John 16:5-15
Introduction
The Person of the Holy Spirit is the third member of the Trinity (Matt 28:19). It is His job to come alongside believers of Jesus Christ to help in any area there is a need. After Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension (Luke 24:50-51), the Holy Spirit was given to believers to continue Jesus’ ministry to His people on earth. The Holy Spirit is available to the believer as an intimate companion, confidant, and friend.
What Jesus offered to others with His physical presence, the Holy Spirit now provides. The presence of the Holy Spirit is so that we can live today with a full experience of the Savior’s love, grace, and power. Like Jesus, the Spirit helps us pray (Rom 8:26-27) and teaches us all things (John 14:25-26). The Holy Spirit makes available the divine resources that God promises His people based on their need and God’s will. The Spirit activates or makes experiential the encouragement, advocacy, and empowerment that God’s children need. For the believer who needs help shifting their thoughts, calming their emotions or strengthening their resolve, the Holy Spirit is available in direct proportion to the investment made in relationship with Him.
Because the Holy Spirit is a person, He should be related to as such and believers should be careful not to reduce Him to a helpful power or force that is called upon in times of need. The full experience of the Holy Spirit to believers requires an intimate personal relationship. His full power and assistance are experienced best in the context of an ongoing close relationship with believers in Jesus Christ.
When you are walking with the Holy Spirit, you are also walking with Jesus. It is the Spirit’s job to prioritize the glorification of Christ (John 16:14). So if Christ is not being glorified, you will not see the Holy Spirit at work. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth (John 14:17; 15:26); He cannot operate in error. For the believer to see and experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit as a helper, consistent engagement with the Word of God is crucial. The Holy Spirit is God’s provision to aid believers in experiencing the divine assistance that God offers.
Getting Started
- What is your personal experience relating to the Holy Spirit? Have you ever needed His help or comfort? Share your experience with your group.
- After listening to today’s sermon, what new information did you learn about the Holy Spirit? What fresh revelation did you receive as it relates to your relationship with Him?
Let’s Get Personal
- Do you feel as if you have an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit? Why or why not?
- What do you do in your walk with God to invest in your relationship with the Holy Spirit? How do you cultivate your relationship with God?
- Since the Holy Spirit’s job is to prioritize the glorification of Christ, how does your life give Him the opportunity to do that? How do your requests give Him the opportunity to have Christ’s glory illustrated through your life?
Take the Next Step
- The Holy Spirit is available as a helper to believers in Jesus Christ. In what areas do you need the help of the Holy Spirit?
- Our experience of the Holy Spirit relies much on our investment of time and energy getting to know God through the Word. Putting in the effort to pray and read God’s Word greatly impacts the amount of the Spirit’s help that we experience. What can you begin doing to avail yourself to a deeper experience of the Holy Spirit?
- Want to go deeper? Take a look at the following passages: John 14:16-18, 25-26; 15:26; 16:13; Acts 5:3-4; 1 John 4:1-6; Matthew 28:19; Romans 8:26-27; and 1 Corinthians 2:9-16.
Renew Your Mind
“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever;”
John 14:16
