ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

John 16:4-15

“I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. 5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. 12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

Notes

The Lord Jesus prepared His disciples for His departure by warning them of the difficulties that would happen to them: there would be persecution. Moreover, those who would persecute them would think they were doing it for God (John 16:1-4). He explained the necessity of His departure. If the Lord leaves, the Holy Spirit will come. If He did not, the Holy Spirit would not. However, the departure was not ordinary. The Lord Jesus Christ would suffer, die, and rise from the dead. Then ascend back to the Father.

1. Necessity

   The disciples would feel sad about the Lord’s departure. However, it is more advantageous for them that He leaves. The Holy Spirit will come when the Lord Jesus returns to the Father. It was part of God's divine plan.

   
   “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. 5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you (John 16:4-7).

   Application: When we encounter trials because of our faith, let us remember that the Lord has not left us alone. We have the Holy Spirit, whom He sent after the resurrection and ascension. The Holy Spirit is the One who helps us stand in the face of opposition.

   
   

2. Conviction

   The Lord Jesus described the work of the Holy Spirit. He would convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of the sin of unbelief. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of righteousness based on the resurrection and ascension. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of judgment, which signifies the defeat of Satan.

   
   8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged (John 16:8-11).

   Application: We trust the work of the Holy Spirit to convict of sin and to illuminate the righteousness found in Christ. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit will make people understand God’s judgment. Our role is to proclaim the gospel and make disciples.

3. Guidance

   The Holy Spirit is the Guide. He guides believers into all truth. Christ did not speak on His authority, so the Spirit does the same. His authority comes from Christ. Moreover, the role of the Spirit is to glorify Christ and to exalt him.

   
   12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you (John 16:12-15).

   Application: We must depend on the continuous work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. As we study the Holy Scriptures, let us do so diligently while trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who reveals all truth.

Reflection & Discussion

1. Why did Jesus say it was to the disciples' advantage that He go away?

2. What does the Holy Spirit convict the world of? Explain.

3. What is the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer?