[:en]SCRIPTURE: JOHN 16
“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come” (John 16:13)
“In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me” (John 16:16)
“Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete” (John 16:24)
“I have told you these things, so that in me, you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33)
Jesus warned His disciples that opposition would come from the religious people. But He will send the Spirit to help them witness to the world and glorify Christ.
THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (vs. 5-16)
- To convict the world in regard to sin because the world do not believe in Christ. They are guilty of the sin of unbelief (v. 9)
- To convict the world in regard to righteousness (v. 10). Christ was accused of being a lawbreaker, sinner and a counterfeit by the world. But the Father raised and received him back. It proves His Son’s righteousness against the world’s wickedness.
- To convict the world in regard to judgment (v. 11). The world crucified Christ on the cross. But Satan stands to be judged and condemned.
- To guide you into all truth (v. 13). The Holy Bible is the Word of God written by men inspired by the Holy Spirit. Reading His Word will guide us in all truth.
- To bring glory to Christ (v. 14). With the instruction of the Holy Spirit, Christians can live a life that can bring glory to Christ.
THE DISIPLES’ GRIEF WILL TURN TO JOY (vs. 17-33)
Jesus said: “In a little while, you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me” (v. 16). He told them of His death and resurrection. Because He died, they will no longer see Him anymore. But because He will be resurrected, they will meet Him again in heaven.
Christ compares the events of His sufferings to the birth of a child. “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come. But when her baby is born, she forgets the anguish because of the joy that a child is born into the world. Likewise, Jesus suffered pain, the disciples will weep and lament. But the sorrow was changed to joy when Christ arose.
When Christ returned to heaven, God will send the Spirit to assist them in prayer. They could ask for anything in His name and they will receive with complete joy.
The disciples finally understood what Jesus was talking and believed that He came from God (v. 30). And He assured them of His peace in spite of the trouble in this world because He had overcome the world.
LESSON:
- Jesus left this world but He sent the Counselor – the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of the believers. As Christians, we need the Spirit of God to guide us, to teach us how to live a life that can glorify Him.
- The Holy Spirit use the Word to convict our sin of unbelief
- The Holy Spirit guides us to walk in the path of righteousness.
- The Holy Spirit reminds us of the judgment if we follow Satan’s way.
- The Bible is the inspired Word of God. We need the Holy Spirit to enlighten us in all truth. Let us be willing to learn and live the Word.
- Today, we have sorrows and sufferings. But Christ had overcome the world and He promises to give us peace and complete joy if we follow Him.
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