The Helper’s Work

The Helper’s Work

John 16:7-15, NKJV

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 depart, I will send Him to you. 8And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; 11of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. 12I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.

Setting the Scene

Up until this point in the table conversation, Jesus’ description of the Helper, or Counselor, focused on the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. Jesus already indicated that his departure from physical ministry on earth would pave the way for the Counselor’s arrival (John 14:15-16). But, Jesus added, he would continue to be involved in the lives of believers: “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18, NKJV).

Now Jesus reveals the broader purpose for the arrival of the Holy Spirit. This is not so much a description of new roles the Holy Spirit will fulfill, but a revelation of roles the Spirit has always played in the affairs of people, only now with open sanction in God’s plan. First, the Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin, particularly in regard to their rejection of Jesus. Second, conviction will relate to righteousness, particularly in the absence of Jesus’ physical example. Third, the Spirit’s conviction will extend God’s judgment over the “ruler of this world” to all those who side with him. Fourth, the Holy Spirit will guide believers into all truth, relating to God’s Word (“whatever He hears”) and including truth about “things to come.” Fifth, the Spirit will reveal more of the glory of Jesus by allowing his followers to understand even more about him.

Getting Personal

When have you experienced the Holy Spirit’s work in your life?

When have you avoided his presence in helping, guiding, or convicting? What can you do to welcome the Spirit’s work?

Jesus promised unprecedented access to his Spirit while we live for him in this world. The spiritual sensitivity from the world that we long to see ultimately rests with the Holy Spirit, not us. The role of convicting “the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” is not ours. As believers, we can fully expect the Spirit to persistently bring us more and more into full awareness of who Jesus is.

Talking to God

Accept the Spirit’s correction and conviction, as it comes in partnership with joy in your relationship with the Lord. Thank God for his compassionate work in your life and for giving you what you need even when you don’t know you need it.