The Spirit to Come

The Work of the Holy Spirit

September 27th, 2027 - John 16.1-6

Sermon  - Pastor Scott Thompson

In John 16.1-16, Jesus continues preparing His disciples for what is about to happen. He knows they will soon see Him arrested, crucified, and taken from them. He also knows that the world will oppose them because they belong to Him. Jesus does not hide this reality from them. Instead, He tells them beforehand so that when these things happen, they will not fall away.

Jesus says, “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away” (John 16.1, ESV). Following Christ does not mean that we will never experience suffering, rejection, or opposition. Jesus Himself warned His disciples that these things would come. The Christian life is not built upon the promise of an easy life. It is built upon the faithfulness of Christ.

Jesus then tells them that those who persecute His followers will believe they are serving God. This is a sobering reminder that religious sincerity does not automatically equal truth. A person can be deeply convinced that he is doing what is right while actually opposing Christ. Jesus says they will do these things because “they have not known the Father, nor Me” (John 16.3, ESV).

But Jesus also gives His disciples an important reason for telling them these things. He wants them to remember His words when the difficult days arrive. Their suffering would not mean that God's plan had failed. Jesus knew exactly what was coming, and everything would unfold according to the Father's purpose.

It Is Better That Jesus Goes

The disciples are sorrowful because Jesus has told them He is going away. Yet Jesus makes a statement that would have been difficult for them to understand: “it is to your advantage that I go away” (John 16.7, ESV).

How could Jesus leaving possibly be better?

Because His departure would bring about the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was not abandoning His disciples. He was accomplishing the work necessary for their salvation and preparing to send the Holy Spirit to dwell with His people.

Jesus explains that the Holy Spirit would come and convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment. The Holy Spirit exposes the reality of sin, points to the righteousness of Christ, and demonstrates that judgment has come upon the ruler of this world.

This is essential to understanding conversion. Salvation is not ultimately the result of human wisdom, persuasion, or self-improvement. The Holy Spirit opens our eyes to our sin and our need for Christ. He brings us to understand the truth of who Jesus is and what He has accomplished.

The Spirit of Truth

Jesus calls the Holy Spirit “the Spirit of truth” (John 16.13, ESV). His ministry is not to draw attention away from Christ but to glorify Christ.

Jesus says, “He will glorify Me, for He will take what is Mine and declare it to you” (John 16.14, ESV).

This gives us an important test for understanding the work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit does not lead people away from Jesus. He points people to Jesus. He does not contradict the Word of God. He leads His people into truth.

Jesus also tells the disciples that the Spirit would declare things that were yet to come. The apostles would receive further revelation concerning the death, resurrection, ascension, and continuing work of Christ. What Jesus was teaching them would not end with His departure.

There is great comfort in this passage. Jesus knew His disciples would face hardship, confusion, sorrow, and persecution. Yet He also knew that they would not be left alone. The Holy Spirit would come, and through Him Christ would continue to work in and through His people.

The same Christ who prepared His disciples for their future prepares us through His Word today. We should not be surprised when the world rejects Christ or when following Him becomes difficult. Jesus told us these things beforehand.

Our hope is not found in avoiding suffering. Our hope is found in Christ, who has accomplished salvation, has conquered the world, and has given His Holy Spirit to His people.

We always encourage everyone to check everything through the lens of the Scriptures. Be like the noble Bereans of Paul's day. Please visit us at faithrecoveryfellowship.org for much more, and remember, Christ is enough.

Together let us continue to serve, knowing that the Holy Spirit dwells within us, Christ keeps His promises and we shall go serve our King!

FRF Family