Help Is Near | John 16:1-11
Sermon Summary
Jesus is trying to get out everything He needs to His disciples before He goes back to heaven. Jesus desires that His disciples would stand firm in the midst of persecution and not fall away. He promises that the Holy Spirit will come when He leaves to comfort and strengthen His disciples, and empower them to be witness to the world.
The Big Idea
The Spirit comforts, strengthens, leads, and empowers believers in everyday life.
Key Scriptures:
1 Peter 4:12-13 (NASB): Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.
Galatians 5:16-17, 22-23 (NASB): But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please…but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
John 16:7-8 (NASB): But 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. And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment
Acts 2:37 (NASB): Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?”
Truths to focus on this week:
The Holy Spirit is our Helper: In our greatest times of need, the Holy Spirit comforts and strengthens us. He speaks God’s Word to us, helps us overcome the flesh, promotes truth and unity in the church, exalts Jesus, and gives us wisdom for whatever we face.
The Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses: The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgement. The conviction of sin is not condemnation, but brings us closer to God.
The Holy Spirit leads us to Jesus: He exposes our sin without condemning us and reveals Jesus as Savior, so we can repent, believe, and live with hope.
Reflection Questions
Where has the Holy Spirit been bringing conviction in your life? Have you responded with godly sorrow that leads to repentance, or with apathy?
Which fruit of the Spirit do you most need Him to grow in you right now? What is one practical way to respond to His leading?