AVAAT

A VERSE AT A TIME

TOPIC: The Holy Spirit Advantage

TEXT: John 16:5-15(AMP)

KEY VERSE: But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him (the Holy Spirit) to you [to be in close fellowship with you]. John 16:7(AMP)

In God’s infinite wisdom, he sent Jesus to come with flesh and blood so that he could pay the price for our redemption. Jesus, in his human form, came to understand our needs and circumstances intimately. He became a faithful high priest, interceding on our behalf because he understood our challenges.

For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathise and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin. Hebrews 4:15(AMP)

This verse is a powerful reminder that Jesus, in his human form, experienced the same weaknesses and temptations as us. This understanding makes his guidance and support all the more relevant and valuable to us. 

Jesus specifically requested the gift of the Holy Spirit for his disciples because he knew it would place them in a superior position to thrive, regardless of their difficulties. It is like the Holy Spirit stands beside you to counsel you on the next move to make in the game of life to ensure you win!

They will ban you from the synagogue; in fact, the time will come when anyone who kills you will think he is serving God! John 16:2(CJB)

As a believer, you may go through tough times due to persecution from the world, temptation, and trials. Jesus anticipated this and made arrangements for you to access the ministry of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, as your Helper, provides comfort in times of distress, strength in times of weakness, and guidance in times of confusion. Moreover, the Holy Spirit advocates for you and intercedes when you don’t know how or what to pray for, ensuring that your prayers align with God’s will. This is not just a theoretical concept but a practical reality in my life as a believer.

His disciples feared the Jewish leaders after Jesus’ death and resurrection, so they hid themselves. However, after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost day, starting from Peter, the believers received the boldness and ability to share their faith just as Jesus had promised. This is a clear example of how the Holy Spirit can empower believers to overcome fear and fulfil their mission.

But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth. Acts 1:8(AMPC)

But Peter and John answered them, “What do you think is right? What would God want? Should we obey you or God? We cannot be quiet. We must tell people about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:19-20

If you have difficulty sharing your faith with others, you can ask the Holy Spirit for help. This is not a one-time request but a continuous reliance on His power and guidance. You can receive the Holy Spirit through prayer and surrendering your life to God. God doesn’t expect you to do it alone; the Holy Spirit’s ability to help you present the gospel and convict sinners is to your advantage. (Acts 8:26-40)

As a believer in Jesus, you are called to be a witness in your family, neighbourhood, workplace, and nation. The Holy Spirit can lead you to reach a specific target group: children, teenagers, youths, women, or disabled persons. By relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance and counsel, you can live a more impactful life that not only influences others but also aligns with God’s purpose for you. This empowerment from the Holy Spirit gives you the strength and confidence to fulfil your calling.

 God calls some to take the gospel to foreign lands as missionaries. You don’t have to live there, but you can engage in intercession through the help of the Holy Spirit or go on short-term visits to serve unreached communities. When you surrender your skills and resources to the Holy Spirit, you can use them to aid the work of evangelisation. The Holy Spirit can equip you with the right words and boldness to share your faith effectively.

Meanwhile, the church had peace throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria and grew in strength and numbers. The believers learned how to walk in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Acts 9:31(TLB)

 Also, the Spirit helps us. We are very weak, but the Spirit helps us with our weakness. We don’t know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit himself speaks to God for us. He begs God for us, speaking to him with feelings too deep for words. God already knows our deepest thoughts. And he understands what the Spirit is saying, because the Spirit speaks for his people in the way that agrees with what God wants. Romans 8:26-27(ERV)

In the believer’s journey, there are times when we are confused and may not know God’s will, but with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can discern God’s mind.

Next they traveled through Phrygia and Galatia because the Holy Spirit had told them not to go into the Turkish province of Asia Minor at that time. Then going along the borders of Mysia they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus said no. So instead they went on through Mysia province to the city of Troas. Acts 18:6-8(TLB)

God is not an author of confusion. With the Holy Spirit’s leading, we have an advantage over those who don’t know him. You don’t have to struggle another day with decisions. Being the Spirit of wisdom, the Holy Spirit can guide you in making the right choices and avoiding confusion. This assurance of the Holy Spirit’s guidance brings a sense of peace and security in your decision-making process. 

The true children of God are those who let God’s Spirit lead them. Romans 8:14(ERV)

I encourage you to take advantage of these benefits while pursuing a fulfilling life.

Reflection Questions

1. What specific area of your life do you require assistance from the Holy Spirit? 

2. Are you confident in following the guidance of the Holy Spirit? 

3. In what other ways can you make use of the Holy Spirit’s presence?

 4. What steps can you take to enhance your understanding of the Holy Spirit as a person?

Photo by Alexander Schimmeck on Unsplash