The Holy Spirit Series

The Work of the Holy Spirit

Tell story of Taser power - how power intrigues us

Big idea: what to expect from the Holy Spirit - knowing the Spirit is joyful part of being a Christian

Continuing from last week - John 16:1-2 expect difficult times

John 16:1-2 "All this I have told you so that you will not go astray. 2 They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.

astray = skandalizo (Mark 14:27 "You will all fall away," Jesus told them, "for it is written: " `I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.

Verse 2. People will throw you out of the synagogue -

According to tradition: Paul persecuting Stephen

Matthew was killed by the sword in Ethiopia.

Mark died after being dragged thru the streets of Alexandria.

Luke was hanged on an olive tree in Greece.

John was boiled in oil, but escaped death in a miraculous manner, and was banished to Patmos.

Peter was crucified upside-down at Rome

James, the older, was beheaded at Jerusalem.

Bartholomew was skinned alive.

Andrew was bound to a cross, as he preached to his persecutors until he died.

Thomas was speared with a lance in the East Indies.

Jude was shot to death with arrows.

Matthias was first stoned and then beheaded.

Paul was beheaded at Rome by the Emperor Nero.

3 They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. 4 I have told you this, so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you. I did not tell you this at first because I was with you. 7 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.

For your own good I am going away - yeah right!

Why does Jesus leave? For our own good?

So the Counselor can come - not that the HS is absent but Jesus and the HS are so closely identified that when together we can't tell them apart. But If I go - the Counselor comes - incredibly great news!

Misunderstanding Holy Spirit

Paraclete translated here as Counselor other versions - Advocate Comforter - not soothing but moving - More of a personal trainer than therapist

Paraclete - stand with - Ancient warrior's term Greek soldiers went into battle in pairs so when the enemy attacked, they could draw together back-to-back, covering each other's blind side. One's battle partner was the paraclete

Comforter - literally make strong

The Holy Spirit is a person of the Trinity. Paul says "Do not Grieve the Holy Spirit of God"

Now, only a close friend can be grieved. Strangers can be annoyed. Business partners might be offended. Only a loved one can be grieved. Grief that doesn't drive away - but wounds.

The Holy Spirit does many things:

Earlier John said that the HS will " teach the disciples everything" - John 14:26

John 15:26 - bear witness to Christ

Now he adds some new dimensions. VS. 8-11 8 When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; 10 in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

John 16:8 - Expose the world's error

Convict of sin Righteousness and of judgment

The Holy Spirit - like Jesus - didn't come to condemn.

Convict not the same as condemn. Elencho - expose, refute, convince - convict

There are three things going on

A - Convict the World of sin Sin not primarily misbehavior, actions - it is unbelief!

B - Jesus who though is condemned to death, vindicated and the justice of his cause is made known

C - the prince of this world seems apparently triumphant but ultimately is a failure

Can't stomp Jesus out! Here He is! The Holy Spirit is proof that Jesus was and is who He said He was

Spirit bears record to the world that Jesus was rejected, convicted, condemned and executed - without justice. It was the result of our world's refusal to believe - and that unbelief has another name, Sin and God calls us to turn away from sin, turn away has another name, repent

People - even church people - just don't get it. Repentance is not a negative - punitive thing

Most people repent their sins by thanking God they ain't so wicked as their neighbors.