As a young Christian reading through the Bible for the first time, I found myself stuck on one particular verse in John 16. Jesus told His disciples, “It is to your advantage that I go away.” Every time I read those words, I would pause and think, “Lord, I believe you, but how? How could your leaving possibly be better for us?”
This question becomes even more perplexing when we understand what Jesus was actually saying. He wasn’t promising His followers an easier life after His departure. Instead, He was preparing them for persecution, hatred, and even death—all while claiming this would somehow be to their advantage.
The Hard Truth About Following Jesus
In John 16:1-4, Jesus doesn’t sugarcoat the reality His disciples would face:
“These things I have spoken to you so that you may be kept from stumbling. They will make you outcasts from the synagogue, but an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God.”
For first-century Jewish believers, being cast out of the synagogue meant losing everything—family, friends, community, and cultural identity. It wasn’t just religious excommunication; it was complete social ostracism. Yet Jesus shared these heavy truths not to discourage His followers, but to prepare them. The Greek word for “stumbling” carries the weight of falling away completely, being scandalized by unexpected trials.
The most chilling part? Those who would persecute them would believe they were serving God. Throughout history, we’ve seen this pattern repeat. The Anabaptists were persecuted by both Catholics and Protestants. Today, Christians witnessing at cultural events are often told they’re “what’s wrong with Christianity” by people who claim a superior moral position.
Walking by Faith When the World Says Otherwise
Jesus explained that this persecution would come “because they have not known the Father or Me” (v. 3). This presents us with the true meaning of walking by faith, not by sight. It’s not about wishful thinking or positive visualization. It’s about believing God’s Word when the entire world—including religious people—tells you you’re wrong.
Consider this challenging question: When well-meaning people say, “If you’d just be more loving and tolerant, if you’d just be quiet, then people would like Christians more,” do you believe them? Or do you trust Jesus’ words that the world hated Him first, and will hate His followers too?
The Paradox of Advantage
Here’s where we encounter that perplexing statement: “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away” (v. 7). How could losing Jesus’ physical presence while gaining the world’s hatred be advantageous?
The answer lies in understanding what Christianity is truly about. If we think Christianity exists to make our lives comfortable, to solve all our problems, or to provide material blessings, then none of this makes sense. But if we understand that our purpose is to know God, be known by Him, and make Him known in the world, then the advantage becomes clear.
Jesus explained: “If I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” The Holy Spirit isn’t merely a consolation prize for Jesus’ absence—He’s the divine empowerment that enables believers to live boldly and faithfully in a hostile world.
The Three-Fold Ministry of the Holy Spirit
Jesus outlined how the Holy Spirit would minister to the world through His people:
1. Conviction Concerning Sin
“Concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me” (v. 9). At its core, sin stems from unbelief. When people reject God’s Word, they do what seems right in their own eyes. The Holy Spirit exposes this fundamental error, showing that living as if Christ is not Lord is the root of all sin.
2. Conviction Concerning Righteousness
“Concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father” (v. 10). Jesus was crucified as a blasphemer and criminal, but His resurrection and ascension vindicated Him completely. He alone is perfectly righteous. The Holy Spirit convicts the world that Jesus—not popular opinion or cultural values—is the standard of righteousness.
3. Conviction Concerning Judgment
“Concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged” (v. 11). The verdict has already been pronounced. While final judgment awaits, the judgment stands now. The Holy Spirit exposes the folly of aligning with a world system that has already been condemned.
From Comfortable Christianity to Authentic Faith
Modern Christianity often gets repackaged into something more palatable. We’re told that if we pray the right way, God will increase our bank account, give us that promotion, or solve all our relationship problems. Some even teach that we can claim other people’s houses if we like them enough!
But when we examine the early church, we see something radically different. The apostles were crucified, beheaded, sawn in half, and thrown to lions. Yet Christianity exploded from 120 people in an upper room to millions within a few centuries—despite intense persecution.
The question confronts us: Do we see their deaths as tragedy or triumph?
Why Christianity Seems Weak Today
If the Holy Spirit is so powerful, why does Christianity often seem to be losing ground in our culture? The answer may be uncomfortable: Perhaps we haven’t truly taken Jesus at His word. When we try to make Christianity easier, more comfortable, requiring less sacrifice, we diminish its glory and power.
The early Christians understood something we often forget: The Holy Spirit doesn’t come into our lives simply to improve our material comfort. He comes to empower us to glorify Christ, even when—especially when—the whole world rises against us.
Living the Advantage
So what does this mean for us today? It means embracing a Christianity that looks more like carrying a cross than collecting blessings. It means understanding that when we face opposition for our faith, we’re not experiencing God’s absence but walking the path Jesus told us to expect.
The incredible promise is this: The same Holy Spirit who empowered the early church to stand firm despite persecution lives in every believer today. We have access to divine strength that enables us to:
- Love those who hate us
- Bless those who curse us
- Stand firm when pressured to compromise
- Proclaim truth when the world calls it hate
- Find purpose in suffering when it advances the gospel
Reflection Questions
As you consider this challenging message, ask yourself:
- Do I truly believe that having the Holy Spirit is better than walking with Jesus in the flesh?
- Am I pursuing comfortable Christianity, or am I willing to take up my cross?
- When facing opposition, do I remember that Jesus warned us in advance?
- Is my faith strong enough to stand when religious people tell me I’m wrong?
- Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to use me to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment?
A Prayer for Authentic Faith
Father, thank you that when we were still sinners, You sent Your Son to die for us. Thank you that Jesus rose from the dead, proving He is exactly who He claimed to be. Lord, we confess that we often seek comfortable Christianity rather than cross-bearing discipleship. Give us strength through Your Holy Spirit to stand firm when the world opposes us. Help us to love those who hate Your message, knowing that You loved us when we were Your enemies. May we count it worthy to suffer for Your name’s sake, not for suffering itself, but so that more people can hear about You and Your name can be glorified. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The path Jesus calls us to isn’t easy, but it’s real. It’s powerful. And through the Holy Spirit, it’s possible. The question remains: Will we settle for a superficial faith that the world finds acceptable, or will we embrace the transformative power of authentic Christianity—even when it costs us everything?
Remember, Jesus didn’t share these hard truths to discourage us, but to encourage us. When we live for Him and find the world turning against us, we can know we’re exactly where He told us we would be. And in that place, we have access to a Helper who is better than any earthly comfort—the very Spirit of God Himself.
Listen to the Original Sermon
This post was inspired by the sermon delivered on Sunday, June 1st on John 16:1-15.
Howell Bible Church 