Lord and Helper

  • Two clichés illustrate the conceptual differences regarding how to relate to Jesus:
    • God is my co-pilot.
    • If God is your co-pilot, switch seats.
  • Jesus as our supreme authority figure
    • “Lord” is used hundreds of times in the New Testament with reference to the Father, Son, and Spirit. The fact that this word is used consistently to describe Jesus (the Lord Jesus) implies that He is the ruler, not the assistant.
    • A few examples of the “ruler” concept are:
      • 1 Timothy 6:15 …who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings, and Lord of lords
      • Revelation 11:15 The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.
      • Revelation 17:4 The Lamb will overcome them for He is Lord of lords and King of kings
      • Revelation 19:6 Our Lord God Omnipotent reigns
      • Revelation 19:16 He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: King of kings and Lord of lords.
  • The Spirit as our leader
    • Romans 8:14 As many as are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
    • Galatians 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.
  • God is also characterized as a helper, comforter, consoler, and exhorter.
    • 1 John 2:1 If anyone sins, we have a Comforter with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
    • John 14:16, 14:26, 15:26, 16:7 Another Helper who will abide with you forever
    • Hebrews 13:6 The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?
    • Romans 8:26 The Spirit also helps our weaknesses
    • Acts 9:31 Walking in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit
    • 1 Corinthians 1:3 – 4 The God of all comfort who comforts us in all our affliction
    • Romans 15:4 May the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded
    • Philippians 2:1 If there is any encouragement in Christ…
  • How do we combine the Lord and Helper concepts?
    • Ephesians 5:22 – 33 Christian marriage illustrates the concept.
    • Emphasis on the “Lord” concept leads to fear and legalism.
      • 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear
      • John 5:39 You search the Scriptures for in them you think you have eternal life
    • Emphasis on the “Helper” concept leads to thinking too highly of one’s own ideas.
      • Romans 11:25, 12:3, 12:16 Wise in your own estimation
      • 1 Corinthians 8:1 Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies.
      • Colossians 2:23 These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.
    • The Father image implies both authority and helpfulness
      • Luke 11:13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.