Connect Through the Holy Spirit

The Spirit Grants Power to Witness (25-26, 8-11)

He Empowers us to Witness

Acts 1:8 NASB95

but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”

He Convicts the World of Sin

He works through the church to convict the world of sin.

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Sixteen: What in the World Is the Spirit Doing? (John 15:18–16:16)

The Holy Spirit does not minister in a vacuum. Just as the Son of God had to have a body in order to do His work on earth, so the Spirit of God needs a body to accomplish His ministries; and that body is the church

Of Sin - we could look at several lists of sins that the Spirit brings conviction over.

The Ten Commandments: No other gods, no idols, don’t take God’s name in vain, remember the Sabbath, honor your father and mother, don’t murder, don’t commit adultery, don’t steal, don’t bear false witness, don’t covet.

Romans 1

1 Corinthians 6:9–11 ESV

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

However, the greatest sin is rejection of Christ!

Of Righteousness - The Standard is Christ, not good deeds!

Of Judgement - Satan has been judged and is headed for hell.

The Spirit Guards Believers in Trial (1-7)

Jesus wanted his disciples to guard against “falling away.” The word is skandelidzo, it means to be offended or to trip up.

Falling away happens when person does have root in Christ and tribulation comes.

Matthew 13:21 ESV

yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.

Jesus actually said that his disciples would all “fall away” (same word) that very evening, because they were offended on his behalf, but they would follow Him after he was raised from the dead.

What preserves genuine believers in the face of persecution? The power of God!

1 Peter 1:5–7 ESV

who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Persecution or suffering for the name of Christ is a sign that God’s Spirit dwells in you. 1 Peter 4:12-14

1 Peter 4:12–14 ESV

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

The Spirit Guides into Truth (12-15)

He will guide you in the way. Like Israel out of Egypt.

Psalm 25:5 NASB95

Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day.

Psalm 25:8–10 ESV

Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.

The Holy Spirit has revealed God’s plan for the future, you and I do not need to live in fear. He guides us!