With biblical depth and clarity, Dr. Stanley reveals that the Holy Spirit is not an impersonal or abstract power—but a divine person, equal to the Father and the Son. This message explores the Spirit’s role in the believer’s life as the One who indwells, empowers, teaches, convicts, and equips us to live victoriously.
Sermon Outline
For many believers, the third member of the Trinity is perhaps the most mysterious. This week, Dr. Stanley explores Bible passages that tell us about the Holy Spirit, His power, and His purpose in our life.
Key Passage: Acts 2:1-4
Supporting Passages: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 1:26; Luke 3:21-22; Luke 4:1; Luke 4:14; Luke 24:48-49; John 14:26; Romans 8:9; Romans 15:30; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11; 1 Corinthians 12:11; Ephesians 4:30
Understanding the Holy Spirit’s role is important. We can live the victorious Christian life only through His presence and power.
► “The primary purpose of the coming of the Holy Spirit is that you and I may serve out of His supernatural power.”
Who is the Holy Spirit?
He is a person—as shown by His having knowledge (1 Cor. 2:10-11), will (12:11), and emotion (Rom. 15:30; Eph. 4:30)—though at Pentecost, He was able to appear as sound and fire (Acts 2:1-4).
He is part of the Trinity (Gen. 1:2, 26).
He is the promise of the Father (John 14:26; Luke 24:48-49).
He is the power of the believer (v. 49).
What is the work of the Holy Spirit?
He lives within us, proving we are God’s, not the world’s (Rom. 8:9).
He convicts us of sin and brings about cleansing.
He empowers us to serve God (Luke 24:49).
He enables us to bless others.
He equips us to do what would be impossible any other way.
► “Are you willing to allow sin to cheat you out of God’s wonderful plan for your life?”
We reach our maximum potential only through the power of the Holy Spirit:
We cannot separate purity of heart and the power of the Spirit.
Jesus was baptized and then filled with the Holy Spirit before enduring temptation (3:21-22; 4:1-2). His fullness of the Spirit was related to His perfect purity.
Working well in the flesh is not the same as walking in the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit gives our work eternal results and meaning.
We must be wise and refuse to sacrifice God’s best for something fleeting.
We must allow the Spirit to clean up our life and fill us.
After Watching
Are you accustomed to thinking of the Holy Spirit as a person? If this is something you struggle with, try writing Him a letter, sharing your feelings as one friend to another—because that’s exactly what you are.
Dr. Stanley challenged us to seek purity above all else in order to walk fully in the Spirit. Is there anything that hinders the Holy Spirit from working in your life? Ask God to help you get rid of any sin keeping you from experiencing His best.
