As we begin A Familiar Stranger, our new message series focusing on the Third Person of the Trinity - the Holy Spirit - John 16 is a key place to start. Here, Jesus Himself tells us about the importance of the Holy Spirit, not only in relation to the church, but also to the world at large. This relationship is best summed up in the very name for the Holy Spirit: "Helper." He helps us to see sin, see the Savior, and seek His mission.

John 16:5-15, 32-33

5 But now I am going to Him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 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 go, I will send Him to you. 8 And when He comes, He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see Me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. 12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is Mine; therefore I said that He will take what is Mine and declare it to you.

32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave Me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with Me. 33 I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

For Adult Homes and Groups

1. Read all of John 16 together.

2. Jesus says it’s “to your advantage” that He goes away so that the Holy Spirit may then come to us. What are some advantages of the Holy Spirit’s presence?

3. From vv8-11, what three things does the Holy Spirit use to convict the world, and how does this work happen in our own lives?

4. According to Jesus, what is the Holy Spirit’s primary role in our lives?

5. Have you recently received comfort, help, teaching, or guidance from the Holy Spirit? Take time to share.

6. Pray together and ask the Holy Spirit to help you with a current struggle, guide you through a current difficulty, and comfort you where you need it.

For Families with Kids

1. Read John 16 together.

2. What do you think of when you hear “Holy Spirit?” How do your thoughts compare with what Jesus says about Himself in John 16?

3. Who is the “helper” Jesus talks about, and how is He a good helper for us?

4. Why were the disciples sad when Jesus said He was leaving soon? What did Jesus promise them to help ease their sadness?

5. How does the Holy Spirit comfort us? Think of and share about a time when a friend or family comforted you.

6. What does the Holy Spirit do when He “tells the truth” to us? How can we listen for His voice every day?