Day 27 - The Spirit of Truth in a World of Opinions | February Devotional in the Gospel of John
John 16:12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.
The Holy Spirit is our guide into truth. What is truth? There is the act of telling the truth or truth as facts. When Jesus spoke about truth, He was speaking about reality as God defines it. The dictionary defines reality as: The state of things as they actually exist. The biblical Greek definition is similar, Of a truth, in reality, in fact, certainly. (alētheia - ἀληθής, Strongs #G227)
There is considerable disagreement among people about truth in the highest sense. Many doubt the truth of Christ’s ministry, His words, and the Bible itself. Paul wrote of people,“Who changed the truth of God into a lie...” I've heard many strange statements coming from the minds and mouths of people who don't understand how biblical truth is as stable, provable, and effective as scientific laws such as gravity. There is a saying in our culture: “You are entitled to your own opinion, but you are not entitled to your own facts.”
However, there is no convincing people of anything who are closed to the influence of the Holy Spirit. People who are not under the guidance of God through His Spirit may imagine, believe, or say anything.
People who live under the influence of God are like the Holy Spirit Himself who “will not speak on His own authority.” The Holy Spirit is God, yet within the Godhead He is submitted to the Father. The Apostle John wrote that He will glorify Christ. We should do the same.
The guidance that Jesus provided to his disciples, and provides to us, can be summarized:
1. Things that cannot be understood presently will be made clearer through the influence and indwelling of the Holy Spirit
2. He guides into truth, reality, fact, and certainty
3. He gives insight into things to come -- not always specific detail, but clear direction
4. He glorifies Jesus which involves public and private worship
5. He delivers blessings and purpose designed for each of His disciples.
Reflection Question: List a few examples of the Holy Spirit working in your life as stated in the summary above.
Action Item:
