For as long as it takes we are going to study the gospel of
John chapters fourteen to seventeen. Some of it will be what I have already
written and some will be new. Therefore it may sometimes appear that I leave
off in the middle of a topic to be continued, since I have reached my daily
word count limit.
To pick up the topic, you may need to read the one or two
postings preceding this one.
“I did not say these things to you from the beginning,
because I was with you. 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,” (John
16:4-7).
While Jesus was on earth the disciples simply followed
His instruction and guidance. They did not seem to really consider the
possibility of Him leaving them and were not altogether aware of His plans,
since they seemed to have thought Him to be an earthly king. This we have
discussed when we looked at John 14:1-7 in the blog post entitled ‘John 14 (three) Do You Know Him’. The fact
that Jesus mentioned their failure to enquire where He was going, shows that
they did not fully understand what He was talking about. This is an indication
that they were completely dependent on His direction for their lives, as they
have been for the last three years. One may now think that they were actually
pathetic, for anybody should have some self drive, motivation and a purpose in
life – the ability to make something of their lives.
But from this passage the contrary is actually clear.
Jesus wanted them to be dependent on the Godhead. They had two options: Either
Jesus stayed with them and be their guide or He sent the Holy Spirit to replace
Him as their helper. This is exactly where the Lord wants us to be. He does not
want us to be independent or to arrange our own lives, but wants us to follow
His guidance and direction. “And without faith it is impossible to please Him,
for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he
rewards those who seek him,” (Hebrews 11:6). He is pleased when we are dependent
on Him.
Verses 8-11give clear indication what the Holy Spirit
came to do: “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,” (John 16:8-11). It is
interesting that Jesus mentioned that the Helper, the Holy Spirit, will convict
the world. Why did He mention the
world? It is because the disciples were already convicted regarding these. I
found the way Jesus listed these convictions very interesting. Verse nine above
equals sin to unbelief. Sins (plural) are disobedience to Jesus commands. These
can be confessed and we can be cleansed of unrighteousness once we have
confessed it (1 John 1:9). But sin which is unbelief can only be pardoned by
believing, and conviction for both these types of sin comes from the Holy
Spirit.
While Jesus was on earth He could set the example of
righteousness and check on the people He dealt with whether they were acting
righteously, which is why He reprimanded the Pharisees so vividly, and also
others along the way as He went about. Now that Jesus is gone His disciples are
dependent on the Bible, which the Holy Spirit arranged to be written under His
inspiration as an example of how to live, and on His conviction when they want
to be in right standing with Father God (righteousness).
In Matthew 25:31-46 we read about the final
judgement: “Then He (the King) will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me,
you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I
was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I
was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me,
sick and in prison and you did not visit me,’” (verses 41-43). Those who do not
obey the Lord, head for the same judgment Satan will get because of his
rebellion, and it is the Holy Spirit’s job to convict them to change.
So where do you stand? Are you just living life the way
you like, or are you depending on the Holy Spirit to lead you? Yes Christian, I
am actually talking to you. It is very easy to be religious and involved with a
church and not obey the Holy Spirit. Have you ever checked yourself how you
react when you are put before decisions – do you do as Jesus commanded or do
you following human reasoning?
Where do you stand with regard to righteousness, judgment
and the sin of unbelief? Do you really believe under all circumstances, are you
in right standing with the Lord, and what will He one day say to you in the
final judgment?
Help Lord, I need you!
Thank you Lord that your Word went out from your mouth,
via your servant’s pen, and it will not return to you empty, but will
accomplish what you desire and achieve the purpose for which you sent it.
Please pass this on if you
think others may benefit by it.
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