A study of John 16:8-15 reveals the Spirit will convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment, and the reason for it as the Spirit leads into all truth.
A study of John 16:8-15 reveals the Spirit will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment.
And when he comes, he will convict the world of concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: (ESV, John 16:8)
During the last Passover meal with his disciples, Jesus describes what happens when he is gone and the Spirit arrives in his place. The Spirit will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. The Greek word for “convict” is elenchō, which means to convict, convince, demonstrate guilt, tell a fault, rebuke, and reprove. It is more than a feeling of regret or vague sense of moral brokenness. But the realization within each person of our immoral condition before a holy God.
“World” is the Greek word kosmos and represents humanity in rebellion against God and Christ. (John 3:19; 7:7; 15:18–19). And this moral rebellion separates us from God. The Holy Spirit is not simply a witness for Jesus, but works within the human conscience to convince us that Jesus is the Son of God who sacrificed his life for a very spefific purpose.
The Greek word for “sin” is hamartia and means sin, wrongdoing, offense, or rebellion against God. In scripture it means far more than making a mistake. Sin is intentionally breaking God’s law. And Jesus made it clear on other occasions it includes more than the Ten Commandments and the Jewish law. But flourishes within the human heart.
But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. (Matthew 15:18-19)
“Righteousness” is the Greek word dikaiosynē, which means righteousness, justice, and conformity to God’s righteous standard. And judgment is the Greek word krisis and refers to a judicial verdict or condemnation. Together, the three words outline the gospel.
A study of John 16:8-15 reveals the reason for the world’s conviction.
Concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. (ESV, John 16:9-11)
Concerning sin, because they do not believe in me
In V.9, Jesus identifies the fundamental source for sin. Unbelief in him. The Greek word for “believe” is pisteuō, which meansto believe, trust, rely upon, entrust oneself to. Specifically, it is believing In Jesus for salvation. And sin rebels against God’s self-revelation in Jesus Christ who is his provision.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Jesus said he was sent from the father and was the It is personal trust in Christ alone for righteousness and salvation. (ESV, John 14:6)
Concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer
The Jewish religious leaders claimed Jesus broke the law. And he was crucified by the Romans as a common criminal. But as Jesus returns to the father he is vindicated. Because the resurrection and ascension proves that the Father received, approved, and exalted His Son. Jesus was not a sinner who deserved death, but the perfectly righteous One. And it is his righteousness, credited to us, that presents us righteous before God.
Concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged
The ruler of this world is Satan (John 12:31; 14:30). Through His death and resurrection, Christ defeated and judged Satan. Initially, the cross appeared to be Christ’s defeat. But it was his triumph over Satan, sin, and death (Colossians 2:13–15; Hebrews 2:14–15).
The verb “has been judged” is the Greek word kekritai that indicates an accomplished verdict with a final decision. Satan’s condemnation is certain and irreversible will go into effect after the final judgment. But the judicial sentence was rendered at Calvary. Those who follow in Satan’s rebellion will face the same sentence unless they turn to Christ.
A study of John 16:8-15 reveals the Spirit guides into all truth.
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. (ESV, John 16:13)
Jesus told them in V.12 he had many things to say, “but you cannot bear them now.”
The Greek word for “bear” is bastazō, which means to carry, bear a burden, or endure. The disciples still did not fully grasp what Jesus was telling them about his death, resurrection, ascension, the new-covenant era, and the worldwide mission of the church. But they would grow in this understanding after his completed work and under the illuminating ministry of the Spirit. The Greek word used for “the Spirit of truth” is hodēgeō, which means to lead or guide along a way. They would need his guidance as they began sharing the gospel, forming churches, and writing the New Testament.
Today we have the entire Bible as the complete revelation of God’s word. So it is the primary guidance for faithful living through which the Spirit illuminates our understanding. Any spiritual revelation beyond God’s written word must align with it first to even be considered from the Spirit.
He will not speak on His own authority.
This doesn’t mean the Holy Spirit is less than God or lacks divine authority. He is fully God as the third person of the trinity and equal in power and glory to the father and son. But that he works in perfect harmony with them. Therefore, he does not bring an independent or competing message but declares the same truth as the father and son.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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A study of John 1:43-51 shows the importance of relationships in discipleship, spending time with Jesus, and spiritual discernment.
A study of John 1:43-51 shows the importance of relationships in discipleship
Immediately after becoming a disciple of Jesus, Andrew took his brother Simon to meet him. And likewise, when Phillip became a disciple of Jesus, he invited his friend Nathaniel to meet him too.
We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. (ESV, John 1:45)
But Nathaniel expressed a social bias that made him harder to convince.
“Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”
Nazareth was a rural village in lower Galilee. Small and insignificant. And its residents likely considered country bumpkins compared to cool cities like Jerusalem. Perhaps, Nathaniel would have responded differently if Philip associated Jesus with his birthplace, Bethlehem. Its royal ties as the city of David would have raised Jesus’ social standing.
But we are not so different today. And quick to form unmerited biases toward other people that pridefully make us feel superior.
However, Phillip was not detered and responded simply, “Come and see.”
This illustrates another truth. Discipleship begins and is built on relationships. Inviting others to meet Jesus and then walking together as followers. It leans on the influence of one godly life rubbing off on another.
A study of John 1:43-51 shows the importance of spending time with Jesus.
When Andrew and his fellow disciple of John the Baptist asked Jesus where he was staying, Jesus invited them to “Come and see.” The same words Phillip used in responding to Nathaniel’s objection. In each case, Andrew and Nathaniel became followers simply by spending time with Jesus. Today, it is still the presence of Jesus that radically transforms every disciple.
And we should note it is not our job as disciple makers to “sell” Jesus. It is the Holy Spirit who draws people to Jesus and convicts them of their sin. Our role is to provide a Gospel witness and invite others to meet Jesus. Of course, we should know what and how to share in a compelling manner. But it is the Holy Spirit and the abiding presence of Jesus Christ that produces disciples.
Furthermore, every disciple should make spending regular time with Jesus a priority through reading God’s word. Because spiritual transformation is an ongoing pursuit of growing more Christ-like. And involves the mutual, support, encouragement, and accountability of walking with other believers.
A study of John 1:43-51 shows the importance of spiritual discernment.
There’s a stark contrast between how Jesus and Nathaniel assess one another. Before they meet Nathaniel utters a put down on Jesus based on his home town. But when they meet, Jesus declares a positive affirmation about Nathaniel.
“Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!”
An astute observation or a divine peak into Nathaniel’s heart? Maybe both. Nathaniel appeared startled by the spontaneous assessment. And his own biased assertion next to Jesus’ compliment may have also been convicting. How could Jesus know him so intimately when they had never met before? When Nathaniel asked, Jesus explained he saw Nathaniel under a fig tree.
Seems like an odd and evasive answer. What did Jesus mean by it?
The shade provided by broad leafed fig trees made them a popular respite from the hot sun. But they also carried a symbolic meaning in Jewish culture. Mentioned in both 1 Kings 4:25 and Micah 4:4, they were considered a place of prayer, meditation, and communion with God. Of course, the divine Jesus could see inside Nathaniel’s heart. And yet, something observable about Nathaniel’s body language also provided clues.
It reminds us that God sees everything in our heart. Sinful desires. Selfish motivations. And evil intentions. Therefore, we should be honest before God and quick to confess our sins. Furthermore, while our default is to grant others the benefit of the doubt, we should exercise spiritual discernment by observing righteous behavior.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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Three Bible Truths for a Godly life. God’s Word offers a healthy prescription for us to follow. And these three Bible truths help us follow in a Godly manner.
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (ESV, Micah 6:8)
Three Bible Truths for a Godly life. Do justice.
“That’s not fair!” We’ve all said it. Because there’s an inherent sense of right and wrong in all of us. Play fair. Share your toys. Treat others the way you want to be treated. The Hebrew word for justice is “mishpat” and means divinely righteous action. Or in today’s context, do the right thing. But what exactly does that mean? Because many people believe it all depends on the circumstances.
God’s Word, however, provides explicit instructions on God’s law–what he considers righteous behavior. And much of it is straightforward and ignores situational ethics. It’s found in the Ten Commandments, Old Testament instructions, and Jesus’ teachings along with other New Testament writers.
Therefore, we pursue righteousness and strive to imitate Jesus in order to show our devotion and love for God rather than earn good behavior points. As a result, it pleases God and creates a more harmonious and virtuous society.
Three Bible Truths for a Godly life. Love kindness
The Hebrew word for “kindness” is kheh´-sed and is also translated mercy, which I think better represents Christian teaching. Why? Because kindness offers benevolence and charity. But mercy offers it even when it’s undeserved. And includes exercising restraint and responding in kindness when provoked by others without cause.
Mercy is at the heart of the Gospel. As sinners, we deserve God’s punishment. But God affords us mercy through the saving work of Jesus Christ. Therefore, we in turn, should generously offer it to others.
This means giving people the benefit of the doubt when offended since we don’t know what difficulties they’re going through. To avoid knee jerk reactions. Show compassion. And consider walking in another person’s shoes. It acknowledges that we’re all guilty before God. And that none of us deserve it, but we all need mercy.
Three Bible Truths to guide your life. Walk humbly with your God.
We naturally compare ourselves to others. As if entrance to heaven is a moral test graded on a curve. And we get in by morally scoring higher than others. It’s an approach that naturally leads to pride. Because the higher our virtuous score is above others, the more we pat ourselves on the back for our moral superiority.
Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. Because our standard for comparison is not other people, but a perfectly holy and righteous God. And on that report card we all fall miserably short.
However, when we acknowledge our best efforts are as filthy rags before a perfectly, holy God the appropriate response is humility. And when we individually and corporately humble ourselves and seek salvation through his Son, Jesus Christ, God’s faithfulness follows. And we will be spiritually healed as individuals and as a people.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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Three reasons absolute truth matters. The Bible is God’s word and therefore, His absolute truth. It doesn’t revise to reflect changes in cultural attitudes or personal moral preferences. But things work better when we conform to its teaching and here’s why it matters.
Three reasons absolute truth matters. It reflects the real world.
Physical laws govern our universe. Like the north and south pole we use for navigation. Laws of physics, mathematics, and science for construction, developing technology, and formulating medicine. And of course, an atmosphere and gravity. Or we all would have already floated off into space…holding our breaths.
We depend on these laws for existence. And rely on them to manufacture things that improve our quality of life.
And there’s a moral reality too. We see it the moment someone cuts ahead of us in a waiting line and we object. “Hey, that’s not fair!” But wait. How do we instinctively and immediately know that? How do even young children know that when another child snatches a toy from them it’s wrong? Because we inherently know the same God who set physical laws also established moral laws based on absolute truth.
And obedience or disobedience to these laws also affects our quality of life. In short, as everyone willingly follows God’s moral laws, it produces a more peaceful, harmonious, and civil society.
Three reasons absolute truth matters. It creates a uniform code of conduct.
The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever. (ESV, Psalm 119:160)
My truth. Your truth. Relative truth. Sounds good in ideological theory because it suits everyone’s personal taste. Besides, no one likes someone else telling them what to do. But it’s an impossible reality. How do you navigate billions of individual truths? However, absolute, Biblical truth provides common rules of expected behavior for everyone.
God doesn’t give us rules to oppress human desires, but guard rail them in order to promote human flourishing. Because taking my neighbor’s belongings–his property or wife–incites conflict and pain that extends beyond the two of us. However, assisting him with a home repair promotes goodwill that might return to me when I need help.
In addition, Biblical teachings on what is right, acceptable, and fair promote trust since God’s absolute truth is completely trustworthy. And they inform us when behavior goes out of bounds. Otherwise, we all make up our own rules, which means you can’t build trust or maintain order. Then what? You form alliances, build barricades, and buy guns.
Three reasons absolute truth matters. It’s an exclusive path that sets you free.
I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (ESV, John 14:6)
Isn’t this the most outrageous claim ever? Jesus says he is the EXCLUSIVE path to God and heaven.
Pretty arrogant when you think about it. Or crazy. Or cunningly deceitful. But worth thoughtfully considering. Because if his claim is true it has profound significance for the entire world.
If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (ESV, John 8:32)
Wow. Not only is Jesus exclusive, he is the embodiment of truth itself. But sets us free from what?
And the answer is from sin. We are born into it. Immersed in it. And oppressed by it. But don’t even know it until freed from it.
To deny the existence of objective truth beyond human experience creates a dilemma. Without a transcendent God who establishes truth, you are forever trapped within your subjective experience. Unable to get outside of that subjectivity and objectively define truth. Therefore, freedom and hope are illusions. With no sense of stability. No foundation to stand on.
Because true freedom requires trusting in an absolute, transcendent God.
And in God’s divine providence, this freedom starts with belief. Through a step of faith. That embarks on a new, spiritual reality of following Jesus. One that is liberating and completely transforming.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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