Sunday, November 29, 2020
John 14:15-31
“Our Holy Helper”
Service Orientation: In Jesus, we have been given a Holy Helper to live in and through us; giving power to truly live and power to truly overcome.
Memory Verse for the Week: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
Background Information:
- In facing up to the shattering experience that was to confront His inner circle on His death, Jesus presents the next step in the economy of grace, the gift of the Holy Spirit. To be sure, He had spoken of Him earlier in John 7:37-39, and John had given us the clear exegesis of that passage in his record. With perspective he warned even then that the Spirit would be given after Jesus was glorified. Now the day is drawing nearer, so Jesus pulls back the curtain some more on the divine mission and strategy of redemption. Jesus assures that inner group that He will not leave them bereft or without a leader or guide. He will ask the Father and He will send them another to be their Advocate or Counselor or Strengthener. But there is a moral and ethical demand upon those who receive Him. The world is excluded-they ” cannot receive [him], because it neither sees him nor knows him; you know him, for he dwells with you, and will be in you” (17, RSV). Jesus spells it out: “If you love me you will obey my commands; and I will ask the Father, and he will give you another to be your Advocate, who will be with you for ever-the Spirit of truth” (15-16, NEB). (Samuel Young, Beacon Bible Expositions, 116)
- The Spirit’s function is to represent God to the believer as Jesus did in his incarnate state. “Another” (allon) means another of the same kind, not of a different kind. The concept of the Holy Spirit was not new, for the Spirit of God was the active agent in creation (Gen 1:2) and in remonstrating with men who were sinning against God (Gen 6:3). He called and empowered men to do unusual deeds (Judg 3:10; 13:24-25; 14:6, 19; 15:14) and to prophesy (Zech 7:12). John the Baptist had predicted that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit (Matt 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33). In his discussion of the new birth, Jesus had already spoken to Nicodemus of the work of the Holy Spirit (John 3:5). The ministry of the Spirit, however, would be directed primarily to the disciples. He would direct their decisions, counsel them continually, and remain with them forever. (Frank E. Gæbelein, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 9, 146)
- The Greek word translated “Comforter” is parakletos and it is used only by John (14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7; 1 John 2:1). It means “called alongside to assist.” The Holy Spirit does not work instead of us, or in spite of us, but in us and through us. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 282)
- As the divine presence among believers the Paraclete enables them to be God’s presence in the world. (Rodney A. Whitacre, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series: John, 358)
The question to be answered is…
What hope is there in Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit to his disciples?
Answer…
There’s hope in knowing Jesus’ disciples would not be left alone to face what was coming, but would be given a Helper who would indwell and empower them forever.
The word of the day is… Help!
What hope is there in having the help of the Holy Spirit for Jesus’ disciples?
- Hope in having the help to empower obedience.
(Ps. 112:1; Luke 6:46; John 14:15, 31; Acts 5:29; Rom. 1:5; 2 Cor. 10:5; James 1:22-25)
The function of the Spirit is teaching. He instructs from within and recalls to the memory what Jesus taught. The Spirit will, therefore, impress the commandments of Jesus on the minds of his disciples and thus prompt them to obedience. (Frank E. Gæbelein, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 9, 148)
You don’t need the Holy Spirit if you are merely seeking to live a semi-moral life and attend church regularly. You can find people of all sorts in many religions doing that quite nicely without Him. You only need the Holy Spirit’s guidance and help if you truly want to follow the Way of Jesus Christ. You only need Him if you desire to “obey everything” He commanded and to teach others to do the same (Matt. 28:18–20 NIV). You only need the Holy Spirit if you have genuinely repented and believe. (Francis Chan, Forgotten God, 85)
- Hope in having help to discern and internalize truth.
(Ps. 25:2; 111:10; 119:160; 143:10; 145:18; John 1:14; 8:32; 14:17; 16:33; Acts 5:32)
He never leads us to do anything contrary to the Word of God, for again God’s Word is truth. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 282)
The Holy Spirit is called “the Spirit of truth.” It is His special office to apply truth to the hearts of Christians, to guide them into all truth, and to sanctify them by the truth. (J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John, 147)
- Hope in having help in overcoming trouble.
(Deut. 1:29-30; Ps. 46:1; Nah. 1:7; John 8:51; 14:1; 16:33; Rom. 12:2; 2 Tim. 1:7; 1 Pet. 5:7)
Jesus is Victor. Calvary is the place of victory. Obedience is the pathway of victory, Bible study and prayer the preparation. Courage, faith, the spirit of victory—every temptation is a chance for victory, a signal to fly the flag of our Victor, a chance to make the tempter know anew that he is defeated. (Corrie ten Boom, Each New Day, 2)
Conclusion…What help does the Holy Spirit offer Jesus’ followers today?
A. Help to walk in obedience.
(Is 1:19; Mat. 7:21; Luk 11:28; John 15:14; Rom 6:16; Ja. 2:17; 1 Pet. 1:14; 1 John 3:22-24; 2 John 1:6)
Religion operates on the principle of “I obey-therefore I am accepted by God.“ The basic operating principle of the gospel is “I am accepted by God through the work of Jesus Christ-therefore I obey.“ (Timothy Keller, The Prodigal God, 128)
Obedience comes from love and trust. Thus a person who does not love Jesus will not obey him. A sobering way of stating Jesus’ point is to say, “The quality of our obedience is a direct reflection of our love for Jesus.” (Bruce B. Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: John, 297)
i. By helping to discern and reveal truth
ii. By helping to convict people of sin
iii. By helping us “kill the old man”
B. Help to instill peace in the midst of trial.
(Ex 23:22; Deut. 31:6; Ps. 27:14; 119:45; Is. 41:10; John 14:27; 16:33; Heb. 6:18; 1 Pet 5:7)
The presence of the Holy Spirit can always be recognized by the way He moves us toward what Jesus would be and do (John 16:7–15). When we inwardly experience the heavenly sweetness and power of life—the love, joy, and peace—that Jesus knew, that is the work of the Spirit in us. (Dallas Willard, The Great Omission, 27)
The world bases its peace on its resources, while God’s peace depends on relationships. To be right with God means to enjoy the peace of God. The world depends on personal ability, but the Christian depends on spiritual adequacy in Christ. In the world, peace is something you hope for or work for, but to the Christian, peace is God’s wonderful gift, received by faith. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 283)
C. Help to truly love; God and others.
(Mark 12:29-31; John 13:34-35; 14:21-23; 15:10; 1 Cor. 16:4; Eph. 4:15; 1 Pet. 4:8; 1 John 3:18; 4:8; 5:3)
The commands of Jesus are not a set of rules like a traffic code; they are a description of a pattern of life that reflects God’s own life transposed into human circumstances. Love for Jesus involves both an attachment to him and a oneness with him and his interests, which naturally leads one to obey him and walk as he walked (1 John 2:6). One obeys what one loves. Indeed, our patterns of obedience reveal what we really love. (Rodney A. Whitacre, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series: John, 362)
Worship Point…
To obey is to worship, because obedience is better than sacrifice.
(Gen. 22; 1 Sam. 15:22; Prov. 21:3; Hos. 6:6; Rom. 12:1-2; Heb 13:16)
Worship is nothing less than obedience to the command of God: “Delight yourself in the LORD”! (John Piper, Desiring God, 98)
Love is the basis of relationship with God. His love has been manifested in the gift of Jesus (1 John 4:9-10). Our love for him is manifested in obedience (1 John 5:3). (Frank E. Gæbelein, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 9, 147)
Keeping Christ’s commandments is the best test of love to Christ. (J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John, 150)
Gospel Application…
When we turn to and trust in Jesus, not only are sins forgiven, but we are given the Holy Spirit; a helper that stands with us throughout life to guide us and empower us in living life to the full! The way God intended.
(Rom. 5:19; Heb. 5:9)
The truth is that the Spirit of the living God is guaranteed to ask you to go somewhere or do something you wouldn’t normally want or choose to do. The Spirit will lead you to the way of the cross, as He led Jesus to the cross, and that is definitely not a safe or pretty or comfortable place to be. (Francis Chan, Forgotten God, 33)
Peace is Christ’s distinctive gift–not money, not worldly ease, not temporal prosperity. These are at best very questionable possessions. They often do more harm than good to the soul. They act as clogs and weights to our spiritual life. Inward peace of conscience, arising from a sense of pardoned sin and reconciliation with God, is a far greater blessing. (J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John, 151)
Spiritual Challenge Questions…
Reflect on these questions in your time with the Lord this week, or discuss with a Christian family member or Life Group.
- Have you ever experienced a time when you found it especially hard to walk in obedience to Jesus? What made that experience so difficult?
- Has the Holy Spirit ever been a special or particular help to you in the past? If so, when/how? Reflect on that experience and thank God once more.
- Have you ever experienced a time when the Holy Spirit gave you peace about something you otherwise would have struggled greatly with? When/how?
- How does the promise of the Spirit’s help in your life effect your daily life? How does it affect how you look at, and interact with, others?
Quotes to note…
Every moment and every situation challenges us to action and to obedience. We have literally no time to sit down and ask ourselves whether so-and-so is our neighbour or not. We must get into action and obey—we must behave like a neighbour to him. But perhaps this shocks you. Perhaps you still think you ought to think out beforehand and know what you ought to do. To that there is only one answer. You can only know and think about it by actually doing it. You can only learn what obedience is by obeying. It is no use asking questions; for it is only through obedience that you come to learn the truth. (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship, 78)
People want the benefit of the cross but they do not want the control of the cross. (A.W. Tozer, “Don’t Beg God for the Holy Spirit” sermon (c. 1930)
Spiritual maturity is not reached by the passing of the years, but by obedience to the will of God. (Oswald Chambers, Bringing Sons into Glory and Making All Things New, 56)
The Spirit sets us free from the sins we cannot get rid of on our own. This is a lifelong process we entered into, in partnership with the Spirit, when we first believed (e.g., Rom. 8:2). (Francis Chan, Forgotten God, 51)
The peace Jesus spoke of could not be exemption from conflict and trial. Jesus himself was “troubled” (12:27) by the impending Crucifixion. The peace he spoke of is the calmness of confidence in God. (Frank E. Gæbelein, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 9, 148)
When the sinner trusts Christ, he is born again, and the Spirit immediately enters his body and bears witness that he is a child of God. The Spirit is resident and will not depart. But as the believer yields to the Father, loves the Word, prays, and obeys, there is a deeper relationship with the Father, Son, and Spirit. Salvation means we are going to heaven, but submission means that heaven comes to us! (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 282)
Good feelings and desires are useless if they are not accompanied by action. They may even become mischievous to the soul, induce hardness of conscience, and do certain harm. Passive impressions which do not lead to action, gradually deaden and paralyze the heart. Living and doing are the only real evidence of grace. Where the Holy Spirit is, there will always be a holy life. (J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John, 150)
The Spirit of truth indwelling us allows us to begin to understand our inner self and to see and understand something about the course of the world about us. Because of that, we are comforted. He also brings comfort to troubled hearts by reminding us of the Word of God. (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: John, 317)
The peace Jesus is talking about is not the cessation of hostilities from enemies, but rather the gift of calmness and confidence that comes from union with God and faith in him and his purposes. The world’s idea of peace is something that comes through destroying of enemies and consists of physical and emotional comfort. The peace that Jesus gives is grounded in God and not in circumstances. (Rodney A. Whitacre, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series: John, 365)
Further Quotes and Research…
Unless the believer’s sanctification is evidenced by true conformity to the commandments of Christ, it is certain that no authentic justification ever really took place in him. Jesus stated it this way: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Christ is a commandment-giving Lord. If one has true justifying faith, he moves diligently to pursue the obedience that Christ demands. (Sproul, R.C.. How Should I Live in This World? (Crucial Questions) (p. 40). Reformation Trust Publishing. Kindle Edition.)
Love to God is obedience, love to God is holiness. To love God and to love man is to be conformed to the image of Christ; and this is salvation. (Charles Spurgeon, All of Grace)
Certainly the Bible teaches us to do what love commands, and the content of love is defined by God’s revelation. Doing what love demands is the same as saying, “Do what God commands.” If we obeyed the Scriptures like a sterile book of rules, we would be legalists. However, if we see the Bible as being the revelation of the One who is love, then we must take seriously what love has commanded. (Sproul, R.C.. How Should I Live in This World? (Crucial Questions) (pp. 46-47). Reformation Trust Publishing. Kindle Edition.)
Until men feel that they owe everything to God, that they are cherished by His paternal care, and that He is the author of all their blessings, so that nought is to be looked for away from Him, they will never submit to Him in voluntary obedience; nay, unless they place their entire happiness in Him, they will never yield up their whole selves to Him in truth and sincerity. (John Calvin, Institutes)
It is not a decision that converts a person; it is the power of the Holy Spirit that does so. We get into the kingdom not because we make a decision, walk down an aisle, raise a hand, or sign a card. We get into the kingdom because there is true faith in our hearts. (RC Sproul, Can I Be Sure I’m Saved? (2010)
On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus gave His disciples some important promises regarding the Spirit. He told them that He was about to depart and that they could not go with Him, but He promised, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever” (John 14:16). Some translations use the word “Comforter” instead of “Helper.” The Greek word that is translated as “Helper” or “Comforter” is parakletos; it is the source of the English word paraclete. This word includes a prefix, para-, that means “alongside,” and a root that is a form of the verb kletos, which means “to call.” So, a parakletos was someone who was called to stand alongside another. It usually was applied to an attorney, but not just any attorney. Technically, the parakletos was the family attorney who was on a permanent retainer. Any time a problem arose in the family, the parakletos was on call, and he would come immediately to assist in the struggle. That is the way it is in our relationship with the Holy Spirit. We are part of the family of God, and the family attorney is the Holy Spirit Himself. He is always present to come alongside us and help in times of troubles. (Sproul, R.C.. Who Is the Holy Spirit? (Crucial Questions) (p. 31). Reformation Trust Publishing. Kindle Edition.)
The translators of the King James Version chose to render parakletos with the English word “Comforter” because at that time the English language was more closely connected to its historical roots in Latin. Today, we understand the word comfort to mean ease and solace in the midst of trouble. But its original meaning was different. It is derived from the Latin word comfortis, which consisted of a prefix (com-, meaning “with) and a root (fortis, meaning “strong”). So, originally the word carried the meaning “with strength.” (Sproul, R.C.. Who Is the Holy Spirit? (Crucial Questions) (p. 32). Reformation Trust Publishing. Kindle Edition.)
We must distinguish the Spirit’s work of illumination from His vitally important work of revelation. The Holy Spirit inspired the biblical revelation, the truth of God that is unfolded and unveiled for us in the Bible. This is information that comes to us ultimately from the mind of God Himself. Illumination, by contrast, brings no new information. It rests upon the information the Spirit has already given in the Scriptures. (R. C. Sproul, Who Is the Holy Spirit?, 67)
When our deepest attitudes and dispositions are those of Jesus, it is because we have learned to let the Spirit foster his life in us. (Dallas Willard, The Great Omission, 28)
Both gifts and fruit are the result, not the reality, of the Spirit’s presence in our lives. What brings about our transformation into Christ-likeness is our direct, personal interaction with Christ through the Spirit. The Spirit makes Christ present to us and draws us toward his likeness. It is as we thus behold the “glory of the Lord” that we are constantly “transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit” (2 Corin thi ans 3:18). (Dallas Willard, The Great Omission, 28)
For some reason, we don’t think we need the Holy Spirit. We don’t expect the Holy Spirit to act. Or if we do, our expectations are often misguided or self-serving. Given our talent set, experience, and education, many of us are fairly capable of living rather successfully (according to the world’s standards) without any strength from the Holy Spirit. (Francis Chan, Forgotten God, 21)
If it’s true that the Spirit of God dwells in us and that our bodies are the Holy Spirit’s temple, then shouldn’t there be a huge difference between the person who has the Spirit of God living inside of him or her and the person who does not? (Francis Chan, Forgotten God, 22)
Christians talk about being born again and say that they were dead but now have come to life. We have become hardened to those words, but they are powerful words that have significant meaning. Yet when those outside the church see no difference in our lives, they begin to question our integrity, our sanity, or even worse, our God. And can you blame them? (Francis Chan, Forgotten God, 22)
When Jesus was preparing to leave this earth, He comforted His disciples, telling them not to worry but instead to trust in Him (John 14:1). Hadn’t He proven Himself faithful the past years that they had journeyed together? First, He comforted them by telling them that the separation would be only temporary and that He was going to “prepare a place” for them (14:2–3 NIV). Second, He told them that He was going to be with God the Father, and that even from there He could hear their prayers (14:12–14). Finally, Jesus gave the disciples the ultimate reassurance: Another Comforter would come. Jesus said that the Father would give the disciples “another Counselor to be with [them] forever” (14:16 NIV). In this case, the Greek word another means another that is just like the first (as opposed to another that is of a different sort or kind). So Jesus was saying that the One who would come would be just like Him! (Francis Chan, Forgotten God, 23)
There is a huge difference between believing what God has promised and praying for things you’d like to be true. I encourage you to pray confidently for what God has promised. Don’t put your hope in what others promise or what you’ve been told you’ll “get” if you are a “good Christian” (e.g., a good job, financial success, the perfect spouse, healthy children, a big house, etc.). And ultimately, you need to stake your faith in God alone, not in the gifts (good as they may be) that He gives. It really comes down to trust. Do you trust God that when He says no or “not in this way” to you, you still believe He is good and doing what is best? (Francis Chan, Forgotten God, 32)
If you say you want the Holy Spirit, you must first honestly ask yourself if you want to do His will. Because if you do not genuinely want to know and do His will, why should you ask for His presence at all? But if you decide you do want to know His will, there will be moments when you have to let go of the fear of what that might mean—when you have to release your grip of control on your life and decide to be led, come what may. (Francis Chan, Forgotten God, 34)
“The world is not moved by love or actions that are of human creation. And the church is not empowered to live differently from any other gathering of people without the Holy Spirit. But when believers live in the power of the Spirit, the evidence in their lives is supernatural. The church cannot help but be different, and the world cannot help but notice.” (Francis Chan, Forgotten God, 11)
What you do and how you live are absolutely vital. Without action and fruit, all the theology in the world has little meaning. But theology is still important— what you believe absolutely determines how you act. So while good theology at its best can lead us to live godly lives, bad theology will always point us in the wrong direction. When we study the Holy Spirit, bad theology can lead to ineffective lives or, worse yet, lives spent striving after what the Spirit of God opposes. (Francis Chan, Forgotten God, 42)
Heidelberg Catechism
Question 86.
Since then we are delivered from our misery,
merely of grace,
through Christ,
without any merit of ours,
why must we still do good works?
Answer.
Because Christ,
having redeemed and delivered us by his blood,
also renews us by his Holy Spirit,
|after his own image;
that so we may testify,
by the whole of our conduct,
our gratitude to God for his blessings, (a)
and that he may be praised by us; (b)
also,
that every one may be assured in himself of his faith, (c)
by the fruits thereof;
and that, by our godly conversation others may be gained to Christ. (d)
“Counselor” is an attempted translation of the Greek parakletos, which means literally “a person summoned to one’s aid.” It may refer to an advisor, a legal advocate, a mediator or intercessor (Frank E. Gæbelein, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 9, 146)
The individual indwelling of the Spirit is the specific privilege of the Christian believer (see John 7:39). (Frank E. Gæbelein, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 9, 147)
20 The coming of the Spirit to indwell believers would bring the realization that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are united in purpose and operation and that there would be a new intimate relationship between them and believers. Furthermore, the Spirit’s coming would be a confirmation of Jesus’ exaltation to the Father’s right hand to begin his present ministry as Advocate and Intercessor Gohn 15:26; Acts 2:33; 5:31-32). (Frank E. Gæbelein, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 9, 147)
Obedience is not, however, the condition of God’s love for men but the proof of their realization of his love and of their love for him. (Frank E. Gæbelein, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 9, 148)
24 Being obedient to Jesus’ words extends beyond keeping the charges he personally delivered. Jesus equated his teaching with the Father’s will. Thus, loving Jesus is demonstrated by one’s obedience to the revealed will of God, the Bible. (Frank E. Gæbelein, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 9, 148)
The world can give only false peace, which mostly comes from the ignorance of peril or self-reliance. (Frank E. Gæbelein, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 9, 148)
The statement “the Father is greater than I” refers to position rather than essence. Jesus was speaking from the standpoint of his humanity, the incarnate state he assumed in order to fulfill the purposes of redemption. (Frank E. Gæbelein, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 9, 148-149)
Jesus did not fear Satan because Satan had no claim on him. There was nothing in Jesus’ character or action that could be used against him. Satan had no valid accusation that could be used as leverage to divert Jesus from the will of his Father. His obedience had been perfect, and he intended to complete the Father’s purpose irrespective of what it might cost him. (Frank E. Gæbelein, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 9, 149)
love is the spring of true faith and the goal of real prayer. (Arthur W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John,)
“All sentimental talking and singing about love are vain. Unless, by grace, we show a truthful obedience, the profession of affection is worse than affectation. There is more hypocrisy than we suppose. Love is practical, or it is not love at all” (Mr. P. W. Heward).
Multitudes are now being taught that Law is the enemy of Grace, and that the God of Sinai is a stern and forbidding Deity, laying upon His creatures a yoke grievous to be borne. Terrible travesty of the. truth is this. The One who wrote upon the tables of stone is none other than the One who died on Calvary’s Cross; and He who here says “If ye love me, Keep My Commandments” also said at Sinai that He would show mercy unto thousands of them “that love me and Keep My Commandments”! It is indeed striking to note that this tender Savior, who was here comforting His sorrowing disciples, also maintained His Divine majesty and insisted upon the recognition of His Divine authority. (Arthur W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John,)
If we want the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, we must seek to glorify Christ, and we must make much of the Word of God. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 282)
The Spirit of God would come to them and dwell in them, taking the place of their Master. Jesus called the Spirit “another Comforter,” and the Greek word translated “another” means “another of the same kind.” The Spirit of God is not different from the Son of God, for both are God. The Spirit of God had dwelt with the disciples in the person of Jesus Christ. Now He would dwell in them. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 282)
Shalom—peace—is a precious word to the Jewish people. It means much more than just the absence of war or distress. Shalom means wholeness, completeness, health, security, even prosperity in the best sense. When you are enjoying God’s peace, there is joy and contentment. But God’s peace is not like the “peace” that the world offers. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 283)
Unsaved people enjoy peace when there is an absence of trouble; Christians enjoy peace in spite of trials because of the presence of power, the Holy Spirit. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 283)
People in the world walk by sight and depend on the externals, but Christians walk by faith and depend on the eternals. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 283)
Why rejoice because He returned to the Father? Because His return made possible His wonderful intercessory ministry on our behalf, our great High Priest in heaven (Heb. 2:17–18; 4:14–16). We have the Spirit within us, the Savior above us, and the Word before us! What tremendous resources for peace! (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 283)
He that does much for Christ, and leaves his mark in the world, will always prove to be one who prays much. (J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John, 147)
The best of saints knows but little so long as he is in the body. The fall of our father Adam has corrupted our understandings, as well as our consciences, hearts, and wills. Even after conversion we see through a glass darkly, and on no point do we see so dimly as on the nature of our own union with Christ, and of the union of Christ and the Father. These are matters in which we must be content to believe humbly, and, like little children, to receive on trust the things which we cannot explain. (J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John, 149)
Faith in the blood of Christ must always be attended by loving obedience to the will of Christ. What the Master has joined together, the disciple must not put asunder. Do we profess to love Christ? Then let us show it by our lives. (J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John, 150)
How is it, people often ask, that so many professing believers have so little happiness in their religion? How is it that so many know little of “joy and peace in believing,” and go mourning and heavy-hearted towards heaven? The answer to these questions is a sorrowful one, but it must be given. Few believers attend as strictly as they should to Christ’s practical sayings and words. There is far too much loose and careless obedience to Christ’s commandments. There is far too much forgetfulness, that while good works cannot justify us they are not to be despised. Let these things sink down into our hearts. If we want to be eminently happy, we must strive to be eminently holy. (J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John, 150)
The Holy Spirit has often been identified as the Comforter and was thus used by Wyclif in his translation. Temple reminds us, however, that “Wyclif certainly understood it as meaning ‘strengthener’ (comforter) rather than ‘consoler’; the suggestion is of one who makes us brave and strong by being brave and strong beside us. But to strengthen is the best of all ways to console, for it brings a bracing consolation and not a relaxing sympathy.” (Samuel Young, Beacon Bible Expositions, 117)
the Holy Spirit’s work as the Spirit of Truth is not an operation independent of the life and teaching of Jesus. (Samuel Young, Beacon Bible Expositions, 117)
In these last hours together Jesus underscores the significance of practical obedience. “The man who has received my commands and obeys them-he it is who loves me; and he who loves me will be loved by my Father; and I will love him and disclose myself to him” (21, NEB). Here Jesus puts love and obedience in perspective and relationship. Morgan shows the interaction and balance here: ” Obedience is the demonstration of love. Love, therefore, is the inspiration of obedience.” (Samuel Young, Beacon Bible Expositions, 118)
There is a grammatical point in this verse that we need to understand because it colors everything that follows. It is found in the phrase “another Helper.” Two different Greek words can be translated “another”—allos and heteros. Allos, used here, means another of the same kind, while heteros means another of a different kind. (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: John, 314)
For the unregenerate mind the mysteries of God’s purpose in life remain barred, but the indwelling Spirit brings the believer comprehension and thus comfort. He brings before our troubled hearts the Word of God and applies its comforts. When believers stand in a hospital with those whose whole lives are caving in and the Holy Spirit brings to their remembrance the promises of God’s Word—how marvelously complete is that comfort! (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: John, 317)
- And I will pray to the Father. This was given as a remedy for soothing the grief which they might feel on account of Christ’s absence; but at the same time, Christ promises that he will give them strength to keep his commandments; For otherwise the exhortation would have had little effect. He therefore loses no time in informing them that, though he be absent from them in body, yet he will never allow them to remain destitute of assistance; for he will be present with them by his Spirit. (John Calvin, Commentary on John Vol. 2, 73)
The Spirit would instruct disciples, not by revealing truths above and beyond the revelation of Jesus, but by bringing the teaching of Jesus back into memory and explaining its significance: [He] will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you (14:26). As such, the instruction of the Spirit is re-creative and explanatory, rather than creative and expanding. (Joseph Dongell, John: A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition, 177)
Jesus’ description of His Father as “greater” than He aligns with the teaching about Jesus throughout the Fourth Gospel. As the Son, Jesus enjoys the full dignity of the Father’s glory, intimacy, and eternity. As the Son, Jesus orders everything He says and does according to His Father’s will. The terms “Father” and “Son” do not show a temporary relationship between the two for the purpose of redeeming the world, but reveal an eternal relationship. In this relationship it is fitting for the Son, not the Father, to become the Lamb of God taking away the sin of the world. Accordingly, the Fourth Gospel teaches a very high view of the nature of Christ and His work, while at the same time upholding the truth that God the Father is all in all (see 1 Corinthians 15:24-28). (Joseph Dongell, John: A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition, 178)
We have no single word in our language that can express the rich, powerful meaning of “Paraclete,” the English translation of the unique title John uses for this Holy Companion. Para in the Greek means “alongside,” and the root of kletos is “to call.” So this ‘Helper” whom Jesus will send will be alongside the disciples as Jesus has been, “calling out” as an “encourager,” a “counselor,” an “advocate,” a “witness,” and as a “judge.” “Paraclete” means all this and even more. (Roger L. Fredrikson, The Communicator’s Commentary: John, 231)
And while He dwells in each disciple personally, He also abides with them corporately. He is the One who gathers them and makes them one. These friends of Jesus, His “little children,” will become the body in whom He dwells through the Paraclete. And as Jesus had a ministry in the flesh in the midst of the world, so His disciples, and all who will come to believe because of their witness, will continue to expand that ministry in the power of the Spirit. (Roger L. Fredrikson, The Communicator’s Commentary: John, 232)
The Paraclete is always under the authority of Jesus, clarifying, making clear His teaching and ministry. He comes in Jesus’ name to unfold Jesus’ meaning for all men. This is crucial, for there are always those who insist the Spirit is taking us beyond Jesus to “newer and deeper truth.” If it is not modern-day Gnostics, then it may be the Unification Church or some guru who claims to have a new revelation of the truth. Here is the danger of centering on experience which is not under the authority of the Word. The Paraclete is subject to Jesus! Hence, Spirit-guided Bible study within the believing community under the Lordship of Jesus is important. (Roger L. Fredrikson, The Communicator’s Commentary: John, 233)
Praying ‘in Jesus’ name’, then, means that, as we get to know who Jesus is, so we find ourselves drawn into his life and love and sense of purpose. We will then begin to see what needs doing, what we should be aiming at within our sphere of possibilities, and what resources we need to do it. When we then ask, it will be in Jesus’ name, and to his glory; and, through that, to the glory of the father himself (verse 13). (N.T. Wright, John for Everyone: Part 2, 63)
Now let us consider what all three of these verses say. What does it mean to ask in the name of Christ? To pray in His Person means to be standing in His place. It means to be fully identified with Him, joined to Christ. It means that you and I are pleading the merits of His blessed Son when we stand before God. We have no standing of our own before God at all. He does not hear my prayer because I am Vernon McGee, and He doesn’t hear your prayer because you are who you are. He hears our prayers when they are in the name of Christ. This is not just a little phrase that we tag on to the end of our prayer closing with “in Jesus’ name.” Praying in His name is presenting it in His merit and for His glory. (J. Vernon McGee, Thru The Bible Commentary Series, John, 249)
The way the world is going to find out about the Lord Jesus is through us, and obedience is imperative. Profession is not worth anything. Church membership is not really worth anything. The issue is our love for Him evidenced by our obedience. How about your love for Him? Does it discipline you? Is He real to you? These are the things that are important. (J. Vernon McGee, Thru The Bible Commentary Series, John, 252)
Truly loving Jesus requires that we do what he commands. Many have a view of the Christian life that under Christ’s grace we don’t have to do anything. Eternal life is truly a gift that we cannot work for or earn. Once we begin that life in Christ, loving and obeying Christ’s commands become the evidence that he is in us. (Bruce B. Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: John, 292-293)
Various translations use different words for the Holy Spirit here: Advocate (NRSV), Helper (NKJV), Comforter (KJV). The Greek word parakletos denotes the Helper or Counselor who is always there to give special care in times of need. But the Holy Spirit is more than a Comforter, Helper, and Consoler; he is also an Advocate and an Encourager. In this context, it is also clear that the Holy Spirit is the Son’s “Representative,” even as the Son was the Father’s “Representative.” (Bruce B. Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: John, 293)
YOU WILL LIVE
Jesus spoke with profound confidence even though he faced his own physical death. He affirmed his resurrection as a fact to undergird our way of living and dying. Christ’s teaching contradicts the way our culture denies and avoids the reality of death. We may freely participate in this life while at the same time we must be ready to let go of it in favor of a life that will not end. We miss the joy of Christ’s teaching if we hold desperately to this life. Is there someone who needs to hear us say: “Because Jesus lives, I will live also”? It could be the start of a great conversation, with eternal consequences. (Bruce B. Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: John, 294)
We who love Jesus demonstrate our love by keeping Jesus’ commands. Love means more than words; it requires commitment and action. (Bruce B. Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: John, 295)
IF ONLY
“If only God would show me what to do! I wish God would reveal himself!” In personal experience, most Christians admit to wishing God would reveal himself more openly. We want God to show us exactly what he wants us to do. We may think we are asking God for clear directions so we can carry them out, but our practice shows that we want to know first what God wants us to do so we can decide if we want to obey. Jesus listed obedience before revelation. He said, in effect, “Obey what you know and you will know more.” The Scriptures contain many clear instructions for obedience that are never out of season. If we truly love God, we not only hang on his every word, but we also take our duties seriously. When we feel confused or lack answers, we should ask how we can follow through on directions he has previously given. (Bruce B. Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: John, 296)
Theologians use the term illumination to describe the Holy Spirit’s process of helping believers understand Scripture. Without God, sinful people are unable to recognize and obey divine truths. When a person is reborn, the Holy Spirit helps the person to see God’s Word with the eyes of faith and love. (Bruce B. Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: John, 298)
Everyone wants peace. The world can give a sort of peace—temporary freedom from distraction that allows us to live with little interference. The world provides the peace of escapism found in our times of daydreams or amusements. The world provides false security. People say, ‘”Peace, Peace!’ when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6: 14 NKJV). In fact, the insatiable quest for peace has often motivated some of the most terrible conflicts in human history. The world hopes that we will work our way toward peace—that we will arrive there some day, if everyone cooperates. (Bruce B. Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: John, 299-300)
