Christian Foundations 2 - SpiritSample

GOD’S SPIRIT BRINGS TRUTH 

I am not a handy sort of person. I have very few skills when it comes to building or repairing things. Fortunately, I have some good mates who can help me out when I need to fix something around the house. It makes such a difference having capable and experienced “helpers.” In today’s Scripture, Jesus calls the Spirit a “Helper.” His disciples were really worried about how they’d go forward without Jesus around. Perhaps you are too? How on earth are you going to be and do all that God wants? Well, they didn’t need to be concerned and neither do you. Jesus explained why.

Read: John 16:5-15

Journal

1. What is God saying to me? Which verse is most significant?

2. What do I want to discuss or explore further?

3. What do I need to do?

4. What are the roles of the Spirit mentioned in this Scripture?

Reflect

There are a few ways that different Bible versions translate the word, “Helper.” Some translate it, “Counsellor” and others “Advocate.” The original word was used for someone who helped you out if you were in trouble with the law. Basically, it meant someone who would assist you when you were out of your depth. Jesus is telling his mates that while his leaving felt disappointing to them, it would actually open the way for the Spirit to help them out from within. These guys would no longer need the physical presence and words of Jesus to guide them. God would be speaking through his Spirit.

In this passage, Jesus particularly focuses on the Spirit’s role in helping us with truth. He speaks to the hearts of not-yet Christians to convict of sin. You may have already experienced this work of the Spirit when coming to faith in Jesus. But particularly, he guides Christians into truth. He helps us understand what God is saying. We don’t have to work it all out ourselves.

This doesn’t mean that every time you get an idea or feeling it’s from the Holy Spirit. It could just be an overactive imagination or indigestion. But you will find that as you read Scripture, or listen to a sermon, or worship God, something suddenly grabs your mind or heart and you recognize that this is God speaking specially to you. This is your Helper doing his job. 

Pray

There is so much to understand and experience as a Christian. Sometimes I feel that I will never get it all right. But thank you Holy Spirit for being there to help me grow in my understanding and my life. Please convict me when I’m doing wrong and teach me how to live for Jesus. I’m all ears.

Respond

Have a quick look again at today’s reading and devotion. Is there anything that the Spirit is really impressing on you now? Try to listen to the quiet whispers of the Spirit throughout today.