Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Series: Truth for the Heart

June 19, 2005

THE HOLY SPIRIT’S WORK AMONG MEN

John 16:7-11

Jesus told His disciples in John 16:7 “but I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper shall not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.”

You may ask, “why was it to the disciples’ advantage that that Jesus go away and send the Spirit back?” Keep in mind that the Holy Spirit has always been with the disciples (14:17), “But you know Him because He abides with you and will be you.” Now in going away He sends the Spirit in a new capacity of ministry. If Jesus didn’t go away His ministry would, at best, be localized. But in going away and sending back the Helper, He would eventually extend His ministry worldwide.

Jesus then explains to His disciples the essence of the Spirit’s ministry among men. He said “but if I go I will send Him to YOU.” Not to the world but to YOU – the disciples. Remember the Holy Spirit’s work on earth is through the Body of Christ. He said that the Spirit would convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.

Let’s take a look at the meaning of conviction. Conviction is the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing an individual to an awareness of his sinful condition and to a deep sense of need for forgiveness. It is the work of God in impressing upon the heart of an individual the reality of his guilt and just condemnation before a holy and righteous God.

B.F. Wescott gives us a splendid definition of conviction in his book The Gospel According to John: The idea of conviction is complex. It involves the conception of authoritative examination, of unquestionable proof, of decisive judgment, of punitive power. Whatever the final issue may be he who convicts another places the truth of the case in dispute in clear light before him, so that it must be seen and acknowledged as truth. He, who then rejects the conclusion that the exposition involves, rejects it with his eyes open and at his peril. Truth seen as truth carries with it condemnation to all who refuse to welcome it.”

It’s like presenting the evidence of a crime committed to the jury. There can be no arguing against it. Now let’s look at the three elements of the Holy Spirit’s work among men:

1. Conviction of sin “of sin because they believe not on me.” This is a state of rebellion in which men naturally exist and which holds them in stark and utter unbelief - John 3:18.

2. Conviction of righteousness “because I go to the Father and you see Me no more.” Jesus Christ is the only righteous one who has ever lived, and who alone has entered the presence of God in His own righteousness, which is contrasted with all the false concepts of righteousness that the world has. This sets Him apart as being unique above all other men. God, the Father has evidenced this uniqueness to all men by the resurrection of His Son from the dead (Acts 17:31, Romans 1:3, 4) and by the practical demonstration in the visible lives of His followers. He will provide righteousness to all who believe.

3. Conviction of judgment –“of judgment because the prince of the world is judged.” The Holy Spirit persuades men that the same judgment that overtook Satan will come upon them if they persist in rejecting Jesus Christ as savior.

So beloved, in our witness to unbelievers we should include the message of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. This is what the Holy Spirit has promised to use in bringing lost men and women to a saving knowledge of His Son. God bless.

Love in Jesus and have a wonderful Father’s Day giving special thanks for our Heavenly Father!