The Advocate

7 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.

We are actually better off—now—because Jesus is gone—and the Spirit has come. We don’t have to physically be with Jesus 2,000 years ago—He lives within us by His Spirit in every believer.

The Same Holy Spirit—the very presence and power of God, the 3rd member of the Trinity—Father, Son, now Holy Spirit—that same Spirit who transformed and empowered the early Church in the Book of Acts now transforms, lives in us

AND HE MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE.

Last week, we looked at Jesus as our Convicter—He convicts us of sin and points us to Jesus,

and our Converter—He radically changes us so we are born again.

and I want to focus on that word that we sees today...

Advocate!

Please turn to John 14:16

Jesus is giving his last speech to his 12 disciples in the upper room before He is going to die on the cross.

if you ever spent time with someone in their last days or hours or minutes, AND your loved one can still communiate with you—their last words become so memorable and important.

My Grandma Schwartz told me in her last days, “Ricky...don’t you worry about me. I know I am going to be with Jesus.” Those kinds of words have a profound effect on us.

and Jesus in some of his last words in the Last Supper, chooses to focus on the Holy Spirit—the 3rd member of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Please stand—

John 14:16–17 NIV

16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you (how long?) forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

skip down to verse 25...

John 14:25–27 NIV

25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 15:26 NIV

26 “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.

The Holy Spirit is our....what Advocate!

That word Advocate is a rich word.

English Translations of the Bible struggle to translate that word...

NIV 84 (previous version of the NIV) (and CSB) translated Advocate as Counselor. “I will send another Counselor.” (14:16 - he will be with you)

the ESV and the NASB translates this word as “Helper.” (John 14:16 - he will help you)

the KJV translates Advocate as “Comforter.” (saw the idea of peace—don’t be afraid or hearts troubled

CEB - “companion” “(he will be with you)

so do we just give up on Bible translations...no!

whenever you see our great English translations differing on a translation like this—it’s because it’s hard for them to capture the essence of what this word means.

It’s rich!

It’s multi-faceted!

So Counselor, Helper, Comforter, Companion and Advocate....all trying to capture this rich word that encapsulates what the Holy Spirit does.

the Greek Word is Para—klntos. from the word Para—kalew.

Para = to come alongside—that’s showing a helpful nuance to the word.

we use that prefix para with words like para-legal, para-medic, para-professional. they come alongside and help. the Holy Spirit helps us and comes to our aid, but one of the dangers with that word helper is it makes the Spirit sound inferior, which is not true.

and kalew = to call out. call out is a stronger word than just comforter or counselor. It is leading, it is guiding, it is directing, as well as comforting, counseling, and helping. this is why comfort and counselor are true—but the Holy Spirit’s ministry is wider than just comforting or counseling.

Tim Keller in his chapter on this, (I found his work so helpful on the Advocate) says “to call someone is forceful. It is active, not passive. You are pointing them toward a goal or change. and yet to come alongside is sympathetic—to help. this word is a union of prophetic challenge and priestly support.”

that’s why NIV 2011 has used the word Advocate - because it has legal overtones. like an attorney. a defense attorney.

last week, the Holy Spirit is more like a prosecuting attorney—convicting us...saying “you need to change. You can’t keep living a life where you are in charge. You need Jesus!”

now, today’s role of the Holy Spirit - is looking more like a defense attorney — He is someone who appears on behalf of another in the court of law...

and if you look at John 14:16 carefully...let me read it one more time.

John 14:16 NIV

16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—

another Advocate!

so what does that imply!?

if the Holy Spirit is another advocate—that means we have a 1st advocate.

the Holy Spirit is the 2nd Advocate.

Who is the first?

I am glad you asked.

Turn to 1 John now (same writer of John)—John the Apostle

1 John 2:1–2 NIV

1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

Jesus is the 1st Advocate—God the Son

the Holy Spirit is the 2nd Advocate —

We actually have how many advocates—2!

comforting, counseling, helping, coming alongside, defending us as our great legal attorney

Tim Keller says you can’t understand the 2nd Advocates’ work until you understand the first Advocate Jesus.

and if you look at 1 John 2:1-2 again—

1 John 2:1–2 NIV

this is amazing—it’s not just reminding us of that Jesus died for our sins to forgive, which is true.

this language of Advocate reminds us of a couple things:

Word “Advocate” reminds us...

There is a divine court that we must answer to (both now and when we die). (there is a standard in life for which all of us are accountable.)

and even if you are not a believer, you feel it and sense it.

Paul says in the Book of Romans 2:14-15

Romans 2:14–15 NIV

14 (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.)

we all sense there is something we are not living up to. that we are held accountable before. our consciences bear witness to it.

and even if you don’t believe in God—when someone hurts you or treats you poorly—how do you react? (can they justify it and say “that’s wrong for you but not for me” -

you don’t just feel it is wrong—or feel like it’s your personal standard—they violated some standard out there in the world or universe.

the Bible is clear that there is a God who is righteous, who defines that standard, who defines right and wrong.

if there wasn’t, then who defines it? what hope is there for the world?

but if there is that standard of right and wrong—then what hope is there for you and me?because none of us live up to God’s standards.

the golden rule is do unto others what you would want them to do to you. We like it but how many of us actually do that?

we may sense we are not living up to it—and give all sorts of reasons or even excuses why we aren’t:

—I was raised in a bad family or had bad parents (which may be true and doesn’t help)

—I struggle with self-esteem (which may be true)

—i haven’t been feeling physically good (which can affect it) or I was having a bad day

—or so on

but even with that—Tim Keller says we all feel that voice within us telling us “you are not living up to that standard. You are imposter. you are not what you should be.”

if you press me even more—even if you say “well I don’t care about God’s standard… or living up to you...” then you usually create another standard.

If your standard in the law court of life is to be successful, have a good career, make lots of money—if that’s what drives you—it hangs over you...how much success do you have to have to quiet that standard? or how much money? probably more...

if your standard in the law court of life is to find a perfect soul mate—romance, happily ever after...if that’s what drives you? what if you never find that person? or worse—what if you do but realize pretty quickly that that person is not perfect nor can they complete you?

so advocate implies there is a standard, a divine court. that we must live up to...but we aren’t

second...Advocate means...

2. “Advocate” reminds us where Jesus helps us most.

Keller says Jesus is not just our example (though he is)

nor just a supporter (though he is)

we need more than just examples or supporters. but that’s not enough to really help us...

we need an advocate.

think of that image in the court of law. If you are accused of a crime, and you have to appear in the court of law, you need to get a defense attorney.

You certainly can represent yourself—but that never goes well. the judge will not be impressed.

you need an advocate—a good one. and not the cheapest one from lawyers.com.

you need a good one who knows what they are doing...and can represent you well in the court of law.

Theologian Charles Hodge says, “in court, you disappear into your advocate.”

even if you are not eloquent on the stand, doesn’t matter as much, but if your advocate is skilled, great at communicating has a good case, you are well off. Your advocate is like your representative or substitute in court.

so Keller says “You look like whatever your Advocate looks like.” “If they win, you win. If they lose, you lose.” “You are IN your advocate.”

so go back to 1 John 2:1-2.

1 John 2:1–2 NIV

1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice (propitiation) for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

If we are guilty before God, we don’t just need support, help, or comfort or an example or a coach. you need a “perfect advocate to represent us before the Father.”

and we need one who has the perfect case to make.

How This Works:

one of the books of the Bible that spells out this case is the book of Hebrews—it uses a different metaphor for Jesus—saying He is our Great High Priest who intercedes for us. the image is that Jesus the Son stands before the Father constantly interceding, constantly advocating for us.

but intercessor is a little different than advocate—they are related.

Dane Ortlund “Gentle and Lowly” - “Intercession has the idea of mediating between 2 parties, bringing them together. Advocacy is similar but has the idea of aligning oneself with another.”

“an intercessor is a mediator—like a 3rd party between 2 parties or people that are at odds. an advocate doesn’t simply stand in between the 2 parties but steps over and joins the one party as he approaches the other.” (page 87)

and I love how Keller says this...in his mind (and mine too)… as a Christian, I would often think of Jesus going before the Father and saying, “Father, Rick did it again. He sinned. Again...please have mercy on Him...you know how hard he works. and he even went into pastoral ministry and has to put up with those people at First Missionary. Give him another chance.”

and I would imagine the Father like saying “ok...one more time...but he better learn.”

the problem with that example is that Jesus is just asking for mercy.

He’s not making a case. how long can that go on? just like a good lawyer—doesn’t just plead for mercy with the Judge or jury—they need to make an airtight case.

the case is in 1 John 2:1-2

1 John 2:1–2 NIV

1 John 2:2 NIV

2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

which says Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and for the whole world.

that’s Jesus’ case!

1 John 1:9 NIV

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

(doesn’t say merciful)

to not forgive would be unjust.

Keller says - the best way to win a case in the court of law—is for advocate to show under the law we must be declared not guilty and innocent.

so Jesus can say something like “Father, my people, including Rick, have sinned and not followed your law. the penalty is death. but I have paid for those sins with my life and blood. I did it on the cross...and it would be unjust to be punished twice for sin already paid for, for crime already committed. That’s my case—It’s justice.”

that’s amazing!

every other religion—says basically “You have to do more good than bad...or you don’t have a case! that’s desperate and insecure trying to work hard enough. you have to build your case thru effort....”

even non-religious people feel that burden or standard that they are trying to live up to you—and if they are honest—they can’t.

this is why the Gospel—the good news of Christianity is so good—because of Jesus—the law or standard is for us!

2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV

21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

our sin is given to Jesus—so we are forgiven..but even better—we are now the righteousness of God—when God looks at us—it’s as if we have never sinned—and done everything Jesus did.

God looks at you—and sees his wonderful beloved child!

Jesus is the 1st Advocate —speaking to God the Father for you! (now....don’t make the mistake that God the Father is angry and grumpy—and were it not for Jesus he would zap us with lightning bolts)—no—they work together! where one is all are—and planned it together!

if that’s the work of the 1st Advocate—that sheds light on the 2nd — the Holy Spirit.

The 2nd Advocate - the Holy Spirit

He points to the work of the 1st Advocate - Jesus.

I love how Keller says it “The 1st Advocate is speaking to God for you...but the 2nd Advocate is speaking to you for you.”

remember the Holy Spirits’ job is like a floodlight. If you see a floodlight on a building, lighting it up at night—you don’t notice the light..you notice the building. the Holy Spirit is that floodlight that constantly lights up Jesus—look at Jesus...look at Him. He is glorious. He is beautiful!

so Jesus reminds the disciples and us—that the Spirit will come and teach you and us and remind us all things about what Jesus said (John 14:26). The Spirit will glorify Jesus (John 16:14)

those disciples in the upper room didn’t have a clue how much Jesus loved them, and what He was accomplishing in His death and resurrection. but the Spirit will come, teach them deep intimate truths of Jesus...show them their sin and show them Jesus.

it was for their good that Jesus went, so the Holy Spirit could come and do this...they could actually know Jesus better when he was bodily absent, but present through the Spirit. so these truths could go from here in our brains to our souls....

which means for us—if you are a Christian right now—you can know Jesus better than the 12 apostles did in the upper room? why the Holy Spirit comes and lives inside you.

my guess is we forget this...ALL THE TIME. we take it for granted.

If you really understand that you have a 2nd Advocate pointing you to the 1st Advocate what does that mean:

Results of the 2nd Advocate:

The Best Identity ever:

all of us are looking for this a sense of self who we are and worth.

and all of us look to this in our performance or works

“I have to be successful in life”

“I have to make lots of money”

“I have to honor and please my parents”

“I have to work really hard”

“I have to prove myself”

“I have to get married or have kids who never mess up”

those things fluctuate...

but if you have Jesus—you have a stable identity. one that never goes up and down. it’s solid. you have the 1st Advocate, constantly representing you, and the 2nd Advocate the Holy Spirit reminding us.

Romans 8:14–15 NIV

14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

If you have this, you can face criticism. truly listen to it—now be so defensive when someone criticizes you or your thing, whatever it is. (my story of the person in my last church)

Real Peace and Joy (John 14:26-27)

John 14:27 NIV

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

this peace is so rich, too! It implies peace with God first through Christ by the Spirit—and one day everything, the entire created order would be at peace and rest.

but it also is very practical now—it’s also deep in our hearts—don’t let your hearts be troubled. it comforts us in trouble, gets rid of fear.

the world cannot give or understand it—just watch the news—and we will see a world that wants us divided and afraid.

look at John 15:11 — real joy

John 15:11 NIV

11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

Ability to face suffering

if we know what Jesus suffered on our behalf...as our 1st Advocate..the 2nd Advocate will remind us that when we face suffering—medical diagnosis, financial crisis, lost job, a break-up, whatever...then the Holy Spirit will come and say things like this:

“You are still loved. Look at Jesus....he suffered and He was perfect. God is not mad you...He loves you and walks with you through it.”

Now it is possible that if you are living in sin, the Holy Spirit may also convict you (like last week) and point you to Jesus to confess it—that’s God’s beautiful discipline which is out of his love.

but if you have the Holy Spirit’s work working inside you—you can face anything. now that suffering is easy.

2 more related ones I don’t have time for...but let me list them:

Deep Intimacy - this is related to the 1st point but slightly different. we have deep assurance we belong to Jesus. I am His and He is mine.

Courage - we can do anything, when we are depending on Him....

you may wonder—I forget this stuff all the time. “If you are like me.”

We are like leaky buckets—who even if we fill out bucket with Jesus—there are holes. I go to bed and my bucket leaks all night...spiritually speaking.

what can I do to remember this:

this is not rocket science...it’s not complicated.

The Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of Truth—we need to constantly be absorbing the truth about Jesus.

We need to be in his Word (not substitute for this—both individually or with others). Luke Liechty mentioned Sunday School last week; Baer has been working on summer small groups, or you can even form your own with a couple of buddies or friends)

we need community with other Christians—Christians who can encourage and challenge—you need the church

you need things like prayer, baptism, the Lord’s Supper

As we close today—one of the rich ways that the Bible talks about the Holy Spirits’ work as our Advocate and Jesus the Advocate—is this language of “in Christ.”

If you are a Christian—you are in Christ. you are united to Christ. it is the best intimacy ever!

The Bible says you are in Christ . this simply means that now we can’t tell where we end and where Christ begins. Whatever happened to Jesus, happened to us—we died to our sins, and we were raised to new life in Jesus.

you see as you think about Jesus Christ regularly, the Holy Spirit, the other Advocate will be pointing to Him...reminding you are in Christ. not just followers of Jesus—but In Jesus. In Him! Paul uses this language 160x plus in the NT!

The disciples needed this teaching more than anything else that night in the Upper Room. Even though Jesus would leave, they would have Him even more through the Holy Spirit.

Let’s pray

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