The Gospel of John

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The Gospel of John

The Work of the Holy Spirit Scripture: Read through John 16:4b-15 as a group. Introduction:

After teaching his disciples about the promised Holy Spirit in John 14, Jesus enters into a second lengthy discussion about the Helper here in John 16. Keep in mind that Jesus is in his final hours with the disciples before his arrest and crucifixion. Throughout the previous chapters and into this one, the main thrust of Jesus teaching revolves around one major theme: “I was with you. But now I am going to Him who sent me.” Understandably the disciples are confused, saddened, and perplexed. Yet in the course of their conversation, Jesus offers the disciples something incredibly unique – an offer which hinges completely on his departure. In verse 7 Jesus says to his weary and worried disciples, “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.”

Should we accuse Jesus of hyperbole in this verse? Is it really better, for our good and to our advantage, that he goes away? Jesus seems to think it’s better – which should make us think long and hard about the implications of the arrival of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ day as well as his power, presence, and potential in ours. In verses 8-11, Jesus outlines the work of the Holy Spirit once he arrives. On first glance, his job description may appear troubling. Jesus says that when the Helper comes, “he will convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment.” Could this really be to our advantage? Let’s see how it is. First, every human being’s biggest problem is sin and the disordered loves that sin produces. Second, because at its core sin is driven by a resounding unbelief in our hearts, an unbelief that doubts God’s goodness and care for us, the natural reflex of the human heart is to produce counterfeit versions of righteousness. We create patterns and paradigms of virtue based on ourselves and not God. And thirdly, “The judgment of which the Spirit convicts the world is its multifaceted spiritual blindness, supremely displayed in its treatment of Jesus” (DA Carson). Supposed no one told you your greatest need was a new heart, that you’d never be able to produce righteousness on your own, and that judgment for your unbelief was sure and pending? What if you went your entire life with a false understanding of your greatest needs and the solutions to meet them? The Holy Spirit loves you too much to allow that to happen. Instead, the Helper convicts our hearts of our greatest needs: of our sin, of our counterfeit efforts at righteousness, and of the judgment they bear. But He does something else, too. He shows you the solution to your greatest need is Jesus Christ, the Righteous One, who bore the judgment for your unrighteousness and sin on the cross. The Holy Spirit convicts you, yes. But he also leads you to Jesus, our Savior. He makes much of Jesus in the lives of those who believe, and in that way, the arrival of the Helper is certainly for our good.

Reflection: Take personal inventory of your life, heart, and spiritual journey. Use these prompts / questions as a way to prepare for group discussions – or – for personal times of prayer. 1. After reading John 16:4b-15, are you more prone to push against or accept what it says about the Spirit’s role in your life? 2. Is the true condition of your heart a topic of conversation in community? Is “gospel-fluency” a part of your faith experience? Discuss: 1. What about the sermon stood out or impacted you the most? Do you have any follow up questions about the sermon? 2. Slowly re-read verses 8-11. First, as a group, discuss the Spirit’s role in “convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment.” Second, be willing to share personal accounts of this type of work, done by the Spirit, in your life. Our stories really do matter! 3. Verse 8 is a stunning reminder of God’s love for “the world.” The Spirit comes into a world of unbelief and breathes conviction of sin, judgment, and Jesus into it. The result is that people are transformed and become part of the kingdom of God. The Holy Spirit takes outsiders and makes them insiders, welcomed into God’s family. Discuss. 4. Discuss ways in which your group can increase its “gospel-fluency” with one another. Gospel fluency is your ability to apply the gospel to every area of your life. Truly, it’s a learned skill that comes with time. How can you take next steps in deepening the spiritual dynamic of your community group through a focus on gospel fluency? Apply: This week, begin your day in the scriptures. We do this so that the Holy Spirit can bring them to mind, helping you to remember the gospel throughout your day. But take another step. Open yourself to the Spirit’s work. Invite the Helper to convict you of sin, righteousness, and judgment. - Sin: “Father, let me both see and feel the sin in my life.” - Righteousness: “Jesus, you are my only source of righteousness. Forgive me for creating other cheap versions of what you alone offer.” - Judgment: “Spirit, I feel the judgment I deserve. Thank you, Jesus, for being judged in my place.”