical force or abstract concept. He is a Person, the dynamic presence of God Himself.
      Today, seek to become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit. He is with you...to guide and lead you, to warn you, to teach you, to equip you, and to empower you.