The Holy Spirit, the Helper

Introduction

The Holy Spirit is described as the helper. This description was made known specifically to the apostles.

However, it must be noted that the apostles played a key role in the development of the early church (Eph 2:20)

So He helped them, and we benefited from that.

In addition there are ways He helps the believer today that are distinct from how He helped the apostles. This is who He is a helper.

How did He help the apostles?

Illumination of Scripture

This is seen when the the writers of the NT used scriptures to explain concepts of the New Testament belief.

The book of Hebrews - OT Scriptures is used throughout to encourage Christians to hold fast

The book Romans - Paul used OT Scriptures to teach justification and inclusion of the Gentiles into the church

The book of Galatians - Paul used OT references to teach that the Law of Moses is no longer in effect

Peter used OT scriptures on the day of Pentecost in his sermon.

Revelation of Scripture

There many doctrines that were not taught or not in their fullness when Jesus was with them Jn 16:13; 14:26

Justification

Divinity of Christ

Glorification

Unity and oneness of the church

These teachings have been a source strength and stability for the early church

Recollection of Jesus’ words

Acts 11:16

Acts 20:35

Lk 24:8

1 Pet 1:17-18

Application: The Spirit worked in the apostle to ensure that the church remained the church. Hope still remains. Security in God still remains. the Devil has lost because the Lord’s church still remains.

Jesus left them to do a job, but He said I will send help

God left a mission for the church and for the Christian, don’t you think we need some help too?

How does He help us today?

It must be noted that the way He helped the apostles is different to the way He helps us.

He intercedes

Jesus is an intercessor Rom 8:34 , but it doesn’t stop there.

Romans 8:26–27 NASB95

In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

“in the same way” hope carries us through in our times of difficulty the Holy Spirit helps. When we don’t know how the Spirit intercedes, He is not just translating but it’s as though it’s His prayer.

He pleads on your behalf to someone of authority, He takes it on as though it is His “our needs go far beyond the power of our speech to express them” [the groanings] Something like the man in Luke 18.

Morris, Leon. The Epistle to the Romans. Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press, 1988. Print. The Pillar New Testament Commentary.

“our weakness” - not by taking them away but by helping us through them

“helps” - join in doing, share in doing,

He’s together with me not supporting from a distance

He is shouldering my burden

The thrust of vs. 27 is comfort not a caution

This is the only way vs. 28 makes sense because of your intercessor.

This is How He helps