And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 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. John 16:8-11 (ESV)
The disciples were being thrust into the hostile cultures of the world where those who didn't know the Father made the rules. The world's mentality is that Christ is wrong and man is right. Believers would be in the minority and often the target of injustice. They would need the "Helper."
He is the comforter by being the advocate. He proves that the world is wrong in its evaluation of reality. He draws the lines of justice according to the divine plan of the sovereign Creator. When the followers of Jesus in any culture at any time are mistreated, He is there to bring the right verdict.
He convicts of sin. The world proves it is wrong because as a whole it does not believe in Jesus as Lord and Christ. If the world were right, it would recognize Jesus for who he is. Those who love darkness dare not come to the light lest their deception be exposed.
The Holy Spirit will make sure the issue of sin is defined in terms of Jesus. We may not be able to explain why we have different sinful tendencies, but that does not offer an excuse for deviant behavior. Whatever our specific perversion, the solution is in relationship with the Savior. If we choose to define ourselves by our particular weakness it is because we have chosen not to trust in Jesus as our strength. The "Helper" will cut through all the excuses and rationalizations and show how Jesus forgives and cleanses from sin.
He convicts of righteousness. The world thinks the believers are strangely wrong. But the Spirit will make the issue obvious. Jesus is the standard of righteousness. The Father has vindicated him by the resurrection and the ascension. Cultures do not get to vote on what is ultimately right. Jesus has settled that. Everything is measured by him. It does not matter what other religious or political leaders have determined. He has revealed true righteousness in his life, death and resurrection. He now sits on the throne of vindication ruling over all the enemies of God.
He convicts of judgment. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, the ruler of this world was exposed and defeated. There is no competition for rule in the universe. Jesus is Lord and all the enemy spirits including Satan are defeated foes. The ramifications are grand. Those who are partners with God in his new covenant are indwelt by the Spirit who illumines our eyes to the new reality. Our sins are forever forgiven. Our righteousness is settled because Jesus is ultimate righteousness and he has given his righteousness to us. The judgment on evil has been accomplished and Jesus is the obvious and heaven-declared winner. We live in a world deceived by arrogance. We are partners with God in permeating this world with a reality that will change it. We get to participate in the greatest project ever conceived. We are equipped because the Helper was sent to live in us.
SYNERGY - Better Together: October 01, 2010 click for more > Five Pillars of New Testament Discipleship: : October 15, 2010 click for more > Family Reunion Retreat: December 03, 2010 click for more >
