WEEK 2 – Meet the Helper

John 16:7–15 (ESV) - 7 Nevertheless, 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. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

INTRODUCTION: CONTEXT AND CONNECTION

Last week we talked about the Holy Spirit as our helper. Today I want you to meet the Helper.

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In Jesus’ final discourse with His disciples (John 13–17), He prepares them for His departure. They are distressed. But He assures them they will not be left alone. He speaks of another Helper—a divine Person who will come after Him and continue His ministry.

“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away…” – John 16:7

This statement must have scared them. Why would it be better for Jesus to leave?

Because in His place would come the Holy Spirit—one who would not only be with them, but in them (John 14:17).

The Holy Spirit is not a force to be WITH you. He’s a divine presence that lives inside of you.

I. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS A DIVINE PERSON

John 16:7 – “I will send Him to you”

A. He Is Referred to with Personal Pronouns

Jesus says: “He will guide… He will speak… He will glorify…”

This is consistent throughout the New Testament (see John 14:26, John 15:26).

John 14:26 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 have said to you.

John 15:26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.

B. He Possesses the Attributes of Personhood

From various scriptures, we see that the Holy Spirit:

Thinks – “The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:10)

Wills – “The Spirit distributes [gifts] to each one individually as He wills.” (1 Corinthians 12:11)

Feels – “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God…” (Ephesians 4:30)

Speaks and Intercedes – “The Spirit Himself intercedes for us…” (Romans 8:26)

C. He Can Be Lied To

In Acts 5:3–4, Peter told Ananias that lying to the Holy Spirit was equivalent to lying to God—further confirming His divine personhood.

Acts 5:3–4 “But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.””

“He is not an energy to be harnessed. He is not a mist to be manipulated. He is the Holy Spirit—the third Person of the Godhead—thinking, feeling, speaking, and moving with purpose. You don’t useHim… you yield to Him.”

II. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GOD

A. Acts 5:3–4 equates lying to the Holy Spirit with lying to God.

Story of Ananias and Saphira

B. In 2 Corinthians 3:17, Paul says: “Now the Lord is the Spirit…”

Revealing the Holy Spirit is God.

C. He is listed equally with the Father and the Son in baptism (Matthew 28:19) and the apostolic benediction (2 Corinthians 13:14).

When the Holy Spirit decended.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.2 Corinthians 13:14

Wherever the Holy Spirit is present, God is present.

III. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS OUR HELPER (PARÁKLĒTOS)

John 14:26 – “The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name…”

A. Definition of “Paráklētos”

· A Greek legal term meaning: advocate, intercessor, counselor, one who comes alongside to help.

B. Sent in Jesus’ Name

· He represents and continues the ministry of Jesus.

· What Jesus was to His disciples externally, the Holy Spirit is to us internally.

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” – John 14:18

IV. THE HOLY SPIRIT REVEALS TRUTH

John 16:13 – “He will guide you into all the truth…”

A. The Spirit Is the Author of Scripture

“…men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” – 2 Peter 1:21

“All Scripture is breathed out by God…”– 2 Timothy 3:16

B. The Spirit Illuminates the Word

“We have received… the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.”– 1 Corinthians 2:12

The Holy Spirit does not bring new doctrine but gives illumination of existing truth.

C. The Spirit Testifies of Christ

“He will glorify Me…” – John 16:14

“He will bear witness about Me…”– John 15:26

Test: If a message glorifies MAN more than JESUS, it is not of the Spirit.

V. THE HOLY SPIRIT GUIDES, SPEAKS, AND PREPARES

John 16:13 – “Whatever He hears He will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are to come.”

A. He Guides

“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” – Romans 8:14

Not by impulse or emotion, but by relationship and sensitivity.

B. He Speaks What the Father and Son Are Saying

He is not independent; He is in complete unity with the Godhead.

He reveals the counsel of Heaven to the believer.

C. He Prepares Us for the Future

“He will declare to you the things that are to come.”

This may include insight, prophecy, discernment, and preparation.

VI. APPLICATION – WALKING WITH THE HELPER

A. Honor Him as a Person

· Speak to Him. Invite Him. Acknowledge His presence daily. Build a relationship with Him.

B. Submit to His Guidance

· Learn to listen, pause, and respond to His inner promptings.

· The Holy Spirit never leads contrary to Scripture.

C. Desire His Fellowship

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ… and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” – 2 Corinthians 13:14

Fellowship (Greek: koinōnia) implies sharing, participation, intimacy.

“The Holy Spirit is the most ignored Person in the Church. Yet He is the One Jesus said we would need the most.” ~ Derek Prince