The Holy Spirit’s Work in the World
The Holy Spirit’s Work in the World – John’s Gospel chapter 16 verses 4 to 15
The Disciple’s Grief
I have told you this, so that when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them. I did not tell you this from the beginning because I was with you, 5 but now I am going to him who sent me. None of you asks me, “Where are you going?” 6 Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things.
“This is not what we signed up for!” “Where are your promised?”
The Lord’s Comfort
But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.
John 16:7
‘It is BETTER that I go away. I will send a Comforter. Then the presence of Christ will be with all. Jesus in the body could only be in one place at a time. ”They did far more for Christ when He was absent, than they had ever done while He was present.” (Bishop Ryle). He, the Spirit, does many wonders. But here Jesus highlights just one.
The Home Spirit’s Work of Conviction
When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin, because people do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.
John 16:8-11
His work is to drive home personal conviction to sinners. “I am guilty”. The world is condemned, and He makes it plain. “Unless sin be bitter Jesus Christ will not be sweet.”
The Home Spirit’s Work of Truth-Giving
‘I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.’
John 16:12-15
All scripture is His, not just the red letters. The New Testament was written by these men. “How will I know that the spirit is filling me?” By doing the things He does – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…”
New International Version – UK (NIVUK)
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