Every believer is called to live victoriously in a world full of contradictions, temptations, and trials. The difference between those who merely profess faith and those who truly walk in the power of God lies in one divine gift: the Holy Spirit.
Jesus Himself emphasised this truth before His ascension: “And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49, KJV). This power is the believer’s ultimate advantage in life, ministry, and personal transformation.
But how does the Holy Spirit practically function as our advantage? How do we engage Him daily, and what responsibilities lie on us as believers? Let us explore these truths in depth.
The Believer’s Distinct Advantage
1. The Spirit That Separates and Sanctifies
One of the first works of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer is to set us apart. The Scriptures remind us that God has called us not to blend in with the world, but to be distinct: “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord” (2 Corinthians 6:17).
This separation happens in two ways:
- For God: The Spirit sanctifies us, aligning our desires and lifestyle with God’s will (1 Corinthians 6:11). Sanctification is the Spirit’s work, but we have a role in consecration, choosing to yield daily to His prompting.
- From the world: The Holy Spirit empowers us to resist worldly lusts and pressures, giving us grace to live above sin. Paul puts it plainly: “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).
A Christian without the Spirit is vulnerable and ordinary. But with Him, we rise above our weaknesses and live in true liberty.
2. The Spirit as Our Guide and Teacher
Another dimension of the believer’s advantage lies in the Spirit’s role as our teacher and interpreter of truth. Jesus said: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost… he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance”(John 14:26).
This means believers must resist the temptation to “run off” with personal interpretations of Scripture. Instead, we lean on the Spirit for guidance, trusting Him to illuminate the Word and align our understanding with God’s purpose.
Many Christians face difficult career or life decisions. While logic and research may provide options, the Spirit gives divine clarity. To live effectively as believers, we must not depend on our own wisdom. The Holy Spirit is not an optional add-on; He is the compass of our destiny.
Partnering with the Holy Spirit
1. The Role of Prayer
Prayer is not optional for a believer who desires to walk in the Spirit. Even with the Word of God and the indwelling Spirit, without prayer, you will lack power. Prayer activates what God has placed in you.
Jude 1:20 says: “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.” This shows us that prayer in the Spirit is what strengthens and sharpens our faith.
Without prayer:
- We lose sensitivity to the Spirit’s promptings.
- We risk walking in the flesh, not in power.
- We forfeit our advantage, becoming weak in the face of temptation.
A Christian who prays is like a soldier fully armed; one who neglects prayer is like a soldier asleep on the battlefield.
2. The Holy Spirit Empowers for Service and Miracles
The Holy Spirit is not only in us for personal growth but also upon us for service. As Jesus promised in Acts 1:8, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me.”
This empowerment is not theoretical. In the manifest presence of the Spirit, miracles become possible. Testimonies abound of believers who, in obedience to the Spirit’s leading, prayed for the sick or shared a word of knowledge, resulting in healing, deliverance, and salvation.
The Spirit in us strengthens us for holy living, while His presence upon us equips us to serve others. Thus, the believer becomes both a light in the world and a vessel through which God manifests His power.
Conclusion
The Holy Spirit is more than a comforter; He is the believer’s advantage. He sanctifies, guides, teaches, empowers, and sets us apart. Through prayer, consecration, and partnership with Him, we live above sin and manifest the miraculous.
Yet, the Spirit does not work in isolation. God has given us His Word and teaching priests to anchor us in truth. With these structures, we are fully equipped to grow, serve, and influence the world for Christ.
As Paul declares in Philippians 1:6, “He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” This is the confidence we carry: that with the Holy Spirit, we are never disadvantaged.