The Holy Spirit - Pt. 4
Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | September 2 2024 | John 16:8-11
KEY VERSE:
Concerning judgment because the ruler of this world is judged. John 16:11 (ESV)
MESSAGE:
Our Key verse for today’s devotion is truly amazing - it declares that Satan, the ruler of this world, has already been judged even before the events of the Cross, Resurrection, and Ascension. This assurance reminds us of the ultimate defeat of evil.
The phrase “this world” invites us to pause and reflect deeply. It suggests the transient nature of our current existence; a new world is coming, and this present world will not last forever. In light of this, Peter urges believers to live holy and godly lives (2 Peter 3:11) and encourages us to “hasten the coming of the day of God” by advancing the spread of the Gospel (2 Peter 3:12).
Our Loving God is also a God of Judgment. When Adam and Eve disobeyed in the Garden of Eden, judgment and punishment swiftly followed. Likewise, the generation in Noah’s time and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah faced the consequences of their sins. As stated in 2 Peter 2:4-9, the Apostle Peter reminds us of these past judgments to demonstrate that God can rescue the righteous and deal justly with the ungodly. In Romans 11:22, we are reminded to take note of both the "kindness and severity of God." John 1:11 reveals that Jesus came to His own, but they did not receive Him. By His words and deeds, Jesus laboured for His people to understand that He was the Way to Heaven, the Bread of Life and the Light of the World. Yet, despite His efforts, the people would not yield. Under the instigation of their father—the Devil—they were hostile toward Jesus and more than once attempted to kill Him. They tried to ensnare Him with their schemes. We cannot dine with the devil—not even with a long spoon, for he can still reach our shoulders. Being cautious of the devil’s influence is essential; even the slightest indulgence can lead to deeper entanglement.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
The convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit has brought countless souls to Christ. Our generation desperately needs this conviction anew.
PRAYER:
Lord, help us to remain vigilant against the devil and his schemes. May we never be swayed by his deceitful tactics. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: JUDGED
The word "judged" in our key verse comes from the Greek word κέκριται (kekritai), which is a perfect passive form of κρίνω (krinō), meaning "to judge," "to decide," or "to condemn." The perfect tense indicates a completed action with ongoing effects. The passive voice shows that the subject (the ruler of this world) is the recipient of the action.
In John 16:11, Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit's role in revealing that Satan, the ruler of this world, has already been judged. This judgment, marked by Jesus' death and resurrection, is a completed act with lasting consequences. For believers, this means living with the assurance that Satan's power is broken, and they are no longer under his control. The Holy Spirit empowers them to embrace this victory and live in the freedom Christ has secured.
Reflections:
How does the knowledge of Satan's judgment and defeat encourage you to live victoriously in your faith today?
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