First Step - day 11

Today’s Bible Reading

John 16:7-15

7 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counsellor (Holy Spirit) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. 8 When He comes, He will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgement: 9 in regard to sin, because men do not believe in Me; 10 in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see Me no longer; 11 and in regard to judgement, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

12 I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will bring glory to Me by taking from what is Mine and making it known to you.

15 All that belongs to the Father is Mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is Mine and make it known to you.

Applying God’s Word in My Life:

1. What does the name “Counsellor” (v.7, niv) or “Helper” (nkjv) or “Comforter” (kjv) tell us about the Holy Spirit?

2. What are the three roles of the Holy Spirit described in verses 8-11?

3. Why is the Holy Spirit also called “the Spirit of truth”? (v.13). As the Spirit of truth, how does He help Christians? (vv.13-15).

Today’s Key Verse:

John 16:13

But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come.

Companion

& Guide

Lisa Marino has a personal fitness coach who gives her daily advice and encouragement. But she’s never seen him. As a participant in a programme called “Life Practice”, Lisa begins each day by sending a report of her diet, exercise, sleep and stress to a website. Later, she receives an email response from her coach. She says that the daily reporting helps keep her honest and focused on her fitness goals.

As Christians, we know the brilliant yet mind-boggling experience of having the Holy Spirit as our companion and guide even though we can’t see Him.

Jesus promised His disciples that when He left this earth He would send Someone else to be with them. “Unless I go away, the Counsellor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you” (John 16:7).

The word translated “Helper” or “Counsellor” means “called to one’s side or aid”. Bible teacher W. E. Vine says that it signifies Someone who can be to us what Christ was to His disciples.

Though He’s invisible to our eyes, the Holy Spirit is with us every day, just as Jesus walked with His disciples on earth. He keeps us honest, focused and encouraged so that we too can live for Christ.

—David McCasland

The Spirit gives us power to live A life that’s pleasing to the Lord; He also guides us and provides Direction in God’s holy Word. —Sper

The Father gave us the Spirit to make us like His Son.