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Author: Stephen Weller
602 words, 3 minutes read time

The Role of the Holy Spirit

Scripture: John 16:8-11

In the previous lesson we considered the advantage of Jesus returning back to heaven. In this lesson we will look at the role of the Holy Spirit when he comes.

^{Jn 16:8} And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: ⁹ concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; ¹⁰ concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; ¹¹ concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

The Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, which is celebrated fifty days after Easter Sunday. The Spirit came with the sound of a mighty rushing wind and filled the entire house where the disciples and others were sitting. Divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1 – 4).

When the Holy Spirit comes, “he will prove the world wrong” (NET) or will convict the world or will expose the world. He will convict or convince someone of something; to bring to light or to expose something. He will point out to a person that what is being done is wrong and convict them that it needs to change. This will be in connection to their sin, their need of righteousness, and coming judgment.

Concerning their sin, he will point out to them that they will die in their sin unless they believe in Jesus (John 8:24). We see this conviction in Acts 2:36 – 37, when Peter was preaching and pointed out that they should know for certain that God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ, who they crucified. At this point they were deeply convicted and wanted to know what they should do.

Concerning righteousness is not clear as a very long footnote in the NET version indicates. One meaning is that righteousness which one needs in order to stand before God is not from our own effort but from Christ’s atoning work for us. Since the mention of righteousness is made in connection with Jesus going to the Father then this righteousness might pertain to the righteousness of Jesus. This would be seen as the vindication of Jesus. Repeatedly Jesus claimed oneness with the Father only to have the claim rejected and he labeled as a deceiver, a sinner, and a blasphemer. By returning to the Father, Jesus is glorified, being shown as righteous, not the sinner they judged him to be. What does “You will see me no longer” have to do with this? This probably is to suggest that the Holy Spirit cannot come until Jesus returns to the Father.

Concerning judgment has to do with the ruler of this world. Jesus came as light into the world to which everyone must choose to either come to the light or retreat from it. That form of judgment is in a sense already realized. Jesus died and overcame sin and death and then by his ascension to the Father, the judgment of Satan is realized in Jesus’ glorification. This judgment of both people and Satan does not mean that they can’t continue to oppose Jesus for a time. They can but their judgment is certain.

Conclusion

Jesus did return to the Father and as promised the Holy Spirit was sent at Pentecost to dwell in those who are born spiritually. How have you experienced the presence and work of the Holy Spirit in your life? Has he made a difference?