1. The Holy Spirit teaches in perfect ways that are relevant, appropriate, and persuasive. Paul wrote, "This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words." (I Cor. 2:13) Ask the Lord for greater reliance on the Spirit and less on your own insights in teaching, preaching and counseling.
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2. The Holy Spirit counsels in sensitive ways according to the felt, perceived and real needs of people. Jesus said, "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." (John 14:26) Ask the Lord to give you greater counselling skills as you grow more in touch with the words of the great Counselor.
3. The Holy Spirit instructs you in what, why and how you should speak. Jesus said, "When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say." (Luke 12:11,12) Ask the Lord to give you a keener ear to hear what the Spirit of God is speaking to you about when you are in pressured situations.
4. The Holy Spirit testifies about the truth of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me." (John 15:26) Ask the Lord to help you gain a greater testimony through the Spirit’s working in your mind, will and emotions.
5. The Holy Spirit witnesses of the great power of God and His mighty works. Dr. Luke wrote about Peter and the apostles who said, "We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him." (Acts 5:32) Ask the Lord to increase the effectiveness of your witness through the Spirit’s enabling.
6. The Holy Spirit helps you to determine genuine from counterfeit Christians. John wrote, "This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God..." (I John 4:2) Ask the Lord to help you grow in all types of discernment regarding people, situations and organizations.
7. The Holy Spirit speaks powerful, persuasively and truthfully through Christians. Jesus said, "For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you." (Matt. 10:20) Ask the Lord to allow you to spend sufficient time to pray and listen to what the Spirit is speaking to you about enabling you to be an effective instrument.
8. The Holy Spirit leads us in ways we cannot see. Dr. Luke wrote, "The Spirit told Philip, ’Go to that chariot and stay near it." (Acts 8:29) Ask the Lord for the willingness to be led by the Spirit in ways that may not make sense to you.
9. The Holy Spirit encourages us by giving us abundant fruit. Dr. Luke wrote, "Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord." (Acts 9:31) Ask the Lord to encourage you by giving you a great quantity and quality of fruit for the Lord’s kingdom and righteousness sake.
10. The Holy Spirit communicates in the letter and spirit of truth. Paul wrote, "You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts." (2 Cor. 2:3) Ask the Lord to help you make disciples that are able to communicate both in the substance and attitude of truth to their communities.
11. The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts that enable the whole church to be more effective in evangelism and edification. Paul wrote, "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one wisdom knowledge...faith...healing... miraculous powers...prophecy; distinguishing of spirits, tongues & interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit and he gives them to each one, just as he determines." (I Cor. 12:7-11) Ask the Lord to help you identify and sharpen your own spiritual gifts in serving others.
12. The Holy Spirit gives life to those who have saving faith in Christ. Jesus said, "The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life." (John 6:63) Ask the Lord to help people recognize the life giving power in the scripture for their eternal life, hope and direction.
13. The Holy Spirit sets us free from the law and its guilt and death. Paul wrote, "Because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." (Rom. 8:2) Thank the Lord for all the ways that He has set you free from the law and its guilt and its consequences.
14. The Holy Spirit strengthens us by helping us in prayer. Paul wrote, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." (Rom. 8:26) Ask the Lord to fortify every weakness, deficiency or inadequacy with His Spirit.
