In my last blog I recommend this study exercise: read through John chapters 14, 15, and 16 and make a list of all the things Jesus teaches about the Holy Spirit. Get a vision for how you can experience each attribute in specific areas of your life. Then, as you live each day, look for ways to be filled with His Spirit; in other words, look for ways to yield to His influence and power (grace) in those moments. Know Him and how he operates, and then expect to experience Him practically, whether for fruit or gifts.
Homework Notes
Key teachings of Jesus about the Holy Spirit from John chapters 14, 15, and 16.
John 14
Helper/Advocate (Paraclete):
"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever" (John 14:16).
Spirit of Truth:
"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 14:17).
Teacher and Reminder:
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you" (John 14:26).
John 15
Testifies About Jesus:
"But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me" (John 15:26).
Empowers Witness:
"And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning" (John 15:27).
John 16
Coming After Jesus' Departure:
"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 go, I will send him to you" (John 16:7).
Convicts the World:
"And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment" (John 16:8).
"Concerning sin, because they do not believe in me" (John 16:9).
"Concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer" (John 16:10).
"Concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged" (John 16:11).
Guides into All Truth:
"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come" (John 16:13).
Glorifies Jesus:
"He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you" (John 16:14).
Reveals Jesus' Teachings:
"All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you" (John 16:15).
Easy Way to Memorize the Attributes of the Holy Spirit in John 14-16
Acronym: H.E.L.P.E.R. G.U.I.D.E.
H - Helper/Advocate
E - Empowers witness
L - Leads into all truth
P - Proceeds from the Father
E - Exposes (Convicts) the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment
R - Reminds believers of Jesus’ teachings
G - Glorifies Jesus
U - Understands (teaches) all things
I - Informs (declares) what is to come
D - Dwells with and in believers
E - Enables remembrance
Practical Ways to Experience the Holy Spirit in Life’s Situations
1. Helper/Advocate
Situation: Facing a difficult decision.
Experience: Pray for guidance, trust that the Holy Spirit will provide wisdom and clarity.
2. Empowers Witness
Situation: Sharing your faith with others.
Experience: Feel a sense of boldness and clarity in your words, knowing the Spirit is empowering your testimony.
3. Leads into All Truth
Situation: Studying the Bible or seeking to understand complex issues.
Experience: Sense of deeper understanding and insight as the Holy Spirit illuminates the scriptures and truth.
4. Proceeds from the Father
Situation: Seeking a deeper relationship with God.
Experience: A sense of connection and communication with the Father through prayer and worship.
5. Exposes (Convicts) the World of Sin, Righteousness, and Judgment
Situation: Feeling conviction about a personal sin or witnessing societal injustice.
Experience: A clear sense of conviction leading to repentance and a desire for righteousness.
6. Reminds Believers of Jesus’ Teachings
Situation: Needing comfort or direction in times of stress or confusion.
Experience: Recollection of scripture and Jesus’ words that bring comfort and guidance.
7. Glorifies Jesus
Situation: Worship and daily life.
Experience: A focus on Jesus and a desire to honor Him in actions, thoughts, and words.
8. Understands (Teaches) All Things
Situation: Learning and growing in faith.
Experience: Moments of enlightenment where complex concepts of faith become clear.
9. Informs (Declares) What is to Come
Situation: Making future plans or seeking direction.
Experience: Sense of peace and direction, feeling led towards certain actions or decisions.
10. Dwells with and in Believers
Situation: Everyday life and moments of solitude.
Experience: Constant sense of companionship, never feeling truly alone as the Spirit is always present.
11. Enables Remembrance
Situation: Needing to recall important teachings of Jesus or biblical principles.
Experience: Timely recollection of scripture and teachings that apply to current situations.
Daily Practices to Foster the Holy Spirit’s Presence
Prayer: Regular, sincere prayer invites the Holy Spirit to guide and empower.
Bible Study: Consistent reading and studying of the Scriptures allow the Holy Spirit to teach and remind.
Worship: Engaging in worship helps believers feel the presence and guidance of the Spirit.
Fellowship: Participating in a faith community provides opportunities to experience the Spirit’s work through others.
Obedience: Following the Spirit’s guidance in everyday decisions strengthens awareness and sensitivity to His presence.
Reflection: Taking time to reflect on experiences and recognizing the Spirit’s influence in various aspects of life.
Using the acronym H.E.L.P.E.R. G.U.I.D.E. and these practical applications can help believers remember and actively seek the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit in their daily lives.
For more on this topic, check out these series.
➡️ The Ministry of the Holy Spirit series: Download | Watch | Listen
➡️ Grace and the Supernatural series: Download | Listen
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