May 19, 1999

FAMILY BIBLE SERIES:
Holy Spirit available as an aide to Christians
___ John 14:15-31; 16:4-15
___By Thomas Lea
___Southwestern Seminary
___Some years ago I was working on a problem related to a computer when God caused me to ponder the question, "Is this what God wants you to do for a lifetime?" I was taking some courses which could have opened up work in space exploration or defense production. Either option could have been exciting only if it were God's will. When I couldn't answer the question with a "yes," I got alone in a prayer room and settled an issue with God. He was calling me into Christian service. The Holy Spirit was guiding me. He was leading me to understand God's will.
___The Holy Spirit works in Christians' lives to give help, teach God's word, warn of disobedience and guide to an understanding of God's will. Our lesson reminds us of these truths.
___ Help (John 14:15-18, 24). Jesus promised his disciples that God would send a helper, the Holy Spirit, to direct their decisions and sustain them forever. The term "counselor" or "helper" designates someone summoned to aid another. It could refer to an advisor, mediator or intercessor. The work of the Spirit is to represent God to believers just as Jesus did on earth. Jesus promised he would not leave believers alone, but would help them by the Spirit. People who love and obey God will enjoy the Spirit's work in their lives.
___ Teach (John 14:25-26). In teaching, the Spirit's function is to remind believers of what Jesus taught. He impresses Jesus' commandments on his disciples' minds and makes obedience to them a possibility.
___The Spirit's function in teaching involves the truth Jesus already has presented in Scripture. He does not present ideas beyond or contrary to what Scripture has said.
___ Reprove (John 16:8-11). The Spirit's role is to bring people to a sense of guilt before God so that they can realize their helplessness. He convicts first of the sin of unbelief in Jesus. Sin is a rejection of Jesus' message and mission.
___Second, he convinces people of their need for righteousness. Christ's resurrection and ascension demonstrate that Jesus alone satisfied God's demand for righteousness. Third, the Spirit convinces troubled people of the defeat of Satan.
___Only the Holy Spirit can drive home the truth that individuals are desperate before God. They cannot take hope in the idea that "everyone is doing it."
___ Guide (John 16:12-15). Jesus reminded his listeners they were not mature enough to receive his message. He promised that the Spirit would help them to understand principles he had already presented.
___The Spirit also glorifies Christ. He does not seek to make himself prominent. He wants to make Jesus' character and teaching central in the thinking of Jesus' followers.
___Christians today need supernatural strength, insight into God's message and a conviction that only Christ can supply their needs. The Holy Spirit provides this help for committed disciples.

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