I am not a lawyer, not even close, but I understand the importance of having a good defense. People pay a lot of money to have people train them and tell them what to say and what not to say when they are defending themselves. No one wants to be left on their own to defend themselves. Jesus knew this, too, and assured His followers that they would not be left alone to defend themselves.
Jesus talked to His followers in Luke 12 about the persecution and difficulty they would face in the future. He said, “When you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say” (verse 11). They did not have to hire a lawyer or plan out the exact right words; Jesus taught them. He then explained why. “For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said” (verse 12). Jesus was explaining that the Holy Spirit would be their defender. The Spirit would give them just the right words. This truth, my friends, brings great comfort.
If we have placed our faith in Christ, we, too, have been given the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is with us and gives us words to say when we need to defend our faith. When you are in a class, and the teacher challenges your faith, rely on the Spirit. Ask God for the words when you are at work, and your boss is pressuring you to do the wrong thing. When your non-Christian friends or family members make fun of you for your faith, turn to the Holy Spirit and ask for help responding to them. The Spirit helps us when we do not know what to say. We are not left alone in our defense. Let this truth give you peace and confidence that the Lord fights for you, and you can trust Him.
Take some time to journal. First, write about a time that the Spirit helped you during a time someone questioned you about your faith. How did the Spirit walk with you and help you through it? After writing about this, write a prayer of thanksgiving for the Spirit’s help. Next, think about a current situation in your life where you need the Spirit’s help defending your faith. How does the Spirit’s past help in defending your faith give you confidence in this situation? Finally, ask the Spirit for Help in knowing what to say in this particular situation as you seek to defend your faith.
"Meanwhile, the crowds grew until thousands were milling about and stepping on each other. Jesus turned first to his disciples and warned them, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees—their hypocrisy. 2 The time is coming when everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. 3 Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be shouted from the housetops for all to hear!
4 “Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. 5 But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he’s the one to fear.
6 “What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. 7 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
8 “I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of God’s angels. 9 But anyone who denies me here on earth will be denied before God’s angels. 10 Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
11 “And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.”
