John 16:5-9
Main idea:
Christ removes earthly dependencies so that sinners may stop trusting in what is temporary and come to depend fully upon Him through the Holy Spirit.
I. CHRIST REMOVES EARTHLY DEPENDENCIES
Verses 5 and 6: “But now I am going to Him who sent Me… sorrow has filled your heart.”
1. Interpretation mistakes because of earthly dependency
1.1. The disciples interpreted heavenly things with earthly categories
1.2. They trusted what is visible over what is spiritual
Verse 7: “It is to your advantage that I go away… for if I go, I will send Him to you.”
2. The positive effects of removing earthly dependencies
2.1. To teach them spiritual maturity
2.2. So that they might live by faith
II. CHRIST SENDS A HOLY HELPER
Verse 8: “And when He comes, He will convict the world…”
1. Why do we need help?
1.1. We need the conviction of truth
“God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” (Luke 18:13)
1.2. We also need comfort
2. Who must this Helper be?
He shines “in our hearts to give the light of knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6)
3. How will this help come?
III. THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT STARTS WITH SIN
Verse 9: “concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me…”
1. Humanity’s great problem
2. The gravity of this problem
“He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him.” (John 1:11)
3. The reality for those aware of this great problem
“Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29)
Conclusion
Only the soul taught by the Holy Spirit can truly answer, “Yes, Lord. Whom have I in heaven but You?” (Psalm 73:25).