“However when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth, for He will not speak of His own authority but whatever He hears, He will speak and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify me, for He will take of what is mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are mine. Therefore I said that He will take of mine and declare it to you.” (John 16:13 – 14)
Christ’s departure was necessary to the Comforter’s coming. Sending the Holy Spirit to us was one of the fruits of Christ’s death and ascension. “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you, but if I depart I will send Him to you” (John 16:7).
The Holy Spirit would come first to reprove or to convince us of some truths. Convincing work is the Spirit’s work. He only can do it effectively and none but Him. The Spirit shall convince the world of sin; not merely tell of it. The Spirit shall convince the world of the folly of sin and its filthiness and that by sin we become enemies of God and lastly that the end thereof is death. “The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23).
Secondly, the Spirit proves that the entire world is guilty before God. He convinces the world of Jesus’ righteousness imparted to us for justification and salvation. He will show the world that only through the righteousness of Christ that believers were to be justified. Man’s righteousness is as useless as filthy rags (Isa. 64:6, Rom. 10:3). Christ, on the other hand, is our righteousness (1Cor.1:30) and in Him alone and by faith in His atonement can we be righteous.
Thirdly, the Holy Spirit will tell the world that men who believe in Christ will escape the judgment of damnation (John 3:15-20) but all who refuse to believe will be damned with Satan (Matt. 25:41, John 3:36, Rev. 20:11-15, 21:8). All unbelievers are assured of judgment because their master has already been defeated on the cross and is helpless to avert his own doom much less others (Rev. 20:10-15).
In the passage above, Jesus was, in effect, assuring His disciples that the Holy Spirit would do many things for the disciples in His place as He was returning to His Father. The Holy Spirit would not only show us the way but would go with us, guide, aid and influence us to do what Christ would want us do. He shall teach us the truth and keep back nothing profitable; for He will show us all things to come.
Before His physical departure, Jesus made provision for believers to do His work. “Assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in my name, that I will do that the Father may be glorified…” (John 14:12, 13). To enable the disciples accomplish the tasks, He further promised them the empowerment of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16). The coming of the Holy Spirit was of unspeakable benefit to the early disciples who were inspired to write the scriptures that are profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 7:16-17).
As recipients of the grace to continue with our Lord’s ministry, we must be guided by His life and character. As we minister to others in His name, we must be careful to take the following, amongst others, to heart:
1. We must have a righteousness that goes beyond and is deeper than traditional religion (Matt. 5:20, 29).
2. Teach the things that Jesus taught in the way He taught them, always staying in tune with the Father (John 5:19, 6:38).
3. Do the things He did in the manner in which He did them;
4. Treat people with dignity (Luke 7:36-50)
5. Have compassion for those we minister to (Matt. 9:35-38)
6. Do nothing from a selfish angle or to draw attention to one’s self (Matt. 8:4).
Finally brethren let us work with Jesus to see all nations (groups of people) become His followers (Matt.28:19, 20). For us to have peace, more people in the world would need to be under the influence of the Holy Spirit. This can only happen when they are exposed to the gospel, repent and their lives are being controlled by Christ. Therefore, if you want an end to armed robberies, kidnapping, Boko Haram menace, then preach the Gospel. Remember also, that where your feet cannot reach, your money and your writings can reach there. Do you now see the rationale for The Mission Seed project of the diocese? Support the project generously and you will see more lives transformed by the Lord.
Have a fulfilling week as you continue faithfully in the Master’s business!
Your brother, Vicar & Archdeacon
S. Igein Isemede.