The Holy Spirit - Pt. 2
Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | August 31 2024 | John 16:8-11
KEY VERSE: “⁸And when He comes, He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; ⁹concerning sin, because they do not believe in me.” John 16:8-9 (ESV)
MESSAGE:
In this passage, we see a clear distinction in the ministry of the Holy Spirit toward both the world and the Church. The Lord Jesus had just finished explaining to His disciples that His departure was necessary, as it would usher in the coming of the Holy Spirit. This shift from the focus on His disciples to the world highlights the global mission that lies at the heart of Jesus’ ministry.
Jesus' concern for the lost world is evident throughout the Gospels. He once illustrated this with a parable, stating that it is sometimes right to “leave ninety-nine sheep in open country and go after the one that is lost” (Luke 15:4). This relentless pursuit of the lost is also seen in John 1:29, where Christ is introduced as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
In John 2, Jesus confronted the misuse of the Temple, and in Chapter 3, He challenged Nicodemus to experience a new birth. Nicodemus, though initially sceptical, later showed his belief in Jesus through his actions (John 19:38-42). In Chapter 4, Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman about living a clean life, and in Chapter 5:14, He warned a man who had been healed to “sin no more” to avoid a worse fate. Unfortunately, not everyone accepts Christ as the Lamb who deals with our sins, leading to dire consequences (John 3:16-18, 8:21).
John 16:9 emphasises that the Holy Spirit's role is to convict the world of its sin, specifically the sin of not believing in Jesus Christ. The significance of this role cannot be overstated, as it forms the basis for the world’s need for redemption.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
The Triune God was deeply concerned about the lost world and orchestrated a redemption plan. The Church is the designated agency to make the world aware of this plan, both through words and actions. Sadly, this mission often seems to be deprioritized, as reflected in our sermons, budgets, and overall focus. PRAYER:
Lord Jesus Christ, please help Your Church to sound the alarm with urgency and sacrifice. May we be ever mindful of the mission to reach the lost and fulfil it faithfully. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: WORLD The term "world" in John 16:8-9 is translated from the Greek word "κόσμος" (kosmos), which in the New Testament can refer to the universe, the earth, the human inhabitants, or the worldly system that is in opposition to God. In this context, "world" specifically refers to humanity in its collective state of spiritual ignorance and opposition to God’s truth. The "world" here represents humanity living in a state of unbelief and rebellion against God. The Holy Spirit’s role is to expose the true nature of this "worldly" state, revealing sin (the rejection of Jesus), righteousness (the standard set by Jesus' life and ascension), and judgment (the defeat of Satan, the prince of this world). Reflections: How is the Holy Spirit convicting you about areas in your life where you might still be aligned with the "world" rather than with the truth of Jesus Christ?
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