Primary Texts: John 15:26-16:33
Memory Verses “Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:32-33
Introduction:
Persecution and rejection is natural for the dedicated follower of Jesus Christ. If the world rejected the Messiah, and put Him to death through a tortuous crucifixion, why would any of us expect to be accepted and honored by evil men? The Christian must decide to stand up for Christ and uphold righteousness, not because it is the easy way, but because it is the right way.
To make the world’s cruelty bearable, Jesus promised to send the divine Strengthener. The Holy Spirit is essential for many reasons. In the portion of Scripture covered in this lesson, Jesus shared important insights with His disciples that established their need for the Comforter’s ministry.
The first need for the Holy Spirit is due to the spiritual darkness covering the world. Because men’s deeds are evil, and because their hearts are darkened by sin, they hate and reject God. Those who follow Christ need the joy and peace of the Holy Spirit that we can simply maintain our spiritual victory when we’re persecuted. Those of us currently in the free world suffer comparatively superficial persecution compared to those for whom faith in Christ means imprisonment, torture, or death.
The second mission of the Holy Spirit is to confront the ungodly to: (1) convict them of sin and the need of a Savior; (2) convince them of God’s true spiritual, moral absolutes, showing the world the necessity of perfect standards; and (3) warn of God’s condemnation upon sin and unrighteous living. This living Agent, breathed into the gospel message, is what brings men to salvation.
Another purpose of the Holy Spirit is to plainly teach the full applications of God’s Word to Christ’s followers. Without the regeneration of the Spirit, there is no way that we could perceive and understand divine truth. That we need the Holy Spirit is a gross understatement. Lord, grant us Your Spirit!
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- How did Jesus’ warnings about future persecution help His disciples? John 16:1-4
- Discuss why Jesus waited until He was near His crucifixion to tell the disciples about the persecution they would face. John 16:4
- Why was it necessary for Jesus to leave His disciples? John 16:5-7; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Luke 22:37; Galatians 3:13-14
- How does the Holy Spirit affect mankind? John 16:7-15; 14:26; 15:26; Romans 8:26; 15:13
- How does the example of childbirth explain the heart of the Gospel message? John 16:20-22
- Why is “the name of Jesus” used when praying to God, the Father? John 14:13-14, 16:26; Romans 8:34; Colossians 3:17; Hebrews 7:25
- What effect should trials and persecutions have on the believer? John 16:31-33; Romans 8:35-39