by Dr. Charles Stanley
The Practical Helper
In the New Testament’s original language, the Greek word paracletos is used for Jesus’ description of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7). This term refers to an individual who is summoned to provide assistance to another person. Its common usage indicates the practical nature of the Spirit’s mission in the believer’s life.
The Holy Spirit is the Christian’s helper in prayer. Knowing the Father’s mind and will, He intercedes accordingly, petitioning on our behalf in keeping with God’s plan for us. When we pray, the Spirit brings our petitions to Jesus, who in turn—on the basis of His own shed blood—lays them before the heavenly Father. The Father responds, and Christ communicates the message to the Spirit, who interprets it for us.
Apart from the Holy Spirit, believers would be without guidance on the journey through life. The Spirit is our interpreter, who makes clear the mind of Christ; in addition, He is our teacher, who instructs us by illuminating the meaning of Scripture. The Spirit of God also uses circumstances, other people, and His promptings to lead us.
After praying for direction, have you eventually had a sense of assurance accompanied by knowledge of what to do? When that is the case, the Spirit has been at work.
God loves His children far too much to leave their circumstances to chance or to the whims of human nature. Instead, He has provided a Helper to assist us in praying, understanding the Scriptures, and living a godly life.
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