The Privilege of Faith

Intro

Grayson example of school.

Jesus was leaving.

One of the disciples was a traitor.

Peter was going to deny them.

What is my first resort when I am lost and confused?

Setup

John 14:1–6 NLT

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

Main Text

The Privilege of Prayer - John 14:12-14

Prayer is the breath of faith.

John 14:12 NLT

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.

Greater does not mean better.

Example of lifting something.

John 13:16 NLT

I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message.

The fact that ordinary people like you and me are the vehicles for the Gospel brings even more glory to God.

Philippians 2:13 NLT

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

John 14:13–14 NLT

You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!

To pray in “His name” means to pray for His glory, asking for whatever He would desire.

To know God’s name means to know His nature and want He wants to do.

John 16:23–24 NLT

At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.

When we fix our gaze to heaven and pray in His name, we gain a greater perspective.

We must pray in faith, pray in Christ’s name, and in loving obedience.

The Privilege of the Holy Spirit - John 14:15-26

John 14:15–16 NLT

“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.

“The one standing alongside to help you that is just like me.”

How often do we live this way?

The Holy Spirit does not work instead of us, or in spite of us, but in us and through us.

John 14:17 NLT

He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.

The world cannot receive the Spirit because He comes in response to faith.

John 14:18 NLT

No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.

Orphans means comfortless.

Jesus is ensuring the disciples that they will not walk alone.

Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Romans 5:5 NLT

And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

John 14:21 NLT

Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”

Little faith will take your soul to heaven, but great faith will bring heaven to your soul.

Charles Spurgeon

John 14:26 NLT

But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

The privilege of the Holy Spirit is communion with God.

We should live in such a way that displays our connection with the Holy Spirit.

The Privilege of Peace - John 14:27

John 14:27 NLT

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

When you enjoy God’s peace, there is joy and contentment.

God’s peace is not based on resources, but on relationship.

Romans 5:1 NLT

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.

To be made right with God means to enjoy the peace with God.

Philippians 4:6–7 NLT

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

We enjoy peace in spite of trials because of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

Closing

Jesus comforts us with privilege.