The Holy Spirit’s Work
Bible in a Year: Isaiah 30-31; Philippians 4
When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin. John 16:8
Today's Scripture: John 16:5-15
Insight
As Jesus was about to return to His Father (John 16:5), He comforted His disciples and promised to send them the Holy Spirit, “the Advocate” (v. 7). When the Spirit came, He would “guide [them] into all the truth” (v. 13). Believers in Christ receive the Spirit when they trust in Him for salvation (Acts 2:38; Ephesians 1:13). We can rely on the Spirit’s guidance in our day-to-day lives to convict us of sin and remind us of the truth (John 14:26; 15:26). As He did with the disciples, the Spirit will provide the words we need to honor Christ in difficult circumstances (Mark 13:11; Luke 12:11-12). We can ask God to give us a responsive heart to respond to the nudging of the Spirit.
For further study, read: The Promise of Presence
When Oswald Chambers, author of My Utmost for His Highest, ran a small Bible college, he learned that a couple who worked there was stealing supplies. Although at times it’s right to address wrongdoing, Oswald decided in this instance not to confront them, instead asking God to bring the matter to their hearts and minds. After several weeks, they came clean, expressing regret. “I’ve known about it all along,” Oswald said, “but we wanted to wait until God’s Spirit spoke to you.” Moved and astonished, the couple surrendered their lives to Jesus.
God’s Spirit at work is what Jesus promised His friends before He died: “When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13). The disciples grieved at the thought of Jesus going away, but He reassured them that this was for their good. Then “the Advocate,” God’s Holy Spirit, would come to them (v. 7). Through the Spirit, God convicts people of their sin: “He will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment” (v. 8). He also guides people “into all the truth” (v. 13).
The Spirit continues His work today so we too might not “fall away” (v. 1) but rather enjoy life eternal. God gives us the Advocate to convict us when we’re wrong, comfort us when we’re sad, and lead us to worship God.
Reflect & Pray
How have you experienced the prompting of the Holy Spirit? How do you see the Spirit at work in your life?
Faithful God, please help me to have a tender heart, that I might respond to Your Spirit’s nudges of grace. For further study, read The Promise of Presence: John 14 at odbm.org.