When the film Star Wars came out, few people thought it would change the world in which we live. It did bring about change – the way that movies were made, what special effects could be shown on the screen, and even the nature of modern storytelling changed. But perhaps the largest cultural change that it solidified was in introducing modern culture to the concept of “the Force” a mysterious power that affected the world and people. Those who were most sensitive to the nature of the Force could use it for good; although others used the Force for evil. Maybe it should be no surprise then, that 55% of evangelicals think that the Holy Spirit is something like the Bible’s version of the Force, an impersonal power that is mysterious. The Bible’s description of the Holy Spirit, however, is very different. The Holy Spirit is a Person, one of the Persons in the Triune God. The Church established this truth as its confession in the first few centuries after Christ; it is a crucial part of what the Church believes. The Holy Spirit is the One who brings new life to sinners; He turns hearts of stone into hearts of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26) and brings life wherever He desires (John 3:8). It is important that we confess “What We Believe: The Holy Spirit” (Acts 5:3-4; John 3:3-6; 1 Cor. 2:10-12; John 14:16-17, 26).

“The Holy Spirit is a force but is not a personal being.” - 55% of evangelicals agree
“The Holy Spirit gives a spiritual new birth or new life before a person has faith.” - 44% of evangelicals disagree or are not sure.

I. The Holy Spirit is a Divine Person
A. The Holy Spirit is Not a Force
B. The Holy Spirit is God

II. The Holy Spirit Gives New Life
A. Apart from God We Have No Life
B. The Holy Spirit Brings Us to Life

III. The Holy Spirit Reveals the Will of God
A. The Holy Spirit Knows the Things of God
B. The Holy Spirit Teaches Us the Things of God

Questions for consideration: (1) What is the greatest barrier to seeing the Holy Spirit as a Person? Why is it important to you that the Spirit is God? (2) How does it affect your life to know you are dependent on the Spirit for spiritual life? (3) What are the ways and means that the Holy Spirit uses to instruct you in the things of God? How can we be diligent in laying hold of those means?