THE UPPER ROOM PT 4 – THE PROMISE, PURPOSE, AND PEACE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
John 14:15-21,27
15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,
17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.”
18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.
20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.
21“Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”
27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
THE
The same Spirit Jesus spoke of in the Upper Room dwells in all who believe and place their faith in Christ today.
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead—fully God, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Son.
His presence in us is the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise:
“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18).
The Greek word Παράκλητος (Paráklētos), means “one who comes alongside to help, encourage, and support” and is used in describing the function of the Holy Spirit.
C.H. Spurgeon once said: “Without the Spirit of God, we can do nothing. We are as ships without wind, branches without sap, and coals without fire. We are useless.”
THE SPIRIT IS ETERNAL
HE IS THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH
1 Corinthians 2:12-14 (ESV) –
“Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God… The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.”
THE
John 14:26 (ESV) –
“The Holy Spirit will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”
THE SPIRIT TEACHES US
John 16:13 (ESV) – “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.”
THE SPIRIT REMINDS US
THE SPIRIT EMPOWERS US
Acts 1:8 (ESV) –
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses.”
THE
In every moment, in every decision, in every struggle, the Holy Spirit is God’s constant presence. He makes Christ known to us and through us.
Gods peace flows directly from the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise and the Spirit’s ongoing purpose in our lives.
John 14:27 -
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
TABLE TIME:
As we engage in conversation, let Paul’s words to the Colossian church be our framework. Colossians 4:6, ‘Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.’
Jesus said, “I will not leave you as orphans” (John 14:18). What does that reveal about God’s heart toward us?
How does understanding the Holy Spirit as a permanent indwelling presence, rather than a temporary gift, change your perspective on your relationship with God?
In what ways have you experienced the Holy Spirit as a Helper, Advocate, or Counselor in your life, especially during challenging times?
The Holy Spirit is described as eternal and ever-present. How does that bring comfort in moments of fear, loneliness, or uncertainty?
How does the peace offered by the Holy Spirit differ from the peace the world offers, and how have you experienced this difference in your own life?
What are some practical ways we can create space in our daily lives to hear the Holy Spirit’s voice, respond to His leading, and be taught by Him?
Have you ever sensed the Spirit leading you to do something specific—whether big or small? What happened when you responded in obedience?
In what area of your life do you most need the Holy Spirit’s peace right now? How can this group pray for you or walk alongside you in that?
PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER: