FRIDAY August 19, 2022

The Helper

“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 depart, I will send Him to you. And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.”
John 16:7-11

It must have been very hard for the disciples to hear that Jesus was going to leave. They really did not understand He was going to die. In truth, He told His disciples that it was advantageous for them if he left. Why? Because in doing so, the Holy Spirit, the Helper, would come to them.

Jesus spelled out the Holy Spirit’s purpose. The English word Helper comes from the Greek word paraklesis. It means “succorer,” “aid” or “assistant.” “One called to one’s side to aid.” It can also mean “Comforter” or “Consoler.” The Holy Spirit would lead them into a deeper knowledge of the gospel, give them divine strength, and empower them in times of persecution and times of trials, even enabling them to die as martyrs.

In the world, the purpose of the Holy Spirit is to convict people of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. It should never be our goal to convict people of sin. Instead, we need to love people and be a witness to them.

Notice, the ruler of this world, Satan, is judged. He is defeated––he has had it! Satan’s judgment is sure; he will be cast into the lake of fire to be tormented forever and ever (Revelation 20:10). However, before Satan’s final judgment, he will still be walking as a roaring lion, seeking to destroy the lives of many souls with the intent of their eternal ruin (1 Peter 5:8).

Jesus warned: “The thief [Satan] does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” As the lover of our souls, Jesus came with this purpose: “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). We can possess eternal life because of our relationship with Christ (John 3:16), and we can enjoy a blessed and productive life serving Him.

“Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”
~C.T. Studd~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!