Your 24/7 Companion
Scripture: John 16:7,8
Carina Francke
"...He will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment"
Three things the Holy Spirit, the Counselor do is mentioned here:Firstly He convicts the world of guilt in regard to sin - to let them know they're on the wrong side. This sin is unbelief in Jesus, (v9) and as a result no relationship with God and no Counselor in you. The world's unbelief proofs the seriousness of sin - not a list of sins like we claim. But our faith and the resident Holy Spirit make us instrumental in introducing Jesus to people by our witness and a lifestyle that honors Him. But eventually it is the Holy Spirit that convicts people of their sins and to confess it.
Secondly He convicts people of righteousness, in other words of their "being in right standing" or "acquittal" of their sins if they believe in Jesus. Even if Jesus is not visibly present anymore because He is with his Father, He still is present in word and power. Because the Spirit now lives in us as believers and we use the Word as standard for the truth, we can be instrumental in telling and demonstrating righteousness to people. But remember, it is still the Holy Spirit that convicts.
Thirdly the Holy Spirit makes unbelieving people aware that their judgment will be the same as that of their master, the prince of this world. (v11). He lost his position of power when Jesus came to earth (14:30) and he was driven out (12:31). If you and I live from and act by the power of the Holy Spirit in us, we become an echo to the world of their sin of unbelief; a proof that there is a new life in Jesus and that judgment is the fate of anyone who denies the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. But at the same time our faith, our "being in right standing" and our "acquittal" is being used by our 24/7 Companion, the Holy Spirit to make an appeal to everyone who do not believe.
Prayer: Heavenly Father help me to attentively listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit so that I can sense when the people crossing my path need to visibly see the invisible work of the Holy Spirit in my life. Amen.