EASTER 6

The promised Holy Spirit to the church

Acts 7:22 – 31, I Peter 3:13 – 22, John 14:15 - 21

Just before the death of Jesus he had his final conversation with his disciples. They were sorrowful. He comforts them.

First he tells them “I am the way the truth and the life”, and that he is returning to the Father. The second thing he tells the disciples is that he will send them a counselor. To be with you forever. We have to remember everywhere in the bible that a promise has a condition to be fulfilled.

The condition – to love Jesus and obey what he commands v15. This is a very important condition. For that is what the bible is keeps telling us over and over again. That is what God’s word wants to achieve in the lives of people – a people who love God and obey his words.

What does it mean to love God? What is this love that is spoken of in John? It is indicating the direction of the will and in finding ones joy in something or someone. To make that your own knowing, that it is the truth and go to the extent of giving your life for that person or thing. God’s love or this love which is called Agape can be seen in only those who find joy in being obedient to God’s word and live by it.

In this passage we see that Jesus is continuing his teaching from the “I am saying”, I am the way and the truth and the life. So we find here the way of Jesus is the way of love. And he is calling his disciples to that same way.

To such people is promised the counselor. Who is this counselor?

Parakletos. Someone who is called to one’s side. One who counsels, comforts, defends, pleads, supports.

Where does the counselor dwell?

His presence is permanent – v16 forever

It is a permanent presence.

His presence is in the lives of people - v17 in you

The presence of the counselor is in the believers. The work of the spirit will also take place only in believers. The spirit helps to live in the way of Jesus.

Because the presence of the spirit is a permanent one and one which dwells within you he is always with you the presence of the spirit is a realized presence – v 17 near you

So we see that that the holy spirit who is the spirit of truth is promised so that the disciples of Jesus may continue in the way of Jesus – that they may love him and keep his commands. That even though Jesus was not going to be there anymore, the world would not miss him because if they loved him and obeyed him, then the presence of the Holy Spirit will help the world see Jesus through the lives of the disciples.

But then we can ask a question but how do I know who it is that loves and keeps the commandments of Jesus.

1 Peter 3:13 - 22

Those who are eager do good v13

Good is what originates from God and is empowered by Him in life, through faith. It is something pleasant, joyful and happy. Something that comes out of a peaceful conscience. Is it easy to do good? Do good to those who hate you Lk 6:27. That is what the counselor will help you to do. Now tell me is it easy to do good? Jesus did it. He is calling us to do the same. For that he is empowering us with the eternal presence of the HS.

Those who suffer for what is right v14

We know that today as in the days of Jesus there is no room for righteousness. For what s right. Today injustice, unrighteousness all are made to seem right. The world is misleading people.

Again righteousness is what is approved by God. What is deemed right by the Lord or what is right in the sight of the Lord. Which means there is no room for misfortune or suffering.

The HS spirit helps us to live and work for what is right, even if it means to suffer for that. Jesus strived for what is right, the disciples did it, Paul did it. All were empowered with the HS. We are called to do the same.

Those who set apart Christ as Lord in their hearts v 15

Make Jesus the Lord of your live. When Jesus takes the important place in your lives, you allow him to dominate your thought, your actions, your behavior, your speech. Everything part of your life should be dominated by the Lord. All what is said, spoken or done is his will and done for his pleasure. Jesus said my teaching is the will of my father Jn 7:17. Not my will but your be done.

Those prepared to give an answer for their hope v15

The presence of Christ and the Holy Spirit which dwells in you must move you to speak boldly of the hope and faith we have. To do that one need to have a personal and intimate relationship with God. They have to experience him every day and every moment of their lives. When the disciples were challenged by the officials. Acts 4:20.

Good behavior in Christ v16

Behavior that shows to the world that your different. Behavior which will not let down the Master of your life. behavior that will draw people to Christ. When the officials ridiculed Jesus he did not argue back with them neither did he go to assault them, he spoke to the Samaritan woman and forgave the woman in adultery but he did not misbehave, he was betrayed and denied but he did not take revenge, the cross and suffering was before him but he did not disobey.

Friends, the bible is very clear if you know what is good and fail to do it is sin.

The truth is before us. The choice is for every individual to make. To be empowered with the HS and follow Jesus the way and the truth or like the people to worship an unknown God. May God help us to be renewed by the permanent presence of the HS. And as we are renewed with the HS within us and yield to his voice may we all experience Jesus in our lives daily.