Sermons on John 16:13-14

John 16:13-14 Interpretation:

Embracing the Empowering Presence of the Holy Spirit (LIFE Melbourne) interprets John 16:13-14 as a multi-layered revelation of the Holy Spirit’s presence: omnipresent (everywhere), manifest (concentrated moments of God’s action), and indwelling (personal, transformative presence within the believer). The sermon uniquely frames “presenced” as a state of being deeply aware of and empowered by the Spirit, who continually reveals Jesus. The analogy of the pigeon’s walk—pausing to see clearly—serves as a metaphor for the believer’s need to pause and become aware of the Spirit’s guidance, paralleling the Spirit’s role in leading into all truth. The preacher emphasizes that the Spirit is not a mere force but the third person of the Trinity, whose primary role is to reveal and glorify Jesus, shaping the believer’s life from the inside out.

Embodying the Trinity: A Call to Unity and Love (Dallas Willard Ministries) offers a distinctive interpretation by focusing on the “shyness” of the Holy Spirit, drawing from Dale Bruner’s concept of the Spirit’s “other-centeredness.” The sermon uses the metaphor of the Spirit as the “Cinderella of the Trinity,” content to remain in the background if Jesus is honored. The preacher sketches the Spirit as one who constantly points away from Himself to Christ, likening the Spirit’s ministry to someone standing behind Jesus, urging others to “listen to him, look at him.” This interpretation is enriched by a detailed exploration of the mutual self-giving and humility within the Trinity, suggesting that the Spirit’s guidance into truth is always Christocentric and never self-promoting.

Glorifying Christ: The Holy Spirit's True Role (MLJTrust) interprets John 16:13-14 with a strong emphasis on the Spirit’s “shyness” and delicacy, symbolized by the dove, and insists that the Spirit’s primary work is to glorify Christ, not Himself or His own gifts. The sermon critiques movements that focus on the Spirit to the neglect of Christ, arguing that true Spirit-filled experience always results in exalting Jesus. The preacher draws a sharp distinction between subjective experiences of the Spirit and the objective, Christ-centered witness that the Spirit brings, both in individual lives and in corporate revival.

Empowered by the Paraclete: Strength in Hatred (Ligonier Ministries) provides a unique linguistic and cultural analysis of the term “Paraclete,” explaining its Greek roots (parakletos: “one called alongside”) and its original use as a legal advocate or family attorney. The sermon distinguishes between Jesus as the first Paraclete and the Holy Spirit as “another Paraclete,” emphasizing that the Spirit’s role is not merely to comfort in the sense of consolation, but to strengthen, defend, and embolden believers in the face of persecution. The preacher also traces the etymology of “comforter” to its Latin roots (“cum forte”—with strength), arguing that the Spirit’s guidance into truth is fundamentally about empowering believers for courageous witness.

Imputed Righteousness: Our Victory Through Christ (Pastor Chuck Smith) interprets John 16:13-14 as a promise that the Holy Spirit would continue to reveal truths to the disciples that they were not yet ready to bear, particularly through the New Testament and the Epistles. The sermon highlights the Spirit’s role in glorifying Christ by revealing the fullness of His work, including future events (as in Revelation), and by empowering believers to live in victory over sin and Satan. The preacher underscores that the Spirit’s guidance is always in alignment with Christ’s message and mission, and that the Spirit never speaks independently but only what He receives from Jesus.

Grounded in Scripture: The Power of Preaching (Alistair Begg, Parkside Church) offers a notable interpretation of John 16:13-14 by emphasizing the Spirit’s role as the agent who “makes much of Christ” in preaching and Christian life. Begg draws a direct line from the Spirit’s work in the apostles to the ongoing ministry of preaching, arguing that the Spirit’s primary function is to glorify Christ, not Himself. He uses the analogy of the preacher as an “empty vessel” through whom the Spirit works, and insists that any ministry or preaching that centers on the Spirit rather than Christ is misaligned with the Spirit’s own mission as described in John 16:13-14. This interpretation is distinguished by its focus on the Spirit’s self-effacing role and the preacher’s dependence, and by the metaphor of the preacher’s labor as akin to “travail and childbirth,” highlighting the Spirit’s birthing of Christ’s glory through human weakness.

Finding Freedom and Joy in Christ's Truth (Temple Baptist Church; Fayetteville, NC) interprets John 16:13-14 as a promise that the Holy Spirit is the active guide for all seekers—both believers and non-believers—leading them into the truth of Christ. The sermon uses the analogy of a seeker on a treasure hunt, paralleling the Spirit’s guidance to a parent or mentor who persistently seeks out and directs a lost or searching child. The preacher also highlights the Spirit’s role as a “superb guide,” not just in doctrinal truth but in the lived experience of the gospel, and connects the Spirit’s guidance to the Ethiopian eunuch’s story, showing the Spirit orchestrating divine appointments and personal transformation.

Living Wisely: The Transformative Power of the Spirit (Desiring God) interprets John 16:13-14 as the central ministry of the Holy Spirit: to make Christ appear glorious to the “eyes of our heart.” The sermon draws a contrast between drunkenness (loss of reality) and the Spirit’s filling (clarity of Christ’s reality), arguing that the Spirit’s fullness is experienced as a deepening knowledge and savoring of Christ. The preacher uses the metaphor of “spiritual drunkenness” versus “intense sight of Christ,” and emphasizes that the Spirit’s work is to enable authentic confession of Jesus as Lord, rooted in a heart-level experience of Christ’s love and glory.

Embracing the Light: Jesus as Our Shepherd (SermonIndex.net) provides a unique interpretation by likening the Spirit’s work in John 16:13-14 to that of a master teacher or matchmaker, whose mission is to make Jesus so beautiful and desirable that loving Him becomes the most enjoyable pursuit of life. The preacher uses the analogy of a piano teacher who inspires love for the instrument, and a matchmaker who paints a compelling portrait of a suitor, to illustrate how the Spirit “glorifies” Christ in the believer’s heart. This interpretation is further distinguished by its focus on the Spirit’s role in making obedience to Christ a joy rather than a burden.

Embracing God's Unique Plan Through the Holy Spirit (SermonIndex.net) interprets John 16:13-14 as a promise that the Spirit will guide believers into the specific, personal truths of Christ’s life and character that are not explicitly written in the Gospels. The preacher emphasizes that the Spirit’s guidance is not just about doctrinal truth but about revealing the “hidden things” of Jesus’ daily life, attitudes, and habits, which are essential for fulfilling God’s unique plan for each believer. The analogy of the Spirit as a personal guide who whispers the way forward in life’s details is central to this interpretation.

Embracing Our Ordinariness: The Heart of Jesus' Love (SermonIndex.net) offers a unique interpretation of John 16:13-14 by focusing on the word "disclose" (or "reveal") in the passage, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit's role is not to simply repeat what is already written in Scripture, but to whisper secret, hidden aspects of Jesus' character to those who are eager to know Him more deeply. The preacher uses the analogy of the Holy Spirit "whispering in your ear," revealing the beauty of Jesus in ways that go beyond the obvious miracles and stories, and insists that this is not about being a spiritual "favorite," but about a heart that longs to see Jesus as He truly is. This interpretation is distinct in its insistence that the Spirit's guidance is not about new doctrine or power, but about a progressive, intimate unveiling of Christ's humility and ordinariness, which then transforms the believer.

Embracing the Holy Spirit in Trials and Suffering (SermonIndex.net) interprets John 16:13-14 by highlighting the Spirit as the "Spirit of Truth" who, in moments of suffering or persecution, brings to mind exactly the truth needed to remain faithful. The sermon uniquely frames the Spirit's ministry as not only cognitive (reminding of truth) but affective, making the glory and beauty of Jesus real and precious in the heart, especially in the darkest moments. The preacher uses the metaphor of the Spirit as the one who "rests upon" the believer, imparting not just knowledge but sustaining love, assurance, and a foretaste of glory, even when outward circumstances are anything but glorious. This is a notable expansion of the passage, focusing on the Spirit's role in existential crisis and suffering.

Embracing the Transformative Power of the Holy Spirit (SermonIndex.net) brings a fresh perspective by repeatedly using the metaphor of sunlight filling a room to describe the Spirit's work in John 16:13-14. The preacher argues that the Spirit's guidance and filling are not mysterious or reserved for special moments, but as accessible and immediate as opening blinds to let in sunlight. The sermon also employs the metaphor of the Spirit as fire, a dove, a helper, and an advocate, each illustrating a different facet of the Spirit's transformative ministry. The preacher insists that the Spirit's work is not about waiting for a special event, but about daily surrender and openness, and that the Spirit's primary work is to make Jesus beautiful and holiness desirable, not merely to provide power or gifts.

Revealing Christ Within: The Key to Godly Living (SermonIndex.net) and "Revealing Christ: The Key to Victorious Living" (SermonIndex.net) both interpret John 16:13-14 as the Spirit's work of revealing Jesus inwardly to the believer, not just as historical fact but as a living reality. Both sermons stress that the Spirit's guidance into truth is fundamentally about disclosing the humanity and purity of Christ, empowering believers to walk as He walked. The analogy of the church as a "body" or "family" (as opposed to a mere "club" or "congregation") is used to illustrate the difference between external religion and the inward revelation of Christ by the Spirit. The sermons are notable for their insistence that the Spirit's disclosure is the only way to true godliness and victory over sin, and that this revelation is available only to those who seek it with all their heart.

John 16:13-14 Theological Themes:

Embodying the Trinity: A Call to Unity and Love (Dallas Willard Ministries) introduces the theme of “trinitarian shyness”—the mutual self-effacing love and humility within the Godhead, where each person of the Trinity seeks to glorify the other. This theme is applied to Christian community, suggesting that true unity and love among believers is rooted in this divine pattern of mutual submission and other-centeredness. The Spirit’s guidance into truth is thus not only doctrinal but relational, drawing the church into the very fellowship of the Trinity.

Glorifying Christ: The Holy Spirit's True Role (MLJTrust) adds the theme that authentic revival and Spirit-filled ministry are always marked by the exaltation of Christ, not the Spirit or human experience. The preacher warns against a “Spirit-centered” focus that neglects the Christocentric purpose of the Spirit’s work, arguing that the surest sign of the Spirit’s presence is a deepening devotion to Jesus and His redemptive work.

Empowered by the Paraclete: Strength in Hatred (Ligonier Ministries) presents the theme that the Spirit’s comfort is not primarily emotional consolation but the impartation of strength, courage, and advocacy in the face of hostility. The Spirit’s role as Paraclete is to equip believers for spiritual battle, defending and empowering them to stand firm in truth and witness.

Imputed Righteousness: Our Victory Through Christ (Pastor Chuck Smith) explores the theme that the Spirit’s ongoing revelation is both progressive and Christ-centered, guiding believers into deeper understanding of Christ’s victory, the reality of spiritual warfare, and the assurance of access to God. The Spirit’s glorification of Christ is seen in the believer’s experience of victory, authority, and intimate fellowship with the Father.

Grounded in Scripture: The Power of Preaching (Alistair Begg, Parkside Church) introduces the theme that the Spirit’s ministry is fundamentally self-effacing, always directing attention to Christ rather than Himself or the preacher. This is a corrective to traditions or movements that may overemphasize the Spirit’s manifestations at the expense of Christ-centeredness. The sermon also explores the idea that true spiritual power in preaching comes from dependence and weakness, aligning with the Spirit’s purpose to glorify Christ through human frailty.

Finding Freedom and Joy in Christ's Truth (Temple Baptist Church; Fayetteville, NC) adds the theme that the Spirit’s guidance is both proactive and personal, seeking out individuals before they even know they are searching for God. The preacher develops the idea that the Spirit’s work is not only to reveal doctrinal truth but to orchestrate divine encounters, empower commitment, and replace grief with joy, making the Spirit’s ministry holistic and transformative.

Living Wisely: The Transformative Power of the Spirit (Desiring God) presents the theme that the Spirit’s filling is not a static possession but a dynamic experience that varies in intensity, leading to greater clarity, love, and joy in Christ. The sermon uniquely frames the Spirit’s ministry as the antidote to spiritual “drunkenness,” emphasizing the experiential and affective dimensions of knowing Christ through the Spirit.

Embracing the Light: Jesus as Our Shepherd (SermonIndex.net) introduces the theme that the Spirit’s primary work is to make loving Jesus the most attractive and enjoyable pursuit, shifting the Christian life from duty to delight. The preacher’s focus on the Spirit as a matchmaker or inspirer of love is a fresh angle, highlighting the affective transformation the Spirit brings.

Embracing God's Unique Plan Through the Holy Spirit (SermonIndex.net) develops the theme that the Spirit’s guidance is highly individualized, revealing aspects of Christ’s life and will that are not accessible through Scripture alone. The preacher stresses the importance of seeking the Spirit’s voice for personal direction and transformation, making the Spirit’s ministry both revelatory and practical.

Embracing Our Ordinariness: The Heart of Jesus' Love (SermonIndex.net) introduces the theme that the Spirit's primary ministry is to reveal the "hidden" ordinariness and humility of Jesus, not just His power or miracles, and that this revelation is the foundation for true Christlikeness. The preacher argues that the Spirit's work is not about making us spiritual elites, but about making us ordinary like Jesus, which is a radical redefinition of spiritual maturity.

Embracing the Holy Spirit in Trials and Suffering (SermonIndex.net) presents the distinct theme that the Spirit's role in suffering is to make the glory of Christ experientially real, even in the midst of shame, pain, or death. The Spirit is described as the one who not only reminds us of truth but imparts the felt presence and worth of Christ, sustains love for Christ, and gives a foretaste of eternal glory. This sermon also uniquely emphasizes the Spirit's role in overcoming doubt and providing assurance, not just information.

Embracing the Transformative Power of the Holy Spirit (SermonIndex.net) develops the theme that the Spirit's filling is not a mystical or emotional event, but a daily, practical reality as accessible as sunlight, and that the Spirit's work is to make holiness attractive by making Jesus beautiful to us. The preacher also introduces the idea that resisting the Spirit is like keeping the blinds closed, and that the Spirit's presence is evidenced by increasing holiness, not by feelings or external manifestations.

Revealing Christ Within: The Key to Godly Living and "Revealing Christ: The Key to Victorious Living" (SermonIndex.net) both emphasize the theme that the Spirit's disclosure of Christ's humanity and victory over sin is the "mystery of godliness," and that without this inward revelation, Christianity degenerates into a club or moral improvement society. The sermons stress that the Spirit's work is to make the life of Jesus reproducible in us, and that this is the only path to true church life and victory over sin.

John 16:13-14 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Empowered by the Paraclete: Strength in Hatred (Ligonier Ministries) provides historical context by explaining the original Greek usage of “parakletos” as a legal advocate or family attorney in ancient Greek society, someone called to defend and strengthen a person in times of accusation or trouble. The sermon also discusses the evolution of the English word “comforter,” noting its original meaning (“with strength”) in Elizabethan English, which differs from the modern sense of emotional consolation. This historical-linguistic insight shapes the understanding of the Spirit’s role in John 16:13-14 as one of empowerment and advocacy rather than mere comfort.

Embodying the Trinity: A Call to Unity and Love (Dallas Willard Ministries) offers contextual insight into the cultural novelty of the early Christian community, noting that the idea of an egalitarian, all-inclusive fellowship rooted in the Trinity was unprecedented in the ancient world. The preacher references the lack of comparable communities in Greco-Roman society and highlights the radical nature of the church’s unity as a reflection of the divine community.

Finding Freedom and Joy in Christ's Truth (Temple Baptist Church; Fayetteville, NC) provides detailed historical context about the Ethiopian eunuch, explaining the cultural and social role of eunuchs in ancient royal courts, their trustworthiness, and their evolving responsibilities. The preacher also situates the eunuch’s journey within the broader context of Jewish diaspora and the spread of Judaism beyond Jerusalem, offering insight into why a Gentile might be drawn to Jewish worship and Scripture. This background enriches the understanding of the Spirit’s guidance in Acts 8 and its connection to John 16:13-14.

Embracing Our Ordinariness: The Heart of Jesus' Love (SermonIndex.net) provides historical context by contrasting the Old Testament congregation (a mass of people united by law and ritual) with the New Testament church as a body and family, emphasizing that the Spirit's work is to create this new kind of community by revealing Christ inwardly. The preacher also references the cultural norm of seeking spiritual "favorites" or elites, and counters it with the biblical truth of God's impartiality.

Revealing Christ Within: The Key to Godly Living and "Revealing Christ: The Key to Victorious Living" (SermonIndex.net) both offer contextual insights by explaining that in Jesus' time, His humanity was obvious and His divinity was questioned, whereas today, His divinity is assumed and His humanity is neglected. This shift in perspective is used to highlight the importance of the Spirit's work in revealing the true, fully human Jesus as our example.

John 16:13-14 Cross-References in the Bible:

Embracing the Empowering Presence of the Holy Spirit (LIFE Melbourne) cross-references several passages to expand on John 16:13-14: Psalm 139 (God’s omnipresence), 1 Corinthians 2 (the Spirit revealing God’s deep secrets), John 14 (the Spirit as the one who leads into all truth), Romans 8:11 (the Spirit who raised Jesus brings life to believers), 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (the Spirit as the guarantee of God’s promises), Galatians 5:16 (the Spirit guiding believers away from sin), Joshua 1 (God’s presence as the source of strength), Acts 2:28 (joy in God’s presence), 2 Corinthians 3:17 (freedom where the Spirit is), Acts 1 (the Spirit empowering for witness), 2 Timothy 1:7 (Spirit of power, love, and self-discipline), and Joel’s prophecy (the outpouring of the Spirit on all people). Each reference is used to illustrate a specific aspect of the Spirit’s presence and work as described in John 16:13-14.

Glorifying Christ: The Holy Spirit's True Role (MLJTrust) references multiple passages to support the Christ-glorifying work of the Spirit: John 15:26 (the Spirit testifying of Christ), Acts 2, 3, and 4 (the Spirit-filled apostles preaching Christ, not themselves or the Spirit), and the hymns of Charles Wesley (Spirit-filled worship centered on Jesus). The preacher also references revival accounts in church history and the book of Acts to illustrate the Spirit’s objective witness to Christ.

Imputed Righteousness: Our Victory Through Christ (Pastor Chuck Smith) references John 16:13-14 in connection with Revelation (the Spirit revealing future events), Paul’s letters (progressive revelation and spiritual maturity), Acts 1 (the Spirit guiding the apostles after Jesus’ ascension), and Hebrews (access to God through Christ). The preacher also alludes to Old Testament prophecies of tribulation and the coming kingdom (Isaiah, Joel, Jeremiah, Daniel) to contextualize the Spirit’s role in revealing “things to come.”

Finding Freedom and Joy in Christ's Truth (Temple Baptist Church; Fayetteville, NC) references multiple passages to support the Spirit’s guiding work: Genesis 3 (God seeking Adam and Eve), Psalm 139 (God’s omnipresence), Matthew 13 (Jesus revealing secret things), Luke 15 (the Father seeking the lost), and John 9 (Jesus opening the eyes of the blind). Each reference is used to illustrate the pattern of God’s initiative in seeking and guiding people, reinforcing the message of John 16:13-14. The preacher also references Isaiah 53 as the specific text the eunuch was reading, connecting the Spirit’s guidance to the revelation of Christ in prophecy.

Living Wisely: The Transformative Power of the Spirit (Desiring God) cross-references Ephesians 1 and 3 (Paul’s prayers for the Spirit’s work in believers), 1 Corinthians 12:3 (the Spirit enabling confession of Jesus as Lord), and Ephesians 4:32 (the Spirit’s fruit in community). These references are used to show the Spirit’s role in illuminating Christ, empowering love, and fostering authentic worship, all as outworkings of the promise in John 16:13-14.

Embracing the Light: Jesus as Our Shepherd (SermonIndex.net) references Romans 5:5 (the Spirit shedding God’s love in our hearts), Proverbs 13:24 (the rod of discipline), Job 5:17 (the joy of God’s reproof), Hebrews 12 (the discipline of the Lord), Isaiah 54 and 40 (God’s compassion and comfort), Zechariah 2 (God’s protection of His people), and Micah 7 (God’s vindication and advocacy). These passages are woven into the sermon to illustrate the multifaceted ministry of the Spirit as comforter, disciplinarian, advocate, and revealer of Christ’s love and protection, all in line with the Spirit’s role in John 16:13-14.

Embracing God's Unique Plan Through the Holy Spirit (SermonIndex.net) references Hebrews 5:11 (the need for spiritual hearing), Isaiah 30:21 (the voice behind you saying “this is the way”), Philippians 3:13 (forgetting what is behind), and John 21:25 (the unrecorded deeds of Jesus). These references are used to support the idea that the Spirit’s guidance is ongoing, personal, and extends beyond the written record, fulfilling the promise of John 16:13-14 to disclose Christ to believers in every aspect of life.

Embracing Our Ordinariness: The Heart of Jesus' Love (SermonIndex.net) references 2 Corinthians 3:18 to support the idea that the Spirit reveals the glory of the Lord and transforms us into His likeness, and Ephesians 1:4 to emphasize the believer's chosenness before the foundation of the world. The sermon also cites Numbers 5:7 regarding restitution, Hebrews 10 about the Bible being written for us, and John 6:37 about assurance of acceptance, all to illustrate the Spirit's personal guidance and application of truth.

Embracing the Holy Spirit in Trials and Suffering (SermonIndex.net) references a wide array of passages: John 14:17, 15:26, 16:13 (Spirit of Truth); John 16:14 (Spirit glorifies Christ); Matthew 28:20 (Jesus' presence); Philippians 3:3 (worship by the Spirit); 1 Peter 1:23, 5:10 (Spirit as imperishable seed and hope of glory); Romans 8:13, 8:11, 8:9, 8:15-17 (Spirit's role in sanctification, resurrection, assurance); 1 Corinthians 12:3, 12:7 (Spirit's gifts and confession); Ephesians 1:17, 5:18 (Spirit of wisdom, command to be filled); Colossians 3:16 (word of Christ dwelling richly); Mark 13:11 (Spirit gives words in persecution); 2 Thessalonians 2:13 (sanctification by the Spirit); John 3 (new birth by the Spirit); 2 Corinthians 13:14 (Trinitarian blessing). Each reference is used to build a comprehensive picture of the Spirit's multifaceted ministry, especially in suffering and sanctification.

Embracing the Transformative Power of the Holy Spirit (SermonIndex.net) references Luke 11 (Spirit given as simply as food to a child), Romans 8 (Spirit as advocate and groaning with us), and John 16:14 (Spirit glorifies Christ), among others, to argue that the Spirit's work is immediate, practical, and transformative, not mystical or reserved for special occasions.

Revealing Christ Within: The Key to Godly Living and "Revealing Christ: The Key to Victorious Living" (SermonIndex.net) both reference Galatians 1:15-16 (Christ revealed in Paul), 1 Timothy 3:15-16 (church as pillar of truth, mystery of godliness), 1 John 2:6 (walking as Jesus walked), Hebrews 2:17 and 4:15 (Jesus made like us and tempted like us), Hebrews 5:7 (Jesus' prayers with loud cries), and Jeremiah 29:13 (seeking God with all the heart). These references are used to support the argument that the Spirit's work is to reveal the real, human Jesus and empower us to live as He did.

John 16:13-14 Christian References outside the Bible:

Embodying the Trinity: A Call to Unity and Love (Dallas Willard Ministries) explicitly references Dale Bruner’s book “The Shy Member of the Trinity,” quoting Bruner’s description of the Spirit’s “shyness of love” and his analogy of the Spirit as “Cinderella” who is content to remain outside the ballroom if Christ is honored. The sermon also references Dallas Willard’s teaching on the practical implications of Trinitarian belief, including the importance of arranging one’s life to experience “deep contentment, joy, and confidence” in God, and Gordon Cosby’s and Patrick Lencioni’s insights on community and leadership. These references are used to deepen the understanding of the Spirit’s Christ-centered ministry and its application to Christian life and leadership.

Grounded in Scripture: The Power of Preaching (Alistair Begg, Parkside Church) explicitly references several Christian figures and authors in connection with John 16:13-14. He cites Calvin’s insistence on the necessity of preaching, J.W. Alexander’s definition of preaching’s purpose as glorifying God, and Martin Lloyd-Jones’ experience of preaching as “travail and childbirth,” all to illustrate the Spirit’s role in exalting Christ through preaching. Begg also quotes Philip Ryken and Jack Miller on the power of Christ-centered preaching, and Eric Alexander on the lasting impact of Spirit-anointed proclamation. These references are used to reinforce the sermon’s interpretation that the Spirit’s ministry is to glorify Christ, not the preacher or the Spirit Himself.

John 16:13-14 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Embodying the Trinity: A Call to Unity and Love (Dallas Willard Ministries) uses several secular illustrations to illuminate John 16:13-14: the story of Muhammad Ali on an airplane (to contrast human pride with Trinitarian humility), the poem by Sir Henry Wotton about love’s unity (“love in Twain had the essence but of one”), and the Disneyland ride “It’s a Small World After All” (to illustrate the radical inclusivity and unity of the church as envisioned by Jesus). The preacher also references Patrick Lencioni’s business leadership principles (the “first team” concept) to draw parallels between church leadership and Trinitarian community, and recounts a personal story about marriage and mutual servanthood to exemplify the relational dynamics of the Trinity. These illustrations serve to make the theological concepts of John 16:13-14 accessible and relatable to contemporary listeners.

Empowered by the Paraclete: Strength in Hatred (Ligonier Ministries) provides a detailed explanation of the Greek legal system’s use of the “parakletos” as a family attorney, and traces the etymology of “comforter” through musical terminology (pianoforte, forte) and Latin roots (“cum forte”—with strength). The preacher also references Friedrich Nietzsche’s critique of Christian “weakness” and contrasts it with the biblical vision of the Spirit-empowered “super conqueror” (hupernikon), noting that Hitler distributed Nietzsche’s works to his followers. These secular references are used to clarify the true meaning of the Spirit’s role as Paraclete and to challenge cultural misconceptions about strength and comfort.

Finding Freedom and Joy in Christ's Truth (Temple Baptist Church; Fayetteville, NC) uses two detailed secular analogies to illustrate the Spirit’s guiding work in John 16:13-14. First, the preacher describes the TV show “The Curse of Oak Island,” where treasure hunters exhaust every resource searching for hidden treasure, paralleling the spiritual search for truth and the Spirit’s role as the ultimate guide who leads seekers to the true treasure—Christ. Second, the preacher recounts the experience of playing “Dragon Quest” at Great Wolf Lodge, where children (and their parents) search the entire facility for treasures and powers, only to discover that the true victory comes from following the right guide and order. This analogy is used to show that, in life’s spiritual quest, only the Spirit can guide us to the real treasure and victory found in Jesus, not in the scattered advice or efforts of the world.

Embracing the Holy Spirit in Trials and Suffering (SermonIndex.net) uses the story of Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch Christian who helped Jews escape the Nazis and was imprisoned in a concentration camp, to illustrate the Spirit's sustaining power in suffering. The preacher recounts Corrie's childhood fear of not being strong enough to be a martyr, and her father's analogy of receiving the train fare just before boarding, not weeks in advance, to explain how the Spirit gives strength exactly when needed. The sermon also references the book "Avenue of Spies" by Alex Kershaw, describing the torture of French Resistance members by the Gestapo, and uses this as a vivid backdrop for imagining the Spirit's presence in extreme suffering. These secular and historical illustrations are used to make the reality of the Spirit's ministry in suffering concrete and relatable, contrasting the comfort of modern life with the potential cost of faithfulness.