How the Holy Spirit Helps Us in Bible Study

Many people think the Bible is hard to understand and even harder to apply. But Christians are not alone in Bible study. The Holy Spirit helps us as we read and study God’s Word.

If you have entered into a saving relationship with Jesus, the Holy Spirit is fully present in your life. In his letter to the Christians in Rome, Paul taught that all Christians have the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9-10). To emphasize this truth he also declared the opposite. Those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them are not Christians at all (Romans 8:9 NLT). (If you aren’t sure about your salvation, see “How to Know Jesus.” If you want a better understanding of the Trinitarian nature of God and the role of the Holy Spirit check out “The Joy of the Trinity” by Tara-Leigh Cobble.)

Jesus called the Holy Spirit our “Helper.” The Greek word translated “Helper” in the ESV (See John 14:16, 14:26, 15:26, and 16:7) indicates that the Holy Spirit is our counselor, advocate, and intercessor. He is One who comes to our aid. The Holy Spirit’s role in our lives is especially important when it comes to reading, studying, and understanding God’s Word. The Holy Spirit is our Teacher. (Also see “Are You Deep Rooted in God’s Word?” and “4 Spiritual Benefits from God’s Word.“)

5 Specific Ways the Holy Spirit Helps Us in Bible Study

1. Gives Understanding of God’s Truths (1 Corinthians 2:13-14) – The truths of God sound foolish to non-Christians because they don’t have the Holy Spirit.  Only the Spirit of God can give understanding of spiritual truth. Since the Spirit indwells all Christians, we have the spiritual capacity to understand what we read in the Bible.
2. Reminds Us of the Truths We Know (John 14:26) – On the night Jesus was betrayed, He assured His disciples that He would not leave them alone when He left. He would send the Holy Spirit. The Spirit would not only be their Teacher, He would help them remember everything Jesus had already taught them. I experience this when I read my Bible. Often, when I encounter a fact, principle, or truth, the Spirit brings to mind something from another passage I’ve read that correlates, reflects, or enhances. 
3. Convicts of Sin (John 16:8) – The Holy Spirit is the one who convicts the non-Christian of their sin and need for a Savior. He is also the one who convicts the Christian of specific sins and the need for repentance in our ongoing walk with Jesus. The Spirit uses God’s Word to do this. We may be actively reading when the Spirit uses God’s Word to point out sin in our lives. Or He may bring God’s truth to our minds at another time. But His conviction is always based on the righteous standard of God revealed in His Word.
4. Gives Wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:13) – The dictionary defines “wisdom” as “the knowledge of what is right or true and the judgment needed to rightly apply it.” Knowing God’s truth is not enough. We also need to apply His truth to our lives. The Holy Spirit provides the judgment we need to make that right application. (See also “4 Ways to Apply Scripture to Your Life.“)
5. Uses God’s Word to Refine Us (2 Corinthians 3:18, Hebrews 4:12) – The Holy Spirit wields the Word of God like a sword to cut away sin any and everything that doesn’t look like Jesus. He uses God’s truth like a smelter’s fire to burn away impurities and fleshly desires. Every time we open the Bible is another opportunity for the Holy Spirit to make us a little more like Jesus.

Recognize the Holy Spirit’s Work

The Holy Spirit is probably the least recognized member of the Trinity. We believe He indwells us, but we rarely think about or consider Him when we read and study God’s Word. Let’s change that. For instance, the next time we open the Bible, let’s ask Him to give us understanding, to teach us, to show us how we should apply God’s truths to our lives.

The Spirit is our advocate, our Helper. Let’s lean on Him today.

Have you ever thought about the Holy Spirit’s role in helping you read and study the Bible? Which of these ways surprised you the most?