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.
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.
Philippians 2:12-18 discusses what it means to be a proactive disciple of Jesus Christ, what motivates disciples, and the key to faithful discipleship.
Discipleship requires balance. Because on one side it invites God’s Spirit to work within you. And letting him transform you from the inside out. However, on the other, it’s engaging in spiritual disciplines like prayer and Bible Study. And striving to apply God’s truth to your life. But leaning too much either way causes trouble.
REFLECT AND RECORD
Describe the discipleship balance in your spiritual life. What does out of balance look like? What does a healthy balance look like? How balanced are you at the moment?
V. 12 work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,
At the start of chapter one in Philippians, Paul calls his audience “saints.” Which means they have all responded to the Gospel and are followers of Jesus. And in many of his other writings, Paul teaches that salvation is by grace. It is not earned or deserved. Is he saying something different here?
No. The Greek word for “work out” is katergázomai and means to overcome, work at, prepare and equip. So Paul’s not saying work FOR your salvation. He’s telling the Philippians not to put their spiritual life on cruise control. Sit back, let the Holy Spirit guide you, and enjoy the ride. But that disciples should actively participate in their own spiritual growth.
Philippians 2:12-18 Discusses The Motivation That Promotes Discipleship
V. 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Even though discipleship involves a personal effort on your part, it shouldn’t be a drudgery. A list of religious duties you perform or else you feel guilty you’re not a “good Christian.” It’s focusing your activities on things that please God because you want to. Like a child doing things to please his parents. Or you wanting to please a spouse or other loved one.
Jesus did this too. In Matthew 3:17, following Jesus’ baptism, God spoke from heaven and said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
And the Greek word for “well pleased” is eudokéō–the same one used here for “good pleasure.” Did Jesus need to be baptized? No. Because he was without sin. But he did so as an act of obedience. In order to please his Heavenly father. It is this desire that should motivate Christ-followers today.
If following Jesus feels like a burden to you, perhaps you should ask yourself why?
Philippians 2:12-18 Reveals The Key To Faithful Discipleship
V. 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain
The Greek for “word” is lŏgŏs and generally indicates something said. In Jewish thought the sayings of God were of great importance. And in John 1:1, lŏgŏs is used to describe Jesus Christ as the living Word of God. Which represents the entire theme in the Gospel of John.
And while we absolutely should cling to Jesus as disciples, the context in this passage suggests Paul means the word relating to the truth of the gospel, rather than specifically Jesus. In other words, hold on to the words of the gospel as your source of truth and spiritual nourishment.
This encouragement is especially true for disciples of Jesus today. We are bombarded with competing voices, messages, and talking points from all directions. How do we identify what is false? By knowing and holding on to God’s truth revealed in scripture.
This is how you stay the course and run the race to the glory of God.
Join me next week in a study of Philippians 2:19-24.
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A Christian disciple is a follower of Jesus Christ. Someone who embraces His teachings and imitates His life.
But what does that actually look like in today’s world?
Although not a complete list, here are five distinctions in a Christian disciple of Jesus.
A Christian Disciple Pursues a Growing Personal Relationship with Jesus Christ
Discipleship is not static. Accept Jesus Christ as Savior and join the heavenly “in” crowd. Rather, it’s growing and dynamic. And actively pursues an ongoing, deepening relationship with Christ.
A disciple’s life visibly displays the presence of Jesus.
Although they aren’t perfect and still fail sinfully at times. But they press forward through repentance on a spiritual journey of transformation.
They favor relationships over religious practices. And in those relationships, the fruit of God’s Spirit is evident in their lives.
A Christian Disciple is Devoted to Prayer and Studying God’s Word Personally and in Community
A disciple desires to know God, understand His word and enjoys hanging out with His people.
They invest time in prayer, studying God’s Word and building mutually accountable, supportive relationships with other Christ followers. Not have to. Want to.
As a result, disciples grow in personal convictions that govern a Godly life more than religious rules.
A Christian Disciple Regularly Worships with Other Followers of Jesus Christ
Disciples approach worship as a delight, not a duty. A family celebration as children of God.
Because through worship, disciples are spiritually energized as they express praise to God as a community of faith.
For in Christ, disciples find their true identity, purpose and meaning. They acknowledge their human weakness, dependence on God and one another.
And in so doing, form a resilient network through the power of God’s Spirit and a vibrant community of faith.
A Christian Disciple Embraces a Lifestyle of Serving
Jesus personally demonstrated to his disciples what it means to serve by washing their feet during the last supper. And then offered His life as the ultimate sacrifice.
His words and example were consistent. His expectations clear. Jesus calls disciples to serve others. Both individually and corporately as Christ-followers.
Therefore, disciples serve willingly, joyfully and indiscriminately. Without expecting gratitude. As an expression of their love for Christ. Knowing that to serve others is to serve Jesus.
A Christian Disciple Engages in Making Other Disciples
It was Jesus’ last instruction to his disciples—Go and make disciples. In other words, disciples are to engage others in following Jesus. In discipleship.
It’s not an option. It’s a divine mission.
Therefore, disciples make their faith public rather than private. They use their abilities and influence to advance God’s Kingdom.
And they understand that discipleship is a process. Often messy, with everyone on a different journey.
But they invite all to join. And speak into their lives through prayer, encouragement, insights from scripture and personal stories.
Since Christian disciples follow Biblical teachings, they live contrary to modern culture. And yet, paradoxically, by refreshing others, they in turn, are refreshed.
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