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May 25, 2003 - John 14:15-31

Open It

1. What people, things, or experiences in life bring you comfort and peace of mind?

2. What relationship in life brings you the most satisfaction? Why?

Explore It

3. What did Jesus say His disciples would do if they loved Him? (14:15)

4. What did Jesus say He would ask God to give His disciples? (14:16)

5. Why could the world not accept the Spirit of Truth? (14:17)

6. What did Jesus promise the disciples? (14:18)

7. Why did Jesus tell His disciples that they would live? (14:19)

8. How is Jesus related to the Father and to His disciples? (14:20)

9. What is the result of obeying Jesus' commands and loving Him? (14:21-23)

10. What did Jesus say the Counselor would do? (14:25-26)

11. What did Jesus leave with His disciples? (14:27)

12. Why were the disciples to be glad that Jesus was leaving them? (14:28)

13. Why did Jesus tell His disciples about the future? (14:29)

14. Why did Jesus say He wouldn't speak much longer? (14:30)

15. What did Jesus intend to show the world? (14:31)

Get It

16. How can we show Jesus that we love Him?

17. What are the commands of Jesus that we should obey?

18. How are we taught by the Holy Spirit?

19. When have you been comforted by the Holy Spirit?

20. What is the peace that Jesus has given us?

21. How can we experience the peace Jesus has given us?

22. What concerns trouble you or cause you to fear?

23. How should we deal with the fear in our lives?

24. What example has Jesus set for us in His relationship with God?

Apply It

25. In what specific way can you show Jesus that you love Him today?

26. What can you do today to experience and enjoy the peace Jesus has given you?

27. For what troubling problem or fear do you need to seek help from God to overcome?

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 Holy Spirit is the very presence of God within us and all believers.

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.

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.

The end result of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives is deep and lasting peace. Unlike worldly peace, which is usually defined as the absence of conflict, this peace is confident assurance in any circumstance; with Christ's peace, we have no need to fear the present or the future. If your life is full of stress, allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with Christ's peace (see Phil. 4:6-7 for more on experiencing God's peace).

Sin, fear, uncertainty, doubt, and numerous other forces are at war within us. The peace of God moves into our hearts and lives to restrain these hostile forces and offer comfort in place of conflict.

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