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South Union Mennonite Church
Worship 8.4.24
Worship for 8.4.24. Service begins at 10:30 a.m. However, notes are available at 9:30 a.m.
Locations & Times
South Union Mennonite Church
56 OH-508, West Liberty, OH 43357, USA
Sunday 9:30 AM
Introduction: God is our help and comforter (Ps. 121:1-2).
What is the comfort the Holy Spirit gives and how do we experience it?
What is the comfort the Holy Spirit gives and how do we experience it?
What does “Comforter” or “Advocate” mean?
o There is no perfect English word to capture the full sense of the Greek word “paraclete.” Comforter (KJV), Advocate (NIV), Helper (ESV), Counselor (RSV), and Friend (MSG) have all be proposed and are all helpful.
o Comforter does not mean “make us feel better about our plight” in Old English. It means “with” and “strong” as in “to make strong” or providing assistance needed to deliver someone from or through their difficult situation.
o Advocate and Counselor bring both the senses of personal and legal help. The Holy Spirit brings to mind and teaches us the wise truths Jesus (and Scripture) has given us in order to navigate life’s difficult situations (trials).
o Friend brings the sense of not just personal but intimate relationship to the table.
o Helper insures the sense that the Holy Spirit is the strong guide and strengthener for the journey we are on in the difficult, narrow way.
What are some things the Holy Spirit does in this role?
o He teaches and guides us into truth (Jn. 15:26; Jn. 15:13; Ps. 119:105).
§ The Holy Spirit gives understanding of the Word of God.
§ The Holy Spirit applies the Word to our hearts and lives.
o There is no perfect English word to capture the full sense of the Greek word “paraclete.” Comforter (KJV), Advocate (NIV), Helper (ESV), Counselor (RSV), and Friend (MSG) have all be proposed and are all helpful.
o Comforter does not mean “make us feel better about our plight” in Old English. It means “with” and “strong” as in “to make strong” or providing assistance needed to deliver someone from or through their difficult situation.
o Advocate and Counselor bring both the senses of personal and legal help. The Holy Spirit brings to mind and teaches us the wise truths Jesus (and Scripture) has given us in order to navigate life’s difficult situations (trials).
o Friend brings the sense of not just personal but intimate relationship to the table.
o Helper insures the sense that the Holy Spirit is the strong guide and strengthener for the journey we are on in the difficult, narrow way.
What are some things the Holy Spirit does in this role?
o He teaches and guides us into truth (Jn. 15:26; Jn. 15:13; Ps. 119:105).
§ The Holy Spirit gives understanding of the Word of God.
§ The Holy Spirit applies the Word to our hearts and lives.
o He fills believers’ hearts with the love of God (Rom. 5:5; Ps. 23; 1 Jn 4:9-10; Rom. 5:8; Rom. 8:12-17). The invitation is especially for the weary (Mt. 11:28-29; Is. 55).
o The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin (Jn. 16:8).
o The Holy Spirit sanctifies us and empowers us for the Christian life (Rom. 15:16; Jn. 15:4-6; Gal. 5:22).
o The Holy Spirit is the seal of salvation and guarantee of our inheritance (Eph. 1:13-14).
How do we know we have the Holy Spirit?
o 1 John is a letter that really concerns Christian assurance.
o 1 Jn 4:13 states that we know we dwell in God because he has given us his Holy Spirit.
o 1 Jn. 4:14 ties the giving of the Spirit with the testifying to Jesus as Lord and Savior (personal).
o 1 Jn. 4:7-9 ties true confession with loving others well, starting in the church and moving outwards.
o Loving others is the result of salvation not a requirement to receive salvation.
o 1 John is a letter that really concerns Christian assurance.
o 1 Jn 4:13 states that we know we dwell in God because he has given us his Holy Spirit.
o 1 Jn. 4:14 ties the giving of the Spirit with the testifying to Jesus as Lord and Savior (personal).
o 1 Jn. 4:7-9 ties true confession with loving others well, starting in the church and moving outwards.
o Loving others is the result of salvation not a requirement to receive salvation.
How do we experience the Holy Spirit’s Help and Comfort?
Three suggestions to seriously consider: Ask God for it; Remember; Live it.
o Ask God for the experience of the Holy Spirit being your helper. He will do so in regards to your experience of adoption, illuminating and applying the Word of God, putting to death sin in your life; bearing the fruit of salvation.
o Remember what the Holy Spirit has already done in your life and how far he has brought you from where you were.
o Live the truth of the Gospel. Believe you are forgiven from sin, believe that Jesus has you, believe the Holy Spirit is working in you. Pray like everything depends on it; love truly in words and deeds; proclaim the gospel. As you step out in faith, you will find the Holy Spirit strengthening you for the task.
Three suggestions to seriously consider: Ask God for it; Remember; Live it.
o Ask God for the experience of the Holy Spirit being your helper. He will do so in regards to your experience of adoption, illuminating and applying the Word of God, putting to death sin in your life; bearing the fruit of salvation.
o Remember what the Holy Spirit has already done in your life and how far he has brought you from where you were.
o Live the truth of the Gospel. Believe you are forgiven from sin, believe that Jesus has you, believe the Holy Spirit is working in you. Pray like everything depends on it; love truly in words and deeds; proclaim the gospel. As you step out in faith, you will find the Holy Spirit strengthening you for the task.