The Comforter

Background Scripture: John 16:1-33
Lesson Scripture: John 16:7-16

Introduction

The Holy Spirit is God’s voice to the believer. The great God of all eternity has come to personally dwell in the hearts of mankind. When the Holy Spirit was poured out, He became “God in us.” Jesus said, “He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you” (John 14:17). To have sins forgiven and receive the Holy Spirit within is the greatest comfort that will ever be given. The Comforter is a gift, a priceless treasure within our earthen vessel. We understand and follow Jesus Christ by listening to the Comforter’s promptings and impressions. “And He [the Holy Spirit] is the subtle breath of the power of God, who with His divine inspiration illuminates and enkindles the heart of man, and confirms and leads him into all truth.” 1 We must diligently keep our hearts open to the power of his abiding presence to win the eternal crown.

Key Verse

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever (John 14:16).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Before Jesus ascended back into heaven, He told his followers that He would send the promise of the Father upon them. He would not leave them alone. They were to wait at Jerusalem until they would be visited with power from on high. They waited ten days after his ascension into heaven. On the day of Pentecost, the Comforter came in full measure to the believers. The promised gift appeared as cloven tongues of fire and filled them with the Spirit of Truth.

For the Christian’s sake, it was necessary that Jesus go back to the Father in heaven. Living in a body in this world, Jesus was limited to one place at a time. Jesus knew the necessity of his real, living presence abiding in each believing heart, anywhere and everywhere, all at the same time. While He was on earth, the people wanted to get close to see Him. In this new gospel way, each surrendered heart may have Him in their own being. With this wonderful plan He will guide and keep the believers on the straight and narrow way.

Christ the Lord gave his followers reasons why the Father would send the Comforter when He went back to heaven. The Holy Spirit would be sent to convince sinners of the sin of not putting their faith in Christ. He would show the need for righteousness and point people to Christ Jesus as the answer. By the Spirit, judgment would come upon Satan, and through the saving grace of Christ, sin would be put to death in the souls of men. The disciples did not have the ability to perceive everything about the new kingdom until the Comforter revealed the will of the Father to them. As the church became established and began to grow, the Holy Spirit guided with teaching and instruction.

“The Holy Spirit is said to be the third person of the triune Godhead. He is third not because He is considered to be third in importance, but rather because He is third in the function of the Godhead. First came the creation work by God the Creator. Then the redemption plan by God the Son. Then the baptism of the Holy Spirit by God the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is able to do His greatest work after Calvary, both in the historical sense and in the personal Calvary experience sense.” 2 When we repent, surrender our heart to follow the Lord, and experience the new birth, we receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Comforter’s presence within is the seal of the saved. Walking in truth, we experience a transformed mind and a sanctified life. We grieve the Holy Spirit by leaving our first love and being disobedient. “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption” (Eph. 4:30). Listening and applying the messages from the voice of the Comforter, the Word, and the church will lead to everlasting life. These three voices will harmonize, giving a secure, sure way to follow. The prophecy in Ezekiel 36:27 was fulfilled at Pentecost: “And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.”

Practical Truths for Today

We live in a world of much confusion and uncertainty, and many voices vie for our attention. Worldly wisdom and pride in its many forms loudly proclaim lies to the flesh. The carnal nature with selfish desires and agendas blind us to the light of truth. The busyness and noise of the world can make it hard to hear the Comforter’s voice. Do we hear God’s voice whisper while He is near? In the daily choices of what to do, how to relate to someone, or what to buy, it is essential to obey the gentle impression. When these impressions are crowded out with our own way, it damages our spiritual hearing.

It is of utmost importance to keep our lives and hearts clean and free from worldly influence and selfish agendas. Taking time in heartfelt prayer and communing with our Maker helps identify his voice. Instead of wanting to be heard, we need to focus on hearing the voice of God. Meditating and immersing the mind in his Word (Phil. 4:6-9) enables the truth to penetrate our thoughts. Reading the Word confirms to us that “this is the way, walk ye in it” (Isa. 30:21). A humble, trusting heart is open to receive, and with a quiet, waiting attitude, understanding will come. As we follow the Spirit’s leading, assurance can preside in our heart even though at times a storm may be raging around us. Obedience is a key that reveals light for the next step. When we follow the Spirit’s direction, we will not need his correction. And yet, it is the Christian’s great benefit that when we do stray, He is there to rescue with a soft invitation to humble ourselves, be forgiven, and correct the error. Sincerely seeking his way first, we will say, “I will hear what God the Lord will speak” (Ps. 85:8).

What a blessing the true believer experiences with the constant companionship of the Comforter. The Comforter brings “blessed quietness, holy quietness, blest assurance in my soul.” 3 He leads in a peaceful, secure path. The Holy Spirit has come to reveal Jesus Christ as real and precious. There is wonderful comfort in knowing that, regardless of the circumstances we face or the feelings that overwhelm, the Comforter is ready to help and give hope. The Lord Jesus loves and cares for us by giving his abiding presence to refresh, restore, and renew our courage. The soft, quiet touch of the Comforter conditions our will and holds sway over our thoughts.

Like the woman in the Bible who had an issue of blood, we long for the Master’s touch. When she touched the hem of his garment, virtue (power) went out of Him. “And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace” (Luke 8:48). Because Jesus has sent the Comforter, we can reach out to touch Him and feel his power to be an overcomer. When we experience sweet victory, God is glorified. The Holy Spirit’s work is boundless and of great consequence. Whatever He does He always magnifies the Lord Jesus. Do we comprehend the privilege we have to listen and follow? Living an abundant Christian life is determined by what we do with the Spirit’s instructions, warnings, and encouragements. This leads us into rest and comforting peace. The Comforter comes from heaven to keep our hearts connected to the Father’s will and ultimately leads us to our eternal home.

Questions

1. How can we become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit?
2. In what ways is the Holy Spirit’s voice different than other voices?
3. Give examples of enjoying the Holy Spirit’s leading in your life.
4. 1 Thirty-Three Articles of Faith, Article 3, p. 9
5. 2 Wilbur Koehn, 102 Devotional Sermonettes, p. 165
6. 3 Manie P. Ferguson, “Blessed Quietness,” Christian Hymnal
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).