Wed Bible Study 29th Jan 2020

“Helper” Colleen Stringer

  • Most Christians hold a distorted, inaccurate and incomplete view of the third member of the Trinity. Without the Holy Spirit Christianity would be dull and powerless; totally opposite to the vibrant, overcoming, advancing church of the Book of Acts.

Helper:

How many of us have household items that we do not use just because they are for looks not use! for visitors’ only, not everyday use! The wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit is meant to be much more than an ornamental feature in our lives:

During Jesus’ years of ministry on earth, He knew the Holy Spirit better than anyone has or ever will.

 

Readings from John Chapters 14-16   

Jesus isn’t publicly teaching a large crowd of casual followers and curious gawkers on a Galilean hillside. He’s not debating the Pharisees or speaking to the Sadducees. It is much more intimate than that…Jesus is in a small room, having dinner with his closest friends. He knows that in just 12 short hours He will be put to death on the cross. In this unbelievably serious moment, a leader who knows he is about to be killed gives vital instructions to His followers.

Jesus begins with words of comfort. “Don’t let your heart be troubled. I’m going away, but I will come back” (paraphrased). Then in John 14:16-17 Jesus gets to the core of what he wants these disciples to understand:

And I will pray the Father and He will give you another Helper, That He may abide with you forever – the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him: but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

The Greek word “pray” here is translated “ask” in many other parts of the New Testament.

Jesus tells us that the role and nature of this person is to “help.” He also assures them that the Helper won’t be a complete stranger.

“But you know Him” Jesus said (The same as me) “For He dwells with you and will be in you.”

  • Present and Future tense. These Words are also meant for us today-we never have to feel alone, forsaken or have an Orphan spirit.

 

How the Holy Spirit Helps

What kind of “help” will the Holy Spirit provide? Jesus give’s part of the answer in John14:25-26

These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Farther will send in my name. He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I have said to you. (The Word of God is Holy Spirit led)

Jesus must leave:

But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth whom proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me John15:26

Notice that Jesus calls Him “the Spirit of Truth.” Jesus presents the Holy Spirit to us as the ultimate answer to overcoming and undoing the work of Satan, the great Deceiver and the ‘father of lies” John 8:44NIV

Discernment –a life free from deception.

John 16:17 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 depart, I will send Him to you.

 

John 16:12-14

Then Jesus said…I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.

  • Wonderful benefit of Christian friendships
  • Tell you things to come; blindsided; prepare; vision or dream comes into your mind
  • Holy Spirit is referred to as “Helper” 4 times in 3 chapters
  • 4 translated “Parakletos” 5 times total in New Testament and 4 times here…come along side…together with against
  • Parakletos: pleads your case like a lawyer before a judge – goes before you to intercede with someone on your behalf

 

John 14: 16 Amplified Version

And I will ask the Father and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby) that He may remain with you forever.

 

Key Role: He Helps me: It’s simple! In all these roles learn to listen to His Voice and you will discover how wonderful it is to have a Helper!

Hearing God’s Voice, being tuned into His frequency is vital to breaking out of old comfort zones and into exciting new levels of effectiveness.

Opening up to receiving the Holy Spirit…back room…walking along the road.

In the stillness…quiet times with Him…

Allow the Holy Spirit to become your HELPER!