A Confusing Question

Before we go further with understanding that the Holy Spirit is a person, let’s look at a common and sometimes confusing question: “Do I develop a relationship with Jesus or the Holy Spirit?” The short answer is you are called to a relationship with God as a whole, the Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit—not one instead of the other.

The Christian faith teaches that God is one yet revealed in three Persons: The Father is the source and originator of all things. The Son (Jesus Christ), who is the one who provides salvation and reveals God the Father to us. The Holy Spirit is the one who dwells in you and makes God real in your daily life. These are not three separate gods, and you’re not choosing between them. You’re relating to one God experienced in three distinct ways.

One helpful way to understand the Trinity is this: I am a father to my children, a son to my parents, and a husband to my wife. I have three separate roles, each with a distinct function or purpose. My children, my parents, and my wife see me differently and relate to me differently. I am just one person. I know this is an imperfect picture of the Trinity, but I hope it helps you see that we have only one God in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit.

Now, let’s look at each relationship we have with God.

First, your Relationship with Jesus is foundational. You are saved through Jesus. You are forgiven and reconciled to God through Him, and you follow Him as Lord. Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” So, your relationship with God begins with faith in Jesus.

Next is your Relationship with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is what makes that relationship alive and active every day. The Holy Spirit lives inside you. He guides, teaches, and convicts. He helps you understand Jesus and grow spiritually. In fact, Jesus said in John 16:7 that it was better for Him to go away so that the Holy Spirit could come. This great truth is because instead of God being beside you, He would now be within you.

Here is a simple way to understand the relationship between the two.  You come to God through Jesus. You walk with God by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will never draw attention away from Jesus—He always leads you toward Him, reminds you of His words, and helps you become more like Him.

So, we come back to the question of who do you talk to? Let’s keep it simple. You can pray to Jesus, you can talk to the Holy Spirit, and you can pray to the Father. A common biblical pattern is to pray to the Father, in the name of Jesus, by the help of the Holy Spirit!

You see, Jesus is the One who brings you into a relationship, and the Holy Spirit is the One who walks with you in that relationship every day. You don’t replace one with the other; you experience both. So, you are not choosing between Jesus and the Holy Spirit. You belong to Jesus; you are filled with the Holy Spirit, and you are brought to the Father. That’s one unified relationship with God.

Let’s Examine the Scriptural Evidence That the Holy Spirit Is a Divine Person, Not Just a Power.

The Bible attributes personal characteristics to the Holy Spirit. He speaks (Acts 13:2), teaches (John 14:26), guides (Romans 8:14), and can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30). These are not qualities of a force; they are qualities of a person.

Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as “He,” not “it.” In John 16:13, Jesus says, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth.” This language is deliberate. Jesus wanted His followers to understand that the Holy Spirit would relate to them personally.

1. The Holy Spirit has a mind, will, and emotions, which are characteristics of a person.

• Mind – The Spirit thinks and knows: “But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:10)
• Will – The Spirit makes decisions: “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” (1 Corinthians 12:11)
• Emotions – The Spirit can be grieved: “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30). You can’t grieve a force!

2. The Holy Spirit Speaks, Teaches, leads, and intercedes

• The Spirit speaks to people: “Then the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go near and overtake this chariot.’” (Acts 8:29)
• The Spirit teaches and reminds: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit… He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” (John 14:26)
• The Spirit leads “…as many as are led by the Spirit of God…” (Romans 8:14)
• The Spirit intercedes, “…the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us…” (Romans 8:26)

3. The Holy Spirit Can Be Lied to and Resisted

In Acts 5:3-4, Peter says Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit and then equates lying to the Spirit with lying to God—demonstrating both personality and divinity. “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit…?” (Acts 5:3)

Stephen rebukes the Sanhedrin for resisting the Holy Spirit “You always resist the Holy Spirit…” (Acts 7:51), again pointing to the Spirit as someone who can be opposed—not something passive or abstract.

The Holy Spirit can be insulted, “…insulted the Spirit of grace…” (Hebrews 10:29)

4. The Holy Spirit Has Relationships

The Spirit relates to the Father and the Son within the Trinity. Jesus spoke of sending the Spirit (John 15:26), showing relationship and mutual interaction. The Spirit also relates to believers—He comforts, guides, convicts, and intercedes for them (Romans 8:26).

5. The Holy Spirit Is Addressed as “He.”

Jesus consistently referred to the Spirit using personal pronouns: “When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth…” (John 16:13)

If the Holy Spirit were merely a power, then the goal would be to “use” Him—to access His strength for personal benefit. But because He is a Person, the goal is relationship. We are not meant to use the Holy Spirit; we are meant to walk with Him. This difference is important. Many believers seek God’s power but neglect intimacy with God. Yet true spiritual strength flows out of a relationship. Just as a friendship deepens through time, communication, and trust, so too does our relationship with the Holy Spirit grow through prayer, obedience, and attentiveness.

The Role of The Holy Spirit in Daily Life

Seeing the Holy Spirit as a Person opens the door to daily interaction. He is not distant; He is present and active.

1. He comforts in times of trouble (John 14:16)
2. He convicts of sin and leads to truth (John 16:8)
3. He empowers for righteous living (Galatians 5:16)
4. He intercedes in prayer (Romans 8:26)

These scriptural examples show deeply relational roles. A force cannot comfort or intercede—but a Person can.

How To Cultivate a Relationship with The Holy Spirit

Cultivating a relationship with the Holy Spirit begins with awareness. Many believers live as though God is distant, yet Scripture teaches that the Holy Spirit dwells within them. 1 Corinthians 6:19 states, “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” This means that His presence is constant, not occasional.

Awareness of the Holy Spirit transforms daily life. It turns routine moments into opportunities for fellowship. Whether in prayer, work, or quiet reflection, you can acknowledge the Holy Spirit’s presence and invite His involvement in your everyday life.

Communication: Speaking and Listening

Like any relationship, communication is essential. Cultivating a relationship with the Holy Spirit involves both speaking to Him and listening for His voice. Prayer becomes more than a one-sided request; it becomes a conversation. The believer speaks honestly, shares burdens, expresses gratitude, and seeks guidance. At the same time, listening is equally important. The Holy Spirit often speaks through Scripture, inner conviction, and gentle promptings.

Developing sensitivity to His voice requires patience and consistency. Over time, you learn to discern His leading more clearly, recognizing the difference between His guidance and one’s own personal thoughts.

Obedience: Responding to His Leading

A relationship with the Holy Spirit deepens through obedience. When He convicts, guides, or prompts action, your response matters. Obedience strengthens trust and increases spiritual sensitivity. Ignoring or resisting His prompting can dull spiritual awareness. Scripture warns believers not to grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). This implies that the relationship is dynamic and responsive. Just as in human relationships, responsiveness produces closeness.

Obedience is not about perfection but about willingness. Each step of faith builds a stronger connection and a deeper reliance on Him.

Fellowship Through Scripture

The Holy Spirit works closely with the Word of God. He illuminates Scripture, bringing understanding and application to your life. Reading the Bible is not just an intellectual exercise; it is a relational encounter. As believers engage with Scripture, the Holy Spirit reveals truth, convicts of sin, and encourages growth. This interaction strengthens the relationship, as you learn to recognize His voice and align with His will.

Dependence and Surrender

Cultivating a relationship with the Holy Spirit requires surrender. Rather than striving in personal strength, believers are called to depend on Him. This dependence is expressed in daily choices—seeking His guidance, trusting His wisdom, and yielding control. Surrender does not weaken you; it empowers them. The Holy Spirit provides strength, wisdom, and direction beyond human ability. As dependence grows, so does the depth of the relationship.

A genuine relationship with the Holy Spirit produces visible fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23). These qualities are not achieved through effort alone but are the natural result of walking in close relationship with the Holy Spirit. As you abide in Him, transformation occurs from the inside out.

Conclusion

The only conclusion one can draw is that the Holy Spirit is not merely a divine power or mystical energy. He is a divine person—the third Person of the Trinity—who loves, speaks, teaches, feels, and relates.

The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force to be harnessed but a divine Person to be known. When believers shift from viewing Him as a power to embracing Him as a Person, their spiritual lives deepen significantly. Prayer becomes conversation. Obedience becomes cooperation. Faith becomes fellowship.

Recognizing the Spirit as a person deepens our relationship with Him and allows us to respond not just with obedience, but with fellowship and worship. You see, that is the key to obedience: a relationship and fellowship of mutual love. You love Him. He loves you. Therefore, you want to be pleasing to Him.

1. HOW DOES SPIRITUAL BOLDNESS COME?

The book of Acts describes the birth and testimony of the Christian church. In Acts chapter 1, we see Jesus ascending to the Father, and at the same time, the Holy Spirit descends into the heart of every Believer.

We understand that the Gospel of Jesus Christ opens the door for the Holy Spirit to transform the heart from a heart of stone to a heart receptive to the love of God. While every genuine believer has the Holy Spirit living in them, that Holy Spirit needs to be “turned on”, just like the light switch in a dark house. That turning on of the Holy Spirit occurs in what is known as the Baptism of the Holy Spirit described in the book of Acts. Through yielding to the Holy Spirit in our lives, we are enabled to become more like Jesus and to use the power and authority that He made available to us.

Spiritual boldness can only come from being filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 4:31, “And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.” The term “filled” means to be inspired or permeated with the Holy Spirit and therefore led by the Spirit.

Notice that prayer preceded boldness. Before their mouths were opened publicly, their hearts were opened privately before God. Boldness grows when prayer becomes a sign of our relationship with the Lord.

Many times, when faced with an opportunity to be bold in our faith, we don’t know how to start or even what to pray. These opportunities are a perfect time to pray in the Spirit, and I mean in “tongues” to acknowledge our dependence upon the Holy Spirit to help us. The Spirit knows how to intercede for you perfectly before the Father. Listen to what the Apostle Paul says in Romans 8:26-27, “Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”

I hope that you can see that when we don’t know what to say or do, we can rely on the Holy Spirit to release boldness to speak or do what the Lord wants us to.

Some will say that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit was an event that happened to those while the Apostles were still alive, and is no longer available today. However, the Bible says in Malachi 3:6, “For I am the LORD, I do not change.” The promises made to Abraham that He will not abandon the Jews even when they are unfaithful to Him illustrate God’s unchanging nature. Then look at Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever,” which emphasizes Christ’s unchanging, eternal nature as a divine anchor for believers in shifting circumstances and false, “strange” teachings. It follows a command to remember that Christ’s authority, character, and grace remain constant.

So, what will you believe, personal experience or the Word of God?

2. THE HOLY SPIRIT REMOVES FEAR AND REPLACES IT WITH POWER

Very simply, fear paralyzes, but the Holy Spirit activates. The apostle Paul’s advice to the young Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Fear is an emotion we all experience at times, but we must remember that it undermines faith, for it causes us to doubt God.

Before the Spirit, Peter denied Jesus three times out of fear (Luke 22:54–62). Then, after being filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Peter stood publicly and proclaimed Christ. Acts 2:14, “But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them…” What changed Peter was not education or experience—it was the filling of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit allows us to see the spirit realm with spiritual eyes. A beautiful illustration is found in 2 Kings 6, the king of Syria sent an army to capture Elisha, the prophet, and when Elisha’s servant awoke in the morning to see this army arrayed against them, he was terrified. Elisha says in 1 Kings 6:16-17, “… ‘Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 And Elisha prayed, and said, “LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” The Lord sent a greater army to protect Elisha. Like the servant of Elisha, the Spirit allowed him to see the spiritual realm, and his confidence was restored.

Pray in the Spirit and build yourself up with boldness, Jude 1:20, “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit”

3. BOLDNESS FLOWS FROM ASSURANCE OF SONSHIP

Sonship in this context refers to position as an heir and does not mean male only; it also applies to females, as Galatians 3:28 clearly states, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This verse speaks to our relationship with our Lord.

Speaking of father-child relationships, there are two types: loving and obedient or harsh and obedient. For example, in the natural there is a relationship that comes from knowing your father, which is close and cherished. A relationship born out of communication and love. The other type of relationship results from a strict and unsympathetic father, often driven by fear of punishment.

Religion, very simply, is defined as worshipping God. The question is, do we see God as harsh and unsympathetic or loving and caring? How we see Him shapes how we come to the Lord. Do we come with fear or rejoicing in our relationship with the Father? That is the difference between religious exercises and religious relationships.

I would encourage you to read Galatians 3:26 – 4:7 about how God sees you, here is an excerpt, Galatians 4:6-7, “And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’ 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”

Romans 8:15–16, “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”

When we know who our Father is, we no longer fear who or what stands against us.

4. THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS BOLD WITNESS

Acts 1:8, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me…”

The Holy Spirit does not just send us—He strengthens us, and we have one simple message, and that is the Gospel that saved us and set us free. That is our testimony, witnessing how Jesus came into our lives.

When you are a witness in a courtroom, you are testifying to what you have seen, heard, or experienced. Anything else is called hearsay and generally not admissible. Being a witness to Jesus means the same; it is testifying to what you have seen, heard, or experienced Jesus do in your life. Every believer has a testimony.

God never assigns a task without supplying the power to complete it.

5. BOLDNESS STANDS EVEN UNDER OPPOSITION

Many Believers live in places where there is hostility to Christianity, and it is in those places where Holy Spirit-directed boldness is so important. Listen to what Jesus says in Matthew 10:16, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”

Yet when we must be bold, let it be because we have been with Jesus. Acts 4:13, “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John… they realized that they had been with Jesus.” We spend time with Jesus when we pray, read the Bible, and spend time in our relationship with the Lord. 1 Corinthians chapter 2 clearly shows that the Lord wants a relationship with us.

Paul consistently preached Christ in environments filled with opposition. Acts 9:27–28, “He preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.” Paul did not rely on intellect alone; he depended on the Spirit to give courage and clarity. Spirit-filled boldness is confidence in God, not self.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5, “And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”

Remember we have the same Spirit, the Same Power. 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

6. BOLDNESS IS ROOTED IN LOVE

In Revelation 2:4, the Lord says to the church in Ephesus, “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” It is a challenge for Christians to keep the love focus when acting or speaking boldly for the Lord. Our goal is to become like Jesus, and He always operated from love. This doesn’t mean that we must agree with our adversaries, but our hope is to reveal the goodness of Jesus Christ.

Another truth is that love conquers fear, 1 John 4:18, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear…”

Boldness without love becomes harshness; love produces courage with compassion. Love gives courage to confront, forgive, and stand firm. Let love motivate your boldness.

CONCLUSION:

Boldness is the fruit of a Spirit-filled life. Yield to the Holy Spirit, and He will empower you to live courageously for Christ. Boldness does not always remove the storm, but it anchors the soul in the storm. When the Spirit fills us, courage replaces self-preservation.

The Holy Spirit who empowered the early church is the same Spirit at work today. When believers are filled with the Spirit, boldness becomes a natural overflow. A lamp does not strain to shine—it simply stays connected to the power source. When we stay filled with the Holy Spirit, boldness flows naturally.

We see free-will in creation. Humanity was created in the image of God with the ability to obey or disobey Him. Genesis 2:16–17, “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” Notice the commands, warnings, and consequences indicate that a real choice is an option.

While free-will is available, God repeatedly calls people to choose obedience through faith. Look at the following two scriptures and see that choice is ours to make:

• Moses said to the Israelites in Deuteronomy 30:19, “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;”
• Joshua states in Joshua 14:15, “And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

As I have said, choice was available even before sin entered the world through Adam and Eve; remember, they chose to disobey God and took of the forbidden fruit. Human-will became corrupted but not eliminated. People still choose, but tend toward sin apart from God’s grace

• Jesus points out in John 8:34 that before being born-again, we are slaves to sin: “Jesus answered them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.” Only faith in Jesus can break the bondage of sin.
• The Apostle Paul teaches in Romans 7:18-19, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.” Paul acknowledged that, apart from the grace of God and His Holy Spirit, he could not stop sinning.

Scripture teaches that humans plan and choose, yet God ultimately directs outcomes. Look at Proverbs 16:9, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.” The Bible teaches that both truths can exist together: man’s plans and God’s will. The issue is God’s perfect will or His permissive will. Do we choose the Lord’s way or the hard way, either way, God’s plans will be fulfilled.

WHAT IS GOD’S WILL? Let us begin withRomans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”God’s will is always good and righteous, yet Scripture reveals that it is experienced in two distinct ways: God’s perfect will and God’s permissive will.

GOD’S PERFECT WILL, what God desires and delights in, is accomplished through obedience. God’s perfect will brings peace, fruitfulness, and fulfillment with His purposes. I would encourage you to search out the scriptures mentioned below:

Jesus Christ is the greatest example of complete obedience and surrender to the Father’s will. Jesus fully submitted to the Father’s will, even when it involved suffering and death. Jesus said in Luke 22:42, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Jesus understood that He was to be the “once and for all” sacrifice for sin and death, and that no one else could accomplish that mission. For Jesus it was all joy to yield and obey the Father, Hebrews 12:2, “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Joseph (Son of Jacob), Scripture: Genesis 39–50. Joseph consistently chose righteousness—resisting temptation and trusting God, even through injustice. God’s plan unfolded without moral compromise, resulting in blessing and reconciliation.Genesis 50:20, “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” All the hardship Joseph endured was for God’s purpose to deliver His chosen people, and Joseph was ultimately glorified in it.

Daniel, Scripture: Daniel 6, Daniel refused to abandon prayer and obedience, even under threat of death. God honored his faithfulness with divine protection and public testimony.Listen to what Daniel said to King Darius after his encounter in the lion’s den. Daniel 6:22, “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.” Having integrity before the Lord in fulfilling His purpose means that God will intervene in our circumstances.

Mary (Mother of Jesus), Scripture: Luke 1:38, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.”When the angel of the Lord revealed God’s incredible plan, Mary accepted God’s calling without resistance, giving us an example of humble submission to God’s perfect will.

GOD’S PERMISSIVE WILL is what God allows due to human choice or partial obedience, and the consequences. God’s permissive will allows human choice but often results in correction, delay, or loss. Here are some very brief examples. I would encourage you to search out the scriptures mentioned below:

The Exodus, the forty-year journey, best describes God’s permissive will. The Journey from Egypt to Canaan should have taken weeks, but God led them in an extended exodus that took forty years. This extended journey was necessary because of the Israelites’ lack of faith in God. Time and time again, they complained and demonstrated their lack of trust in God, even when God supplied them with Manna to eat, water to drink, and preserved them from their enemies. As you can read in the Book of Exodus, God’s purpose was fulfilled in the end, but at a great price for those who walked by sight instead of faith! Such is God’s permissive will; there is always a price to pay.

Samson, Scripture: Judges 13–16.Samson repeatedly ignored God’s moral boundaries. Though God used him to deliver Israel, Samson’s compromises led to loss of freedom, strength, and life.

Jonah, Scripture: Jonah 1–4.Jonah fled from God’s command to preach to Nineveh. God allowed Jonah’s resistance but corrected him through chastisement, having him swallowed by a whale. God’s purpose was fulfilled, but Jonah endured unnecessary hardship.

Israel’s Demand for a King, the people of Israel wanted to be like their neighboring countries and have a king, thereby, rejecting their King who is God. 1 Samuel 8:7, “And the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.’”

King Saul, Scripture: 1 Samuel 13 & 15.Saul partially obeyed God and feared people more than God. Though allowed to reign, his disobedience resulted in the loss of his kingdom.1 Samuel 15:22, “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice.”

GOD ALLOWS HIS PERMISSIVE WILL so that we can make a choice. The Lord’s blessings come with obedience and trust.

Choose to Live in God’s Perfect Will Today

1. Ephesians 5:17, “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Believers are encouraged to seek God’s perfect will through the Holy Spirit as we read the Bible, obey, pray, and renew our minds.

Scripture consistently calls believers to seek and walk in His perfect will. Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

THE LOVE MOTIVATION FOR OBEDIENCE. Before closing, I want to take a moment to clarify our motivation, or why we should obey the Lord. It is not simply about fear, avoiding pain, or even receiving blessings; it should be an expression of our love for Jesus. 1 John 4:19. “We love Him because He first loved us.”

The motivation for our choices in the Lord should always be love. Obviously, even natural love requires the freedom to choose; in the same way, biblical love is not forced. God desires willing obedience rooted in love. As Believers, Jesus makes it clear that we must be motivated by love in all we do in His name. Matthew 22:37–39, “Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

The kind of love Jesus is talking about is “agape” love, which is based on a decision to love, not necessarily an emotionally driven love. In other words, God doesn’t love us because we are lovable, but because He decided to love us! This kind of love requires a decision to love regardless of the circumstances; this is the essence of agape love; it is undeserved and unearned. It is this agape love, developed through our relationship with Jesus, that enables the Holy Spirit to help us love the Lord and others. In John 13:34, Jesus gave His disciples a “new commandment”: to love one another as He has loved them, establishing a pattern of sacrificial, divine love.

As people, we struggle to keep the commandment to love, but through faith in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are enabled to live lives of love for God and others.

IN CONCLUSION, the prophet Jeremiah, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, spoke a word of encouragement to a nation confused and aimless. Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” This statement remains true for us today, but we must make the right choices. Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

The Bible teaches the importance of putting “First Things First.”

Scripture consistently shows that order matters to God, and blessing follows when you are aligned with Him. Here are three examples of putting God first.

1. Seek God Before Everything Else

Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Jesus teaches that spiritual priorities must come before material concerns. God does not deny our needs; He promises to supply them when we put His kingdom first.

2. Build the Foundation Before the Work

Proverbs 24:27, “Prepare your outside work, make it fit for yourself in the field; and afterward build your house.” God values preparation and order. The unseen groundwork determines the strength and success of what follows.

3. Obedience and Relationship Before Sacrifice

1 Samuel 15:22, “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.” God prioritizes obedience and relationship over religious activity. Busy service cannot replace a surrendered heart.

When we put first things first, God before all else, our labor is aligned with His purpose and bears lasting fruit. Psalm 127:1, “Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.” Rest in the assurance that the Lord prepares the worker for the task,

Think of rest as an opportunity to “reset.” It is like your phone that is always running apps in the background. Even when you are not using it, the battery is draining. On top of that, some of the apps don’t function as they did. You know the first thing you should do is “reset” the phone; turn it off, then turn it back on. That simple act can save you a lot of stress and grief! 

Many believers live like that—always running, always striving, never fully at rest. Jesus steps into that exhaustion with a simple invitation to reset. The New Testament presents rest not as an escape from life, but as a new way to live—anchored in faith, grace, and a living relationship with Jesus Christ. It is an opportunity to examine what is not going right, and connect with the One who can reset you, Jesus! Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God;…”

The Meaning of “Rest” in the New Testament

1. Rest as Relief from Burden 

Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

These words were spoken to people crushed by religious expectations. The Pharisees had added layers of rules to God’s law, turning obedience into a heavy burden. People were exhausted, not refreshed. It’s like carrying a backpack filled with rocks. Each rule, each expectation, each failure adds another stone. Jesus doesn’t remove a few rocks. He offers to carry the pack Himself.

When Jesus says, “Take My yoke upon you,” He is inviting a relationship, not religion. Jesus does not invite them to try harder. He invites them to come into His presence. You see, rest begins with a Person, not a principle. When Jesus says, “Take My yoke upon you,” He is not offering another system of law. A yoke joins two together. Jesus is saying, “Walk with Me. Let Me carry the weight.” His yoke is easy because He bears what we could never carry ourselves.

2. Rest is entered as Faith, Not Works or Effort 

Hebrews 4:1-11 is such an important passage that explains what the Lord means by the word “rest.” The main idea of this passage is that God offers a real “rest” that goes beyond the Promised Land or the Sabbath day. That rest is entered by faith, trusting God, not by self-effort, and it is still available “today.” The passage warns us that it is possible to be religious, busy, and knowledgeable—and still not resting in God. We can attend church, serve faithfully, and still live with anxiety if we are relying on ourselves instead of Christ.

The promise of rest still stands. Hebrews 4:1-2 says, “1 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. 2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.” The writer warns believers not to fall short of God’s promised rest, as Israel did. Israel heard God’s message, but it did not benefit them because it was not joined with faith. Hearing the truth is not enough; even knowing the truth is not enough. We must receive the truth and do it with trusting obedience as the Holy Spirit leads us. For example, you can look at a chair all day, admire it, study it, but rest only happens when you actually sit down. Faith is sitting down in what Christ has already done. Entering rest requires letting go of self-reliance and trusting wholly in what Christ has done.

Hebrews 4:3-5 tells us that God’s rest started in creation, “3 For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: ‘So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest,’” although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all His works”; 5 and again in this place: “They shall not enter My rest.” This sounds a little complicated, but God’s “rest” is rooted in creation: God rested on the seventh day because His work was complete not because He was tired or exhausted. So, the rest offered here is not merely a location (like Canaan) or a ritual day but sharing in God’s completed work and living from trust rather than striving. Those who persist in unbelief are warned that they will not enter God’s rest.

The invitation is still called “Today.” Hebrews 4:6-7, “6 Since therefore it remains that some must enter it, and those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of disobedience, 7 again He designates a certain day, saying in David, “Today,” after such a long time, as it has been said: “Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts.” Because some failed to enter, God sets another opportunity. Long after Moses and even after Joshua, God still says, “Today.” That means the offer remains open, but it is urgent: respond while your heart is willing.

A greater rest than the Promised Land. Hebrews 4:8-10, “8 For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. 10 For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.” Joshua led Israel into the land, but that was not the final rest God intended. A deeper “Sabbath-rest” remains for God’s people. To enter this rest is to stop trying to establish our standing with God by our own works and instead rest in what God has done, through the cross of Calvary, which was ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

Persevere in faith. Hebrews 4:11, “11 Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.” The command to be “diligent” is not a call to earn salvation, but to persevere in genuine faith. True faith keeps trusting and obeying, refusing the pattern of unbelief that hardened Israel in the wilderness.

From Hebrews 4:1-11 we see three important things:

• Salvation rest—trusting God rather than our works; Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
• Daily rest—peace and stability that comes from walking with God. John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
• Final rest—eternal rest with God. Jesus says in John 3:15, “that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Let’s take a closer look at these three truths:

1. Rest as Salvation in Christ 

Romans 5:1 tells us, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This is foundational rest. Salvation settles the greatest question of all: our standing before God. The debt of sin is paid. The verdict is final. We are no longer trying to earn acceptance; we already have it in Christ.

Imagine a courtroom where the judge declares, “Paid in full.” Yet the defendant stays standing, still pleading. Many believers do that spiritually. Rest means sitting down after the verdict. A believer does not work for salvation but works from salvation. That shift from striving to security is the heart of New Testament rest. If salvation brings rest, why do so many believers still live under pressure?

2. Rest as Freedom from the Law’s Condemnation 

Galatians 3:24-25, “Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.” A tutor is not the teacher; the tutor is responsible for the child’s education and brings the child to the teacher. The Law is the tutor, and the Law brings us to the teacher, Jesus Christ.

Paul explains that the Law was a tutor designed to lead us to Christ, not a place to live permanently. Once faith has come, we are no longer under that tutor.

Trying to live under the Law after coming to Christ produces fear, guilt, and burnout. Grace produces gratitude, not laziness. Rest does not remove obedience; it changes the motive for obedience. We do not obey to be accepted, but because we are accepted, we obey.

The Law is like a mirror. It shows dirt on your face, but the Law cannot wash it off. Grace does the washing. This brings us to the question of how rest shapes daily Christian living.

3. Rest as Ongoing Life in the Spirit 

Hebrews 4:9-10 says, “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. 10 For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.”

“There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.” This rest is both present and future.

• It is future in that we look forward to eternal rest with Christ.
• It is present in that we cease striving to justify ourselves. Jesus has done that for us.
• Walking in the Spirit means living daily from a place of trust—trusting God’s grace, God’s timing, and God’s power. A child sleeping in a car does not worry about directions or fuel. The parent handles that. Spirit-led rest trusts God with the journey.

Conclusion

New Testament rest is not inactivity; it is confidence. It is the settled assurance that Christ has done what we could not do. True rest is found not in a day, not in a system, and not in ourselves, but in Jesus Christ. Jesus still invites us today: “Come to Me… and I will give you rest.” May we not only hear that invitation but live in it every day.

What was the purpose of the Law?

The Law of Moses was given by God to the Hebrews as a way of restoring the fellowship that was broken in the Garden of Eden, Exodus 19:5-6, “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. 6 And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.” God chose Israel as His treasured possession and gave them His Law to guide them into a relationship with Him. The evidence of that relationship was that they obeyed the Law. Yet, the Lord always desired that they obey out of love and faith, trusting Him, not merely following rules and regulations.

• Deuteronomy 6:5, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.”
• Habakkuk 2:4, “Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith.”

Following rules and regulations often leads to legalism and judgmentalism.

The Danger of Legalism

The danger came when people began to focus on keeping the Law itself rather than seeking the Lawgiver. Instead of worshiping God, they began to worship the rules. This misplaced focus easily produced judgmentalism and legalism—the very opposite of grace. Romans 6:14, “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.”

Judgmentalism Explained

Judgmental people habitually form critical opinions about others, often without a full understanding of their circumstances. They are quick to condemn and slow to show compassion or empathy. Jesus warned against this when He said, “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1-2). The heart of judgmentalism is pride, while the call of Christ is humility, Philippians 2:3-4, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

Legalism Explained

From a biblical standpoint, legalism is an excessive reliance on laws, rules, or rituals to achieve righteousness or favor with God, while neglecting the importance of faith and grace. Legalism emphasizes external following of regulations rather than inward transformation through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul reminded the church of that in Galatians 2:16, “knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.”

The Call to Grace

Christians are not called to live under the Law and Grace at the same time—it is impossible. To walk in grace is to live by faith in Jesus, clothed in His righteousness, and transformed by His Spirit. When believers slip into judgmentalism or legalism, it is a sign that they are relying on the wrong covenant. Instead, God calls His people to extend the same mercy and grace they have received through Christ. The Apostle Paul says in Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.” The Apostle James says in James 2:13, “For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

In Matthew 23, Jesus delivers Eight Woes against the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy in legalism and judgmentalism:

The woes are all woes of hypocrisy and illustrate the differences between inner and outer moral states. Jesus portrays the Pharisees as impatient with outward, ritual observance of details, which made them look acceptable and righteous outwardly, but left the inner person unchanged.

The Eight Woes of Matthew 23 – NKJV

1. Shutting the Door of the Kingdom

Matthew 23:13, “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.”They hindered people from knowing God by legalism and burdensome traditions.

2. Exploiting the Vulnerable

Matthew 23:14, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore, you will receive greater condemnation.”Pretending devoutness and godliness while exploiting the weak.

3. Making Converts Worse Off

Matthew 23:15, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.”Binding converts to hypocrisy instead of freeing them to know God.

4. Blind Guides with Twisted Oaths

Matthew 23:16, “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obliged to perform it.’ Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifies the gold?”Valuing material things above God’s presence or seeking God for personal reward.

5. Majoring on Minors

Matthew 23:23–24, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!”Obsessed with details, but neglecting love, justice, and mercy.

6. Outward Cleanliness, Inward Filth

Matthew 23:25–26, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.”Outward religious show, inward greed.

7. Whitewashed Tombs

Matthew 23:27–28, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”Appearing holy but spiritually dead inside.

8. Murderous Heritage

Matthew 23:29–36, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’ Therefore, you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers’ guilt. Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell? Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.”Honoring prophets outwardly but carrying the same murderous spirit.

How is the New Covenant different from the Law of Moses?

The New Covenant transforms external obligation into internal devotion. Instead of rules engraved on stone, God’s Spirit writes His truth within us. Jesus said, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you’ (Luke 22:20). Through this covenant, believers receive forgiveness, adoption, and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. No longer are we bound by condemnation; we are set free to live by love (Romans 8:1).

Living Under Grace

To live under grace is to walk in freedom from guilt and fear. The Spirit empowers us to live out the heart of the Law—love—rather than the letter of it. God promised, ‘I will give you a new heart and put My Spirit within you’ (Ezekiel 36:26–27). Through this transformation, believers grow into Christ’s image ‘from glory to glory’ (2 Corinthians 3:18). As Paul wrote, ‘Love is the fulfillment of the law’ (Romans 13:8).

The Superiority of the New Covenant

The book of Hebrews describes the New Covenant as a ‘better covenant’ built on ‘better promises‘ (Hebrews 8:6). It offers better access to God, a better sacrifice, and better transformation. Under the Old Covenant, only the high priest could approach God once a year; now every believer may come boldly to His throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). The Old revealed sin but could not remove it; the New brings forgiveness and eternal life through Christ. Where the Old was a shadow, the New is the substance—eternal, unshakable, and perfect.

Reflection and Application

The Better Covenant calls us to rest—not in our striving, but in Christ’s finished work. Grace frees us from the weight of performance and invites us into a relationship. We no longer approach God through ritual, but through faith. As we walk in love, we fulfill what the Law pointed toward all along—communion with God and compassion for others.

Conclusion

Living under grace frees us from the burden of legalism and the trap of judgmentalism. The Law points us to our need for Christ, because only in Him do we find true righteousness. As followers of Jesus, we are called to embody His grace, show compassion, and walk humbly with our God, Micah 6:8, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

Take a moment to thank God for the covenant of grace written on your heart. Remember that you are not under law, but under grace. Let His Spirit renew your mind daily, guiding you in love, faith, and freedom.