The Helper – The Holy Spirit Series

The Helper – The Holy Spirit

Our text for today is found in John chapter fourteen. Please follow along with me as I read:

"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 said to you.” John 14:26 (NASB)

I can only imagine how often the disciples would run to Christ to tell Him their problems and concerns. I would imagine that they would come to Him as little children would to a caring friend. They would bring every want, every sorrow, and every agony before Him. They knew that it was He who could bandage up there hurts as would a wise physician. I imagine that He would tell them, “Fear not. All things will be well.” It must have been wonderful to live at a time when Christ walked the earth.

But even for the disciples those days came to end. He was arrested, beaten, crucified – buried – and although He arose from the grave – His time on earth after the resurrection – was all too short – and now He was gone. No longer could they see Him face to face and bring their petitions to Him. No longer could they rest their weary heads on His shoulder and be comforted. He was gone – but they were not left alone. Jesus tells them:

"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 said to you.” John 14:26 (NASB)

In fact did He not also tell them:

"But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” John 16:7 (NASB)

Jesus had to go away. He had to leave – in order that The Helper would come to them.

Folks, here is a great truth: Jesus never deserts His disciples.

He will not leave lost sheep alone in the wilderness. He will not abandon sailors caught in a storm at sea and He will not desert his disciples in the valley of death. God always – always takes care of His own and He takes care of us by sending a “Helper”.

Before I continue on let us talk about “the Helper” – for a moment. In John chapter fourteen and verse twenty six the Greek word that is translated “Helper” is Parakletoes. In various translations it is translated in various ways. Of course the New American Standard Bible translates it – “Helper”. The King James Bible translates Parakeletoes as – “Comforter.” The New International version translation says – “Counselor”. The New Revised Standard Translation says – “Advocate”. And the Message Bible says – “Friend”.

I find no problem with any of these translations – because all of these translations show me the deep workings of the Holy Spirit. He is my “Comforter” when I am going through times of sorrow. He is my “Counselor” – when I am confused and need someone to guide me. He is my “Advocate” when I have been accused and need someone to stand beside me. He is my “Friend” when all others have turned their backs on me. Overall He is my “Helper” in times of trouble. I thank God – that He is my Helper and that He is always there.

But that is not all – verse twenty six says gives me two insights into what the Holy Spirit does. (1) The Holy Spirit is there to instruct me in understanding my walk with Christ and (2) He there to remind me of things I have forgotten. Jesus Christ had been a great teacher of his disciples while He was on earth. In fact they called Him “Rabbi” – which means teacher. (John 1:38) The disciples sat at no other teacher’s feet to learn their doctrines; but they learned the lessons direct from the lips of Him who taught as no one else had taught. (John 7:46)

And now Jesus says, “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 said to you.” The Helper shall unravel mysteries that Christ had taught you. He will untwist any knots of confusion. He will give you understanding of things you could not understand on your own. He will teach you ALL things.

Folks – no one learns anything aright, unless he is taught by the Helper – the Spirit of God.

Jesus said:

"But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.”He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you.” John 16:13-14 (NASB)