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The Power To Help


Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Our Ever-Present Helper

Pastor Frank Santora ministers from the book of John to reintroduce us to the Holy Spirit. Learn powerful truths of how He is our divine and ever present helper!

The Word of God is our primary source of spiritual nourishment, and as we hold it close, we are reminded of the promise Jesus made: that the Father would send us another Helper, the Holy Spirit, to abide with us forever. On this Mother’s Day, we reflect on the “Power to Help”—a power that is beautifully exemplified in the sacrificial love of mothers, but ultimately finds its source in the Holy Spirit. Just as mothers help us become all God has destined us to be, the Holy Spirit is given to empower, guide, and transform us from the inside out.


The Holy Spirit is not a distant or occasional presence, but an ever-present Helper, sticking closer than any friend or family member. He is the exact duplicate of Jesus—another of the same kind—sent so that we would never be left as orphans. The disciples, who once relied on Jesus in the flesh, were told to wait for this divine Helper before stepping into their calling. The Holy Spirit is not just help, but divine help—He brings the same power that raised Jesus from the dead to dwell within us.


This power is not abstract; it is practical and transformative. The Holy Spirit gives us wisdom for decisions, strength to resist temptation, and boldness to fulfill our God-given assignments. He is the source of our success, the anointing that moves us from assignment to acceptance to advancement, just as David was anointed three times for his kingship. The infilling of the Holy Spirit is the dynamite that blasts away obstacles and constructs the life God intends for us.


The outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost marked a new season—a Jubilee of release, return, and restoration. The Holy Spirit brings us into the best season of our lives, full of joy, peace, and power. He is the fire that marks us as witnesses, the passion that should burn so brightly in us that others are drawn to Christ. And He is the divine power to help us speak, especially in prayer. Praying in the Spirit allows us to communicate mysteries to God, interceding perfectly even when we do not know what to pray. Through the Holy Spirit, God assembles the broken pieces of our lives and works all things together for our good.



Key Takeaways


- The Holy Spirit is our ever-present Helper, not a distant or occasional force. He is the exact duplicate of Jesus, sent so we would never be alone or powerless. Cultivating a daily, intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit is essential for living the victorious Christian life, as even Jesus and the disciples depended on His guidance and strength.


- Divine help is not just about receiving assistance, but about being empowered with the very power that raised Christ from the dead. The Holy Spirit’s indwelling and infilling provide us with supernatural wisdom, strength, and boldness to fulfill our God-given assignments, overcome temptation, and make decisions that align with God’s will.


- The Holy Spirit marks the beginning of a new season—a spiritual Jubilee—where we experience release from bondage, restoration of what was lost, and advancement into our God-ordained destiny. This is not just a theological concept, but a lived reality for those who are filled with the Spirit, as seen in the transformation of Peter and the early church.


- The fire of the Holy Spirit is meant to be visible in our lives, serving as a sign to the world that the sacrifice of Jesus has been accepted and that real change has occurred. Our passion, holiness, and boldness are the “advertisement” of God’s power at work in us, and the degree of our spiritual “burn” can influence those around us more than our words alone.


- Praying in the Spirit—speaking in tongues—is a vital expression of the Spirit’s help, allowing us to pray perfect prayers even when we are at a loss for words. In our weakness, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, communicating mysteries to God and ensuring that all things work together for our good, even when we cannot see how.



Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Power to Help (The Holy Spirit as Our Helper)


Bible Reading


- John 14:16-18

“And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Helper, that he may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him; but you know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.”


- Acts 1:8

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”


- Romans 8:26-28

“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”




Observation Questions


  1. In John 14:16-18, what does Jesus promise about the Holy Spirit’s presence and role in the lives of believers?

  2. According to Acts 1:8, what is the purpose of the power believers receive from the Holy Spirit?

  3. In Romans 8:26-28, what does Paul say the Holy Spirit does for us when we don’t know how to pray?

  4. The sermon compared the Holy Spirit’s help to the sacrificial help of mothers. What are some specific ways the Holy Spirit helps us, according to the message?

Interpretation Questions


  1. Jesus calls the Holy Spirit “another Helper” and says He will abide with us forever. What does it mean that the Holy Spirit is “the exact duplicate” of Jesus, and how does that affect our relationship with Him?

  2. The sermon says the Holy Spirit is not just help, but “divine help”—the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. How should this change the way we approach challenges or temptations in our lives?

  3. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost is described as a “Jubilee” of release, return, and restoration. What does it look like for a believer to live in this kind of spiritual Jubilee?

  4. The message says the fire of the Holy Spirit is meant to be visible in our lives, serving as a sign to the world. What are some practical ways this “fire” can be seen by others?


Application Questions


  1. The sermon emphasized cultivating a daily, intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit. What is one specific way you could become more aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence in your everyday life this week?

  2. When facing a difficult decision or temptation, do you usually try to handle it on your own, or do you ask for the Holy Spirit’s help? Share a recent example and discuss how you might respond differently next time.

  3. The Holy Spirit is described as “dynamite” power to blast away obstacles and build the life God intends for us. Is there an area of your life where you need the Holy Spirit’s power to bring breakthrough? What would it look like to invite Him into that area?

  4. The sermon talked about the “fire” of the Holy Spirit being our “advertisement” to the world. How would you rate your spiritual “burn” right now? What is one thing you could do this week to let that fire be more visible to those around you?

  5. Praying in the Spirit was highlighted as a way the Holy Spirit helps us, especially when we don’t know what to pray. Have you ever experienced a time when you didn’t have words to pray? How might you practice relying on the Holy Spirit in prayer, even if it feels unfamiliar?

  6. The message said the Holy Spirit brings us into the “best season” of our lives, full of joy, peace, and power. Are there areas where you feel stuck in an old season? What step could you take to open yourself to a new season with the Holy Spirit?

  7. The sermon compared the Holy Spirit’s help to the sacrificial love of mothers, sometimes even giving “unwanted help.” Is there an area where you’ve been resisting the Holy Spirit’s help or guidance? What would it look like to surrender in that area?




Closing Prayer Suggestion:


Invite the Holy Spirit to fill each person afresh, to help in areas of weakness, and to make His presence and power real in every part of life.



Devotional


Day 1: The Holy Spirit is Our Ever-Present Helper

The Holy Spirit is not a distant or occasional presence, but an ever-present helper who abides with us, guiding, comforting, and empowering us in every season of life. He is called to stick by us like glue, never leaving nor forsaking us, whether we are walking closely with God or struggling in our faith. This divine companionship means that you are never alone; the Spirit is always available to help you make decisions, resist temptation, and fulfill your God-given purpose. No matter what you face, you can call on the Holy Spirit, confident that He is with you, ready to provide the help you need. [21:42]


John 14:16-18 (ESV)

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 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. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."


  • Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to remember that the Holy Spirit is with you right now, offering help and guidance? How can you invite Him into that situation today?



Day 2: Divine Power to Live Victoriously

The Holy Spirit is not just a source of comfort, but the very power of God living within you—the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. This divine power is not a lesser or diluted force, but the full, resurrection power of God, given so that you can overcome obstacles, break free from bondage, and live out your calling with boldness and effectiveness. When you are filled with the Holy Spirit, you receive the dynamite power to construct the life God intends for you, blasting away anything that stands in the way of your destiny. [23:29]


Acts 1:8 (ESV)

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."


  • Reflection: What is one area where you feel powerless or stuck? Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with His power and show you how to move forward in victory.



Day 3: The Holy Spirit Brings Release, Restoration, and Advancement

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit ushers in a season of jubilee—release from bondage, restoration of what was lost, and advancement into your God-given purpose. Just as the year of Jubilee in the Old Testament brought freedom and restoration, the Holy Spirit brings a new season where you are empowered to succeed, regain your passion, and walk in the fullness of your calling. Through His anointing, you receive vision for your purpose, dreams that ignite your passion, and prophetic words that propel you into your future. [36:45]


Acts 2:1-4 (ESV)

"When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance."


  • Reflection: Where do you need release, restoration, or a fresh sense of purpose in your life? Invite the Holy Spirit to bring His jubilee into that area today.



Day 4: The Fire of the Holy Spirit Makes Us Witnesses

The Holy Spirit fills believers with a holy fire—a passion and power that not only transforms us but also makes us living advertisements for Jesus. This fire is meant to be visible, igniting those around us and spreading the message that the sacrifice of Jesus has been accepted and that real change is possible. The evidence of the Spirit’s fire in your life is seen in your holiness, boldness, and the contagious passion you carry for God. When you burn brightly for Jesus, others are drawn to Him through your witness. [42:54]


Ephesians 1:19 (ESV)

"And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might."


  • Reflection: How brightly is the fire of the Holy Spirit burning in your life? What can you do today to let that fire be seen by those around you?



Day 5: The Holy Spirit Empowers Our Prayers

The Holy Spirit not only helps us in our daily walk but also empowers our prayers, especially when we do not know what to pray. Through the gift of praying in the Spirit, He intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words, praying perfect prayers in line with God’s will. Even when you are overwhelmed or at a loss for words, the Spirit prays through you, ensuring that God’s purposes are accomplished and that all things work together for your good. [55:17]


Romans 8:26-28 (ESV)

"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."


  • Reflection: Is there a situation where you feel unable to pray or don’t know what to say? Take time today to ask the Holy Spirit to pray through you and trust that He is working all things for your good.









 
 
 

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