NT Convictions for John 13-16

During the last supper, Jesus prepares his disciples for his persecution (and theirs) by washing their feet and teaching them about love and obedience, and about their next advocate - the Holy Spirit. 

1. About God. Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as "another advocate (paraclete)." Thus, the Holy Spirit advocates for us in the same manner which Jesus does. Moreover, Jesus tells his disciples that it's to their advantage that he departs so that he can send the Holy Spirit (John 16:7). Why? Because when the Spirit comes he will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). Conviction or exposure (elencho) precedes repentance. Jesus exposed the woman at the well, bringing her to repentance. Likewise, Nathan exposed/convicted David (2Sam 12 and Psalm 51), John the Baptist exposed/convicted the crowds in the desert (Matthew 3), Jesus exposed Saul (Acts 9), Paul convicts the Corinthians (2Cor 7), and the Jesus convicts the Laodiceans (Rev 3:19). Conviction or exposure is good for us (John 3:19-21). It's what God and his prophets have always done to disrupt the deadly path of sin and set us right on a path of repentance. When I get "busted" it's a sign that the Holy Spirit loves me and is orchestrating my exposure before my sin leads to a darker more destructive end. 

2. About NT Christianity. "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35. Wow. They were bold, they were persecuted (see again John 15:18-16:4), they were devoted, and they LOVED!

3. DWIS (Do What It Says): There's no way to read this section without the Holy Spirit's conviction to LOVE one another. I'll find at least one person to love (either by expressing my love or by encouragement or service) via phone, via text, and in person today.