When Heaven Sends Help: Understanding The Holy Spirit Series

Just before Jesus died on the cross, He sat the Disciples down for a lengthy training session. Knowing He was only hours from departing, Jesus poured in them. It’s right here that Jesus introduces the Holy Spirit. This is known as the Farewell Discourse by Bible scholars.

Today’s Scripture

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.”

“These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 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. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here” (John 14:15-17, 25-31).

Sermon Preview

1. He’s the Gift that Keeps on Giving

2. He’s the Teacher Who Never Stops Teaching

1. He’s the Gift that Keeps on Giving

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever” (John 14:16).

“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” (John 14:26).

Remember, this is all one lengthy piece of training Jesus gives the Disciples.

1.1 The Setting

Remember, this is the night before Jesus dies on a cross. These are Jesus’ last-minute instructions He’s giving the Disciples. The air is thick with bewilderment, excitement, and uncertainty as the Disciples struggle to grasp what’s happening. The task in front of these eleven men is overwhelming: spread the message of the gospel throughout the world despite their families disowning them. In time, their families will refuse to talk with them, and many will not even permit their bodies to be buried next to their loved ones. If bookmakers were to place odds on these 11’s success, no one in their right mind would have bet on them. The odds were squarely against them. They have no organization and no money. The road in front of them is difficult.

1.2 The Gift that Keeps on Giving

There is nothing you have achieved or will achieve that is as monumental as what Jesus is expecting of these men. Jesus is requiring the impossible. And before He leaves them to do the impossible, Jesus gives them the Helper. Jesus offers them an incredible gift, an incredible resource to help them pull off the impossible. He’s not only giving them an incredible gift, but Jesus is teaching about the Trinity. Jesus is pulling back the curtain to show us the essence of God.

1.2.1 The Spirit is for All Believers

Here’s some good news: the Holy Spirit is available to all believers. The Spirit isn’t just for the original disciples. He’s not just available to missionaries or “professional believers.” He’s for every single believer. Plus, the Holy Spirit comes to you the moment you embrace Christ by faith. He’s not extra, and He’s not an “add-on” that you have to pay for, like some games you play on your phone. The Holy Spirit is part and parcel with you becoming a believer (Romans 8:9).

1.2.2 Clark Griswold and Cousin Eddie

Some of you may remember Clark Griswold in Christmas Vacation. He thought his big Christmas bonus was coming — only to open the envelope and find a membership to the Jelly of the Month Club. Trouble is, Clark had already put a down payment on a new pool for the family. A deposit he couldn’t afford, so he wrote a cold check. It’s right here that clueless Cousin Eddie tries to cheer him up by saying, “It’s the gift that keeps on giving the whole year.” Now, jelly might not be the best “gift that keeps on giving.” But Jesus promised something infinitely better. On the night before the cross, He told His disciples He was giving them the Holy Spirit. Unlike Clark’s jelly subscription, the Spirit truly is the gift that keeps on giving — peace when life is chaotic, power when we feel weak, and power to fight off even the strongest of temptations.