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Lesson 4 - The Holy Spirit, John 14:15-27
(To help you answer the questions see the Notes below.
Sometimes God seems far away, separate and unconcerned about what is happening in our lives. Yet such times are only a painful illusion. According to Scripture, Christ's presence is the birthright of every believer. Before returning to heaven, Jesus promised to be with us always.
The Holy Spirit is the key to this mystery. He is the vital link between heaven and earth, the link between God and his people, the link between Jesus and you.
Think of a time when you felt God was absent. How did you handle it?
Read John 14:15-27. The disciples are troubled and fearful about Jesus leaving them alone (John 14:1, 27). What does he say to calm their fears (John 14:15-18)?
How do the titles Counselor and Spirit of Truth (John 14:16-17) help us understand the nature of the One who is with us?
Jesus promises that our relationship with the Spirit will be both permanent (John 14:16) and intimate (John 14:17). How can this encourage us when we feel abandoned by God?
Jesus promised not to leave us as orphans but to continue with us through the Holy Spirit (John 14:18). How can our daily concerns either dull or awaken our sense of the Lord's presence?
According to John 14:21-24, how do we show our love to Jesus, and how does he show his love to us (see also John 14:15)?
In the midst of anxiety Jesus promises peace (John 14:27). What ministries of the Holy Spirit bring peace to Jesus' followers (John 14:25-27)?
How have you experienced these ministries of the Spirit?
What differences do you see in this chapter between the peace of Jesus and that of the world?
Christians believe that God is Trinity-Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Based on this passage, how would you describe the relationship between Jesus, the Father and Holy Spirit?
Throughout this passage, Jesus emphasizes the importance of keeping his commands (John 14:15-16, 21, 23). How does your desire to know Christ better motivate you to obey him?
14:15-16 Jesus was soon going to leave the disciples, but he would remain with them. How could this be? The Counselor-the Spirit of God himself-would come after Jesus was gone to care for and guide the disciples. The regenerating power of the Spirit came on the disciples just before Jesus' ascension (John 20:22), and the Spirit was poured out on all the believers at Pentecost (Acts 2), shortly after Jesus ascended to heaven. The Holy Spirit is the very presence of God within us and all believers, helping us live as God wants and building Christ's church on earth. By faith we can appropriate the Spirit's power each day.
14:16 The word translated Counselor combines the ideas of comfort and counsel. The Holy Spirit is a powerful person on our side, working for and with us.
John 14:17ff
14:17ff The following chapters teach these truths about the Holy Spirit: he will be with us forever (John 14:16); the world at large cannot accept him (John 14:17); he lives with us and in us (John 14:17); he teaches us (John 14:26); he reminds us of Jesus' words (John 14:26; John 15:26); he convicts us of sin, shows us God's righteousness, and announces God's judgment on evil (John 16:8); he guides into truth and gives insight into future events (John 16:13); he brings glory to Christ (John 16:14). The Holy Spirit has been active among people from the beginning of time, but after Pentecost (Acts 2) he came to live in all believers. Many people are unaware of the Holy Spirit's activities, but to those who hear Christ's words and understand the Spirit's power, the Spirit gives a whole new way to look at life.
John 14:18
14:18 When Jesus said, "I will come to you," he meant it. Although Jesus ascended to heaven, he sent the Holy Spirit to live in believers, and to have the Holy Spirit is to have Jesus himself.
John 14:19-21
14:19-21 Sometimes people wish they knew the future so they could prepare for it. God has chosen not to give us this knowledge. He alone knows what will happen, but he tells us all we need to know to prepare for the future. When we live by his standards, he will not leave us; he will come to us, he will be in us, and he will show himself to us. God knows what will happen and, because he will be with us through it all, we need not fear. We don't have to know the future to have faith in God; we have to have faith in God to be secure about the future.
14:21 Jesus said that his followers show their love for him by obeying him. Love is more than lovely words; it is commitment and conduct. If you love Christ, then prove it by obeying what he says in his Word.
John 14:22-23
14:22-23 Because the disciples were still expecting Jesus to establish an earthly kingdom and overthrow Rome, they found it hard to understand why he did not tell the world at large that he was the Messiah. Not everyone, however, could understand Jesus' message. Ever since Pentecost, the gospel of the kingdom has been proclaimed in the whole world, and yet not everyone is receptive to it. Jesus saves the deepest revelations of himself for those who love and obey him.
John 14:26
14:26 Jesus promised the disciples that the Holy Spirit would help them remember what he had been teaching them. This promise ensures the validity of the New Testament. The disciples were eyewitnesses of Jesus' life and teachings, and the Holy Spirit helped them remember without taking away their individual perspectives. We can be confident that the Gospels are accurate records of what Jesus taught and did (see 1 Cor. 2:10-14). The Holy Spirit can help us in the same way. As we study the Bible, we can trust him to plant truth in our mind, convince us of God's will, and remind us when we stray from it.
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