Day 226/260: Read John 16

Part of the work of the Holy Spirit is revealed by Jesus in these words He spoke to the apostles. In addition to the Spirit’s bringing to their remembrance the words of Christ (John 14:26) and His testimony of Christ (John 15:26), He would also “convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” The accomplishment of this began on the Day of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2.

Luke tells us that the apostles “were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4). It was through the preaching of the truth that the hearers of that gospel sermon “were cut to the heart,” leading them to ask a question of eternal importance: “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37)

Peter’s answer was specific and to-the-point. He did not beat around the bush. He said, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ of the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). There was nothing in Peter’s response that indicated this was only a suggestion; he did not recommend that they schedule a time to be baptized as a so-called “outward sign of an inward grace” (a phrase that is never used in the Scriptures).

These men were convicted of their sin by the Spirit-inspired message of Peter and the other apostles. The Spirit continues to convict men in the same way today: through the inspired Word (2 Timothy 3:16). Have you obeyed His Word?

Memory (Read aloud 5-10 times)

John 17:17. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

Pray

Pray for the courage to obey what God has commanded rather than what man suggests.