4 jobs of the Holy Spirit

If you’ve heard of the Holy Spirit before, you probably recognize it in the context of Christianity. However, many people don’t know that the Holy Spirit holds many jobs and roles.

Luckily, the Bible shares the importance and purpose of the Holy Spirit. Let’s take a look at a few of the jobs of the Holy Spirit and why they’re important. 

What is the Holy Spirit?

  • The Holy Spirit is part of the Holy Trinity.

The Holy Spirit, also referred to occasionally as the Holy Ghost, is the third piece of the Holy Trinity. The Trinity states that one God is made up of three distinct parts: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Each of these parts is equal, yet they hold different roles in our lives. 

  • The Holy Spirit is active and alive.

The Holy Spirit isn’t an inanimate object. It’s an active presence in all of our lives. 

Romans 8:26-27 (ESV) says, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

This passage highlights that the Spirit will not only help us but will intercede for us when our burdens are too heavy to carry on our own.

  • The Holy Spirit is powerful.

Not only is the Holy Spirit alive, but it is powerful. None of us can get through life alone — we’re not designed to. When we are weak, the Holy Spirit is powerful and can help empower us. 

Acts 1:8 (ESV) says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Why is the Holy Spirit important? 

The Holy Spirit is ultimately our pathway and channel to God. Without the Holy Spirit, we lack the wisdom, help, desire and understanding to fully engage in a personal relationship with Jesus. 

What are 4 of the primary jobs of the Holy Spirit?

  • Helper

One of the main jobs of the Holy Spirit is to help us. The Greek word for this is paraklētos, which means advocate, helper, or one called to another’s side to help and aid.

John 16:7 (ESV) says, “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.”

  • Teacher

The Holy Spirit also holds the job of a teacher. No amount of earthly education can compare to the knowledge that the Holy Spirit can bestow upon us.

In John 14:26 (ESV), Jesus speaks to his disciples and says, “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.”

The Holy Spirit also holds the job of teacher by revealing God’s wisdom to us. First Corinthians 2:10-11 (ESV) says, “These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.”

  • Comforter

The Holy Spirit also works to comfort us. When we’re faced and weighed down with life’s struggles, the Holy Spirit can provide us with a sense of comfort and companionship. 

Acts 9:31 (ESV) says, “So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.”

  • Convicter

The Holy Spirit also has the job of convicting us throughout our lives. All of us are sinners, and part of the Holy Spirit’s job is to reveal to us the areas where we are separate from God, so we can repent and break down any barrier that we’ve resurrected in our own lives that keeps us from full relationship with Jesus.

John 16:8-11 (ESV) says, “And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.”

Centerpoint Church is ready to walk with you on your faith journey

At Centerpoint, our community believes in purpose and passion, and we would love to walk with you on your journey in finding yours. And every journey needs a Starting Point.


Starting Point groups are in-person, stress-free and judgment-free groups that meet periodically at Centerpoint Church. Here, you can spend some time getting to know fellow group members, reading and having an open conversation about topics like God, the Scriptures, faith, and Jesus. Completely new to the teachings of Jesus? Returning to church after a long break? Questioning the teachings you were brought up with or just unsure what you believe? Our Starting Point groups are here to help you navigate your faith journey. Get in touch with us to learn when the next Starting Point group is meeting or to join a Starting Point group.

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