John 14–16
The Mission of the Holy Ghost
During the Savior’s ministry, the Apostles enjoyed the power of the Holy Ghost, but they had not yet received the gift of the Holy Ghost, which would allow them, through their righteousness, to have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost (see Bible Dictionary, “Holy Ghost”). Jesus Christ promised to bless them with the gift of the Holy Ghost after His ascension into heaven. This lesson can help you identify how the Holy Ghost fulfills His various roles in your life.
How can the Holy Ghost help you?
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What do you understand about how the Holy Ghost can help you?
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What experiences have you had with the Holy Ghost?
Watch the following video, available on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, from time code 1:58 to 3:10, of Elder Gary E. Stevenson sharing an experience he had as a boy.
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What questions do you have about the role of the Holy Ghost in our lives?
As you study, look for answers to the questions you have about the Holy Ghost and how the role of the Holy Ghost can help you with your individual needs.
Jesus teaches His Apostles about the Holy Ghost
After the Savior administered the sacrament, and knowing He would soon suffer for our pains, temptations, and sins and then be crucified, He continued to teach His Apostles.
Read John 14:16–17, looking for what the Savior promised to give His Apostles.
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Why do you think Jesus Christ promised His Apostles that they would receive the gift of the Holy Ghost soon after He left?
Draw the following chart in your study journal. Leave space for a third column, which you will add later. Fill in the chart from what you find in the listed verses.
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Verse(s) |
Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ send us the Holy Ghost to … |
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Verse(s) | |
Verse(s) | |
Verse(s) | |
Verse(s) | |
Verse(s) | |
Verse(s) |
1. Answer the following questions in your study journal:
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How would you summarize what the Savior taught about why He and the Father send the Holy Ghost to us?
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How can these promises and truths help you in your life right now?
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How does knowing that the Holy Ghost is sent by Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ help you know that They love you? What does it show you that they desire for you?
A witness from the Holy Ghost
The Savior taught that the Holy Ghost would testify of and glorify Him (see John 15:26; 16:13–14).
President Russell M. Nelson observed:
The most important truth the Holy Ghost will ever witness to you is that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.
(Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona,May 2018, 96)
2. Answer at least one of the following questions in your study journal:
Personal experiences with the Holy Ghost
Add a third column to your chart, and label it “How the Holy Ghost has done this for me or someone I know.” For each scripture passage in the chart, think of and write about any experiences that you, a family member, or someone in the scriptures had with the Holy Ghost fulfilling that role. If you do not recognize or recall a personal experience for each of the Holy Ghost’s roles that the Savior highlighted in these verses, that is OK. As you strive to be faithful and look for these experiences in your life, Heavenly Father will help you recognize them.
Optional: Want to Learn More?
What does the Holy Ghost do?
President Dallin H. Oaks taught:
The third member of the Godhead is the Holy Ghost, also referred to as the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of the Lord, and the Comforter. He is the member of the Godhead who is the agent of personal revelation. As a personage of spirit (see D&C 130:22), He can dwell in us and perform the essential role of communicator between the Father and the Son and the children of God on earth. Many scriptures teach that His mission is to testify of the Father and the Son (see John 15:26; 3 Nephi 28:11; D&C 42:17). The Savior promised that the Comforter will teach us all things, bring all things to our remembrance, and guide us into all truth (see John 14:26; 16:13). Thus, the Holy Ghost helps us discern between truth and falsehood, guides us in our major decisions, and helps us through the challenges of mortality. He is also the means by which we are sanctified, that is, cleansed and purified from sin (see 2 Nephi 31:17; 3 Nephi 27:20; Moroni 6:4).
(Dallin H. Oaks, “The Godhead and the Plan of Salvation,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 102)
Why is it important that we recognize the Holy Ghost speaking to us?
President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught:
This personal line of communication with our Heavenly Father through His Holy Spirit is the source of our testimony of truth, of our knowledge, and of our personal guidance from a loving Heavenly Father. It is an essential feature of His marvelous gospel plan, which allows each one of His children to receive a personal witness of its truth.
(Dallin H. Oaks, “Two Lines of Communication,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2010, 83)
John 14:27. How can I feel peace from the Holy Ghost if I struggle with mental health?
If you experience mental health challenges like anxiety or depression, you might feel like it is very difficult to feel the Holy Ghost. This is not your fault. Our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ are aware of these struggles, and They want to help you. Consider reviewing one or two of the following resources for more information on how to feel peace from the Holy Ghost when you struggle with mental health issues.
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Video: “Like a Broken Vessel” (11:36; available on ChurchofJesusChrist.org)
11:36 -
Reyna I. Aburto, “Thru Cloud and Sunshine, Lord, Abide with Me!,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 57–60
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Debra Theobald McClendon, “Discerning Your Feelings: Anxiety or the Spirit?,” Ensign, Apr. 2019, ChurchofJesusChrist.org
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Lyle J. Burrup, “Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders,” Ensign, Mar. 2017, 54–61
John 16:7. What did the Savior mean when He said, “If I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you”?
For some reason not fully explained in the scriptures, the Holy Ghost did not operate in the fulness among the Jews during the years of Jesus’ mortal sojourn (John 7:39; 16:7). Statements to the effect that the Holy Ghost did not come until after Jesus was resurrected must of necessity refer to that particular dispensation only, for it is abundantly clear that the Holy Ghost was operative in earlier dispensations. Furthermore, it has reference only to the gift of the Holy Ghost not being present, since the power of the Holy Ghost was operative during the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus; otherwise no one would have received a testimony of the truths that these men taught (Matt. 16:16–17; see also 1 Cor. 12:3).
(Bible Dictionary, “ Holy Ghost ”)