Read John 16:5-15
5 “But now I am going away to the one who sent me, and not one of you is asking where I am going. 6 Instead, you grieve because of what I’ve told you. 7 But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. 9 The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. 10 Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. 11 Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.
12 “There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. 14 He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’” (NLT)
Discover
1. Why did Jesus say it was best for Him to go away?
2. What specifically do these verses say the Advocate, or Holy Spirit, will do (see verses 8 and 13-15)?
3. Who will He bring glory to?
Respond
Yesterday we learned about the promise of the Holy Spirit, including the magnitude of what His arrival meant. No longer would Jesus’ presence be available in one place on earth; it would be available everywhere at all times.
In today’s verses, we see several examples of what the Holy Spirit came to do. His work includes advocating (or strengthening and encouraging), but it also includes convicting us of sin, helping us discern right from wrong, reminding us of coming judgment, guiding us toward truth, and speaking to us on behalf of God.
Because of these things, walking in step with the Holy Spirit is an incredible opportunity that we don’t want to forfeit. Here are some next steps you can take in response:
How You Can Pray
Reread John 16:5-15, and as you do, let the words prompt praise as you meditate on the work of the Holy Spirit. Thank Him for His work of convicting, providing discernment, guiding, and interceding. Take a few minutes to quiet your mind, asking Him to reveal where you need to be convicted or guided to follow His will. Surrender whatever comes to mind.
What You Can Do
As you pray, write down what God is saying to you, specifically how He’s calling you to change your words or actions as a result. Share what you wrote with a trusted friend, asking them to keep you accountable in this area.