OUR ADVANTAGE
Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.
John 16: 7
John 16: 7 & 13 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.
13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will tell you things to come.
Jesus had to have surprised the disciples when He told them that His leaving would turn out to be advantageous for them. But Jesus understood the power and capacity of the Holy Spirit and what the Holy Spirit would mean to His followers. Jesus was not trying to pacify them; He knew the power source was coming.
In the same passage, He tells the disciples some of the Holy Spirit's role and what He, the Holy Spirit, will do. Notice Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as He, not an it.
Two marvelous attributes of the Holy Spirit would be to guide the disciples into all truth and show them things to come. Truth to steer clear of deception and insight into God's plan for the future combine to create quite an advantage.
APPLICATION
One of the greatest benefits of our faith in Christ is the ministry, the work, of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
But, just as Jesus does not force His way into our lives, the Holy Spirit will not impose Himself on us. We must acknowledge Him, recognize Him, and respect His ministry to us.
Over the years, the Holy Spirit has helped Joy and I immensely. There is no way we could ever pastor this church without His power and help. But His ministry is to all believers, and He will guide you and show you things to come. You will have to make the choice to believe in Him and His help.
PRAYER
Dear Father, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit. I believe He is guiding me into all truth and showing me things to come. Thank You. I have an advantage.