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Ask God: How does the Holy Spirit influence a believer's life? Paul explained to the believers at Corinth that God's wisdom is not understood by non-believers and considers it foolishness.

Good Evening Reader,

Paul encourages the believers at Corinth to put their trust in the Spirit of God and not on their own understanding. Excellent advice for believers today.

May God bless you and keep you in His love.

Know that God is with you always!

All Glory to God.

Elvin

The Dove descended at Jesus' Baptism.

The Power of the Holy Spirit

In 1 Corinthians 2:1–16, Paul shares a powerful truth: he did not come to the Corinthians with eloquence or human wisdom. Though he was educated and capable, Paul chose not to impress with clever speech. Instead, he preached "Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (verse 2), relying on the power of the Holy Spirit rather than persuasive words.

He wanted their faith to rest not on human ability, but to rest on God's power (verse 5). This also reminds us that God can use anyone, even those who aren't polished speakers, as long as they depend on the Spirit. God uses all believers who are open to receive His purpose and are willing to say yes to doing His will.

Paul further explains that true wisdom doesn't come from the world—it comes from God, and it is revealed by the Holy Spirit (verse 10). The Spirit searches even the deep things of God. Just as no one truly knows a person's thoughts except that person's own spirit, so no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God (verse 11).

Believers have received this very Spirit, so we can understand what God has freely given us (verse 12).

The Holy Spirit: Our Helper

Thankfully, we understand this means Christians do not live by our efforts alone. The Holy Spirit is our helper, teacher, and guide. He gives us spiritual discernment, helps us understand Scripture, convicts us of sin, and strengthens us to walk in obedience. Verse 16 says, "We have the mind of Christ." The mind of Christ isn't through intellect or training but through the Spirit's work within us.

Paul presents a clear message: God uses humble people who rely on His Spirit, not their own strength. And through that Spirit, God reveals His will and empowers believers to live out their calling for His purpose.

This gives hope to every believer—we are not alone, and God's Spirit will help us become all He desires us to be.

By relying on God's words, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit," we are empowered to accomplish God's purposes. His purposes are not achieved through human strength or ability, but through the power and guidance of God's Holy Spirit. It emphasizes that God is the ultimate source of strength and that relying on Him, rather than on human effort, is key to overcoming all obstacles.

How to Receive the Holy Spirit: Our Helper

All of us need help, but many may not know how to receive the Holy Spirit. You have the Holy Spirit, but you may not be utilizing His help to receive God's blessings. The Bible provides guidance on seeking the help of our Helper.

For each believer, it starts with connecting with the Holy Spirit and being guided by Him through a relationship rooted in faith, obedience, and surrender to God's Word.

1. Believe in Jesus Christ

The first step is faith in Jesus. When a person believes and receives Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within them.

"Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.' Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified" (John 7:38-39). Note that this clearly says, "those who believe in Him." Faith in Christ is the pathway to receiving the Holy Spirit.

2. Remain in the Presence of God

Next, stay in constant fellowship with the Spirit through prayer and the Word. The Spirit speaks through the Word, aligning our hearts with God's truth. Our Helper teaches us and reminds us of the Word of God. John writes in John 14:26, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."

This describes the "mind of Christ," which Paul wanted the believers in Corinth to understand. All believers want the benefits and blessings from God, but may not understand how God works. God created mankind to love and to fellowship with. It is our choice whether we walk daily with Him or not. He is ready. Come into His presence and enjoy His fellowship and blessings.

3. Walk in the Spirit

To let the Spirit guide you, you must choose to follow His leading over worldly and fleshly desires. This means obeying God's Word even when it is hard. We accomplish this by making the decision to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and staying fixed on Christ.

Galatians 5:16 says, "Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Paul also said, "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God" (Romans 8:14).

Joshua found the secret to successfully leading the Israelites by meditating on the Word, both day and night. "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success" (Joshua 1:8).

Walking in the Spirit is a daily decision. We either say "yes" to God or "yes" to the evil forces of this world. God has given us the power to rebuke the devil, and we should use or power whenever the devil tries to influence our lives.

4. Be Alert and Sensitive to the Prompting of the Holy Spirit

Being always aware and alert to the Holy Spirit, you will receive guidance from the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is spirit, and you probably will not receive a phone call from Him. He usually guides through gentle nudges, a sense of conviction, or feelings of peace. He often speaks through the Word of God. Sometimes, you may overhear someone say something that you know is your answer from the Holy Spirit.

The key is being aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit. He will guide you in all truth. John wrote in John 16:13, "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come."

This promise from God is so powerful. It is ours by being sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Sensitivity comes from obedience. When you respond to the Spirit, you grow more attuned to His voice.

5. Be Filled with the Spirit

To be led by the Spirit, we must be continually filled. Being filled with the Spirit means being under the Spirit's influence, not just once, but continuously. Ephesians 5:18 says, "Be filled with the Spirit." The Greek implies this as an ongoing action.

Acts 4:31 emphasizes that being filled with the Spirit is an ongoing process, as seen in these words, "The believers were filled again and empowered to speak boldly." Again, being filled is a choice.

Being filled with the Spirit is not an emotional high; it is about surrendering control and letting the Holy Spirit rule in your life. He opens the door to receiving God's blessings.

6. The Spirit Reveals God's Will

If you have ever wondered if something is God's will or if it is your desire, doubt no more. The Holy Spirit will guide you. You have the wisdom of God through the Holy Spirit. Psalm 32:8 says, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you."

Additionally, the Holy Spirit reveals to us the profound aspects of God. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:10-12, "The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God... that we may understand what God has freely given us."

Summary

Jesus said He would ask the Father and He would send us another Helper. He did: the Holy Spirit. He is a gift to every believer—a personal guide who dwells in us to reveal the truth. To walk with the Spirit is to live in step with God's will.

By slowing down, quieting our hearts, and listening, we begin to know who God is and what His will is for us. God is ever present. Listen.

Elvin

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God's Wisdom is Foolishness to the World.

Ask God For Help

Christian faith

Reader,

Hosea said his people were destroyed for lack of knowledge. Knowledge give believers and non-believers a choice. When a person does not know, they cannot choose.

Feel free to forward this lesson to your friends and family.

Grow in the knowledge of God.

Elvin

Send your comments to elvin.aycock@AskGodForHelp.net and let me know what you think of the lessons.

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