Our Friend and Helper, the Holy Spirit

OUR FRIEND AND HELPER, THE HOLY SPIRIT
(John 16:5-15)
A Message by Rev Dr Stanley Lim on 19 October 2008

Introduction: The Lord Jesus had just delivered a discourse to his disciples preparing them to face with the respond that the world would give to them. He reminds them that they will be hated for what they do simply because they do not belong to the world. Because of the fact that they are following Jesus they will be treated negatively and will not be received with welcoming arms.

Jesus was able to reveal many things to the disciples of what is to take place because he was still physically present with them. But he reminded them that the time is coming that he will be returning to the One who has sent him to the world to fulfill the plan of God. But he comforted the disciples with the good news that even though he may be going away, they will not be left alone, helpless. Here, he introduces the person of the Holy Spirit by making reference to him as the Counselor. It was here that Jesus puts forth the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit in the world today.

I. The Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin
We are living in end times where man no longer fear God. They do not think about the outcome of doing evil and are not afraid of being punished for it either. People do not consider about the consequences of evil, but are only interested in indulging in the pleasures of today and now. The fact that violent crimes are increasing, and prisons all over are over-crowded, shows that present laws are ineffective.

Jesus reminded the disciples that the Holy Spirit is given to convict the world of sin because the world do not believe in Him. The rejection of Christ as the Savior has plunged the world into a disaster and chaos. When man does not fear God, that is where sin will abound and the prince of this world begins to reign and rule.

Thank God for the Holy Spirit that abides in each of us. He prompts us when we are overcomed by the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life by tugging at our hearts and causing our senses to be awaken with godly fear. When the conviction comes to us as a struggle that wages within us, it is work of the Spirit sending His impulses to us to guide us in our walk and relationship with the Lord.

II. The Holy Spirit measures righteousness in accordance to the way God sees it
A country is governed by their own laws. Infringement of those laws would mean that an individual is punishable by imprisonment, compounding of a fine or other ways, which are scheduled in the bill. Hence, to be righteous according to existing laws is to confine oneself within the boundaries of what has been decided by the lawmakers. But is that really righteousness. Can righteous laws be written by persons who are marred by sins? Laws are written with good intentions and also as a safeguard that in the event of wrong doing there is the administration of justice.

Jesus reiterated that the Holy Spirit affirms the work of righteousness that Jesus’ has left with us because He will now return to His Father. This teaches us that by ourselves, we can never attain righteousness. Christ, our righteousness, who died in our place was the only one qualified to impute righteousness upon us. Hence, on that faithful day when we stand in the presence of our God, what God will see in us, is the righteousness of Christ that comes with the covering of His blood upon our lives. The accuser of the brethren will be quick to point out our unrighteous acts and condemn us to hell. But Paul gives us the assurance in Rom. 8:1-4: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because thro’ Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, and in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit”.

III. The Holy Spirit is now able to judge the prince of the world.
The Holy Spirit who is also called the Spirit of Truth now declares the word of God to the world and those receives the Word will be free from the clutches of the enemy who is only interested to kill, steal and destroy. The Word of Truth is released everywhere in these last days with accelerated speed and through various mediums. Truth is everywhere, but what we do with the truth is important. Jesus said, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” It is not how much truth one should know but how much of that truth one is putting into practice that sets one free. The exercise of truth brings true liberty not the storage of truth.

Truth on the prince of this world will expose his nature and mission in this world. By believing in the truth, it will make one aware of his vices but it is acceptance of this truth that will really set the individual free.

Conclusion: Do you have the Holy Spirit this morning to help you to reprove sin in your lives? Is the Holy Spirit clothing you with His righteousness in that you are truly understand that righteousness makes our hearts lighter and freer to serve Him? Have you surrendered yourself to walk constantly in the truth of His word? Yes, indeed the Holy Spirit can be our friend and helper, if we will allow Him to become ours. Let’s open our hearts to this great counselor and guide today!