“If you love Me, keep My commands. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:15-17 NIV Translation
Lots of Bible Translations
Do you have a favorite translation of the Bible? Do you enjoy reading different translations or pretty much stick with one version? Over the years I’ve experienced and liked various versions—New American Standard, The Message and mostly the New International Version. Recently for my birthday, some friends gave me the newest translation called “The Passion”. For the most part, I’m really enjoying the way this adaptation captures many passages—like the above scripture from the book of John. Check out The Passion’s rendering:
“Loving Me empowers you to obey My commands. And I will ask the Father and He will give you another Savior, the Holy Spirit of Truth, who will be to you a friend just like Me—and He will never leave you. The world won’t receive Him because they can’t see Him or know Him. But you know Him intimately because He remains with you and will live inside you.” John 14:15-17 The Passion
One afternoon, the same friends who gave me the bible shared some footnotes on the passage which have awakened some new truths to me. It would seem the word “Advocate” in the NIV and “Savior” in The Passion refer to the Greek word which translated could mean something like a “defense attorney—one called to stand next to you as a helper”. Other versions have used similar words like “Comforter”, “Counselor” or “Helper”. The footnote goes on to say “This translation has chosen the word Savior, for it depicts the role of the Holy Spirit to protect, defend, and save us from our self and our enemies and keep us whole and healed.” Passion Bible, pg. 285
Breaking the Power of Sin in our Lives
Boy, if anyone needs a Savior to rescue me from myself, it’s this guy! And the footnote goes on with even more encouraging words: “The Aramaic word (for the Holy Spirit) is paraqleta, which is taken from two root words: (1) praq, “to end, finish or to save,” and (2) lyta, which means “the curse”. What a beautiful word picture, the Holy Spirit comes to end the work of the curse (of sin) in our lives and to save us from its every effect!” Passion Bible, pg. 285
Wow. Now I’ve been a Christian for many decades and didn’t realize this beautiful and powerful truth. Our Savior, Jesus Christ saves us from our guilt and penalty of sin. Our Savior, The Holy Spirit rescues us from the power of sin in our lives—who knew? Not me, I guess. Contemplating this over the last several months has made some radical shifts in my life.
Equals Loving Better
So, the Holy Spirit helps us break the power of sin in our lives, which for me has been and continues to be a long and arduous process. What sins do you continue to struggle with in your daily life? Oh, I have a long list. My pride can rear it’s ugly head every so often. It can let me think the things I believe are obviously the most relevant and correct opinions and other people’s beliefs are inferior. Anger can volcanically erupt fueled by my impatience (especially while driving). My language can be strewn with unhelpful, harmful and course words. I have also struggled with sexual addiction throughout my life so battling the lust of the eyes and mind are a daily battle.
What is the remedy to all these sins in my life? Loving God, ourselves, and others well. As God brings more healing and power into my life, I have a healthier sense of boundaries. Love, sex and intimacy take their proper places and I care for myself and others better. I won’t want to sexualize people with my eyes or mind because they matter to God and bear His image. Managing emotions and practicing forgiveness as Jesus instructs will hopefully help keep the community and the relationships I need intact, and even treat strangers with more patience and care.
A Change in Prayer
For the last few years, every January I ask for a “word” that might help me focus and give direction in life and prayer with God throughout the coming months. Currently, new word for this next trip around the sun is “Holy Spirit”, because of steeping in this scripture lately. I’m actively pursuing this Savior’s guidance, power and healing. Now most every morning my prayer has changed to align with this passage. “Holy Spirit, please rescue me from myself, Lord. Please rescue those whom I love from themselves. Break the power of sin in my life, that I might love You, myself and those I encounter better today. Thank You Jesus for new mercies each morning and for Your gracious kindness that leads to repentance. May your amazing beauty and love be my motivation today—Amen.”
Scott Kingry
Program Director
Although he holds a degree in graphic arts, he attributes his ministry qualifications to the “school of hard knocks.” God’s abundant grace continues to be the instrument of growth in his life, and he desires to be firmly grounded in the forgiveness and freedom of relationship with Jesus Christ.
Scott attends a Presbyterian Church.
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