“WEDNESDAY IN THE WORD”

October 16, 2024

“THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH”

“But I will send the Advocate, the Spirit of Truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me.”

John 15:26 (NLT)

In the world we’re living in today, it has become more and more difficult to decipher what is truth and what it isn’t. Can we really handle the Truth? If we’re honest with ourselves, sometimes it hits us in the most unimaginable ways. Therefore, we have to admit that the truth us hard to handle without help.

Jesus helps us by providing a helper, the “Spirit of Truth.” There are many names given to the Holy Spirit. He is called Advocate and the Spirit of Truth, and Helper. Jesus uses two main names in this passage: “Advocate” and “Spirit of Truth.” The word Advocate conveys the helping, encouraging, and strengthening work of the Spirit. Spirit of Truth points to his teaching, illuminating and reminding work. The Holy Spirit ministers to both the head and the heart, where both of these dimensions are important.

Jesus was preparing his disciples for his departure by assuring them that they would not be left alone. The Holy Spirit, which proceeds from God the Father, will be with them to continue his work. We often feel that God is far away, but this verse reminds us that the Holy Spirit is presently active. In times of uncertainty or difficulty, he is a companion guiding us with wisdom, peace and comfort.

The Holy Spirit is not just a comforter, but also the “Spirit of Truth.” In a world full of confusion and deception, the Spirit reveals the truth of God’s word and his will for our lives. His guidance aligns us with the truth that leads to freedom and clarity from evil. It’s the same for all of us who have trusted in Christ–this is already a reality. The Spirit of God’s truth lives within each of us. We just need to be open to the Spirit moving in and through us.

In John 16:13-15 Jesus gives his disciples an amazing promise of what will happen when the Holy Spirit comes upon them. This is a timeless truth that persists throughout all of eternity. “He will guide you into all truth for he will speak out of his own authority; but whatever he hears he will speak. He will declare to you the things that are to come.” The whole picture he’s talking about is the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Jesus says, “the Spirit will glorify me for he will take what is mine, and take it and declare it to you.”

The Holy Spirit’s primary role is to testify about Jesus. He draws our attention to the person and the work of Christ. This means that every time we experience the Spirit’s work in our lives, whether it’s conviction, encouragement, or empowerment, it is ultimately us pointing to Jesus. I believe that Jesus desires for our eyes and hearts to be opened to God. I believe that Jesus desires for our eyes and hearts to be opened to God. I believe that Jesus wants us to know the glory of God more and more.

So, let us thank the Father for the gift of the Holy Spirit that is the Spirit of Truth as we sense his presence in our lives while seeking the truth in all that we do, and being aware of how the Spirit testifies about Jesus to us. Let us strive for a closer walk with him. Amen.

Pastor Andrea ( Rev. Andie)