Sermons on John 14:26


The various sermons below interpret John 14:26 by emphasizing the multifaceted role of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. A common theme is the Holy Spirit as a source of internal peace, contrasting with external circumstances, often illustrated through analogies like the "cushion of the sea" or the Greek word "Irenae." The sermons also highlight the Holy Spirit's role in reminding believers of Jesus' teachings, akin to a shepherd guiding sheep, and emphasize the Spirit's empowering presence, described as a "paraclete" or "helping presence." This empowerment is seen as essential for discipleship, ministry, and personal growth, with the Holy Spirit providing strength, wisdom, and comfort. Additionally, the sermons explore the Spirit's role in personal development, helping believers find their voice and purpose, and enabling them to live out their faith authentically and boldly.

While the sermons share common themes, they also present unique perspectives on the Holy Spirit's role. Some focus on the Holy Spirit as a source of divine peace, distinguishing between "peace with God" and the "peace of God," while others emphasize spiritual warfare and the need to reject lies from the enemy. The theme of empowerment is approached differently, with some sermons highlighting the Spirit's role in personal creativity and growth, while others focus on the Spirit's empowerment for witness and ministry. The Holy Spirit is also portrayed as a revealer of divine wisdom, contrasting with worldly wisdom, and as a source of power and guidance for living boldly in faith. These contrasting approaches offer a rich tapestry of insights into the Holy Spirit's work, providing a pastor with diverse angles to explore in their sermon preparation.


John 14:26 Interpretation:

Finding True Peace Through Faith in God (The Father's House) interprets John 14:26 by emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit as a source of internal peace, contrasting it with external peace. The sermon uses the Greek word "Irenae," meaning an internal state of tranquility, and connects it to the Hebrew word "Shalom," which means to make whole. The sermon uses the analogy of the "cushion of the sea," where the depths remain calm despite surface storms, to illustrate the peace the Holy Spirit provides.

Listening to God's Voice: Faith and Obedience (Celebration Church of The Woodlands) interprets John 14:26 by focusing on the Holy Spirit's role in reminding believers of Jesus' teachings. The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing and responding to the Holy Spirit's voice, using the analogy of sheep recognizing their shepherd's voice to illustrate how believers can discern God's voice amidst life's noise.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Our Discipleship Journey (David Cranford) interprets John 14:26 by emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit as a "helping presence" or "paraclete," a term derived from the Greek word "parakletos." The sermon highlights that the Holy Spirit is not merely a helper in a subordinate sense but is the presence of God in believers' lives, guiding and empowering them to follow Jesus' commands. The analogy of the Holy Spirit as a "helping presence" is unique, suggesting that the Spirit provides whatever is needed for discipleship, whether it be strength, wisdom, or comfort.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Living as Witnesses (Cornerstone Church TV) offers a perspective on John 14:26 by focusing on the Holy Spirit's role in empowering believers to be witnesses. The sermon suggests that the Holy Spirit's presence is essential for effective ministry and witness, drawing a parallel between the Spirit's empowerment and the ability to live out one's faith authentically. The sermon uses the analogy of being "baptized with the Holy Spirit" to describe a transformative experience that deepens one's love for God and others.

Finding Purpose and Voice Through the Holy Spirit (Sara Moses) interprets John 14:26 by emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit as a guide and teacher in finding one's voice and purpose. The sermon uses the analogy of the Holy Spirit as a mentor who helps individuals discover and articulate their unique message to the world. This perspective highlights the Holy Spirit's role in personal development and self-expression, suggesting that the Spirit not only reminds believers of Jesus' teachings but also empowers them to communicate their own stories and insights effectively.

Finding Hope and Purpose Through the Holy Spirit (Phoenix Bible Church) interprets John 14:26 by emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit as a helper and advocate who is better than Jesus remaining physically present. The sermon highlights the Greek term "paraclete," which means advocate or counselor, and explains that the Holy Spirit will teach and remind believers of Jesus' teachings. The sermon uses the analogy of God's omnipresence, comparing it to a filling that is not like gas in a jar but rather a continuous, exponential presence that fills all spaces simultaneously. This interpretation underscores the idea that the Holy Spirit's presence is more advantageous for the mission of the church and the proclamation of the gospel.

Discerning Godly Wisdom Through the Holy Spirit (Village Bible Church Sugar Grove) interprets John 14:26 by emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit as a counselor and teacher. The sermon highlights that the Holy Spirit is not just a passive presence but actively teaches and reminds believers of Jesus' teachings. The analogy of a shepherd and sheep is used to illustrate how believers can recognize and follow the voice of the Holy Spirit, much like sheep recognize the voice of their shepherd. This interpretation underscores the personal and relational aspect of the Holy Spirit's guidance.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Living Boldly in Faith (Living Word Lutheran Church | Marshall, MN) interprets John 14:26 by focusing on the Holy Spirit as an advocate and helper who empowers believers to live out their faith boldly. The sermon uses the analogy of the Holy Spirit as a comforter and guide, providing believers with the necessary strength and wisdom to navigate life's challenges. This interpretation highlights the empowering and comforting roles of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life.

John 14:26 Theological Themes:

Finding True Peace Through Faith in God (The Father's House) presents the theme of peace as a divine gift that surpasses worldly understanding. It distinguishes between "peace with God," achieved through salvation, and the "peace of God," which is an ongoing experience of tranquility in the believer's life.

Listening to God's Voice: Faith and Obedience (Celebration Church of The Woodlands) introduces the theme of spiritual warfare, emphasizing the need to reject lies from the enemy and replace them with God's truth. The sermon highlights the importance of exercising authority over one's mind to maintain spiritual clarity and obedience.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Our Discipleship Journey (David Cranford) presents the theme of the Holy Spirit as a "helping presence," emphasizing that the Spirit's role is to aid believers in obeying Jesus' commands and living a holy life. This theme is distinct in its focus on the Spirit's multifaceted assistance in discipleship.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Living as Witnesses (Cornerstone Church TV) introduces the theme of the Holy Spirit's empowerment for witness, highlighting the transformative effect of being filled with the Spirit. The sermon emphasizes that the Spirit enables believers to live out their faith with authenticity and boldness.

Finding Purpose and Voice Through the Holy Spirit (Sara Moses) presents a unique theological theme by focusing on the Holy Spirit's role in personal empowerment and creativity. The sermon suggests that the Holy Spirit helps individuals find their voice and purpose, which is a fresh angle on the traditional understanding of the Spirit as a comforter and teacher. This theme emphasizes the Spirit's involvement in personal growth and the development of one's unique gifts and talents.

Finding Hope and Purpose Through the Holy Spirit (Phoenix Bible Church) presents the theme of the Holy Spirit as an empowering presence that defines and propels the purpose of believers. The sermon emphasizes that the Holy Spirit's presence and power enable Christians to live out Jesus' commandments and reflect God's character, transcending age, gender, and nationality. This theme is distinct in its focus on the Holy Spirit's role in defining and empowering the believer's purpose in various life stages and circumstances.

Discerning Godly Wisdom Through the Holy Spirit (Village Bible Church Sugar Grove) presents the theme of the Holy Spirit as a revealer of divine wisdom, contrasting it with worldly wisdom. The sermon emphasizes that godly wisdom is complete and timeless, revealed by God through the Holy Spirit, and accessible to those who are spiritually mature.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Living Boldly in Faith (Living Word Lutheran Church | Marshall, MN) introduces the theme of the Holy Spirit as a source of power and guidance for believers. The sermon discusses how the Holy Spirit empowers Christians to live boldly and faithfully, providing them with the strength to face challenges and the wisdom to discern truth.

John 14:26 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Finding True Peace Through Faith in God (The Father's House) provides historical context by describing the disciples' expectations of an earthly kingdom and external peace, which Jesus redefines as internal peace through the Holy Spirit. The sermon explains the cultural expectation of a Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule, contrasting it with Jesus' message of spiritual peace.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Our Discipleship Journey (David Cranford) provides historical context by discussing the farewell discourse in the Gospel of John, where Jesus prepares his disciples for life without his physical presence. The sermon explains that the Holy Spirit is given as a permanent counselor to guide and empower believers, contrasting with Jesus' temporary physical presence during his ministry.

Finding Hope and Purpose Through the Holy Spirit (Phoenix Bible Church) provides historical context by describing the disciples' emotions and experiences during Jesus' ministry and the significance of Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit. The sermon explains that the disciples were anxious and uncertain about Jesus' departure, highlighting the cultural and historical context of their reliance on Jesus' physical presence and the transformative impact of the Holy Spirit's coming at Pentecost.

John 14:26 Cross-References in the Bible:

Finding True Peace Through Faith in God (The Father's House) references Philippians 4:6-9 to support the idea of experiencing God's peace through prayer and focusing on positive, godly thoughts. It also cites Romans 5:1 to explain the concept of peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Listening to God's Voice: Faith and Obedience (Celebration Church of The Woodlands) references 1 Samuel 17:45 to illustrate the importance of faith over facts, using David's confrontation with Goliath as an example. The sermon also cites 2 Corinthians 10:5 to emphasize taking thoughts captive and aligning them with God's truth.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Our Discipleship Journey (David Cranford) references John 13:15 and John 14:15 to emphasize the call to discipleship as one of love and obedience to Jesus' commands. The sermon also mentions John 17, highlighting the continuity of Jesus' teaching about the Holy Spirit throughout the farewell discourse.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Living as Witnesses (Cornerstone Church TV) references Acts 1:8 to connect the empowerment of the Holy Spirit with the call to be witnesses. The sermon also mentions Luke 24:17 to illustrate the disciples' initial confusion and the transformative power of the Spirit in their lives.

Finding Purpose and Voice Through the Holy Spirit (Sara Moses) references the concept of being "born again" and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, which aligns with John 3:3-8, where Jesus speaks about being born of the Spirit. This connection is used to support the idea that the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in personal transformation and finding one's purpose.

Finding Hope and Purpose Through the Holy Spirit (Phoenix Bible Church) references several Bible passages to support the interpretation of John 14:26. Acts 1:8 is used to illustrate the empowerment of the disciples by the Holy Spirit to be witnesses in Jerusalem and beyond. Ephesians 1 is cited to explain the Holy Spirit as a seal and guarantee of believers' inheritance. Galatians 5 is mentioned to describe the fruit of the Spirit, emphasizing the transformation of believers' character. These cross-references expand on the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering and transforming believers.

Discerning Godly Wisdom Through the Holy Spirit (Village Bible Church Sugar Grove) references several passages to support the role of the Holy Spirit, including John 14:17, John 16:8, and John 15:26-27. These passages are used to illustrate the Holy Spirit's roles as a counselor, convictor, and witness. The sermon also references 1 Corinthians 6:19 to emphasize the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Living Boldly in Faith (Living Word Lutheran Church | Marshall, MN) references 1 Corinthians 3:16 and 2 Timothy 1:6-7 to highlight the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the empowerment it provides. The sermon also cites Matthew 10:19-20 to illustrate how the Holy Spirit provides believers with the words to speak in challenging situations.

John 14:26 Christian References outside the Bible:

Finding True Peace Through Faith in God (The Father's House) references Oswald Chambers, quoting, "Peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of God," to emphasize the nature of divine peace.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Living as Witnesses (Cornerstone Church TV) references a New Testament scholar's view on the Book of Acts as a bridge between the Gospels and the rest of the New Testament, highlighting the role of the Holy Spirit in the early church's expansion from Jerusalem to Rome.

Finding Purpose and Voice Through the Holy Spirit (Sara Moses) explicitly references Dave Ramsey, a well-known Christian financial advisor, to illustrate the integration of spiritual principles with practical life applications. The sermon uses Ramsey's approach to financial management as an analogy for how spiritual insights can guide personal and professional development.

Finding Hope and Purpose Through the Holy Spirit (Phoenix Bible Church) explicitly references Tim Keller, who is quoted as describing God's presence as a filling that is not like gas in a jar but rather a continuous, exponential presence. This analogy is used to illustrate the omnipresence of God and the Holy Spirit's role in filling believers' lives.

John 14:26 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Finding True Peace Through Faith in God (The Father's House) uses the painting "The Scream" by Edvard Munch as an illustration of anxiety and the lack of peace in the world. The sermon contrasts this with the peace offered by the Holy Spirit, which is not dependent on external circumstances.

Listening to God's Voice: Faith and Obedience (Celebration Church of The Woodlands) uses a personal story of a Sunday school teacher's challenge to hear God's voice as an illustration of faith and obedience. The speaker recounts asking the Holy Spirit to wake them up at a specific time, which served as an early experience of recognizing God's voice.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Our Discipleship Journey (David Cranford) uses the analogy of the jet stream to illustrate the Holy Spirit's role in aiding believers' discipleship journey. The sermon describes how the jet stream, like the Holy Spirit, enhances the effectiveness and speed of travel, symbolizing the Spirit's empowering presence that enables believers to accomplish more than they could on their own.

Finding Purpose and Voice Through the Holy Spirit (Sara Moses) uses the analogy of a podcasting journey to illustrate the process of finding one's voice through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The speaker describes how recording and listening to their own voice helped them discover their storytelling ability, which serves as a metaphor for the Holy Spirit's role in helping individuals articulate their unique message.

Finding Hope and Purpose Through the Holy Spirit (Phoenix Bible Church) uses an illustration from a personal experience of teaching a child to skip rocks on Lake Superior. This analogy is used to emphasize the importance of modeling behavior and character for others, particularly in the context of the Holy Spirit's transformative work in believers' lives. The sermon also references a trip to Minnesota to highlight the contrast between the desert environment of Phoenix and the lush, water-rich landscape of Minnesota, drawing a parallel to the refreshing and life-giving presence of the Holy Spirit.

Discerning Godly Wisdom Through the Holy Spirit (Village Bible Church Sugar Grove) uses the example of David Brown, a blind sprinter, and his guide Jerome Avery to illustrate the relationship between believers and the Holy Spirit. The analogy emphasizes the importance of listening to the Holy Spirit's guidance, much like Brown relies on Avery to stay on course during a race.