Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Good morning, dear ones.

We have 3 grandkids here at present—Zane, Samara, and Callie. They joined us on our little walk/jog this morning. It was only the second toss of the ball by Callie that she threw it where Dandy did not see and where we can’t recover—into blackberry vines in someone’s yard. So Dandy had to settle for sticks this time. At least they’re cheaper.

It’s not raining at present—which means I might have an opportunity to run into Molalla to apply some vinyl graphics to a dump truck out of doors. After that we’ll be all over the place. Thano just added another place—announcing that the water heater in the park model is not working again. I think I need to replace a battery. And a guy just called requesting that I have a look at his big fir log as he wants to consider having it milled up for flooring.

Blessings on your day.

Love, Dad/Ray.

I confess that, although I memorized John 16:8-11 as a young person, it never really turned on lights of understanding and inspiration quite like it seems to be now. Before attempting some commentary, let’s put those verses before us: “When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.”

Jesus, of course, is speaking of the advent of the Holy Spirit Who will be sent after Jesus’ finished work on the cross, and after He returns to the Father. The Holy Spirit will work actively through the lives of believers so as to convince and convict people on three levels of essential truth:

SIN. Notice that it is singular—SIN. This singular SIN is clearly UNBELIEF. Man is not condemned because of all the individual sins he commits, but because he does not BELIEVE in the one and only solution to his SIN problem (Jn. 3:18-21).

RIGHTEOUSNESS. Notice that the objective here is not UNrighteousness, but RIGHTEOUSNESS. The Kingdom of God IS righteousness (Romans 14:17). Jesus promised that if we would make His Kingdom and His righteousness supreme in our lives, then everything else would come out right (Matthew 6:33). Jesus is the epitome of righteousness. But when He returned to glory, that demonstration is passed on to His disciples and the convicting (convincing) power of the Holy Spirit that accompanies their witness.

JUDGMENT. Notice that this is not speaking of the final judgment of God on unbelievers, but God’s judgment on the “prince of this world,” Satan, as accomplished at the cross (John 12:31-32). Once again, this truth is communicated through the convincing influence of the Holy Spirit and the practical demonstration of Spirit-empowered believers. It really is important that we understand, firmly believe, and demonstrate that Satan is a liar, deceiver, and conquered enemy. Anyone not believing that is in trouble.

So be reminded of the part you play as a true believer. Think of it—you are called on to be a ministry partner along with the Holy Spirit. “He (the Holy Spirit) will testify about me. And you also must testify” (John 15:26-27). What a partnership! What an opportunity! What a responsibility!