John 16 Pray / Read / Answer Questions / Pray / Journal 1. What does this chapter teach me about Jesus? 2. What does this chapter teach me about myself and others? Chapter summary. Jesus now concludes His Last Supper night teaching with insights into the future His followers can expect. They can expect to be rejected by the leaders of their own people (16:1–4). They can expect to be supported in the world by the active, convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit (vv. 5–15). They can expect that Jesus will come again (vv. 16–24). Finally, they can expect to find peace in the certain knowledge that Christ and God the Father are one (vv. 25–33). Key verse. 16:7: God’s Spirit is essential to us. Personal application. Never forget that God the Holy Spirit is present with you. Key concepts. Holy Spirit » Exodus 35–38, Romans 8, 1 Corinthians 3. Glory » John 17. INSIGHT “Synagogue” (16:1–2). Jesus describes the hostility of the disciples’ own culture to His message. Whatever our world, we will not really “fit in” as long as we are openly committed to Christ. This warning is not intended to frighten us, but to prepare us. Good for you (16:7). God was present in Jesus’ incarnation in one place on earth. But the Holy Spirit is present in all places, in and available to every believer. This is one reason why it was to every disciple’s advantage that Jesus returned to heaven. The unique work of the Holy Spirit in believers today could only begin after Christ had won us salvation by His death and given us the power to live a new life through His resurrection. The Spirit’s ministry (16:8–15). Christ described the Holy Spirit’s ministry to the world as one of conviction. To the believer the Spirit’s ministry is one of guidance and revelation of truth. There is also a ministry to Jesus, of displaying Him through we who represent Christ here on earth. “Convict the world” (16:8–11). The word “convict” (elencho) is a legal term for bringing in a verdict of guilty. The Holy Spirit’s ministry to non-Christians is to convey a sense of doom, an awareness that they stand condemned. The sense of guilt is developed in three areas: (1) “In regard to sin, because men do not believe in me” (v. 9). The issue is not the sins men commit, but the single condemning sin of unbelief. The Spirit convinces the non-Christian it is wrong not to believe in Jesus. (2) “In regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father” (v. 10). Jesus’ return to God established a new standard of righteousness. No longer could righteousness be viewed as a matter of do’s and don’ts. It’s not a matter of living as perfect a life as Jesus. Many might say, “I kept that commandment.” But none would claim, “I lived as perfect a life as Jesus Christ.” (3) “In regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned” (v. 11). No one can ever again say, “God doesn’t punish evil, so I can do whatever I want.” God showed His commitment to judge by placing His own innocent Son on a cross. Surely He will judge guilty sinners. “Guide you into all truth” (16:12–13). Jesus’ disciples often heard His words, but could not grasp their meaning. The Holy Spirit’s inner ministry is focused on helping them—and us—grasp the reality of Christ’s words and then experiencing that reality by obeying His words. This verse has sometimes been misapplied, and some have taught that Christians must agree on every point of doctrine. The Holy Spirit’s ministry, however, was focused on serving the disciples as a guide as they struggled later to understand and express in the Epistles what Jesus had taught. Today, the Spirit guides us as we strive to apply Jesus’ teachings to our own experience. Asking Jesus (17:23). This “ask” (erotao) suggests asking a question rather than making a request. Christ’s point may be that after the Resurrection His authority will be so well established He will no longer be cross-examined, as the disciples were doing then. Asking again (17:26). Asking in Christ’s name (See comments on 14:13, » John 14.) does indicate a request. Sure of who Jesus is, the disciples and we confidently approach the Father, sure of our welcome because Christ champions us before God’s throne. “Joy” (16:22–24). Joy is ours because its source is not in this world of change and decay. No one can take away a joy that is rooted in Jesus and experienced as answers to prayer. Trouble and peace (16:33). The wonder is not that God permits us to have troubles, but that He gives us peace in our troubles.
Posted on: Mon, 22 Jul 2013 12:03:40 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015