The Spirit of Truth Comes! - Part 1

"The Spirit-filled life is not a special, deluxe edition of Christianity. It is part and parcel of the total plan of God for His people."  - A. W. Tozer

It's hard to imagine how radically different things would have been for this world had it not rejected Christ the first time around. Instead, the world would have to wait to grasp the seriousness of its refusal.

Jesus' own band of disciples did not fully understand a lot of what he told them, though they walked and talked with him daily. Before Jesus' death on the cross, they were more concerned about their own fates than his departure.

He really did try to explain the reason for his departure, but they were too distraught to listen (John 16: 5-6). Even so, Jesus told them that he wouldn't leave them without any help. He would send a Helper, the Holy Spirit (John 16:7; John 14:16-17).

Jesus would do so only after he returned to heaven and was glorified. It was because of the world's denial of him that he had to return to heaven. Thus, the Holy Spirit is here in place of the rejected Christ.

As for the disciples, it was to their advantage that the Holy Spirit should be sent. The Advocate (Holy Spirit; Helper) would empower them, provide courage, instruct them, and make Christ more genuine to them.

And though the Holy Spirit had been here before, this time He was coming back with a new purpose. He was returning to condemn the world, and to take care of the redeemed.

His conviction of the world would be centered on sin, righteousness, and judgment, as we see in John 16:8. In general, this is understood as His creation of an inward knowledge of these things in the sinner's life.

While true, it is not the lesson of this particular portion of Scripture. Rather, that the Holy Spirit convicts the world by His very presence here. And it is here, that we will continue our discussion next time!

Scripture: Romans 8:9; John 14:26; Acts 2:38; Isaiah 11:2; 2 Corinthians 3:17;

Prayer: Dear Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit you have taught the hearts of your faithful. In the same Spirit help me to delight in what is right, and rejoice in your comfort always, amen.

Bless you always,

Brielle