As we continue our study of the promises of God, we come to a very specific promise that Jesus Himself spoke of very clearly. This is the promise of the Comforter in John 14:16-17, or who we would more commonly call the Holy Spirit.
1. What are your experiences with the Holy Spirit? How aware of the Holy Spirit are you? Where do you hear from the Holy Spirit most commonly?
2. How have you seen the Holy Spirit taught incorrectly or misused?
The English version of the Greek word used here for the Holy Spirit by John is “parakletos,” or “paraclete.” Translators often translate it as a couple different words, even here in John chapter 14.
3. Look up John 14:16 in a couple of different translations. What are the various words for the Holy Spirit here translated into across the versions? Why do you think that is?
4. What are the nuances of each of these words? What does each of these words draw out about the Holy Spirit?
If you are reading out of the ESV (English Standard Version), you will see the word “Helper,” translated in John 14:16. The word helper can have positive and negative connotations for us. Sometimes, it is used for someone important who plays an integral role in making something happen; without their help, something would not have been possible. Other times, a helper can be used to refer to a child who just needs something to do, so they are given some trivial task to keep them busy.
5. Which of these possible uses do you think Jesus is using when He calls the Holy Spirit “Helper”? Why?
The NIV (New International Version) translates John 14:6 as “advocate.” It states, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever.” The NIV continues the idea of help but translates the title as an “advocate to help.” Throughout Greek literature written around the same time, “paraclete” refers to a legal assistant who pleads someone’s case in court, therefore functioning as an “advocate to help.” In 1 John 2:1, it refers to Jesus as the advocate for the believer, “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
When Jesus was comforting His disciples in the upper room the night of the last supper, He told them that even though He had acted as an advocate for them between the Father, He must leave. However, even though He was leaving, He was not leaving them empty-handed. No, He must leave because someone better is coming. That One is the Holy Spirit.
6. Leading up to John chapter 14, in this same conversation, Jesus tells the disciples that one of them would betray Him. He predicts Peter’s denial and tells them He was leaving to prepare a place for them. What do you think the disciples were feeling as Jesus told them these things?
The Holy Spirit is not some mystical feeling that bosses people around and tells them to do weird things. The Holy Spirit is not a force or power that is “out there somewhere.” The Holy Spirit is one of the three persons of the Trinity and was sent by the Father Himself after Jesus’ earthly life. So, what does the Holy Spirit do?
Just a couple verses later in John chapter 14, Jesus says, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” The Holy Spirit is not out with His own agenda. No, the Holy Spirit points back to the words of Jesus and illuminates them in the hearts of believers. Why do we often hear the same message as someone else but walk away with a different application? It is because of the Holy Spirit that is in each believer! One of the main distinctions between the Old and New Testaments is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. In the Old Testament, the Spirit of God was in the midst of believers. Haggai 2:4-5 clearly says, “Work, for I am with you, declares the LORD of hosts, according to the covenant that I made with you when you came out of Egypt. My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not.” However, Jesus promises something even better than the Spirit of God in the midst of His people. He says at the end of John 14:17 that the Holy Spirit dwells “with you and will be in you.”
7. What difference does it make that the Holy Spirit is in believers, not just in their midst?
In addition to pointing back to the words of Jesus, the Holy Spirit has many other roles in the life of the believer. Romans 8:14-17 says, “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.”
8. Have you ever questioned if you are saved or not? Why does Satan try to tempt Christians into believing that they are not actually saved?
Romans 8:14 is clear in saying, “All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” How do you know if you are saved or not? Have you confessed Christ as your Lord, believed in Jesus’ death and resurrection, and allowed Him to lead you? If so, let this be your assurance of our salvation.
9. What does it mean to be led by the Spirit of God? Who do you see that does that well?
As I write this, we just returned from two weeks of summer camp with our River Students. It was an amazing two weeks filled with God’s Spirit moving in the lives of the campers. Across the two weeks, we had 18 campers confess Christ as the Lord for the first time, and we had 37 campers who were baptized! These are teenagers making the public declaration of their faith in Christ! One thing I have seen many times in my own life and in the lives of students is Satan tempting them in their lowest moments that they are not saved. Therefore, a practice I have made is having campers write down the date of their conversion in the front of their Bibles. It may sound cheesy, but it is so important that when Satan comes lying, we confront him with the truth.
The Holy Spirit seals our salvation and assures us of our salvation. He points back to the words of Jesus and acts as our advocate between us and the Father. As we forsake our own ways and choose to follow His, that is proof that we are saved!