This post is written by Bob Wilson as a companion for Unit 29, Session 4 of The Gospel Project for Adults, Volume 10: From Many People to One People (Winter 2023-24).
NCAA college football and basketball programs have long recognized the value of investing significantly in top-notch coaches. Some of these coaches make over $10 million a year. These programs are aware of the vital role a coach plays in a team’s success. A great coach not only equips athletes with essential skills to excel in their sport but also empowers, motivates, and inspires them to reach their full potential. In a similar way, the Holy Spirit is crucial to a Christian’s spiritual journey as an empowering presence.
The Holy Spirit begins the process of salvation by coaching us and making us aware of our need for Christ. This process starts with the Holy Spirit convicting individuals of their sin and their need for a Savior (John 16:8). Upon repentance and belief in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit seals their salvation (Ephesians 1:13), becoming a constant empowering presence in their lives.
As Christians, the Holy Spirit continues to guide us towards truth and righteousness, empowering us to grow in our faith and live a life that glorifies God. Jesus called the Holy Spirit the “Spirit of truth” (John 14:17) and assured us that the Holy Spirit would teach us all things and remind us of everything He had said (v. 26). The Holy Spirit also works to develop spiritual fruit in our lives, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). As we yield to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, these qualities grow and become evident in our lives, reflecting the character of Christ.
Like a coach who trains and prepares athletes to perform at their best, the Holy Spirit trains and prepares us to become effective witnesses for Christ. The Spirit leads us to be witnesses for Christ, empowering us to carry out the Great Commission and share the gospel with people from all places and all walks of life (Matthew 28:19-20). As we endeavor to fulfill this mission, we must rely on the Holy Spirit’s empowering work in the lives of those who come to faith in Christ. Instead of relying solely on our own abilities, we must place our trust in the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit to empower us to be successful witnesses for Christ.
Just as a coach is always present on the sidelines during a game, the Holy Spirit is always present in the life of a believer, providing comfort, guidance, and strength during times of trial and difficulty. In fact, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us in prayer when we don’t even know what to pray for (Romans 8:26-27).
The Holy Spirit also unites believers in a unique way, forming the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-13). As members of this body, we are all given different gifts and abilities, and the Holy Spirit works through each of us to build up the body and carry out God’s purposes.
The Holy Spirit is also like a coach who trains and equips believers to effectively serve others. Through the Holy Spirit’s empowering work, we are equipped with the necessary gifts and abilities to serve and minister to others (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). The Spirit works in and through us to serve those in need, comfort the hurting, and share the hope of the gospel with those who are lost. Though not a perfect analogy, considering how the Holy Spirit functions like a as a divine coach may be helpful in understanding His influence in our lives. We must remember that the Holy Spirit is not only our coach but also our constant empowering presence, guiding us towards truth and righteousness, and developing spiritual fruit in our lives. Let us continue to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our lives and trust in His empowering work to fulfill our calling as followers of Christ. Just as athletes rely on their coaches to lead them to success, may we continue to yield to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and allow Him to work in and through us to fulfill our calling as witnesses for Christ and to serve others with love and compassion.
Bob Wilson is the lead pastor of First Baptist Church in Meridianville, Alabama. He and his wife, Christa, have six children.
