The Conviction of the Holy Spirit
(John 16:1-11)
The most essential ministry of the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, is to rebuke sin and fight against it. When the disciples preach the gospel, they will encounter opposition and persecution, even from those who claim to believe in Jesus including the world. In such situations, the Holy Spirit will stand with the obedient disciples of Jesus by revealing and convicting the sin of those who hate and oppose His disciple. This is the most important work of the Holy Spirit.
1. Regarding Sin
The Holy Spirit reveals that not believing in Jesus is a sin. Believing in Jesus goes beyond simply attending church; it means truly following Him. If someone claims to keep Jesus’ commandments but selectively chooses which ones to follow based on their own preferences, they are not true believers in Jesus. Believing in Jesus is not about momentary experiences; it is about the position we take regarding Jesus and our commitment to Him.
2. Regarding Righteousness
The reason people crucified Jesus was because they believed themselves to be righteous. However, by raising Jesus from the dead, God testified that Jesus was the One who revealed God’s righteousness. At the same time, He exposed the injustice of the world that had judged Jesus according to their own standards. When the Holy Spirit testifies to the fact that Jesus is the only righteous One, through this, those who realize their own wickedness will desire the one and only righteousness that can save them.
3. Regarding Judgment
Through Jesus’ death on the cross, the authority of the ruler of this world was already destroyed. The world judged Jesus, but in reality, it was actually Satan who was judged. This fact was vindicated throughout the entire universe when Jesus was resurrected and ascended to heaven. Of course, Satan continues to deceive and present himself as a ruler, we, who receive the testimony of the Holy Spirit, are no longer deceived. Now, we, along with the Holy Spirit, preach that Jesus has destroyed the authority of Satan and paid for our sins.
June 4, 2023
Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim
