The Work of the Spirit
Series: The Jesus We Need to Know
Preacher: Kevin Smith, Senior Pastor
Sunday Morning
Date: 1st February 2026
Passage: John 16:4-15
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When Jesus announced His departure to the disciples, their hearts were filled with sorrow. After three years of witnessing His miracles and teachings, the thought of losing their beloved teacher was devastating. Yet Jesus made a remarkable statement that it was actually to their advantage that He leave. This wasn't abandonment but preparation for something greater - the coming of the Holy Spirit.Jesus explained that His physical departure was necessary for the Spirit to come in fullness. The disciples thought having Jesus physically present was ideal, but Jesus understood they needed more than His presence beside them - they needed Him in them through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit operates on divine timing and could only be poured out after Jesus died, rose, and was exalted to the Father's right hand. Jesus had been withholding certain truths because the disciples weren't ready, operating on a need-to-know basis that applies to our lives today.The Holy Spirit works in three primary ways in our lives. First, He convicts the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment, exposing truth and calling people to account. Second, He guides believers into truth, primarily through God's Word, helping us understand spiritual realities as we mature. Third, He glorifies Jesus by taking what belongs to Christ and declaring it to believers. All Christians possess the Holy Spirit from the moment of salvation - there's no need for a second blessing. The African American church exemplifies the Spirit's power, thriving with joy despite facing systematic oppression, illiteracy mandates, and persecution. As believers today face increasing cultural marginalization, we can learn from their example of maintaining faith and effectiveness under pressure while trusting the Spirit to guide us according to His perfect timing.
