EPISODE 0231 | Understanding The Holy Spirit
THESE NOTES ACCOMPANY EPISODE 0231
What does it really mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit—and how do we know if we are?
In this power-packed Q&A episode, Pastors Stephen and Nate unpack one of the most misunderstood and essential aspects of Christian life: the role of the Holy Spirit. From the Trinity to spiritual gifts to the fruit of the Spirit, they walk through what Scripture teaches about the Spirit's work in salvation, sanctification, and supernatural empowerment. Whether you've experienced the Holy Spirit for years or are just starting to explore what that means, this conversation will ground you in truth and stir up your faith to desire more of God’s presence.
Main Topics Covered:
✔️ The role of the Holy Spirit in salvation and sanctification
✔️ What it means to be filled vs. empowered vs. sealed by the Spirit
✔️ Understanding the Trinity and how the Spirit works in unity with the Father and Son
✔️ What the fruit of the Spirit reveals about spiritual maturity
✔️ The purpose and power of spiritual gifts
✔️ How miracles point to the coming Kingdom
✔️ How to discern true prophecy and avoid spiritual manipulation
✔️ Why many believers confuse emotionalism with the presence of God
Key Scriptures:
📖 John 14–16 – Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to guide and empower believers
📖 Acts 1:8 – “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you”
📖 Galatians 5 – The fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness...
📖 Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4 – The different types of spiritual gifts
📖 2 Corinthians 1:22 – The Spirit as a seal and guarantee of our inheritance
📖 Matthew 7:16 – “By their fruit you will recognize them”
📖 Romans 8 – The Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry “Abba, Father”
Highlights & Takeaways:
🔹 Salvation, Sanctification & the Spirit – Salvation is justification by Christ’s work; sanctification is the Spirit’s ongoing work to conform us into Christ’s image.
🔹 Filled for a Purpose – The Holy Spirit empowers believers to fulfill the mission of God—not just for personal experiences, but to bear fruit and build the Church.
🔹 True Fruit Takes Time – Like fruit trees, spiritual fruit doesn’t appear overnight. It requires time, planting, pruning, and perseverance.
🔹 Miracles Still Happen – From healing testimonies to heart transformation, the Spirit is still doing the miraculous—if we have the eyes to see and faith to believe.
🔹 Prophetic Gifts Require Accountability – Words from God must be tested, submitted, and rooted in community. Prophecy is real, but it must come from trusted, planted voices.
🔹 Your Church Can’t Grow Fruit For You – Personal discipleship is your responsibility. Leaders can guide you, but the Holy Spirit brings growth as you cooperate with Him.
🎧 Listen to this episode if you’ve ever asked...
“Am I really saved if I don’t feel anything?”
“Can Christians be demon possessed?”
“Why don’t I see more miracles today?”
“How do I know if someone’s prophecy is real?”
“What’s the difference between fruit and gifts of the Spirit?”
This episode is both theological and practical—bringing clarity to the confusing and confidence to the curious. If you’ve ever struggled to understand the Holy Spirit or longed to experience more of His power, this is for you.
Resources
The Better Planner™ is a personal planner designed by Pastor Stephen to help you map out all the different aspects of success and personal growth on your way to better.
The foundation of the Better Planner™ is the practice of defining and reaching your personal vision. The other principles for growth all integrate with and flow out of this essential step. As you develop and record the insights you receive from God and His design for your life, the Better Planner™ will lead you through a step-by-step process to become better.
MERCH
Check out the Under God Podcast merch!
