John 16:1-33

The Spirit, the Name, and a Promise

My dad was a pastor, a butcher, and a shoe salesman. He was called to preach, but like Paul in Corinth he virtually always had to have outside employment to support his calling. That didn’t mean that God didn’t call him. It just means that he was more faithful to his calling than most.

What does the Holy Spirit do? What is His job? Jesus tells us in this chapter. With regard to the world He has three tasks: to convict of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He is the One who convicts of sin. It isn’t what we say or do but what He does. Brother Andrew once told a story of a lady who was hard hearted but agreed to attend a service with him. He thought she would be moved by the service. She wasn’t. He intended to make a strong pitch on the ride home but found himself helpless to speak. He was sure he had let God down. The next day she came to him crying wanting to be saved from her sins. She figured he hadn’t spoken to her because he thought she was too far gone to be saved. The Holy Spirit brings conviction of sins. The reason He must do this is because people do not believe in Jesus; otherwise, their sins would be forgiven. He convicts them that Jesus is right because Jesus has returned to the Father. He convicts them that the devil is condemned and under judgment.

Whatever we ask for we can have? Yes, when we ask in Jesus’ name. This is not the magic incantation to tag onto the end of a prayer. To ask in Jesus’ name is to ask with Jesus’ authority. To ask with Jesus’ authority you have to know what Jesus wants. How do you know that? With regard to believers the Holy Spirit’s job is to lead and guide us into all truth. He reveals the Word to us and in so doing brings glory to Jesus.

And the promise? “In this world you will have trouble.” We used to sing a little chorus that said:

Every promise in the book is mine,
Every chapter every verse every line,
I am standing on His Word divine,
Every promise in the book is mine.

Somehow I don’t think they had this promise in mind. But it is one of the most demonstrably true promises in all the Bible. And it’s not just for believers! Everyone gets in on trouble in this world. This is the part that is just for believers. “In Me you may have peace. The world is trouble? Don’t worry. I have overcome the world.” Ponder these words. You’ll find peace.