Public Wi-Fi and Other Incomplete Metaphors
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· 2 viewsThe Holy Spirit comes to comfort, convict, and counsel.
Notes
Transcript
Intro
Intro
If you will, turn with me to John chapter 16.
Promotion Sunday - Thank Sunday School Teachers
I can only imagine the kinds of conversations you Sunday School teachers get to have with our kids as you try to relate the truth about God and his Word to these kids in terms that they can understand.
Kind of like this one Sunday School teacher that was going to teach her kids about the Holy Spirit.
So she asked her class, “What do you guys think about the Holy Spirit? What do you think he’s like? What do you think he does?”
A little boy eagerly raised his hand and said, "The Holy Spirit is like our Wi-Fi!"
The teacher, intrigued, asked, "How so?"
The boy replied, "Well, you can't see it, but you know it's there, and it helps you do all kinds of cool things!"
The teachers replies, “Oh I can see what you’re getting at. Yeah I guess he is a little bit like the Wi-Fi.”
This must have really got all the kids wheels turning, because another student piped up, "And He connects us to God just like Wi-Fi connects us to the internet!"
The teacher laughed, "Yeah, I mean, I guess I can see that too."
Then another student added, "And sometimes, He’s hard to understand, just like when the Wi-Fi is acting up!"
The teacher again, trying to be encouraging, said, “Yeah I guess the Holy Spirit can be difficult to understand sometimes.”
Finally, the last student said, "Well, when our Wi-Fi goes out, my dad starts speaking in tongues!"
Even though the Holy Spirit isn’t exactly like Wi-Fi, He can be a little mysterious and difficult to understand at times.
Thankfully, God gives us some very specific things in his Word that he wants us to know about his Holy Spirit.
And we find a few of those things right here in John chapter 16.
If you remember, John 16 is part of what we call Jesus’ Farewell Discourse, which he started back in chapter 14 and will finish in chapter 17.
These are the final moments Jesus has with his disciples before he is arrested, and he knows that. So he spends these last moments with them giving them some crucial information that they will need when he’s gone.
I’m at this point in my parenting journey where I’m trying to do better about giving my kids clear expectations.
I say “I’m at this point,” because Hannah has been doing this for a long time, and I’m only just now catching on.
But we’ve just found that our kids, like most kids I’m sure, need clear expectations in certain situations.
For example, “Now kids, we’re about to go in Walmart. We’re going to buy three things. We’re going to have to walk past the toy aisles, but we’re not going to buy any toys today. We’re not buying any candy. We’re not buying any snacks. We got snacks at home. We’re going to get these three things so we can get back home and play in the sprinklers...” Or whatever.
That’s a little bit like what Jesus is doing here in his Farewell Discourse. He’s setting clear expectations for his disciples.
He’s not telling them everything. There are some details about his situation that he leaves out, admittedly as we will see.
But he tells them the most important things that they will need to know to carry on the ministry and mission that he’s setting before them.
You see it in verse 5:
5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’
You see how he’s setting out clear expectations: “Now I am going to him who sent me.”
But then he says something that might perplex you a little bit, he says, “And none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’”
If you’re like me, you’re thinking, “Wait a second. They have been asking where you’re going...”
36 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.”
5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”
Well I had to do a little investigation here, and I came across a couple different explanations for why Jesus says this, but I think the simplest explanation is this:
Jesus is saying, “In this particular moment, none of you are asking...”
The verb for “ask” in this case is in the present tense. Greek does have a verb tense that is more general and could be referring to the past, but that’s not what appears here.
And it also makes the most sense in context, look at it with me again:
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.
It’s like he’s saying, “What’s gotten into you guys? You have been asking me all along where I’m going, but now you’re not even asking, you’re just automatically assuming it’s something bad. Have I not earned your trust?”
Can anyone else relate to this moment?
Something bad happens, or things don’t go exactly how we hoped or expected, and our first reaction is worry, fear, anger...
Anyone else been there?
Trust me, I’ve been there. When you’re in those sorrowful moments, you think you’re alone, but you are not alone.
And let me remind you in love, my friend,
to that person in the trenches today, life is not going your way and you feel like you’ve been dealt a bad hand, you can take this to the bank:
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
“All things”
You know what all means in the original language? “All”
Every single thing.
Here’s something else you can take to the bank:
6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
God is not done working in and through your life.
He is molding you and shaping you into the image of his Son, and he uses trials and hardships to do it.
That’s why James says:
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Do you want to be lacking in nothing? Do you want to be complete? steadfast?
Then count it joy when you meet trials, because as you depend on the Lord, you will come out of these trials more like Jesus.
If you have ever suffered or felt abandoned, then you know exactly how the disciples felt here in John chapter 16.
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.
The disciples may not have fully understood this yet, but what Jesus is saying is, “My physical presence is going away for a while, but something even better is coming… The eternal, Holy Spirit of God Almighty.”
At this point, Jesus gives us three very important functions of the Holy Spirit. This is not an exhaustive list of all that we know the Holy Spirit does, but they are what Jesus deemed the most important for his disciples to know at this point.
Jesus tells us that The Holy Spirit comes to comfort, convict, and counsel.
The Holy Spirit comes to comfort, convict, and counsel.
Comfort
Comfort
We see the first one here in verse 7, although if you’re not reading the King James Version, you may have missed it.
Because where the ESV and others translate as “The Helper,” the KJV has “The Comforter.”
So why the difference in translation?
Well if you don’t already know, the English language has evolved since the KJV was published
In 1611
In England
There’s been some water under the bridge since then, and while God’s Word never changes, our words change quite often.
My professors used to tell me, “Words don’t have meanings, they have usages.” And that is definitely the case here.
The KJV uses "Comforter" because, at that time, the word "comfort" was understood more broadly than it is today. It derived from the Latin "comfortare," meaning to strengthen or support, which is closer to the original Greek meaning here.
"Paraklētos" literally means "one called alongside to help."
It can be translated as advocate, counselor, helper, intercessor, or comforter.
This word encompasses a range of supportive roles.
However, in contemporary English, the term "comforter" usually refers to someone who consoles or alleviates grief.
That’s why modern translations use "Helper" or "Advocate" to better capture the broader sense of the Holy Spirit's role as an active supporter and guide.
But I’m going to be honest with you. It may be time yet again for another update to the translation.
Because, when I think of “The Helper,” my mind sort of goes in the direction of “my little helper.”
Like when I’m carrying four suitcases, two backpacks, four coats, and a hair dryer, and my son is carrying his bottle of water, and someone says, “You got your little helper with you?”
That’s obviously not who the Holy Spirit is.
How many of you have ever been able to travel out of the country?
My in-laws just got back from a trip to Italy.
When I was younger, my family had the privilege to travel a few places out of the country.
I know several here have been to the Holy Land, which I am so jealous, I hope to be able to bring my wife and kids there one day.
But if you’ve ever been out of the country, you know it can be a little scary.
You don’t speak the language. You don’t know your way around. You don’t know what is socially and culturally appropriate.
There are so many obstacles that make being in another country difficult, or even impossible.
That’s why we have.... guides.... translators.... local contacts.
They know the language, they know how to get around. They know all the details and history of the landmarks. They know everything that you need to know to get around safely in a place that is completely foreign and unknown to you.
It would seem inadequate to refer to these people as helpers. They’re not bell-hops or busboys.
They are our lifeline! We cannot carry on without them.
Listen to me church, The Holy Spirit is not your “little helper.” He is not your your personal assistant. He is not your handyman that you call a few times a year when the task is just slightly beyond your capability.
He is your lifeline.
The disciples knew that without Jesus they were absolutely helpless, which is why their hearts were filled with sorrow and grief when he said he was going away.
But Jesus was sending The Helper, the Comforter, to support them and guide them in a mission that was far beyond what they were capable of doing alone.
But that’s not all he does.
The Holy Spirit comes to comfort, yes. He also comes to convict.
Convict
Convict
Look with me in verse 8:
8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:
Uh-oh… that doesn’t sound good.
“So Jesus, you’re telling me that you’re leaving, but don’t worry, because the Holy Spirit will come and convict us. Uhhh… no thanks?”
Right? That doesn’t sound like a good time?
Well the New Testament uses this word for “convict” several different ways:
11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
“expose”
5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.”
“reproved”
So do you see how this conviction is meant for your good?
Imagine you were trying to cross a river. It’s almost dark, and you’re trying to make it back to your cabin.
Luckily, you spot a line of stones that lead all the way across the river, and just as you’re about to step on the first stone, your friend turns on their flashlight, revealing the error in your judgment.
What once seemed to be stepping stones can now be clearly identified as a congregation of alligators patiently awaiting their next meal.
This is how the Holy Spirit convicts us.
He exposes what is true. Just like the flash light that revealed the truth about those stepping stones.
And he does this for our good, because he loves us.
Yet what we choose to do after that is our own choice.
We can choose to remain in darkness. To ignore the truth. And sadly many do:
13 “There are those who rebel against the light,
who are not acquainted with its ways,
and do not stay in its paths.
14 The murderer rises before it is light,
that he may kill the poor and needy,
and in the night he is like a thief.
15 The eye of the adulterer also waits for the twilight,
saying, ‘No eye will see me’;
and he veils his face.
16 In the dark they dig through houses;
by day they shut themselves up;
they do not know the light.
17 For deep darkness is morning to all of them;
for they are friends with the terrors of deep darkness.
So, The Holy Spirit gives us that choice.
Or we can choose to walk in the light
5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
The Holy Spirit is the light that exposes the truth, without whom we would forever walk in darkness.
Which leads to what Jesus shows us next:
Jesus mentions three ways that the Holy Spirit convicts.
We read them in verse 8, but he expounds on each one
concerning sin, because they do not believe in me;
The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin so that we can believe that Jesus is the answer.
He reveals the truth about our sin so that we can believe.
We would believe that alligators are stepping stones if not for the conviction that the flashlight brings.
In the same way, we would believe that sin is for our good if not for the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
He convicts us concerning sin, yet, again, we have the choice to believe him or reject him
Jesus also tells us in verse 10 that the Holy Spirit convicts us:
concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer;
Jesus is the perfect model of righteousness.
When he walked with the disciples, they never had to wonder what a righteous lifestyle looked like. They had Jesus to model it for them.
Jesus knew that we all need a guide to show us how to live in righteousness.
So he sent the Holy Spirit to continue to expose what is right.
To lead us, as Psalm 23 says, “in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
The Holy Spirit convicts us concerning sin, he convicts us concerning righteousness, and lastly
He convicts us:
concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
When God created the world, he declared his judgment on what is good. You see it there in Genesis chapter 1.
And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
God alone is able to judge what is good.
Yet the Enemy rejected God’s judgment. The Enemy chose to live by his own standard, and wanted to convince humans to live by his standard as well.
And for that, God judged him to be evil.
Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.
God’s judgment against the enemy is that he does not accept Jesus as Lord. He does not submit to him as King.
We will receive the same judgment if we reject Jesus’s kingship.
Our unrighteous actions are covered by the death of Jesus.
We are spared judgment for sinful deeds, but we are not spared judgment for unbelief and rejection of Jesus as king.
Paul makes it pretty clear for us in 1 Corinthians 12:3
Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit comforts us, He convicts us concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment.
And praise God that he does. Thank you God for your conviction.
And lastly, The Holy Spirit counsels us.
Counsel
Counsel
Let’s continue in verse 12:
“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 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. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.
Now there are some parts in this passage that will remain a mystery to us.
Namely, how God the Holy Spirit is able to submit to God the Father and God the Son. We know that to be true, because Jesus says it, yet it’s difficult to understand in our own terms.
Something else that we know to be true but it still difficult to understand is that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are one.
There is one God that manifests himself in three persons.
We see that most clearly in verse 15.
One Bible commentator said, “A plainer expression than this of absolute community with the Father in all things cannot be conceived.... We have here a wonderful glimpse into the inner relations of the Godhead.”
Our God is mysterious and beautiful.
Three-in-one.
There is no one like him.
That’s just a side-note to our discussion, but it’s extremely important to remember that the Holy Spirit is NOT some other god, or some errand boy in God’s court.
No, the Holy Spirit is Yahweh God, who existed from the beginning.
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
The Holy Spirit was present throughout Scripture, empowering and enabling certain leaders and individuals to carry out a specific task.
But now we are living in the fulfillment of the prophecy given by Joel, who said:
“And it shall come to pass afterward,
that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your old men shall dream dreams,
and your young men shall see visions.
Even on the male and female servants
in those days I will pour out my Spirit.
God’s Spirit has been poured out
And he has come to comfort, convict, and counsel.
Jesus said,
“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.
What’s he talking about?
Maybe he was talking about the gruesome death he was about to go through.
Maybe he was referring to his resurrection and ascension to the right hand of the Father.
Maybe he was talking about how difficult life was going to get once they began their mission.
Maybe all of that, and more.
We don’t know exactly, but what we do know is that in this world, we are like sheep.
We can be so prideful at times, going about life as if we know what we’re doing.
You know when your kid demands to do something on their own, and you know they can’t?
Maybe it’s opening a bottle, or a door, or putting on their shoes.
Whatever it is, you stand back, watch them, let them try.
Then they finally realize what you knew all along, they need help.
Listen friends, as embarassing as it is to admit it, that’s us.... that’s me....
We are those kids who think we can do it on our own.
Will we wake up and realize what Jesus knew all along, we can’t do it on our own?
We need a Counselor.
One who will “guide us into truth.”
There’s so much more we can unpack here in these verses,
How the Holy Spirit will declare the things that are to come: He did that, which is why we have the Epistles and John’s apocalyptic writings in the pages to follow.
Or how the Holy Spirit glorifies, or reveals the true nature of Christ: He did that through Peter in Acts chapter 2, and he continues to do it today through you and me.
I love how Jesus’s teachings are multilayered and packed with meaning, and I could sit and talk about it all day.
But what I think we need to solidify in our minds today is that God never intended for us to go about this life alone.
For us to reach out only in times of crisis.
No, he intends for us to walk with him, day-by-day, moment-by-moment
Jesus knew we needed comfort (support, aid)
He knew we needed conviction (concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment)
And he knew we needed counsel (to guide us as we walk with him)
Have you been ignoring the Holy Spirit?
Are there moments in your life that you forget there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother?
Now is your chance…
Speak to him.
Walk with him.
Give your life over to him,
and as you do,
You will find comfort, conviction, and counsel.
As always, I’ll be in the lobby during this time of response if you need someone to pray with you, I’d be glad to.
However, you don’t need me. Let’s respond to the Lord together, as we pray.
