The Holy Spirit - Pt. 3
Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | September 1 2024 | John 16:8-11
KEY VERSE:
Concerning righteousness because I go to the Father and you will see me no longer. John 16:10 (ESV)
MESSAGE:
This verse can be understood from multiple perspectives. Firstly, with Christ’s departure, the Holy Spirit steps in to continue His work. The Spirit will guide believers into all truth through divine illumination (John 16:13) and empower them to bear witness through their words and actions. Secondly, the verse addresses the flawed righteousness of the community, particularly the Jewish leaders of that time. Jesus directly confronts them, declaring, “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires” (John 8:44). This strong statement highlights the spiritual blindness and corruption prevalent among them.
In Acts 3:14, Apostle Peter reflects on their tragic choices, stating, "But you denied the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be granted to you." These choices clearly stem from evil intentions and hardened hearts. Moreover, the Jewish community refused to accept that Jesus had come from Heaven and would return to the Father. In Acts 4:16, we see Jewish leaders struggling to handle the undeniable miracle performed in the name of the Risen Lord. As Paul elaborates in Romans 10:1-4, zeal alone cannot compensate for the futility of human-made righteousness. True righteousness comes only through faith in Christ.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Like Paul in Romans chapters nine and ten, let us actively reach out to those who have zeal without knowledge, guiding them toward true understanding. PRAYER:
Lord, the call to reach out to those who have zeal without knowledge is a challenging task, but please grant us the strength and wisdom to undertake it faithfully. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: NO LONGER The phrase "no longer" in John 16:10 is translated from the Greek word οὐκέτι (ouketi). This word is a compound of οὐ (ou), meaning "not," and ἔτι (eti), meaning "still" or "yet." Together, οὐκέτι means "no more," "no longer," or "no further." It is used to indicate the cessation of an action or state that was once ongoing.
The phrase "no longer" signifies a shift in how Jesus’ disciples will experience His presence. Up until this point, Jesus had been physically present with His disciples, guiding them directly. However, Jesus is preparing them for a time when He will "go to the Father" — indicating His impending departure through His death, resurrection, and ascension. The "no longer" highlights the end of an era of Jesus' physical presence on earth and the beginning of a new phase where His followers will have to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and understanding. Reflections: How does Jesus’ physical absence challenge you to deepen your faith and reliance on the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance in your daily life?
Opmerkingen