Bulletin ADVOCATE John 16:7-8 (TPT) 7 But here’s the truth: It’s to your advantage that I go away, for if I don’t go away the Divine Encourager will not be released to you. But after I depart, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will expose sin and prove that the world is wrong about God’s righteousness and his judgments. The purpose of a court battle is for there to be a righteous judgment made regarding circumstances prior to the trial and how things will be subsequent to the court’s decision. Where there has been injustice as to treatment of someone, there is a need for their defense. There is also a need, though, for those who have done the wrong to be exposed for who they truly are so they can receive their just due. The purpose in Jesus’ coming was to change the circumstances of the court’s consideration. In His death and resurrection, our sin’s condemnation was legally absolved. At His departure, though, there was a need for someone to plead this truth on our behalf, to insure its effectiveness. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit just for this purpose. Where there had been rightful claim of sin, the Holy Spirit secures the truth of our Redemption and provides for total freedom. In the process of being our Comforter in this regard, though, He also performs another needed function. The prince of this world is proven to be the condemned perpetrator that he is. By the Holy Spirit, hearts are convicted of their rejection of Jesus, their unrighteous perceptions of Him, and the judgments that will ultimately determine their fate. In the presence of the Holy Spirit we have a very powerful force to impact the world around us. It is by the Spirit that our identity in Christ is secured in an assurance of complete right standing with the Father. In this we have a confidence that emboldens us to go from the defensive to an offensive position. It is also by the Spirit, then, that the world will be proven wrong in its rejection of Jesus, their misperceptions of who He is, and the judgments made about Him and those who follow Him. Though it would seem from time to time that the enemy’s forces are formidable, the Spirit of Truth within us is way more than adequate to not only preserve us safely from his threats, but to also be a force through us to reprove and dismantle his every advance. He is but a defeated and condemned foe and it is by the Spirit that he will be proven so. Notes Advocate Thayer Definition: summoned, called to one’s side, especially called to one’s aid one who pleads another’s cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for defense, legal assistant, an advocate one who pleads another’s cause with one, an intercessor of Christ in his exaltation at God’s right hand, pleading with God the Father for the pardon of our sins in the widest sense, a helper, succourer, aider, assistant of the Holy Spirit destined to take the place of Christ with the apostles (after his ascension to the Father), to lead them to a deeper knowledge of the gospel truth, and give them divine strength needed to enable them to undergo trials and persecutions on behalf of the divine kingdom Holy Spirit as Advocate/Comforter John 16:7 (NIV) Significance of the Holy Spirit’s presence on the earth 7 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. John 14:26 (NIV) 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Holy Spirit’s influence in the world – not just defense – but also prosecution John 16:8 8 When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: Prove - Thayer Definition: to convict, refute, confute generally with a suggestion of shame of the person convicted by conviction to bring to the light, to expose to find fault with, correct by word 1 to reprehend severely, chide, admonish, reprove 2 to call to account, show one his fault, demand an explanation by deed 1 to chasten, to punish With the Holy Spirit – sin of unbelief – convicts and convinces hearts John 16:9 9 about sin, because people do not believe in me; With the Holy Spirit – proves that Jesus was right in all of His claims John 16:10 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; Holy Spirit – establishes the reality of satan’s judgment on the cross – his current state of condemnation and that of all who follow him. John 16:11 11 and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. 1 Samuel 17:47 (NIV) 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands." 2 Chronicles 32:6-8 (NIV) 6 He appointed military officers over the people and assembled them before him in the square at the city gate and encouraged them with these words: 7 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. 8 With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said. Zechariah 4:6 (NIV) 6 So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty. Acts 1:8 (NIV) 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." 1 John 4:4 (NIV) 4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.