During our services, we sing songs with words like, “Come, Holy Spirit, I need You,” and “Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on me.” There are others with similar words, but all of them are inviting the Holy Spirit into our presence with the hope that hearts are stirred.
But who is the Holy Spirit? Make no mistake, there is a definite response in a room when the Holy Spirit is present. However, does that mean there are times when the Holy Spirit is not around? Is the Holy Spirit some type of mystical force that only comes at our invitation? Our text for today reveals the identity, nature, and purpose of the Holy Spirit through the words of Jesus. Do the words of Jesus match our understanding?
John 16:7-10(CEB):
“I assure you that is better for you that I go away. If I don’t go away, the Companion won’t come to you. When he comes, he will show the world it was wrong about sin, righteousness, and judgment. He will show the world it was wrong about sin because they don’t believe in me. He will show the world it was wrong about righteousness because I’m going to the Father and you won’t see me anymore.”
This is the word of God
For the people of God
Thanks be to God
These words of Jesus are shared as He is sitting around the table for the last time with His disciples. He has finished telling them that He has to go away, a statement they do not like. So the words Jesus shares with them are meant to be encouraging for the disciples.
Jesus makes His intentions about these statements clear in verse 7 when He says, “It is better for you if I go away.” Humanity comes at a cost. In becoming human like us, Jesus was limited to being a specific being, in a specific place, and facing a certain enemy. It was limited. Losing Jesus meant the disciples would lose their teacher, but more importantly their friend. As sad as this loss would be, Jesus is saying it is necessary for the greatness of God’s plan.
He continues in verse 7 saying, “If I don’t go away, the Companion won’t come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” The word “Companion” could also be translated as “Advocate” or “Comforter.” Jesus is referring to the Holy Spirit, who has always existed. The Holy Spirit is God as much as God the Son and God the Father. There were instances in the Old Testament and even in the gospels where the Holy Spirit empowered folks for a specific moment, but what Jesus is referencing is something more. A continual inward presence.
While the disciples had the opportunity to physically be in the presence of Jesus, Jesus had to go. This is not the result of some internal conflict between the godhead, but to fulfill the work of God. Jesus had to die for our atonement and ascend to intercede on our behalf. But the disciples would not be left without God’s presence, they would be given the Holy Spirit in their hearts. No longer would God be an external presence, but an internal one through the Holy Spirit.
Remembering that these verses are spoken as encouragement, Jesus says in 8 and 9, “When he comes, he will show the world it was wrong about sin, righteousness, and judgment. He will show the world it was wrong about sin because they don’t believe in me.” The Comforter (the Holy Spirit) is sent to convict and convince the world of sin. Conviction is a legal term, meaning “declare someone guilty of a crime.” But the Holy Spirit does not do this to condemn someone, the goal is to point them to their need for Jesus. Unbelief in Jesus is the biggest obstacle for anyone to overcome, and it is failure to do so that leads to hell. Without faith in Jesus, a person cannot be pardoned of sin.
In verse 10, Jesus says, “The Comforter will show the world it was wrong about righteousness because I’m going to the Father and you won’t see me anymore.” The world’s definition of righteousness was crucifying Jesus. Why? Their accusation was blasphemy, but in reality, Jesus lived a sinless life in every action, thought, word, and intention. The Holy Spirit's coming would prove the world wrong because His arrival proves the world wrong by keeping Jesus’s words. Jesus was not some blasphemer, but the Son of God, Savior of the world. And not only that, it demonstrated that living a righteous life was possible.
What does this have to say to us? Well, I have already answered our question, “Who is the Holy Spirit?” The Holy Spirit is God who can dwell in the hearts of believers. This truth was evidenced by the Holy Spirit descending on the apostles, then others who would come to the faith throughout the book of Acts.
And that is what this passage has to do with us. We believe in the same Jesus as the apostles! The same Holy Spirit that descended upon them can descend upon us. Without the Holy Spirit convicting us, we would not have recognized our need for Jesus. Our sinful nature was content with living in rebellion before God, but the Holy Spirit convinced us that we were wrong. Not only that, but the Holy Spirit helps us to be transformed into living according to God’s will.
But remember, Jesus shares these words as an encouragement to his disciples. How is that so? Other than the obvious, living in step with God, it also implies that is all we need to do. If we live surrendered to the Holy Spirit, He will work in us and through us. It is the Holy Spirit who convicts and convinces the world of sin, not us! But how? Through us living surrendered lives. The whole thing is not dependent upon you and me but on Jesus! Then Jesus works through you and me.