God’s Gift Of Comfort, Counsel And Clarity

Joh 16:7-15 “But what I am saying is true: my going is for your good: for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And he, when he comes, will make the world conscious of sin, and of righteousness, and of being judged: 9 Of sin, because they have not faith in me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to the Father and you will see me no more; 11 Of being judged, because the ruler of this world has been judged. 12 I have still much to say to you, but you are not strong enough for it now. 13 However, when he, the Spirit of true knowledge, has come, he will be your guide into all true knowledge: for his words will not come from himself, but whatever has come to his hearing, that he will say: and he will make clear to you the things to come. 14 He will give me glory, because he will take of what is mine, and make it clear to you. 15 Everything which the Father has is mine: that is why I say, He will take of what is mine and will make it clear to you.”(BBE)

Introduction: Of all the gifts Jesus could have given His disciples, He chose to send them a gift of comfort, counsel, and clarity. If Jesus bodily presence were here in one place, we could not all reach him, and for this reason the presence of the Holy Spirit is more valuable than the bodily presence of the Redeemer would be. The Comforter can be in all the assemblies of the saints at the same time and can teach at one moment all the disciples of the Lord; he can prompt prayers and inspire praises in myriads of souls at once and apply the word with power to millions of hearts at the same instant. The glory of the church is the abiding power of the Holy Ghost, comforting the church and convincing the world.

As Jesus’ earthly ministry was nearing its end, Jesus spoke more often and more in depth about the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit. Knowing the Holy Spirit as a comforter would be crucial in their survival. These sad disciples would not be comfortless. The Holy Spirit would be the constant companion, sent along side them, to aid and assist them in all their endeavors. Jesus begins to warn the disciples about the coming persecution. He has delayed this conversation because were not ready to hear it. Now Jesus informs them that they might be fore armed and not caught by surprise. Unexpected attack has a way of paralyzing us or causing us to faint. So he warns them, expect to be criticized and put out of the temple and local synagogues. He further explains that some may suffer death for His sake. Then Jesus reveals the true reason for the world’s hatred, they have not known the Father nor me. That is still the reason for the hatred of the world today.

Jesus had not elaborated on these things while he was physically with them. He was constantly praying for them, guiding them, and protecting them. Now he is going away, and their hearts were filled with sorrow. The disciples like many of us when we are overcome with bad news or disappointment. Even though Jesus was sharing some good news, the fail to hear it. The good news is that Jesus’ earthly ministry was complete. He could now return to the Father. Phase II of project Redemption and Reconciliation could begin. The Holy Spirit would take center stage providing comfort, counsel, and clarity to every believer. He would lead them and teach them, revealing even the deep things of God.

Let review what Jesus said about the ministry of the Holy Spirit:

The Holy Spirit will be in you and comfort you!

John7:37, 38 “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”

Joh 14:16-18 “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”

The Holy Spirit will instruct you, bring things to mind and show you things to come!

John 14:26 “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”