This article is based on the sermon “Another Helper” by Joshua Gibson of EBFC.
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In John 14, Jesus offers His disciples a promise that resonates throughout the centuries—a promise that remains central to our mission today. Amid the disciples’ sorrow, confusion, and uncertainty over His imminent departure, Jesus reassured them, saying, “I will send another Helper” (John 14:16). This promise is not only a comfort in times of trial but also a powerful declaration of God’s unwavering commitment to His people. For us engaged in missions, the Holy Spirit is the indispensable guide who leads individuals to a saving knowledge of Christ and empowers us to live lives that honor Him.
The Identity of the Helper
The Greek term used for “Helper” is parakletos, a word that encompasses the ideas of advocate, comforter, counselor, and helper. In the context of John 14, this Helper is none other than the Holy Spirit—a distinct person within the Trinity, sent by the Father at Jesus’ request. Unlike a fleeting force or abstract influence, the Holy Spirit is God Himself dwelling in our hearts. Because of Jesus’ perfect obedience and His earnest intercession on our behalf, every believer receives the Holy Spirit. This divine indwelling is not a reward for our works; rather, it is the gracious provision of a Savior who has earned for us the privilege of His presence.
The Work of the Holy Spirit in Salvation
The Holy Spirit plays a pivotal role in guiding individuals toward salvation. Consider these vital functions:
- Conviction and Convincing: The Spirit works to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. It is through this conviction that hearts are awakened to the need for a Savior. When someone encounters the truth of the Gospel, it is the Spirit that removes the spiritual blinders, allowing them to see the reality of their sin and the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice.
- Illumination of Scripture: While the Bible is accessible to all, its true meaning and life-changing message are made clear only by the work of the Holy Spirit. He brings to remembrance all that Jesus taught, ensuring that the words of Scripture are not merely read but are deeply understood and applied. This illumination is essential for a genuine response to the Gospel, moving the reader from mere knowledge to heartfelt belief and obedience.
- Transformation and Renewal: The Spirit’s indwelling presence is a continuous force for transformation. As believers, we experience a growing desire to love God and obey His commandments—a living evidence of the Spirit’s work within us. This transformation is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of sanctification, where God cleanses our hearts and makes us ever more like Christ. In every change of behavior and every step toward obedience, we witness the Spirit’s powerful presence.
The Holy Spirit and Evangelistic Missions
For those engaged in evangelistic missions, the work of the Holy Spirit is both the starting point and the sustaining power of our ministry. We do not rely solely on our eloquence or persuasive skills to bring others to Christ. Instead, we trust that it is the Spirit who convicts hearts and draws individuals into a relationship with Jesus. When the Holy Spirit moves, lives are transformed, and communities are renewed by the Gospel.
The promise that “the Helper will be with you forever” is a powerful assurance for those we seek to reach. It tells every person that they are never alone—that even when Jesus ascended to the Father, He left behind a divine presence to guide, comfort, and empower His followers. This truth dispels any notion of isolation or hopelessness; rather, it assures every believer that God’s intimate presence is always available, no matter the circumstances.
Living a Spirit-Led Life
The Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence not only initiates salvation but also sustains our daily walk with God. As Jesus promised, “You in me and I in you” (John 14:20), the Spirit makes His home within us, cultivating in our hearts the love of God and the desire to obey His Word. This intimate relationship with God is the hallmark of a transformed life and is the evidence of salvation working in us.
When we engage in personal Bible study, prayer, or even the simple act of daily living, we are invited to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. By asking Him to illuminate the Scriptures and lead us into all truth, we open our hearts to God’s ongoing work. The peace and joy that we experience—even amid life’s storms—are not the result of our own efforts but the comforting and sustaining presence of the Spirit.
In a world that often feels fragmented and uncertain, the promise of the Holy Spirit is a beacon of hope and assurance. Jesus’ words in John 14 remind us that we are never alone; the Helper is with us, guiding, teaching, and transforming us from the inside out. For evangelical missions, this truth is both our foundation and our driving force. It is the Holy Spirit who leads individuals to the saving knowledge of Christ and empowers us to live lives marked by obedience, love, and unwavering faith.
As we continue to share the Gospel, may we always rely on the Spirit’s power—confident that it is not by our might or wisdom, but by His indwelling presence, that hearts are won, lives are changed, and the world is drawn into the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
