Better Because He is at Work in the World
RLC Home Group Handout | January 25th, 2026
“ Better Because He is at Work in the World” | John 16:5-15
Recap
This week we learned that Jesus’ departure was not a loss but a gift, because through it God sent the Holy Spirit to be present with all people at all times. Jesus taught that the Spirit is actively at work in the world convicting people of sin, righteousness, and judgment, not to condemn, but to lead them to freedom in Christ. The Spirit also guides the church into truth, faithfully preserving and illuminating God’s Word so we can know and follow Jesus today. Ultimately, the Spirit’s work always points beyond Himself to glorify Christ, drawing us into deeper trust, obedience, and participation in God’s redemptive mission.
References
John 14:25–26 — Jesus promises the Holy Spirit will teach the disciples and remind them of everything He said.
Mark 2:17 – Jesus came not for the healthy/righteous but for the sick/sinners.
Romans 3:19–20 — God’s law exposes human guilt and silences self-justification, revealing our need for grace.
Discussion Questions
Head
Is there anything that stood out or spoke to you in this week’s sermon?
How does understanding “conviction” as a legal term change the way you read John 16:8–11?
What is the difference between conviction that leads to repentance and condemnation that leads to shame?
How does Jesus’ victory over “the ruler of this world” shape the Spirit’s message about judgment?
Heart
Where do you tend to feel more guilt than grace in your walk with God?
Have you ever confused the Spirit’s conviction with your own inner critic or shame? How can you tell the difference?
Where do you feel sorrow, fear, or uncertainty that might mirror what the disciples felt?
How does the reality of convicting, convincing and converting being the Holy Spirit’s job and not yours make you feel?
Hands
Where might God be calling you to step back and let the Spirit do the convicting work?
How can you practice yielding to the Spirit rather than striving in your own strength?
What habits help you stay attentive to the Spirit’s leading without drifting into passivity?