Expository Thoughts On John - JOHN 16:8-15
J.C. Ryle explains how the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and guides believers into all truth by glorifying Christ.
In this expository sermon on John 16:8-15, J.C. Ryle explores the vital role of the Holy Spirit in convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He carefully explains the Spirit’s work in guiding believers into all truth and glorifying Christ. Ryle also highlights the Spirit’s presence in Old Testament saints and the new fullness of His coming after Christ’s ascension, offering rich theological insights for believers seeking deeper understanding.
Text
"And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong concerning sin and righteousness and judgment--concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.
"I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. For he will not speak on his own authority, but will speak whatever he hears, and will tell you what is to come. He will glorify me, because he will receive from me what is mine and will tell it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine; that is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what is mine and will tell it to you."
When our Lord in this passage speaks of the Holy Spirit "coming," we must take care that we do not misunderstand His meaning. On the one hand, we must remember that the Holy Spirit was in all believers in the Old Testament days, from the very beginning. No man was ever saved from the power of sin, and made a saint, except by the renewing of the Holy Spirit. Abraham, and Isaac, and Samuel, and David, and the Prophets, were made what they were by the operation of the Holy Spirit.
On the other hand, we must never forget that after Christ\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Work of the Holy Spirit in Conviction
- Convicts the world of sin because they do not believe in Christ
- Convicts the world of righteousness as Christ goes to the Father
- Convicts the world of judgment as the ruler of this world is condemned
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II. The Holy Spirit’s Role in Guiding Believers
- Guides believers into all truth
- Speaks not on His own authority but what He hears from the Father and Son
- Reveals what is to come and glorifies Christ
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III. The Presence of the Holy Spirit in Old Testament Saints
- Holy Spirit was active in believers before Christ’s coming
- Saints like Abraham, Isaac, Samuel, and David were empowered by the Spirit
- The Spirit renews and saves from the power of sin
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IV. The Distinction of the Spirit’s Coming After Christ
- The Spirit’s coming after Christ is a new and fuller manifestation
- Believers receive the Spirit in a new way after Christ’s ascension
- This coming brings greater guidance and revelation
Key Quotes
“When our Lord in this passage speaks of the Holy Spirit 'coming,' we must take care that we do not misunderstand His meaning.” — J.C. Ryle
“No man was ever saved from the power of sin, and made a saint, except by the renewing of the Holy Spirit.” — J.C. Ryle
“The Spirit will glorify me, because he will receive from me what is mine and will tell it to you.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Trust the Holy Spirit to convict you of sin and lead you to repentance.
- Seek the Spirit’s guidance daily to understand and apply God’s truth.
- Recognize the ongoing work of the Spirit in your life as a sign of God’s presence and power.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin?
It means the Spirit reveals the reality of sin, especially unbelief in Christ, making people aware of their need for salvation.
How does the Holy Spirit guide believers into truth?
The Spirit teaches and reveals divine truth by speaking what He hears from the Father and the Son, leading believers in understanding Scripture and God’s will.
Was the Holy Spirit present before Jesus’ resurrection?
Yes, the Holy Spirit was active in Old Testament believers, empowering and renewing them, though His coming after Christ is a new and fuller experience.
Why does the Spirit glorify Christ?
Because all that the Father has belongs to Christ, the Spirit’s role is to reveal and exalt Jesus as the source of truth and salvation.
What is the significance of the Spirit speaking not on His own authority?
It shows the unity within the Trinity, where the Spirit communicates the will and truth of the Father and the Son, ensuring divine harmony.