John 16:1-15

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The Coming Ministry of the Holy Spirit

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, and righteousness and judgment.

  2. The Holy Spirit guides the believer into truth.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Let’s thank the Lord for hiding certain facts from us.

  2. Let’s thank the Lord for revealing certain facts to us.

QUESTIONS

  1. What is meant by “these things” in John 16:1?

  2. When did persecution of the Christians take place?

  3. Why do people persecute Christians?

  4. Why was it advantageous for the Lord Jesus to leave?

  5. What did Jesus say that the Holy Spirit would do when He cam?

  6. How did the Holy Spirit guide the apostles into truth? How does He guide believers today?

ANSWERS

  1. The things spoken of at the end of Chapter 15, specifically the persecution and hate they would experience from the world.

  2. It was taking place by the time John wrote this gospel in about 85 A.D. The Jewish Christians were ostracized from the synagogue. Paul, before he was converted, was on his way to Damascus to kill Christians (see Acts 26:9-11). The Roman persecutions had begun in A.D. 64 when Nero blamed the Christians for the fire in Rome. These words can be applied today as well. There are myriad persecutions of Christians going on throughout the world today.

  3. Because they do not know God.

  4. So the Holy Spirit would come. If the Lord were here on this earth, even in His resurrected or glorified body, He would be localized in one place at a time. The Holy Spirit indwells every believer wherever He is.

  5. “He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” John 16:8

  6. He guided the writers of the Scriptures, in inspiration. This promise is for believers today as the Holy Spirit illuminates the Scriptures.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Do you fully realize the promise that the Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth?

  2. Are you thankful that the Lord has hidden certain facts from you?

  3. Are you trusting the Lord for His help and strength when you need it? See Hebrews 4:16.

CHALLENGE

  1. Are you thankful for the facts that the Lord has revealed to you? List some of these facts, particularly in light of persecutions, sufferings and man-made disasters.

KEY VERSES

  • “These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble.” John 16:1

  • “And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” John 16:8

  • “…When the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth…” John 16:13



John, Talks, New TestamentDeb HarmsJohn 16:1-15