Pentecost

Pentecost
May 20, 2018
John 15:26-27, 16:4b-15
When the Counselor comes
“Now I am going to Him who sent me”

Today is Pentecost.  It is the celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit. Promised by the Savior. Jesus refers to the Spirit as the Comforter. Other words that could be inserted here to describe the Spirit might be a helper, a counselor a supporter, a sponsor.

  What does Jesus mean when He says that He will send the Comforter?   The Comforter is often called an Advocate. An advocate is a defense attorney; one who speaks for a defendant before the judge. In a court of law. As Jesus promises us that the Comforter will come this can only be good news for you.  It is the Spirit Himself, which will plead your case before the mercy seat of God.

Jesus reminds us: "And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment." (v.8) When the good counselor comes. He will convict the world.

1. In regards to sin.

The Spirit will convict the world. This is the Spirit’s work through the Law.  He speaks this word. “Because they do not believe in me.” The Lutheran reformers said, "Christ's Spirit must not only comfort, but also through the office of the Law 'convict the world concerning sin.' [FC SD V 11}

It is noteworthy that Jesus says "sin" has to do with the matter of belief. The Spirit teaches us that sin at its heart is not a matter of actions or morality, but has to do with whether and how we will receive and believe in the Son as the one whom God has sent into the world. Yes. Doctrine and teaching is extremely important! 

John the Baptist testifies to the arrival of Jesus the Christ with these words - "Here is the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world."(1:29). Later, Jesus will say, "This is the judgment that they did not believe in the one whom God sent.”-John 3:18 

Paul explains to us; “But the natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.” 1 Corinthians 2:14 The natural men do not believe in Christ.  In and of himself natural man cannot come to Christ. His sin blinds him to God. 

It will take the Holy Spirit to bring man to the knowledge of salvation. Now man can know naturally that there is a God; namely, that God exists through creation and the conscience. Yet this is a limited knowledge.  Creation tells us that there is a God who has established this world. The conscience tells us that there is a system of justice and natural law common to all men.  

It is only by the Holy Spirit working through His Word that man comes to the right knowledge of God. Which leads to saving faith. This is what we call Spirit directed supernatural or revealed knowledge of God. 

In the final analysis, sin is unbelief and the refusal to trust in God. Yet, despite your sin, God is unshakably, constantly, eternally your friend. Nothing. Not even your sin. Breaks God's bond and loyalty to you. For this reason Christ entered time and space. He entered your world. To be your substitute. To carry your burdens, and your cares. And at the cross. He exchanged your misery and brokenness. To offer you salvation and life. 

Transition:   When the Spirit comes, He will convict the world not only of sin but also concerning righteousness.

2. The Spirit will convict the world in regards to righteousness.

Jesus says, the Spirit convinces us about "righteousness," which has to do with Jesus returning to the Father. “Because I am going back to the Father, where you cannot see me no longer.” Jesus returns to the Father. Which proves His mission on earth is complete.

The glory of the Son of Man has been seen in Jesus’ entering into our world. In His life. His work. His death. His resurrection. In His return back to the Father. In His glorious Ascension. Jesus has fulfilled all scripture.  

How can we discern the will of God for our lives? We find God’s will being perfected in us as He returns to the Father and then the turns us back to His Word. It is there, in the Word, that we see clearly, what the Father would want us to know. It is only in and through the Word that we know the Father’s perfect will. 

Peter reminds us in his second epistle: “no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”  2 Peter 1:21 or as David reminds us, “Thy Word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 

Transition:   When the Spirit comes, He will convict the world concerning judgment.

3. The Spirit convicts the world in regards to judgment.

Because the prince of this world now stands condemned. 

The truth about judgment is that living in the light means bringing faults and failures out into the open where they can be healed. Judgment is not just about condemnation. It is about telling the truth, healing and reconciliation.

The Spirit convinces us about judgment. And that judgment is that because of the work and action of Jesus the prince of this world, the ruler of this world, has been condemned.  If there is to be any judgment, it will have to do with those who would not believe in the Son. If there is any condemnation, it will fall on those who refuse to believe in that Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep.

“For God sent the Son into the world not for the purpose of standing in judgment over the world but in order that through Him the world might be saved.” John 3:7 

Now the issue of judgment has been met. Salvation has come in Jesus. The Son’s work is done. His mission is fulfilled. Now the Spirit has come. To make good on His promises. To convince those who hear the witness of the Son that indeed this good news is true. 

The Spirit has been sent to convict the world and convince you that Jesus is in charge of your life and your future. He holds you in the hallow of His hand. The Savior rules upon His throne and the Spirit stands as your advocate. To defend and sustain you. This Advocate; the Spirit of truth, the  Counselor, your Helper, convicts the world with respect to sin, righteousness and judgment. He stands for you. To intercede. And plead your case before the Father. All is well.  The Spirit has come. As promised by the Savior.

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Words-1,150
Passive Sentences-9%
Readability- 80%
Reading Level -4.5