Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. The gift of the Holy Spirit to all believers

a. Promised in the OT

b. Fulfilled in the NT

2. The ministry of the Holy Spirit explained and taught by the Lord Jesus

a. He is known as a “Helper”.  (John 14:16)

b. One who is called alongside to help

3. Key questions to consider

a. Why do we need the Holy Spirit as our “Helper”?

b. How may we obtain significant help from the Holy Spirit?

THE CONTEXT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AS OUR HELPER

12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.”

John 14:12

1. The Lord Jesus was returning to God the Father

2. The disciples of the Lord Jesus   (John 14:12)

a. They have believed in the Lord Jesus

b. They are to do the works of the Lord Jesus

c. They will be enabled to do greater works

3. They were going to need help

a. The Lord Jesus was their first “Helper”
He did all He could to help them

b. They now needed “another Helper”
One who would provide significant help

4. Application to all who believe in the Lord Jesus

a. We are to do the works of the Lord Jesus

b. We are to attempt greater works

c. In this context, we will need significant help from the Holy Spirit!

HOW WE MAY OBTAIN HELP FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT

1. Comprehension is required

a. At this point, the disciples lacked comprehension

i. Of the greater works they were to attempt

ii. Of the significant help they were going to need from the Holy Spirit

b. Today, we too struggle with a lack of comprehension

i. Lacking in knowledge

ii. Lacking in faith

iii. Lacking in understanding of the role of the Holy Spirit

c. Dealing with this challenge

i. By studying the Scriptures

ii. By seeking to gain knowledge of the ministry of the Holy Spirit

2. Closeness of relationship with the Lord is needed

15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments.
16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever.”

John 14:15-16

a. Help is given in the context of a close relationship with the Lord.  (John 14:15)

b. Love for the Lord Jesus defined.   (John 14:21)

i. Having His commandments

ii. Keeping them

iii. This is love for the Lord

c. When there is a close relationship of love

i. Help is sought in love

ii. Help is lovingly given through the Holy Spirit

iii. The Lord Jesus will manifest Himself to the one who loves Him

3. Concrete ways in which help is given

a. How the Holy Spirit will help us

i. He will teach us all things   (John 14:26)

ii. He will help us remember what the Lord Jesus taught   (John 14:26)

iii. He will guide us into all truth   (John 16:12)

b. Appropriate responses from us

i. To learn

ii. To seek to remember

iii. To be guided by the Holy Spirit

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR ALL

1. We are to attempt “greater works” for the Lord

2. Significant help is needed from the Holy Spirit

a. For the pastoral team

b. For the church as a whole

c. For all of us individually

3. What we must seek to do

a. Seek to obtain help from the Holy Spirit as our Helper

b. Pray much that we may learn to obtain that help