We Go Forward John 16:7–15 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because people do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.” John 16:7-15 Transition Debrief Survey showed hope — but hesitation. Lowest scoring question: urgency (3.1/5). Why does urgency fade? We lose hope. We doubt the gospel will be heard as good news. We assume people don’t feel their need. Key Question: Does the mission have the urgency it deserves in my life? The Mission Depends on the Spirit John 16:7 — “It is to your advantage that I go away…” Jesus is not abandoning his disciples. He is sending the Spirit. The Spirit’s work unfolds in three movements: 1. The Spirit Confronts Our Sin — We’re Not When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because people do not believe in me; John 16:8–9 We minimize and excuse our sin. We shift blame. We assume we are basically good. The Spirit exposes: Our guilt Our unbelief Our rejection of God Acts 2: “They were cut to the heart.” Without conviction, there is no repentance. Without repentance, there is no rescue. 2. The Spirit Confirms Christ’s Righteousness — Jesus Is Than Okay about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; John 16:10 The resurrection vindicates Jesus. His righteousness becomes ours (Romans 5:19). For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.Romans 5:19 Grace reveals both our need and Christ’s sufficiency. “Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved.” We are: Loved Accepted Adopted Safe 3. The Spirit Conquers the Accuser — Doesn’t Win and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. John 16:11 The ruler of this world has been judged. Satan’s power to accuse is broken (Romans 8:33–34). Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Romans 8:33-34 The cross destroys the lie that: Your sin is your truth Your freedom Your identity Your destiny In Christ: There is no condemnation. There is no final accusation. There is no ultimate defeat. Therefore — We Go Forward The mission is powered by the Spirit. It takes a miracle to bring someone to faith — and Jesus promised those miracles. That’s how we came to faith. That’s how the church continues. That’s the power Gracepoint depends on. Invitation If you are feeling the weight of conviction: Jesus made a way home. The label “sinner” does not have the final word. Today can be the day you come home. Reflection & Small Group Discussion Questions Personal Reflection When you think about sharing your faith, what emotions surface first — urgency, hesitation, fear, indifference? Why? In what ways do you tend to excuse or minimize your sin? Have you experienced a moment when the Spirit “cut you to the heart”? What happened? Do you struggle more with guilt (conviction of sin) or shame (fear of rejection)? How does this passage speak into that? What does it mean practically that Jesus’ righteousness is yours? Theological Engagement Why does Jesus say it is “to your advantage” that he goes away? How do the three movements (sin, righteousness, judgment) work together to create real conversion? What does it mean that the “ruler of this world is judged”? How should that shape our courage? Missional Application If the Spirit is the one who convicts and opens eyes, how does that change the way you think about evangelism? What is one concrete step you can take this week to move forward in obedience — either in repentance, courage, or mission?