The Spirit Poured Out: The Spirit Who Leads Us Into Life
The Holy Spirit is not a distant force but God’s personal presence—drawing us, changing us, and walking with us daily. In this opening post of The Spirit Poured Out, we explore how to notice and welcome Him.
Note: This article is part of the ongoing series The Spirit Poured Out, exploring who the Holy Spirit is, what He does, and how He works in our lives today—just as in the early church. You can find other posts in this series at the end of this article.
The Spirit Poured Out: The Spirit Who Leads Us Into Life
My wife was talking with a young friend from a very different religious background.
In the middle of their conversation, my wife casually said,
“God speaks to me. He leads me. I walk with Him every day.”
Her friend froze, wide-eyed. The thought that God could be that close—that He could guide, speak, and walk with a person daily—was completely different from her experience. But it was something she deeply wanted.
That longing is woven into all of us. We want to know that God is not only real but near—that He’s more than a distant observer. And that’s exactly what the Holy Spirit makes possible.
From the first stirring of curiosity to the transformation of our hearts and the sending of our lives into God’s mission, the Spirit is God’s own presence with us—drawing us, assuring us, shaping us, and empowering us to live in His love.
The Spirit Who Draws and Awakens
Before we ever move toward God, His Spirit is already at work. This is what theologians call prevenient grace—the grace that “goes before.” It quietly stirs spiritual hunger, convicts us of our need for God, and opens our eyes to His love.
Jesus described it this way: the Spirit will “convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8). It’s not pressure or coercion—it’s an invitation into the life we were made for.
The Spirit Who Brings New Life
When we respond to that invitation and put our trust in Jesus, the Spirit brings about a new birth. Theologians call this justification—God forgiving our sins, reconciling us to Himself, and making us spiritually alive.
Paul writes, “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Romans 8:16). This isn’t just believing ideas about God—it’s encountering His saving love in a personal way.
The Spirit Who Assures
One of the Spirit’s greatest gifts is assurance—the settled confidence that we truly belong to God. This assurance isn’t based on fluctuating emotions but on the Spirit’s ongoing testimony deep in our hearts.
Howard Snyder observes that this inner witness of the Spirit doesn’t just shape individuals—it builds a community that knows and lives out God’s love together.
The Spirit Who Transforms
The Spirit’s work doesn’t end when we first believe. God desires to change us completely—inside and out. Scripture prays that we might be “sanctified through and through” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
This entire sanctification is the Spirit’s work of cleansing the heart from sin’s power and filling it with perfect love for God and neighbor. Mildred Bangs Wynkoop called this “relational love”—God’s love flowing freely to us and through us.
This transformation isn’t cold moralism—it’s the Spirit’s power enabling us to live as people of holy love.
The Spirit Who Sends
From Pentecost onward, the Spirit has shaped Christ’s character in believers and propelled them into God’s mission. Craig Keener reminds us that the same Spirit who empowered the early church is still empowering ordinary believers today to bring Jesus’ love to the world.
The Spirit’s work is always both inward and outward—forming Christ in us and sending us to embody His love in the world.
Living in Step with the Spirit
The Spirit’s story in your life didn’t start the day you prayed for salvation—it began long before, and it’s not finished yet. He is still drawing you, shaping you, speaking to you, and sending you.
The question is: Will we notice Him? Will we welcome His voice and power each day?
Living Sent Practice: Seeing and Seeking the Spirit
This week, practice both noticing and inviting the Spirit’s work in your life.
- Start Your Day by Inviting
Before anything else, pray:
“Holy Spirit, I welcome You. Speak to me today. Fill me with Your presence, guide my thoughts, and empower my actions.”
Sit quietly for a minute and be open to anything the Spirit brings to mind. - Notice Throughout the Day
Watch for moments of compassion, conviction, or curiosity—these may be the Spirit’s gentle nudges.
Be ready to act on those nudges, whether it’s offering encouragement, praying for someone, or taking a step of faith. - End Your Day in Reflection
Ask: Where did I see the Spirit at work today—in me, in others, or in circumstances?
Thank Him for one specific way He was present, even in small ways.
Looking Ahead: The Spirit Poured Out Series
This article is the opening post in The Spirit Poured Out, a series exploring who the Holy Spirit is, what He does, and how He works in our lives today—just as He did in the early church.
In the weeks ahead, we’ll explore:
- The Spirit in the Bible: From Creation to Pentecost – tracing the Spirit’s work from Genesis to Acts.
- Spirit Baptism: At Conversion and Beyond – understanding the Spirit’s empowering presence in our lives.
- The Gifts of the Spirit for Today – how the Spirit equips the church for mission.
- The Spirit and Holiness – why the Spirit’s power always leads to love.
- Discerning the Spirit’s Work – learning to recognize His voice and activity.
- The Global Spirit – what we can learn from the Spirit’s work around the world.
- Living a Spirit-Filled Life – daily practices for staying in step with the Spirit.
Series Archive:
- Series Introduction & Archive
- (Links to each post will be added here as they are published)