The Convicting Work of the Helper

Lesson #260

With this lesson, we come to John 16:8, which begins an English sentence that continues through verse 11. In this lesson we are to learn more about the Helper that is to be sent by the Father when Jesus returns to heaven. “And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:” (John 16:8 ESV). This work of conviction by the Helper is seen in Acts 2:37 ESV: “Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”” The Helper or Holy Spirit cannot be received by the world; only by believers (John 14:17), but is present in the world doing the work of convicting sinners of their need for a savior. As a believer, we are led by the Spirit in sharing the gospel, which the Spirit uses to bring conviction. He does not convict the whole world, but just those of his choosing. The more I study the Scriptures, the more convinced I am that the Father chooses those the Holy Spirit will convict of their need for salvation and they will respond as in Acts 2:37, above.

I find it interesting that the three things the Spirit will convict the world of are sin, righteousness, and judgment, and that these three words can be related to three persons. It was through Adam that sin entered the world, resulting in the need of salvation. It was through the death of Jesus on the cross that our salvation was secured and our righteousness provided, and through the resurrection of Jesus the penalty of ultimate judgment will fall upon Satan. It was those of the world, like the Pharisees that said, “Give glory to God. We know that this [Jesus] is a sinner.” (John 9:24). These Pharisees “trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt” (Luke 18:9). Their judgment against Jesus eventually hung him on the cross; they “killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead” (Acts 3:15). The Spirit was to “convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment”, which is lived out by the Pharisees as they were guilty of sin, thought they were the righteous ones, and judged the Author of life, sentencing him to death. As we consider the human race, from Adam to the Great White Throne, we see a race of sinners in need of redemption, who seek righteousness through good works, and end up being judged and left under the curse of God that was given to Adam in the garden.

How about you? Has your sin been covered by the blood of Jesus? Are you clothed in his righteousness? By faith has he taken your place and died in judgment for your sin? Has the Helper convicted you concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment, and how have you responded?

Prayer

Father, thank you for choosing me and sending the Holy Spirit to convict me of my sin and need to accept Jesus Christ as my Savior. Father, since my own righteousness was like filthy rags, I thank you that I am now clothed with the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Thank you that I no longer stand under judgment, condemned for my sin, but have been raised us up with him and seated with him in the heavenly places. Father, we need to sharpen our focus on this and walk in a manner worthy of our calling in Christ Jesus.