Catechism Question 42
How does the Holy Spirit help us?
The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, comforts us, guides us, gives us spiritual gifts, and empowers us to resist sin and obey God.
Focus and Purpose of this Question
In this question, we are continuing to look at the Holy Spirit – and specifically at His work in the life of a believer. The Spirit of God works to help us discern sin and righteousness and then empowers us to live in a way that pleases God. He is the Holy Spirit – and He ever works to produce holiness in God’s children.
This process of growing in holiness begins with the conviction of sin and continues with the comfort we receive through the Gospel. Furthermore, the Spirit guides us into truth and away from error, gives us spiritual gifts so that we might serve God and others, and empowers us to turn from sin and to embrace God’s ways. The ways he does this in us will be explored in the coming questions. For now, it is important to understand that this is His primary work in us as believers.
Additional Questions:
What does the Holy Spirit do in the life of believers?
What is the work the Holy Spirit is trying to do in our lives?
Scripture References:
John 16:8–11
When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; 10 in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.
Romans 8:1–4
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, 4 in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
John 16:13–14
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you.
John 14:26
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.
Hebrews 2:4
God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
1 Corinthians 12:7, 11
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good…. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
Galatians 5:16–26
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Questions for Further Discussion:
Why is so much of the Spirit’s work in relation to showing us our sin and helping us to resist sin and obey God?
How does the Holy Spirit comfort us? What is the relationship between the Spirt’s work of comforting us and the Gospel?
What do we mean when we say the Spirit guides us? Is this primarily about daily guidance for decisions, or for the ability to help us discern right from wrong, truth from error, and sin from righteousness?
Why is it important that the Holy Spirit imparts gifts to every believer? Do you know what gifts God has given to you by His Spirit? How can you use them to serve other people?
Can we resist sin and embrace holiness apart from the work of the Holy Spirit?
Do we grow to be more like Christ by striving to keep the law, or by receiving help from the Holy Spirit as we walk with Him?
Additional Information:
This question is based on question 37 of the New City Catechism. Any resources you find on the New City Catechism will have a good discussion on this question.
For a detailed look at the Person and work of the Holy Spirit, including many of the specific works listed in the answer to this question, see the series entitled “The Holy Spirit” by Bret Hicks, taught during 2008 and 2009.
For additional information, see the series entitled “Spiritual Gifts” by Bret Hicks, taught during 2012 and 2013.
Suggested Worship Song:
Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God (Keith Getty & Stuart Townend, © 2006 Thankyou Music)
Available at http://www.gettymusic.com/hymns-holyspirit.aspx
Holy Spirit, living Breath of God,
Breathe new life into my willing soul.
Bring the presence of the risen Lord
To renew my heart and make me whole.
Cause Your Word to come alive in me;
Give me faith for what I cannot see;
Give me passion for Your purity.
Holy Spirit, breathe new life in me.
Holy Spirit, come abide within;
May Your joy be seen in all I do—
Love enough to cover ev’ry sin
In each thought and deed and attitude,
Kindness to the greatest and the least,
Gentleness that sows the path of peace.
Turn my striving into works of grace.
Breath of God, show Christ in all I do.
Holy Spirit, from creation’s birth,
Giving life to all that God has made,
Show Your power once again on earth;
Cause Your church to hunger for Your ways.
Let the fragrance of our prayers arise.
Lead us on the road of sacrifice
That in unity the face of Christ
Will be clear for all the world to see.