Chapter 16
John 16:8–15
Theme: Jesus reveals the mission of the Holy Spirit—to convict the world, guide believers into truth, and glorify Christ.
The Spirit Will Reveal the Truth About Sin, Righteousness, and Judgment 8 “When He comes, He will expose the world’s error regarding sin, righteousness, and judgment: 9 Sin—because they don’t believe in me. 10 Righteousness—because I’m going to the Father, and you won’t see me anymore. 11 Judgment—because the ruler of this world has already been condemned.”
The Spirit Will Guide You into All Truth 12 “There’s so much more I want to tell you, but right now, you’re not ready to handle it. 13 But when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. He won’t speak on His own, but will speak only what He hears—and He will show you what’s to come. 14 He will bring glory to me by taking what is mine and making it known to you. 15 Everything the Father has is mine. That’s why I said the Spirit will take what is mine and reveal it to you.”
IN THIS LESSON
What’s Really Going On?
Jesus has just told His disciples that He’s leaving—and they’re grieving. But now He shifts the focus from their sorrow to what comes after He departs: the arrival of the Holy Spirit.
The disciples may feel like they’re losing everything, but in truth, they are about to gain access to God in a deeper way. The Spirit is not a backup plan; He is the continuation of Jesus’s presence and ministry—living in them instead of just among them.
“When He (the Spirit) comes, He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment.”
“Everything the Father has is Mine; that’s why I say the Spirit will take what’s Mine and reveal it to you.”
What Was Said or Done?
“Sin—because they do not believe in Me.”
“Righteousness—because I go to the Father.”
“Judgment—because the ruler of this world has been judged.
“He will guide you into all truth.”
“He will not speak on His own but only what He hears.”
“He will glorify Me by revealing what is Mine to you.”
Let’s Talk About It
Let’s Talk About It
Decisions They Faced
The disciples had to decide whether they would trust the Spirit to teach and guide them, or cling to the comfort of Jesus’s physical presence.
They would soon be leading the Church without Jesus physically present. Their choice was whether to depend on themselves or the Spirit for truth, clarity, and courage.
They had to embrace a new identity: not just followers of Jesus, but Spirit-filled witnesses empowered for God’s mission.
What Happened Next?
After Jesus’s resurrection and ascension, the Spirit came (Acts 2).
The disciples spoke with boldness.
Thousands were convicted and believed.
The Spirit reminded them of Jesus’s teachings, helping them write Scripture and disciple the early church.
The Spirit continues to glorify Jesus through believers around the world today—still convicting, still guiding, still revealing truth.
Living It Out
Living It Out
💬 Let’s Make It Personal
Are there areas where you’re relying more on your own understanding than the Spirit’s voice?
What does “conviction” mean to you? Do you welcome it—or resist it?
How can you discern the difference between the Spirit’s leading and your own desires?
In what ways can your life glorify Jesus through the Spirit’s presence in you?
Faith that lasts isn't built on comfort—it's anchored in truth, preparation, and the Spirit’s power. Jesus never promised ease, but He did promise we’d never be alone.
Your Next Step
Prayer Prompt
Pray: Holy Spirit, I invite You to convict me, guide me, and glorify Jesus through me. Teach me to hear Your voice clearly and respond with obedience.
Reflection Journal
Make a three-column page labeled:
Sin the Spirit is convicting me of
Truth I need to walk in
Ways I can glorify Jesus this week
Fill it out as you reflect.
Scripture Anchor
Memorize John 16:13: “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.”
Listen Actively
Before you make a key decision this week, pause and pray:
“Spirit of truth, what are You saying right now?”
Then follow through with what aligns with Scripture and glorifies Jesus.