Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. John 16:7
I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 16:1-15, where the text returns to the Holy Spirit as Jesus seeks to prepare the disciples for His pending crucifixion and their persecution as they follow in His footsteps to share the gospel. This preparation is simultaneously unsettling and comforting. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: V1 is a transitional statement as Jesus knows that while the disciples will face momentary lapses of faith (we all do), He knows the remaining ones (all but Judas) will remain faithful to the mission He lays out before them. There will be persecution and difficult times ahead, but if they remain in Him, and Him in them (John 15:1-10), if they love one another and remain unified (John 15:12-13, 17), and if they know the Holy Spirit (the Helper) will be with them (John 15:26), they will not fall away. V2-4, 12 lays the groundwork for Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and how the disciples’ will share in His suffering. The disciples are more equipped to hear some of this difficult message now at this point in the gospel. Yet, even now, God does not fully reveal Himself, as He only reveals Himself to us in ways that are intentional – God has a plan, His own timing, and both are perfect. V5-11, 13-15 expands on the coming of the Holy Spirit (the Helper) and by describing it as an encouragement and equal to God and the Father.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: In v1, we must see how people fall away – this of course does not mean if you truly abide in Him and Him in you that you can lose your salvation. However, it does mean that if you were never truly in Him and Him in you then you can fall away. This is both a warning and encouragement to know God and to build a relationship with Him. In vv5-7, Jesus states to the disciples that He is going back to the Father (the disciples don’t fully understand this, but they can grasp how He is leaving them), and then because He knows that this will be discouraging, and because He knows this will weaken their faith as they will be more prone to sinful behavior, He offers them the Helper as an “advantage” for them. In vv8-11 we see how those who do not believe in Jesus will face eternal condemnation. V12 emphasizes how God’s ways and thoughts are not like ours (Isaiah 55:8), so He only reveals to us based on His timing and how He seeks to equip us.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid falling away – abide in Him, and Him in you. Claim the promise of the Holy Spirit as the Helper that He provides to guide us into all the truth (v13). Follow the example of those who believe in Him and see the Helper as an equal person of the Triune God. Remember the Word of God – v4 – so that when we face persecution we can take comfort knowing that Jesus told us we would and that He provides the Helper to reassure us that He is still with us.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves, and give us the Holy Spirit to withstand hate and persecution. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such love and blessing. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
