Spurgeon Morning and Evening February 12 PM

Biblical Context

The Gospel of John, written by the apostle John, is distinct among the four Gospels. It was likely penned in the latter part of the first century, perhaps around 90-100 AD, primarily for a Hellenistic audience, with the dual purpose of affirming Jesus’ divinity and inspiring belief in Him as the Christ, the Son of God, so that readers might have eternal life (John 20:30-31). Our focal verse, John 14:16, is situated within Jesus’ Farewell Discourse, delivered to His disciples in the Upper Room just hours before His crucifixion. This deeply intimate and comforting passage reveals Jesus’ preparation of His followers for His imminent departure. He assures them that they will not be left as orphans but will receive another ‘Comforter’ or ‘Helper’ – the Holy Spirit – who will continue His work and abide with them permanently. This promise is a cornerstone of Christian theology, introducing the third person of the Trinity and setting the stage for the New Covenant era.

Key Word Study

The key word in John 14:16 is Comforter. In the original Greek, this word is Parakletos (παράκλητος). This rich term carries several layers of meaning:

• Advocate: One who speaks in defense of another, interceding on their behalf.
• Helper: One who comes alongside to assist, support, and provide strength.
• Counselor: One who offers guidance, wisdom, and direction.
• Intercessor: One who pleads on behalf of another, especially in prayer.

The Holy Spirit, as the Parakletos, is thus understood not merely as a source of comfort in sorrow, but as an active, empowering presence who champions believers, guides them into truth, strengthens them in weakness, and intercedes for them before God. He is ‘another’ Comforter, signifying His arrival as a continuation of Jesus’ own comforting and guiding ministry, yet distinct in His indwelling presence within believers.

The God Almighty: Revelation in the Old Testament

Before the radical incarnation of God in Jesus Christ, the ‘Great Father revealed Himself to believers of old before the coming of His Son, and was known to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as the God Almighty.’ This profound truth highlights the continuity of God’s revelation throughout history. To Abraham, He revealed Himself as El Shaddai, the All-Sufficient One (Genesis 17:1), demonstrating His power to fulfill promises beyond human capacity. Isaac and Jacob also experienced this majestic, sovereign God who established covenants, intervened miraculously, and remained faithful to His word. This early revelation laid the groundwork for understanding God’s nature – His omnipotence, faithfulness, and personal engagement with humanity – preparing hearts for the fuller revelation to come.

The Incarnation: The Son as Delight

Following the ancient patriarchs, ‘Then Jesus came, and the ever-blessed Son in His own proper person, was the delight of His people’s eyes.’ The incarnation of Jesus represented a new epoch in God’s interaction with humanity. God, in the person of His Son, walked among us, fully God and fully man. He was not merely a messenger but the Message itself, revealing the Father’s character, grace, and truth in a tangible way. For those who recognized Him, Jesus was indeed the ‘delight’ – the long-awaited Messiah, bringing light into darkness, healing to the sick, and redemption to the lost. His earthly ministry perfectly foreshadowed the intimate, indwelling presence that would follow His ascension.

The Holy Spirit: Head of the Present Dispensation

‘At the time of the Redeemer’s ascension, the Holy Spirit became the head of the present dispensation, and His power was gloriously manifested in and after Pentecost.’ With Jesus’ return to the Father, the era of the Spirit began. Jesus had promised to send the Comforter, and this promise was dramatically fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). The outpouring of the Holy Spirit marked a pivotal moment, empowering believers with supernatural gifts, enabling them to boldly proclaim the Gospel, and establishing the church as the body of Christ on earth. This was not a temporary display but the inauguration of a new mode of God’s presence and activity among His people, where the Spirit would lead and empower the church.

The Present Immanuel: God With Us Through the Spirit

Today, the Holy Spirit continues His vital work: ‘He remains at this hour the present Immanuel-God with us, dwelling in and with His people, quickening, guiding, and ruling in their midst.’ The Spirit is not a distant force but an intimate, indwelling presence within every believer. He quickens our spirits, bringing spiritual life and understanding. He guides us into all truth, revealing God’s will and interpreting scripture. He rules in our midst, exercising divine authority and fostering righteousness within the community of believers. This presence is the fulfillment of God’s promise to be ‘God with us,’ now manifested through the Holy Spirit’s continuous, active work in the hearts and lives of His saints.

Recognizing and Respecting the Spirit’s Sovereignty

A crucial question arises: ‘Is His presence recognized as it ought to be? We cannot control His working; He is most sovereign in all His operations, but are we sufficiently anxious to obtain His help, or sufficiently watchful lest we provoke Him to withdraw His aid?’ The Holy Spirit is utterly sovereign. We cannot manipulate Him or force His hand. Yet, our responsibility lies in our posture towards Him. Do we acknowledge His presence daily? Are we eager for His assistance, seeking His wisdom and power in every endeavor? Or do we, through indifference or disobedience, risk grieving Him and hindering His work among us? True recognition involves reverence for His sovereignty and a deep desire for His active involvement.

Total Dependence: The Source of Extraordinary Results

The truth is stark: ‘Without Him we can do nothing, but by His almighty energy the most extraordinary results can be produced: everything depends upon his manifesting or concealing His power.’ This is not hyperbole but spiritual reality. Every genuine spiritual fruit, every impactful ministry, every transformation of heart ultimately springs from the Holy Spirit’s power. Our efforts, however well-intentioned, are futile without His anointing. When He manifests His power, the impossible becomes possible, and divine glory is revealed. Our dependence on Him is not a sign of weakness but the gateway to unimaginable strength and effectiveness.

Cultivating Respectful Dependence

This leads to another introspective question: ‘Do we always look up to Him both for our inner life and our outward service with the respectful dependence which is fitting? Do we not too often run before His call and act independently of His aid?’ Our walk with God should be characterized by an unwavering gaze upon the Spirit. In our inner life, He cleanses, convicts, and conforms us to Christ’s image. In our outward service, He empowers, guides, and orchestrates our efforts for God’s glory. The temptation to ‘run before His call’ – to act on our own initiative, strength, or wisdom – is ever-present. This independence, however subtle, dishonors His position and limits His work. Cultivating respectful dependence means waiting on Him, seeking His green light, and submitting our plans to His perfect will.

A Call to Humility and Divine Anointing

In light of these reflections, we are called to action: ‘Let us humble ourselves this evening for past neglects, and now entreat the heavenly dew to rest upon us, the sacred oil to anoint us, the celestial flame to burn within us.’ Humility is the fertile ground for God’s grace. Acknowledging our past failures to honor and depend on the Spirit opens us to a fresh outpouring. The ‘heavenly dew’ speaks of refreshing and life-giving grace. The ‘sacred oil’ signifies an anointing for service and consecration. The ‘celestial flame’ represents purification, passion, and empowerment. These are not mere poetic images but profound spiritual realities, readily available to those who humbly seek them.

The Abiding Presence: Seeking and Finding the Spirit

The Holy Spirit is not a fleeting visitor: ‘The Holy Ghost is no temporary gift, He abides with the saints.’ Reaffirming the promise of John 14:16, He is given to ‘abide with you for ever.’ This permanence is a source of immense comfort and confidence. He is always there, always ready to assist. Therefore, ‘We have but to seek Him aright, and He will be found of us.’ Seeking Him ‘aright’ implies a sincere heart, a humble spirit, and a longing for His will, rather than an attempt to manipulate or control Him. When we truly seek Him, His presence and power are assured.

The Character of the Holy Spirit: Jealous Yet Pitiful

Spurgeon beautifully describes the Spirit’s nature: ‘He is jealous, but He is pitiful; if He leaves in anger, He returns in mercy. Condescending and tender, He does not weary of us, but awaits to be gracious still.’ The Spirit’s jealousy is a holy jealousy for God’s glory and our holiness, desiring our undivided devotion. Yet, hand-in-hand with this jealousy is His deep pity and tenderness. Though we may grieve Him and provoke Him to withdraw His manifest aid, His mercy is unfailing. He is patient and longs to be gracious, always offering restoration to those who repent and turn back to Him. He is not easily wearied by our imperfections but continually extends His loving invitation for deeper fellowship.

Breaking the Hardness of Heart: A Cry for Supplying Grace

Concluding with a poignant self-reflection, we are reminded:

‘Sin has been hammering my heart
Unto a hardness, void of love,
Let supplying grace to cross his art
Drop from above.’

This verse encapsulates the human struggle against sin’s hardening effect and the desperate need for divine intervention. It is a humble cry for the Holy Spirit’s ‘supplying grace’ – His continuous, transforming power – to break through the barriers of indifference, pride, and sin, softening hearts and filling them anew with love. This grace is our only hope against sin’s destructive ‘art,’ demonstrating our utter reliance on the Spirit to keep us tender and responsive to God.