Spirit 02: God’s Spirit Brings Truth

Orientate

I am not a ‘handy’ sort of person. I have very few skills when it comes to building or repairing things. Fortunately, I have some good mates who can help me out when I need to fix something around the house. It makes such a difference having capable and experienced “helpers.” In today’s Scripture, Jesus called the Spirit a “Helper.” His disciples were really worried about how they’d go without Jesus around. Perhaps you are too? How on earth are you going to be and do all that God wants? Well they didn’t need to be concerned and neither do you. Jesus explained why.

Explore: John 16:5-15

5 But now I am going to him who sent me. None of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things. 7 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgement: 9 about sin, because people do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and about judgement, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

12 “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.

Journal

Journal for a few minutes on the following questions:

1. What is God saying to me? Which verse is most significant?

2. What do I want to discuss/explore further?

3. What do I need to do?

4. What are the roles of the Spirit mentioned in this Scripture?

Reflect

There are a few ways that different Bible versions translate the word, “Helper.” Some translate it, “Counsellor” and others “Advocate.” The original word was used for someone who helped you out if you were in trouble with the law. Basically, it meant someone who would assist you when you were out of your depth. Jesus is telling his mates that while his leaving felt disappointing to them, it would actually open the way for the Spirit to help them out from within. These guys would no longer need the physical presence and words of Jesus to guide them. God would be speaking through his Spirit.

In this passage, Jesus particularly focuses on the Spirit’s role in helping us with truth. He speaks to the hearts of not-yet Christians to convict of sin. You may have already experienced this work of the Spirit in coming to faith in Jesus. But particularly, he guides Christians into truth. He helps us understand what God is saying. We don’t have to work it all out ourselves.

This doesn’t mean that every time you get an idea or feeling it’s from the Holy Spirit. It could just be an overactive imagination or indigestion. But you will find that as you read Scripture, or listen to a sermon, or worship God, something suddenly grabs your mind or heart and you recognise that this is God speaking specially to you. This is your Helper doing his job. 

Pray

There is so much to understand and experience as a Christian. Sometimes I feel that I will never get it all right. But thank you Holy Spirit for being there to help me grow in my understanding and my life. Please convict me when I’m doing wrong and teach me how to live for Jesus. I’m all ears.

Respond

Have a quick look again at today’s reading and devotion. Is there anything that the Spirit is really impressing on you now? Try to listen to the quiet whispers of the Spirit throughout today.