What the Spirit Proves

Observe. Jesus says that when the Advocate comes he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin, righteousness, and judgment. Then he explains each. About sin, because people do not believe in Jesus. About righteousness, because he is going to the Father and they will see him no longer. About judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

Interpret. Each of the three is defined in a way the world would not choose. Sin is described not as a list of bad deeds but as unbelief in Jesus, the root from which the rest grows. Righteousness is proved by Jesus' return to the Father, which vindicates him as the one who was truly right when the world condemned him. Judgment has already fallen on the prince of this world, meaning that the cross, which looked like Satan's victory, was his defeat. The Spirit's work in the world is to bring these truths home to people who would otherwise measure sin, righteousness, and judgment by their own standards.

Apply. This passage shapes how Christians think about evangelism and about their own consciences. Conviction is the Spirit's work before it is ours, which frees us from both pressure and manipulation. Where have you tried to produce conviction in someone by argument or guilt that only the Spirit can bring? How does defining sin as unbelief change your view of what your neighbor most needs? And do you live as though the prince of this world already stands condemned, or as though the verdict is still out?