In the film “Troy”, Achilles is the hero. It’s always Achilles the army wants; without him they are scared. Who would you most like with you in the battles you face as a Christian? The obvious answer is “Jesus”. But it’s wrong and we’ll see why!
Spirit better than physical Jesus
Read John 16:5
Peter and Thomas had asked: “Where are you going?” (John 13:36 and John 14:5); but they weren’t really interested in where Jesus was going, just scared because He was going to leave them alone.
• What does Jesus say about His “going away” to the cross?
• Why is it better for His friends that He goes?
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TIME OUT… Read John 7:39
Although the Spirit is eternal, He was not yet “given” to live in all believers forever. Jesus is “glorified” when He is “lifted up” on the cross.
Why can the Spirit not be poured out until after the cross? Think what it would mean for the Spirit of the holy God to come to live in an unforgiven heart; He would burn us up! Only after the cross can He come to us like this.
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It’s no longer a case of going to meet God: God has come to meet us!
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APPLY
• Do you think you would be closer to God if you went to the land of Israel? Why would you be wrong?
• Why is it dangerous to call it “the Holy Land” today?
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Conviction to a guilty world
Read John 16:8
• In what three ways does the Spirit prove to people in the world that they are guilty?
• Before moving on, try to think about what Jesus means by each one of these works of the Spirit.
I may not realise I’m a sinner, but when I come face to face with perfect goodness in Jesus, my sin is publicly exposed.
I may not think much of Jesus (not think He is “righteous”), but the Spirit shows me that Jesus is perfect and good.
I may think talk of hell and judgment is “medieval” but the Spirit shows me it is true and serious.
In all these ways, the Spirit proves me guilty and points me to the need to repent and trust Jesus.
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PRAY THRU
Pray for non-Christian friends or family members, that the Spirit will work to bring deep heart conviction of their sin, Jesus’ righteousness and the reality of judgment.
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This devotional is taken from Explore—a daily Bible-reading devotional from the good book company which enables you to engage with Scripture and which will encourage, equip and inspire you to live for Christ. Explore features contributions from pastors such as Dr Timothy Keller, Mike McKinley and Tim Chester.
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