The Spirit of Truth Comes! - Part 2 (Conclusion)

"When God spoke to Moses and others in the Old Testament, those events were encounters with God. An encounter with Jesus was an encounter with God for the disciples. In the same way an encounter with the Holy Spirit is an encounter with God for you."  - Henry Blackaby

When we last got together, I had mentioned that the Holy Spirit convicts the world by His very presence here. Jesus really should really be here, ruling over the world. Instead he was rejected by the world, and as a result returned to heaven.

Thus, the Holy Spirit is here in place of Christ, whom was rejected. The Holy Spirit's presence signifies as evidence of the world's guilt. The Spirit (Helper, Comforter) declares the world guilty of the sin of failing to believe in Christ (John 16:9).

There was nothing about Jesus that made it difficult or impractical for the world to believe in Him. He was totally worthy of belief. Still, they refused Him, and the Comforter's presence serves as testimony to their wickedness.

We also mentioned that Holy Spirit's conviction of the world focused on sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). He created an inner awareness or knowledge of these in all sinners. The Holy Spirit condemns the world of the sin of failing to believe in Christ (John 16:9).

Jesus insisted that he was righteous, but instead of believing him they said, "He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?" But God had the final word when He proved Jesus' righteousness by his resurrection and ascension (John 10:20; John 16:10).

The very presence of the Holy Spirit testifies to the fact that Jesus was right, and the world couldn't be more wrong about him. In addition, the existence of the Holy Spirit declares the world guilty of coming judgment.

Our Helper's presence here is quite telling. It serves notice that the devil has already been convicted at the cross. And that anyone who refuses Jesus Christ, as Lord and Savior, is doomed to be condemned with Satan (John 16:11).

Jesus' earthly mission was by no means complete when he left. He still had much to teach and tell the disciples, but they weren't ready for it yet. He was always aware of this and never tried to give them more than they could handle (John 16:12).

However, Jesus wasn't going to leave them high and dry upon his departure to heaven. The work He started would be picked up by the Holy Spirit. He (the Advocate) would guide them into all the truth, as He continues to do so today (John 16:13).

As John 16:14 tells us, the main effort of the Spirit is to glorify Christ. We can use this as a litmus test, of sorts, on all teaching and preaching. If it serves to glorify the Savior, then it is of the Holy Spirit.

Only the great truths about Christ, which the Comforter first receives, will be revealed to believers. And as you've probably noticed, there are references to "sharing" between Jesus and the Father.

This is due to common "shared" attributes between the two (John 16:14-15). In closing, the Holy Spirit revealed the glorious ideals, ministries, offices, graces, and fullness of Jesus Christ to the apostles, as He even now works on all believers.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:10; Romans 8:1-2; John 7:38-39; 1 Corinthians 2:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:19

Prayer: May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all, amen.  - 2 Corinthians 13:14 (NLT)

Bless you always,

Brielle