Devo, John

Judged By The Spirit

Judged By The Spirit

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2023 FALL MEN'S RETREAT

And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. — John 16:8-11

There is no doubt we have seen courtroom proceedings lately. They serve as an educational reminder for those of us who haven't seen a courtroom proceeding in a while. They include charges based on standards that result in verdicts. And this is the same image Jesus presents here. In the courtroom of the world, the Helper presents charges based on standards that result in verdicts. And the Helper functions as Prosecutor, Judge, and Jury concerning the charge of sin, the standard of righteousness, and the verdict of judgment.

The Holy Spirit has essential work in the believer's life. And the reason this is important is that without the Helper, it would not be possible for us to spiritually judge righteousness from unrighteousness. But Jesus gives us the discerning ability to do this. It dwells within us and is always present in us. But we have to consult Him.

Again, as I said yesterday, I don't think many believers ever get to know the Holy Spirit. We trust our judgment over the Spirit's judgment. We live spiritual lives, trusting only in our ability, wisdom, and experience over trusting the Spirit's ability, wisdom, and experience. We never consult God's Word nor invite the Holy Spirit to judge.

So try this today.

Make your first judgment today a judgment by the Holy Spirit. Take a moment to pause before making your next decision. Reflect on the choice you would make based on your ability, wisdom, and experience. Then set this aside for a few minutes. Consult the Scripture for the standard. But before you act, ask the Spirit to help you judge in the matter. And if the Scripture and the Spirit have adjustments for you, do this instead. And then you have taken a step of the Spirit. And then keep doing this, one decision, one step, and one day at a time, and soon you will watch as his righteousness becomes yours, which leads to a whole new verdict.

ASK THIS:

  1. In what ways have you relied solely on your own judgment rather than seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit? How can you be more intentional about inviting the Spirit into your decision-making process?
  2. Reflect on a recent decision you made. How might consulting the Scriptures and asking the Holy Spirit for discernment have changed or affirmed your choice? What steps will you take to include the Holy Spirit in your judgments moving forward?

DO THIS: Make a judgment of the Spirit.

PRAY THIS: Holy Spirit, guide me in my daily decisions, helping me to recognize Your wisdom and align my choices with Your will. Teach me to pause and seek Your guidance so that I may walk in righteousness and truth, one step at a time. Amen.

PLAY THIS: Spirit of the Living God.

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20 thoughts on “Judged By The Spirit”

  3. gonzalo correa says:

    Gonzalo Correa
    Santa Maria, CA
    Wonderful word Brother!
    I will be sharing this at my men’s small group as we were already going to go over this same verses on our continuation of our Study of the Holy Spirit.

    Reply
  5. Sam Lynn says:

    Vince – I love it that you just had us hear again what you’d presented on August 21 (this was a repeat). But DEFINITELY worth hearing again. Especially in light of the emphasis on the Holy Spirit. So encouraged by your teaching and it’s such an integral part of my time with the Lord. REALLY love sharing it with other guys.

    Reply
  6. David Josker says:

    Great little series. The Holy Spirit has always been a mystery to me. I’m learning. Thanks Vince.
    David Josker
    Canton, Ga

    Reply
  9. Mark Becker says:

    Worland WY

    Garbage in
    Garbage out
    SPIRIT IN
    SPIRIT OUT
    Trust what the Spirit says
    BUT
    Remember to LISTEN for His Voice🙌🙌🙌

    Reply
  11. Eddie Ackerman says:

    Eddie Ackerman
    Becker, MN

    It’s important to remember, as you said so eloquently Vince, that The Holy Spirit lives in us and has MULTIPLE roles, so we need to let Him fulfil those roles by bringing those aspects of our lives to Him. He is The Advocate, The Helper, The Prosecutor, The Judge, and The Jury. This means we need to bring our prayers, tasks, and choices all before Him in order to have those things glorify The Father. We are His ambassadors and need to be properly representing Him as such, like Jesus modeled for us on earth.

    Reply
  16. Trent says:

    I never know if it is “Holy Spirit” or “The Holy Spirit” or how to approach or speak of, if you see what I mean. I have been learning the importance of said relationship, if you will, and believe that if (John 16:13)”Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” Then we must develop that relationship, that communication in order to realize, and function at, our full potential in Christ. I believe that is why I stalled or plateaued for so long in maturing in Christ and I am glad to hear more people speaking and teaching the subject. Holy Spirit, guide me today. May I hear and understand your guidance.

    Reply
  19. gonzalo correa says:

    Amen brother Vince.

    I’m preparing for tomorrow’s men small group and we are studying, learning, surrendering to the Spirit. These lessons are great because I will be sharing with my group the wisdom you are giving us here.

    Reply
  20. Jared Mabery says:

    I strive to ask two questions for all my decisions.

    Holy Spirit. What do you want me to know? What do you want me to do? The results are supernatural.

    Reply

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