We Are Not Alone - Comforter Is With Us!

Sermon – The Comforting Work of the Holy Spirit

Joh 16:5-15 “But now I am going away to the one who sent me, and not one of you is asking where I am going. 6 Instead, you grieve because of what I’ve told you. But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. 9 The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. 10 Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. 11 Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged. 12 “There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. 14 He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’

Introduction: Of all the gifts Jesus could have given His disciples, He introduces the work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is Jesus’ parting gift of comfort, counsel, and give clarity in the work of the ministry. Jesus bodily presence was limited, the Holy Spirit would be unlimited. The Holy Spirit would be among them in every place, teaching them, reaching them with constant insight and clarity. The presence of the Holy Spirit would be more valuable to the disciples than the bodily presence of Jesus had been. The Holy Spirit, God’s Comforter would guide all saints, in all assemblies, at the same time, giving instructions, prompting prayers and inspiring praises to God, and applying God’s word with power to millions of hearts at the same time. 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 ending, Jesus spoke 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 disciples would not be left comfortless. The Holy Spirit would be the constant companion, sent along side them, to aid and assist them in all their endeavors.

Jesus had delayed this conversation because the disciples were not ready to hear it. With the coming persecution, Jesus informs them in plain language that they might be aware and prepared for the days ahead. Unexpected attack has a way of paralyzing us or causing us to faint. Jesus warns them of the coming persecution, being criticized and put out of the temple and local synagogues. He warns that some of them might 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 before, they were not ready. 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:

1.The Indwelling Holy Spirit Will Comfort the Believers!

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.”