In my time as CEO of Back to the Bible, I’ve heard countless stories of people yearning for transformation in their Christian lives. In essence, they are asking, “How do I find the strength to live a new life in Christ?” Others have shared struggles with spiritual stagnation, feeling stuck between the life they’re called to live and the challenges of daily existence. The bottom line is this: many Christians want to become spiritually fit but struggle with doing so.
The good news is this: God has not left us to walk the Christian life alone. The power to live a new life comes from the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus called the Helper (Jn 14:16-17). This divine gift enables us to live, grow, and flourish as disciples of Christ. Yet, for many believers, the role of the Holy Spirit feels vague or misunderstood. So, let’s explore who the Holy Spirit is and how He empowers us to live the life God calls us to.
Who Is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force or an abstract concept. He is the third Person of the Trinity, co-equal with God the Father and God the Son. Scripture reveals the Holy Spirit as a divine person who has a mind (Rom 8:27), emotions (Eph 4:30), and a will (1 Cor 12:11).
The Spirit’s presence can be seen throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament, He was active in creation (Genesis 1:2), inspired the prophets to speak the words of God (2 Peter 1:21), and empowered leaders like Moses, David, and the judges of Israel to accomplish God’s will in very difficult circumstances.
In the New Testament, we see a similar pattern, except that the Holy Spirit’s work becomes central to the life of every believer and the entire church, rather than limited to specific leaders or prophets. At Pentecost, the Spirit was poured out on all who believed, fulfilling the promise of Joel 2:28-29 and ushering in a new era: “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people” (Acts 2:17).
So, the good news is this: through the Holy Spirit, Jesus is present in every one of His followers today. Including you!
What Does the Holy Spirit Do?
Given that the Spirit resides in each of us, what does he do in our lives? The Holy Spirit’s primary role is to glorify Christ and apply the benefits of his life, death, and resurrection to our lives, so we can become spiritually fit. He does this in many ways, including:
Regenerating and Giving New Life
The Spirit is responsible for bringing about the new birth. Jesus told Nicodemus, “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (Jn 3:5). At the moment of salvation, the Spirit transforms us from spiritual death to life (Eph 2:1-5).
Indwelling and Empowering Believers
The Spirit dwells in every believer, making our bodies His temple (1 Cor 6:19). He empowers us to live the Christian life, providing strength, wisdom, and guidance. As Paul writes, “The Spirit helps us in our weakness” (Rom 8:26).
Convicting of Sin and Guiding into Truth
Jesus said the Spirit would convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment (Jn 16:8). He also promised, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth” (Jn 16:13). The Spirit illuminates Scripture, helping us understand and apply God’s Word to our lives.
Producing Christlike Character
The Spirit works to conform us to the image of Christ, producing His fruit in our lives: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Gal 5:22-23).
Empowering for Ministry
The Spirit equips us with spiritual gifts for the building up of the church and the advancement of God’s kingdom (1 Cor 12:4-11). Jesus told His disciples, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8).
How Do I Live in the Power of the Spirit?
Living in the power of the Holy Spirit begins with being filled by Him. “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit” (Eph 5:18). To be filled with the Spirit is to allow Him to take full control of our lives, just as the water in a glass occupies every part of it. This is not a one-time event but an ongoing process, a daily yielding to the Spirit’s presence and direction. As we open ourselves to Him, He empowers us to live in a way that honors God and blesses others.
Walking by the Spirit is another essential aspect of living in His power. “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Gal 5:16). To walk by the Spirit is to live moment by moment in alignment with His guidance, relying on His strength rather than our own. It is an active, intentional pursuit of God’s will, marked by prayer, attentiveness to Scripture, and obedience to His promptings. The Spirit does not overpower us against our will; rather, He partners with us, shaping our desires and enabling us to choose what pleases God.
However, living in the Spirit requires that we avoid grieving or quenching Him. As Paul writes, “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption” (Eph 4:30). When we engage in sin—whether through harmful words, unkind attitudes, or outright disobedience—we grieve the Spirit, distancing ourselves from His fellowship. Similarly, we must not “quench the Spirit” (1 Thess 5:18). Ignoring His leading or failing to act when prompted quenches His influence in our lives. To maintain the Spirit’s active presence, we must confess our sins regularly, turn from them, and seek His guidance afresh.
Living in the power of the Spirit is not about striving in our own strength but about surrendering to His. It is the Spirit who produces in us the character of Christ, reflected in the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Gal 5:22-23). This transformation is evidence of His work in us, a process that draws us closer to God and makes us a blessing to others. When we yield to the Spirit, He empowers us to live boldly and faithfully, just as He did for the early church.
If you desire to live in the power of the Holy Spirit, begin by seeking Him in prayer, asking Him to fill you and guide you. Commit yourself to walking in obedience and staying attuned to His voice through Scripture and worship. Remember, the same Spirit who empowered Jesus and the apostles is alive and at work in you today. Trust Him to lead, strengthen, and transform you as you step forward in faith.
The Promise of Transformation
The Holy Spirit is the source of power to live a transformed life, one of authentic spiritual fitness. He takes our weaknesses and infuses them with divine strength. He fills our hearts with love for God and others. And He enables us to live in victory over sin, reflecting the character of Christ to a watching world.
If you are struggling in your Christian walk, take heart. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you (Rom 8:11). Trust Him. Seek Him. And allow Him to do His transforming work in your life.