AVAAT

A VERSE AT A TIME

TOPIC: THE HELP OF THE SPIRIT

TEXT: John 14: 1-18

KEY VERSE: “I will not leave you as orphans [comfortless, bereaved, and helpless]; I will come [back] to you.John 14:18(AMP)

Have you ever wondered why Jesus called people out from their professions, trades, and businesses to become his disciples, only to leave them alone after three and a half years? Did he not care about how they would cope in the hostile environment filled with religious leaders and Roman leadership? Of course, He did!

“Jesus loved his disciples deeply and willingly went to the Cross for them. He would have stayed with them longer, but God had better plans. The gift of the Holy Spirit was a better provision for the growing church, expanding beyond Jerusalem, Judah, and Samaria.”

The Father loves me because I give my life. I give my life so that I can get it back again. No one takes my life away from me. I give my own life freely. I have the right to give my life, and I have the right to get it back again. This is what the Father told me.” John 10:17-18(ERV)

No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends. John 15:13(AMPC)

 Let me assure you, it is better for you that I go away. I say this because when I go away I will send the Helper to you. But if I did not go, the Helper would not come. John 16:7(ERV)

To truly appreciate the positive impact of Jesus’ decision to leave, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Jesus had asked the Father to send the Holy Spirit to us as an extraordinary gift, which is the most valuable thing we could ever receive. When we have the Holy Spirit within us, it manifests as Emmanuel, God being with us.

The arrival of the Holy Spirit benefits both the world and believers. The Holy Spirit’s ministry to the world has three aspects: First, He shows the people of the world how they are mistaken about sin. Second, He enlightens them about how to be right with God. Third, He makes them aware of the impending judgment. All people in the world are guilty of sin because, through Adam, we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

 Sin came into the world because of what one man did. And with sin came death. So this is why all people must die—because all people have sinned. Romans 5:12(ERV)

All have sinned and are not good enough to share God’s divine greatness. Romans 3:23(ERV)

 When people sin, they earn what sin pays—death. But God gives his people a free gift—eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23(ERV)

All religions are attempts by humans to reconcile with God. They often involve performing good works, following specific modes of worship, and adhering to various rules and regulations that may require self-discipline to attain favour with God. However, through faith in his son Jesus Christ, God has already provided a means for humans to reconcile with him. The Holy Spirit is there to help people understand how to achieve this reconciliation.

You are not saved by the things you have done, so there is nothing to boast about. Ephesians 2:9(ERV)

We have been made right with God because of our faith. So we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Christ died for us when we were unable to help ourselves. We were living against God, but at just the right time, Christ died for us. Romans 5:1,6(ERV)

We can only help the world truly understand who Jesus is and what he has done for humanity with the assistance of the Holy Spirit. Our ability to serve as witnesses and reconcile people to God is only as effective as our partnership with the Holy Spirit, our Helper. While the world may be quick to judge others based on human reasoning and worldly values, the Holy Spirit is the only one who can demonstrate to the world what righteous judgment is and how the devil has been defeated.

“When he comes, he’ll expose the error of the godless world’s view of sin, righteousness, and judgment: He’ll show them that their refusal to believe in me is their basic sin; that righteousness comes from above, where I am with the Father, out of their sight and control; that judgment takes place as the ruler of this godless world is brought to trial and convicted.John 16:11(MSG)

To lead more fulfilling lives and build better relationships with our neighbours, co-workers, and communities, we must strengthen our relationship with the Holy Spirit. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit enabled Peter to present the gospel in a way that deeply impacted those who heard him on Pentecost day. Similarly, Philip’s ministry as a deacon transformed when he surrendered to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Now, when they heard this, they were cut to the heart [with remorse and anxiety], and they said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what are we to do?” Acts 2:37(AMP)

Then the [Holy] Spirit said to Philip, “Go up and join this chariot.” Acts 8:29(AMP)

Jesus did not abandon his disciples and leave them to fend for themselves, nor did he do so for us who believe in him today. Instead, he gave us the Holy Spirit to guide and support us on our journey here on earth. I encourage you to seek a deeper connection with the Spirit this season, ask for help and experience the benefits of a closer relationship with God. Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit to ensure we fulfil God’s purpose on earth.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. How would you describe your relationship with the Holy Spirit? 

2. Do you have a good understanding of all the benefits that the Holy Spirit brings to our walk with God? 

3. What steps can you take to experience more assistance from the Holy Spirit in your ministry? 

4. Finally, who can support you in improving your relationship with the Holy Spirit?

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash