Text: John 16:12-15

12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.   13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth:  for he shall not speak of himself;  but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak:  and he will show you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me:  for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. 15 All things that the Father hath are mine:  therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.    

Wednesday, 17^th April 2024   

THE HOLY SPIRIT GUIDES US TO THE TRUTH

Text: John 16:12-15

Memory verse: John 16: 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.

In John 16:13 Jesus begins teaching His faithful disciples in what has come to be known as His “Upper Room Discourse.” In that great discourse, Jesus tells them that the Holy Spirit would guide them into all the truth. Many wondered whether this is something that applies to us as well or simply to the disciples. In the context, Jesus helps us understand the specifics of His promise that the Holy Spirit will “guide you into all truth” It is worth noting that some English translations say “all truth,” while the Greek New Testament actually includes “the” a definite article, so a more precise way to translate what Jesus said, that the Holy Spirit would guide them into all the truth. There is a specific truth to which He is referring, and the Holy Spirit would guide them into that. Specifically, the Spirit would reveal what the Son and the Father would have Him disclose, things about Jesus.

Jesus had already told the disciples in John 14:26 that He would send the Holy Spirit, the Helper, who would teach them and bring to their remembrance all that Jesus had said to them. Jesus’ later reference in John 16:13 to the coming of the Holy Spirit and His work of guiding them into all the truth was fulfilled literally. Peter later said, that God moved the writers of the Scripture and they spoke from God 2 Peter 1:21. When Matthew wrote his gospel, for example, Matthew didn’t need to borrow from anyone; he was in the room when Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would guide them into all truth.

Before the disciples would begin their ministry, they were to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit. After the Holy Spirit came, the disciples were equipped for their work, and we see them proclaiming powerfully the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit had indeed guided them into the truth and brought to their remembrance what Jesus had said to them. While we certainly benefit from that work of the Holy Spirit, as we have the writings of these men whom the Holy Spirit guided into the truth, it is clear from other contexts that this is not how the Holy Spirit works with all believers. Guiding into the truth was simply a purpose for which He was sent to empower and equip the disciples. Paul tells Timothy, for example, that Timothy should be diligent as a workman, accurately handling the word of truth. Timothy would have to work to understand what had been written, and he would have to be diligent to hold true and pass along the things he had heard from Paul. Similarly, we are told that all Scripture is from God’s mouth and is profitable for believers’ growth and equipping.

We are thankful for and benefit greatly from the Holy Spirit guiding the apostles into all the truth, and we recognize that, because of the Spirit’s work through the disciples, we have His record: the Bible. We should be diligent in studying the Bible to know the Lord better.

CGDS HYMN 1; SS&S 1167:

BE THE MATTER WHAT IT MAY, ALWAYS SPEAK THE TRUTH

1. Be the matter what it may, always speak the truth;

Whether at your work or play, always speak the truth

Never from this rule depart, grave it

deeply on your heart,

Written 'tis upon your chart :

" Always speak the truth ! "

2. There's a charm in honesty, always

speak the truth ; [speak the truth ;

There is meanness in a lie; always

He is but a coward slave, who, a present

pain to waive,

Stoops to falsehood; then, be brave;

Always speak the truth.

3. When you're wrong, the folly own,

always speak the truth;

There's a triumph to be won, always

speak the truth ;

He who speaks with lying tongue adds

to wrong a greater wrong;

Then, with courage true and strong,

Always speak the truth.

   Prayers:

1.  Lord Jesus, guide me into all the truth by your Spirit. O Lord.

2.  LORD God Almighty, guide me by Your Spirit into Your plans for me in all things in Jesus’ name. Amen.    

3.  Pray for others in this regard.