There's Work to be Done

John 16:5-15.

INTRODUCTION:

Over the next two weeks we will break down the rest of Chapter 16 into 2 sections. John chapter 17 deserves a study of it’s own, as I believe, it is one of the most profound pieces of Scripture in the entire Bible.

It is commonly referred to as “The High Priestly Prayer”

But we are not there yet.

This week we touch on several themes that Jesus has already covered in various detail in the previous chapters.

Chapter 16 is split into two main themes- That of the Holy Spirit- Paraclete(The Comforter or Advocate)

And the topic of Jesus’ anticipated return starting in verse 16.

A modern application of our passage today would do well to remind Christians, that even in our worst of times and most difficult circumstances, The Holy Spirit abides in us to Guide, teach, encourage and empower us to do the Will of God in our lives- The Great Commission- To make Disciples.

In John 14:26, Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would teach us all things and remind us of everything He has said. This promise shows the Spirit's ongoing role in our lives, bringing clarity and comfort. Just as a loving teacher guides a student, the Holy Spirit patiently nurtures our spiritual growth, helping us to remember and apply God's Word in our daily lives.

We are not called to live passive, static lives in this world.

The Holy Spirit is present with us to not only bring comfort, but to be the source of Boldness in our daily lives and our witness to others in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The big picture in view is that as Christian believers, we are strengthened by the Holy Spirit to continue in the same mission of Christ and the Disciples- As we speak truth to the world around us, the Holy Spirit will bring conviction to the hearts of those that are sensitive to God’s Words.

So let’s begin, with the most encouraging part of this entire passage

That of...

1. Promise of His Presence:

John 16:5–7 ESV

But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 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...

Jesus focuses on the expressed sorrow and confusion of the Disciples.

However He also provides them with the promise of the coming of the Holy Spirit to aid and comfort them.

“...It is to your advantage that I go away...” I’m sure the Disciples did not see it that way, in the moment.

But without the arrival of the Holy Spirit, the Gospel message would not have reached every corner of the known world in the time that it did.

In our lives, the comfort of the same Holy Spirit, gives all believers the ability and grace to go through times of lose and sever change- All the while consumed by the Abiding Joy and Peace that comes from that Divine presence.

The powerful witness to those around us comes, when they have to face like trials and difficult times and can see and hear our personal testimony of how God carried us through those times.

The coming of the Holy Spirit is also the beginning of our continuing transformation to living lives more in tune with God’s character.

In the Old Testament, we see the Spirit empowering leaders like Moses and David. When David penned Psalm 51, he cried out, 'Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.' This plea reveals how vital the Holy Spirit is for spiritual strength and relationship with God. Just as David sought the Spirit's presence, we too must desire this intimate connection for our lives.

The question is- How can we actively seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in making daily decisions?

So that’s the Promise, let’s now look at the Purpose of that Promise.

2. Purpose in Conviction

John 16:8–11 ESV

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

Our role in God’s plan of saving the world is laid out and well defined. And this actually takes a lot of pressure off of us.

Our continued responsibility is to spread the Gospel and make Disciples.

This passage also defines the Holy Spirits role in this process.

It is He that will bring conviction to the world of their sinful state.

It is the Holy Spirit that will challenge the lost souls of men to Righteousness.

It is the Holy Spirit that will bring to light the fact that living a life outside of Christ is a lost cause, as the Satan has already been judged.

We are the carriers of the Gospel message, speaking Truth to a broken and hurting world.

The Holy Spirit speaks to the hearts of mankind- Exposing their sins then guides them to Faith in Christ.

We then bring those hurting souls into fellowship with other believers and begin the mentoring process to guide the new believers into a stronger relationship of Faith in Christ.

The conversion of Saul on the road to Damascus is a powerful testament to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. Blinded by bright light and spoken to by the risen Christ, Saul's life was forever changed. This divine encounter shows how the Holy Spirit not only convicts us of our sins but also gives us a new identity in Christ, showcasing His ability to redeem and restore.

We have now seen the Promise and the Purpose of Conviction,now lets continue with the Power in that Guidance.

3. Power of Guidance

John 16:12–15 ESV

“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.

Imagine Jesus telling the Disciples that there is so much more to be told-

But Jesus knows that they are NOT ready for that information yet.

Once again, showing what a caring and loving Heavenly Father, we have.

Not wanting to overwhelm the Disciples or us. He does not give us the full picture of events as they unfold around us.

While this may lead to frustration and even doubt- at times...

We are also promised that the Spirit of truth will guide us into all truth- Always to the Glory of God, the Father.

The power of Holy Spirit guidance, is that even when we cannot see the end result, we should be able to rest in the knowing that it is all to our benefit- In our continuing centering around the Light of Christ.

Remember, the Psalm that provides a “Lamp to our feet, and a Light to the path...”

The lamp illuminates the next several steps that we are to take- The Light illuminates a large enough area around us to assure us that we are still the path, without overwhelming us with the totality of size and scope of the path.

By discernment and the promptings of the Holy Spirit we can strengthen our faith,

Confirm our calling… And navigate the complexities of life… All the while, declaring the Truth of the Gospel, at times by word, but more often by our actions.

So, a couple of suggestions of how to maneuver through some of life’s issues:

At home, you might find yourself overwhelmed by the constant demands of family life, leading to frustration and impatience.

Embrace the Holy Spirit’s work by setting aside time each day for personal prayer and reflection, asking God to fill you with His patience and love.

Possibly create a 'gratitude jar' where family members can drop in notes of appreciation for each other. At the end of the month, read them together, fostering a spirit of unity and encouragement within your family.

In the workplace, you may encounter colleagues who are difficult to work with, leading to stress and conflict.

Allow the Spirit to guide your interactions by practicing active listening and seeking to understand their perspectives.

When appropriate, This week, initiate a coffee break with a colleague you struggle with, committing to engage in a conversation that promotes reconciliation.

Ask the Holy Spirit to soften your heart and fill you with grace to respond with kindness even in challenging situations.

These may seem simple- But as my Pastor is always reminding our church body-

Living for Christ isn’t complicated- It’s just not always easy.

And a couple of questions to consider this week:

How does the promise of the Holy Spirit in John 16:5-15 deepen our understanding of the role of each member of the Trinity?

How can the principles from John 16:5-15 be applied to confront the challenges we face in our personal or professional lives?