Week 4 (19 - 25 Jan): The Importance of the Holy Spirit

Last Saturday, we were richly blessed by Pastor Steven Nicaud as he shared on his favourite topic: the importance of the Holy Spirit. His message was both timely and confronting, clearly revealing what many believers miss when they fail to intentionally build an intimate, ongoing relationship with the Holy Spirit.

He first reminded us that the Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force or something to be summoned or manipulated. He is a person—likened to the best of all best friends—who genuinely loves, cares, protects, and advocates for us (John 14:16–17). The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of the living God, dwelling within every child of God. When we reduce Him to a concept rather than a companion, we forfeit the depth of relationship and guidance He longs to offer.

The Holy Spirit is the very Spirit of Jesus, promised by our Heavenly Father and poured out upon His children (Ezekiel 36:27; Joel 2:28). He is always present, always ready to empower and guide us along the path of righteousness. Yet intimacy with the Holy Spirit is not summoned or forced. God, in His love, grants us free will—the choice to nurture our faith through surrender and obedience. True freedom and spiritual growth come only when we willingly yield to His leading.

The Holy Spirit dwells within us, making our bodies His temple (1 Corinthians 6:19). We are living tabernacles through which the Holy Spirit desires to operate, building up the body of Christ into the likeness of God. Making a deliberate and personal decision to slow down, create space, and remain close to His presence makes a profound difference. The Holy Spirit within us is the vital connection between the Father and the Son (John 14:23; Matthew 11:27)—a truth clearly understood by both Marys in Scripture, who chose presence over distraction.

While reading and meditating on God’s Word helps us grow in knowledge of God, the Holy Spirit actively works in our daily lives as our divine teacher (1 Corinthians 2:6). He transforms God’s Word from Logos into Rhema—living, personal truth that shapes our thoughts, decisions, and actions. We are empowered to live out Jesus’ prayer: “on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). In an increasingly complex world, the Holy Spirit enables us to stand firm and united body in Christ.

Pastor Nicaud addressed the importance of seeking and continuously being filled with the Holy Spirit through Spirit baptism (Acts 1:2–5). Being filled is not a one-time encounter but a lifelong pursuit. Each fresh infilling deepens our intimacy with God and allows His Spirit to flow through us, touching and transforming the lives of others.

This message serves as a powerful reminder: the Holy Spirit is always for and with us. He is already within us, an unmerited inheritance meant to be treasured, partnered with, and live out this life with.

On behalf of Diakonia

Jenny