Another Helper

by Paul Tautges | February 15, 2019 2:13 am

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. (John 14:16-17)

You are never alone. Never. Ever. If you are a Christian, then God is always with you. More than that, he is in you through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus promised this to his disciples immediately following an important announcement. He would be leaving them soon, in order to build and furnish their heavenly home, but they would remain here (John 14:1–15). So he assured them “I will not leave you as orphans” (John 14:18). Jesus would never think of abandoning them. Instead, he promised to give them “another Helper.” This word refers to one who comes alongside to exhort or encourage. But Jesus says this time the Spirit would be sent differently than before. In other words, Jesus assures them the Holy Spirit would not only be with them, but in them. This means they would not only be able count on the Spirit’s presence at certain times, or for certain purposes, but always in every place forever. How is this possible?

The Spirit would indwell them. He would actually take up residence within their physical bodies. What a comforting promise this must have been for them, and is for you!

Scripture teaches that every true believer has been united to Christ by the ministry of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13). Therefore, when it comes to the Holy Spirit’s presence, there are no haves and have-nots among Christians. By his grace–and because of the promise of Jesus–the Spirit is now every believer’s helper.

What should also encourage you today is this: The Spirit’s helping ministry includes healing your heart. Hence the reason Helper is sometimes translated Comforter or Counselor. However, it is vital for you to comprehend the chief means by which the Spirit brings his comfort, encouragement, and healing help to you. As the one who inspired the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21), the Spirit carries out his ministry primarily through and alongside the Word of God. He who “comprehends the thoughts of God” has revealed them in words (1 Corinthians 2:11-13). He is the Spirit of truth; that is, he will comfort you by means of applying the Scriptures to your heart (John 16:13).

As the heaven-sent Helper, the Spirit’s never-ending presence brings you comfort through God’s healing words.

Are you reading your Bible daily?

Source URL: https://counselingoneanother.com/2019/02/15/another-helper/