I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment. (John 16:7-8)

Sometimes people believe it’s a pastor’s job to make others feel guilty. I gently remind them that’s not my job. The Holy Spirit convicts hearts of sin and righteousness and judgment.

That actually sounds like a terrible job, except that Jesus told us the reason the Holy Spirit would convict hearts. His purpose is in his name: Helper.

The Holy Spirit helps us by convicting our hearts of the sin that is in us, the righteousness that is of God, and the judgement that is to come. When these realities grip our consciences, they bend our knees before God and turn our hearts to Jesus.

Jesus said that the ultimate job of the Holy Spirit was not only to tell the truth about us, but to “testify of me” (John 15:26). The Spirit helps us by revealing our sin and our Savior – doing one without the other would be no help. So, yes, it is my job as a preacher to convict of sin, but my job is not done until I have convinced of grace.

Grace is not sweet if sin is not bitter. So, the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, God’s standards, and judgment to come. But that is not the end goal. Our failings are made known to us so that our Savior’s necessity would be confessed and his grace claimed.

Prayer:
Lord, help me be sensitive to the promptings of your Holy Spirit, so that I will confess my sin, claim your grace, and live for you – helped by the Spirit who revealed you.