A study of John 16:1-7 reveals Jesus speaking about the disciples’ future, a reminder of where Jesus is going, and the advantage of him leaving and the Helper arriving.
A study of John 16:1-7 reveals Jesus speaking about the disciples’ future.
I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. (ESV, John 16:1-2)
Jesus just told his disciples what to expect when he is gone. Hate and persecution from the world. The advanced notice was so they didn’t fall away when it happened. The Greek word for “fall away” is skandalizō, which means to trip up, fall away, stumble, or lead into ruin. In other words, he tells the disciples God is not punishing or abandoning you when you experience hate and persecution. So don’t leave your faith. Instead, expect and endure what will come. And the same truth applies today.
Furthermore, they would be put out of the synagogue, which is the Greek word apŏsunagōgŏs. To be put out of the synagogue meant both religious and social ostracization because the synagogue was such an intregal part of Jewish life. The very threat of it was a powerful form of control by the religious leaders. In John 9:22 the Jews agreed to put out of the synagogue anyone who acknowledged Jesus was the Christ. And John 12:42 says there were Jewish leaders who believed in Jesus that wouldn’t openly confess him for the same reason.
Violence against people you disagree with.
Finally, Jesus tells his disciples some people who believe they are serving God will even try to kill them. Sound familiar? The Jewish religious leaders wanted to kill Jesus because he was a threat to them. And they finally succeeded by enciting a crowd to clamor for his crucifixion. God allowed it because it was part of his redemptive plan for humanity.
Today, we still wonder why people will kill and celebrate the death of others they simply disagree with. And Jesus provides the answer in V.3. Because they have not known the Father, nor me. Jesus repeats what he said in John 15:21. The Greek word for “to know” is oida and is not intellectual but relational knowledge. To know Jesus as personal savior and follow him as Lord. And followers of Jesus are instructed to read and obey his word, which forbids murder. So it is not an option for his disciples.
Religious service does not replace genuine faith.
The Greek word for “offer service” is latreian prospherein, which means religious service offered to God. It is an outward display of religious service and does not automatically mean a genuine faith and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Following a fanatical cause rather than a personal relationship with Jesus Christ can lead people into misplaced and even violent actions that are disconnected to God’s word.
The Apostle Paul is an example. He was originally Saul, a devout, Jewish zealot who activately persecuted the early church. But he was radically transformed into a powerful witness of the Gospel when Jesus personally appeared to him on the Road to Damascus. It is the power of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that makes the difference. Not fanatical behavior. Paul’s remarkable story appears in Acts 9:1–6, 22:3–5; 26:9–11, and 1 Timothy 1:13–16. And he demonstrates an important spiritual truth. You can be devout, sincere, and completely wrong if you reject Jesus Christ.
A study of John 16:1-7 reveals a reminder of where Jesus is going.
I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going? (ESV, John 16:4-5)
The disciples didn’t ask it, but the question was probably written on their faces. Why are you telling us all this? So Jesus explains. He is telling them everything to expect to prepare them for what is ahead. He didn’t talk about it before because he was with them and absorbed all the hostility from his enemies. But after he returns to the father, the hate and persecution that had targeted him will be directed at them. And he is preparing them for it.
The news of Jesus’ near departure probably weighed heavily on the disciples’ hearts. Along with many confusing thoughts. Jesus had mentioned his eventual return to the father on multiple, prior occasions. Peter asked him about it in John 13:36 as did Thomas in John 14:5. But this time they all remained quiet. And Jesus remarked on the absence of questions.
From our vantage point today, we know the future Jesus is discussing. He’s about to be crucified and raised from the dead. Then he’ll ascend to the father, send the Holy Spirit in his place, and the New Testament church is born. This is good news for us today and might have been for the disciples too if they fully understood what Jesus was telling them. But they didn’t at the moment. And maybe they didn’t ask any questions because they didn’t want to hear more bad news.
A study of John 16:1-7 reveals the advantage of Jesus leaving and the Helper arriving.
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. (ESV, John 16:7)
Jesus explains that his leaving presents an advantage because he will send them the Helper in his place. The Greek word for “advantage” is sympherei, which means for your benefit or advantage. And likely didn’t provide any comfort since they had no idea who Jesus was talking about. The Greek word for “Helper” is paraklētos, which meansone called alongside to help, strengthen, advocate, and comfort. Who we know as the third person of the trinity–the Holy Spirit.
The Spirit continues the work of Christ as he indwells believers as witnesses, multiplies churches, and sends out missionaries to proclaim the gospel. In his human form Jesus worked within the limitation of time and place. But the Spirit works as the omniscient and omnipresent God who empowers believers individually as disciples and mobilizes them collectively as the church.
The point Jesus made to the disciples is he was not leaving his ministry undone. And they should not feel defeated or abandoned. He had prepared them to carry his ministry forward and would empower them though the Holy Spirit. As he still does today.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Is your Church small group tethered to Sermon-based study guides?
Break free with this one! Teaching content is built into the daily studies and a weekly study guide equips small group leaders for engaging group discussions. Dive deep into scripture but with practical application.
A study of John 15:1-6 reveals that God removes and prunes branches, bearing fruit requires abiding in Christ, and apart from Christ we can do nothing.
A study of John 15:1-6 reveals that God removes and prunes branches.
Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. (ESV, John 15:2)
Jesus uses the practice of pruning branches in caring for a vineyard to make a spiritual analogy. But the idea goes back even further in scripture. Isaiah 5:1-7, Jeremiah 2:21, Micah 7:1, and Hosea 9:10 all refer to Israel as the vine or vineyard of God that is intended to bear fruit. And the spiritual lesson Jesus is teaching still makes sense today.
We cut back fruit bearing trees to promote health and increase its fruit crop. Dead branches are removed. As are less healthy limbs that consume nutrients but produce little or no fruit. Even healthy branches are pruned so that nutrients are more efficiently distributed and the branches produce more and better fruit.
In V.1, Jesus is the vine and the Father is the gardener. The disciples are implied as branches although not specifically named. But the message is clear. Branches, and therefore disciples, are expected to bear fruit. And the father cuts off branches that don’t bear fruit. This suggests people who outwardly appear as disciples, but have never made a genuine commitment to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. At the final judgment, those who are not genuine followers of Jesus will be separated from true followers.
Why is pruning necessary?
However, even disciples as healthy branches are pruned. Why? So we produce more fruit. The Greek word translated “to prune” is kathairō, which means to clean or purify. Since we still sin, we need ongoing purification to promote holiness and righteousness. And God uses circumstances to spiritually discipline us to promote spiritual growth. We’re moved toward conviction and confession of sin, regular spiritual practices, and visible godly character.
For the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, goodness and self-control (ESV, Galatians 5:22-23)
Here’s how the writer of Hebrews describes it.
My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. (ESV, Hebrews 12:5-6)
A study of John 15:1-6 reveals that fruit bearing requires abiding in Christ.
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. (ESV, John 15:4)
The Greek word for “abide” is meno, which means to stay in a place, to stand against opposition, to hold out, stand fast, remain, and endure. It conveys an ongoing, vital, and dependent communion. And may include standing fast against opposing forces. In other words, abiding in Christ does not always mean sunny days and warm fuzzies. But enduring faithfully in both good and bad times.
What does abiding in Christ look like?
Jesus says we’re to abide in him as he abides in us. But it doesn’t work the same. Jesus abides in his disciples through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Among other things, the Spirit convicts us of sin, purifies us toward holiness, illuminates and teaches us truth, and provides comfort.
But how do we as disciples abide in Christ?
In a personal relationship: It starts when we confess and repent of our sin and ask Jesus for forgiveness.
In worship: That glorifies and magnifies an Almighty God.
In his word: Reading and studying the Bible to grasp its truth and apply it to our lives.
In prayer: Presenting our needs to him, but also interceding for others, and seeking God’s will.
In obedience: As we understand and obediently live out God’s word we produce fruit that glorifies God.
In community: As we walk with other believers in support, encouragement, and accountability.
A study of John 15:1-6 reveals that apart from Christ we can do nothing.
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (ESV, John 15:5)
Discipleship has been metaphorically implied up to this point. But now, in V.5, Jesus personalizes it. He is the vine and the disciples are the branches. Furthermore, in V.5 Jesus essentially repeats what he says in V.4, but with different wording that takes a negative tone. In V.4, Jesus tells the disciples they can’t bear fruit by themselves, but only if they abide in him. And in V.5 he rephrases the sentence to say that disciples who abide in him will bear much fruit, but without him, they can do nothing. Both verses say the same thing in different ways. Fruit or no fruit depends on whether disciples do or don’t remain in Jesus.
Discipleship and disciple-making are God’s methods for building spiritual maturity and the kingdom of God. They don’t happen by attending church and making charitable donations. Or by following rules and checking off a list of good works. But an ongoing, vibrant relationship with Christ through the presence of the Holy Spirit.
The Apostle Paul further supports this in Philippians.
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (ESV, Philippians 1:6)
So that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (ESV, Philippians 1:10-11)
There is both a goal and an end game in abiding in Christ. The goal is to imitate Jesus who sought to obey and glorify the father. And while Jesus was sinless and we are not, we should still strive to follow his example of obedience in a life of fruitful righteousness. And when we meet Jesus the end game is heaven. Eternity with him and all the other disciples who preceded us.
It is also important to note that discipleship is not done in isolation, but in community. As disciples, we find encouragement, support, and accountability as we walk in faith with other disciples who follow Jesus Christ.
Is your Church small group tethered to Sermon-based study guides?
Break free with this one! Teaching content is built into the daily studies and a weekly study guide equips small group leaders for engaging group discussions. Dive deep into scripture but with practical application.
Three benefits of daily Bible reading include a mind reset, the Spirit illuminating truth, and a recall for spiritual support.
If you are a disciple of Jesus Christ seeking to walk in personal discipleship, I highly encourage this practice. Read and meditate on the Bible daily. Preferably, first thing in the morning. And maintain a journal to record reflective thoughts. Sounds primitive, I know. No flash or dazzle. Bells or whistles. Just slightly advanced beyond caveman drawings. But stick with it consistently for these three remarkable benefits.
Three benefits of daily Bible reading. It resets your mind.
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
Our minds fill daily with junk. A hodgepodge of negative and sinful thoughts. They romp and play in frivolous mind games, tempt and deceive, and ultimately manifest in negative, sinful talk and behavior. And the worst thing to tell yourself is you’re NOT going to think about them. It’s an automatic guarantee that you will. But the Bible is God’s living and active word. And reading it first thing in the morning resets your mind. Not like a spiritual sanitizer that cleanses sinful thoughts. That requires confessing sin and asking God’s forgiveness. But when you fill your mind with God’s word it replaces other thoughts.
Junk thoughts will return, of course, because sin is relentless. And why daily Bible reading is so important. Because the more God’s word is active in your mind, the more it counteracts and resists the sinful thoughts that drag you down. It’s not magical ot an absolute failsafe. But it has a positive, godly impact over time. Think of it as a spiritual guardrail and not a guarantee.
Three benefits of daily Bible reading. The Spirit illuminates truth.
However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come. He will glorify Me by taking from what is Mine and disclosing it to you. (ESV, John 16:13-14)
When you read and meditate on God’s Word, the Holy Spirit, who is in you, will disclose its truth. He enlightens your understanding, convicts you of sin, counsels you in decisions, and provides wisdom in godly actions. That doesn’t mean every daily reading includes eureka moments. Nor does it eliminate other spiritual growth pursuits like podcasts, online sermons, and group Bible study with other believers. But when you regularly read God’s word and open the eyes of your heart, God will speak to you in a clear, unmistakeable manner.
Keep in mind there is no such thing as your truth and someone else’s truth. Only the truth of God. But how he leads you to apply it may be different than how he leads someone else. Furthermore, it doesn’t mean you don’t still need pastoral guidance or advice from other trusted believers. But that God’s word should be your first stop for seeking his will.
Three benefits of regular Bible reading. A recall for spiritual support.
And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say. (ESV, Luke 12:11-12).
The more you put God’s word in your mind, the more he brings it to mind for your spiritual support and for his glory. I’ve engage in spiritual conversations with others and struggled for what to say, when suddenly a Bible verse, story. or encouraging words pop into my mind appropriate to the occasion.
The same thing has happened as I’ve wrestled with problems. As you consistently memorize, read, and meditate on God’s Word, God’s Spirit often prompts you to recall an appropriate verse, story, or teaching right when you need it.
Perhaps for yourself. Or for someone else.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Is your Church small group tethered to Sermon-based study guides?
Break free with this one! Teaching content is built into the daily studies and a weekly study guide equips small group leaders for engaging group discussions. Dive deep into scripture but with practical application.
A study of John 14:1-11 reveals Jesus presenting an eternal perspective, his exclusive claim on eternal life, and the divine distinction between father and son.
A study of John 14:1-11 reveals Jesus presenting an eternal perspective.
In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. (ESV, John 14:2-3)
Jesus delivered troubling news to the disciples during the Passover meal. One of them would betray him, he was leaving soon and they couldn’t follow him until later, and Peter would deny him three times before the morning rooster crowed. It was a lot to take in and you can imagine the concern and confusion they felt. Jesus offers reassurance by telling them to believe in him.
The Greek word for “believe” is pistĕuō, which also means trust. Simple to say but hard to do when you are emotionally upset. It reminds us today that we don’t have to figure things out when we’re frightened, confused and uncertain. But can trust God because he has everything under control. Then Jesus makes a statement that remains a cherished promise for Christ-followers today.
The promise of a forever home
Jesus was returning to his father’s many roomed house where he would prepare a place for the disciples and return to take them to it. The Greek word for “rooms” is monai, which literally means a place to stay. And it’s used again in V.23 for “home.”
If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
And its use in V.23 suggests not just a place, but God’s presence. In other words, heaven is more than a perfect paradise of beauty and splendor that we call our forever home. It’s where we abide with God.
This promise frames a believer’s worldview with the most powerful concept on earth. The hope of eternal life with Christ. Rather than a hopeless nothingness at the end of this life, believers anticipate a life that extends forever. Therefore, all of life’s circumstances and experiences, both good and bad, are measured within an unending time frame. And it lowers their level of importance and ultimate impact on us because our eternal wellbeing is secure.
A study of John 14:1-11 reveals Jesus making an exclusive claim on eternal life.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (ESV, John 14:6)
Critics of Christianity call it intolerant because of its exclusive claim. With so many religions in the world how can it be right and the rest wrong? And the answer is Christians don’t make the claim. Jesus did. He begins with “I am” the Greek word Egō eimi, which is his self-identification as God. The same way God identified himself to Moses when he spoke to him from the burning bush.
God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.” (ESV, Exodus 3:14)
You can accept or reject Jesus’ claim. But you shouldn’t ignore it. He is the way. Not a trail blazer who shows us the path to follow. But the one we submit to in confession and repentance as we seek his forgiveness for our sins. He is the truth. The supreme revelation of the father and whose words and actions completely represent the father’s words and actions. And the life. God’s Son who defeated death through his resurrection and possesses eternal life in himself.
A study of John 14:1-11 reveals the divine distinction between father and son.
Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” (ESV, John 14:1)
Philip was either not present, not listening, or forgot what Jesus said in John 10:30: I and the father are one. He still doesn’t understand Jesus’ relationship with the father even though Jesus addressed it in earlier chapters. In Philip’s defense, theological teaching on the trinity was not present in Judaism. It was introduced when Jesus was baptized in Matthew 3:16-17.
So Jesus gently rebukes Philip and reviews what he said before. Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the father.” And then he follows with, “Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?”
Jesus does not say he IS the father, but that he reveals the father. And yet, Jesus is in the father and the father in him. He makes a distinction between father and son, but affirms there is only one God. How do we explain it? By recognizing that God exists in three distinct persons–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit who equally share one divine essence.
It is a truth that is difficult for us to comprehend, but that we believe on faith..
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Is your Church small group tethered to Sermon-based study guides?
Break free with this one! Teaching content is built into the daily studies and a weekly study guide equips small group leaders for engaging group discussions. Dive deep into scripture but with practical application.
A study of John 13:28-38 reveals the glory of God, a new commandment given by Jesus, and the good intentions of Peter.
A Study of John 13:31-38 reveals the glory of God.
Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. (ESV, John 13:31-32)
After Judas leaves the Passover meal, Jesus addresses the other disciples. And starting in V.31, he begins the first part of his Farewell Discourse that extends to 14:31. It unfolds what is about to happen regarding his betrayal, arrest, trial, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. In other words, he prepares his disciples for what is ahead. Life without him.
The Glory of God
There’s a lot of glorifying going on in one sentence. As both fully human and fully God, Jesus uses the title “Son of Man” to affirm his humanity. But it is about to end with his willing sacrifice on a cross that reveals his divine glory. An act of complete obedience that glorifies the father. And then he’ll return to the father in his eternal glory. At the same time, Jesus’ death on the cross demonstrates the father’s love for humanity and how much he will sacrifice to redeem humanity from sin. The Apostle Paul further supports this idea.
And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (ESV, Philippians 2:8-11)
A Study of John 13:31-38 reveals a new commandment given by Jesus.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (ESV, John 13:34-35)
Time is short and Jesus repeats something similar to what he told the Jews in 7:33-34. They would seek him, but where he was going they could not come. Notice that in 7:34 Jesus told the Jews they would seek him, but not find him. But in 13:33, he leaves out the “not find him.” Why? Because then as now, true believers will always find Jesus through the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Next Jesus declares a new commandment. To love one another so people know they are his disciples. And it remains today the expression that makes Christ-followers visibly distinct. However, this love is not the emotional feeling that characterizes western culture. The Greek word used for “love” in this passage is agapē and is not primarily an emotion, attraction, or feeling. But instead, represents a self-giving, sacrificial commitment that seeks the good of another according to God’s truth. It is not based on human affections but follows the example of Christ’s love. The one Jesus himself demonstrated toward the disciples. However, it’s not a new commandment like God had never said anything like it before.
You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. (ESV, Leviticus 19:18)
In other words, Christian love now goes beyond love for neighbor as yourself, but is love patterned after Christ himself.
A Study of John 13:31-38 reveals the good intentions of Peter.
Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” (ESV, John 13:36-37)
Peter presses Jesus further about where he is going and Jesus amends his earlier statement. Peter can’t follow him now, but will follow him later. It is the promise that we also share. Believers in Jesus who are faithful disciples will also follow him into heaven when life on earth ends.
Then Peter, the impulsive disciple, expresses his good intentions like many of us today. Confident we will stand by Jesus no matter what. Peter insists he will lay down his life for Jesus. To which Jesus predicts Peter will deny him three times before the rooster crows in the morning. Of course, we know how this plays out. And it reminds us that good intentions are not enough. Faith involves both perseverance and courage as we face fears, testing, and trials. But find guidance in God’s Word, strength through prayer, and confidence in the hope of eternal life.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Is your Church small group tethered to Sermon-based study guides?
Break free with this one! Teaching content is built into the daily studies and a weekly study guide equips small group leaders for engaging group discussions. Dive deep into scripture but with practical application.
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