#25 – Knowing God Better – John 16

The last lesson was about Jesus giving the disciples some really tough news: They would be persecuted also.

In this chapter we’ll see that they won’t be on their own! Life and difficulties are not going to be solely on their shoulders.

Isn’t that great news? We can handle difficulties. What’s awful is when we have to be all alone! And figure everything out on our own.

But this never needs to be the case for us. This chapter explains why.

Jesus is telling them that he is going away (back to the Father), but he will send them “the Advocate.” (John 16:7)

Jesus primarily refers to the Holy Spirit as “the Spirit of truth.”

Q – Look at the following verses. After Jesus’ resurrection, what will the Spirit of truth do for the disciples?
A –

13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.
He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard.
He will tell you about the future.
14 He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me.
…The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.

I picture the Holy Spirit as somewhat of a coach. “Ok, guys, here’s the plan. He’s what you need to know… He’s what I need to fill you in on.”

Sometimes when I’m in a situation, I’ll get out my Bible and a piece of paper. At the top of the paper I’ll write a brief description of what’s going on in my life. Then I’ll write, “God, what would you like me to know about you pertaining to this situation? How do you want me to trust you? What would you like me to know?”

God always seems to answer that prayer. I want to trust him. I want him to tell me whatever perspective I need. Correct my thinking, my motives, my understanding of life. And show me what about himself that I need to know, to trust him better.

This is what the Holy Spirit does for us. He is the Spirit of truth.

Q – Why can we ask God to do this for us? (see verses below)
A –

27 for the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God.

also

you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. 24 You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.

I’m not saying that we get to go through Scripture and pick out what we want to believe God will do for us. I’m not talking about the situation or the end result. We don’t dictate to God.

Instead, the prayer that I’ve seen God faithfully answer is this one: what about You do you want me to know and rely on?

No matter what’s going on in our lives, Jesus says that he is able to give us peace. And I believe that happens as we choose to trust him.

Here’s how Jesus wraps up his comments about his leaving, their future suffering, the Holy Spirit guiding them into truth…

33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

Q – As you read Jesus’ statements, what does the world give us? And what does Jesus give us? (see verse 33 above)
A –

Q – Which is more powerful (the world or Jesus)?
A –

I heard someone once say, “When the world seems to be falling apart around us, Jesus can keep us together, because he has overcome the world.” I’ve found that to be true.

Next study is in John 17….an awesome chapter!! We get to hear Jesus pray to his Father. We get to see what’s on his heart and what’s important to him.

(By the way, if you have questions about prayer – which prayers God answers, here’s an article that might help: www.everystudent.com/wires/how-to-pray.html)

Any questions, here you go: www.everystudent.com/contact.php

Sincerely,

Marilyn Adamson
director of EveryStudent.com
and StartingwithGod.com