The Comforter-Promised Outline

John 14:15–31 ESV

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me. “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.

Finding Peace in His Promise

Bible Passage: John 14:15–31

Summary: In this passage, Jesus reassures His disciples of His love and the promise of the Holy Spirit, providing comfort in the face of His impending departure. He emphasizes the importance of obedience and the peace that comes from His presence, despite the troubles of the world.

Application: This sermon can help Christians understand that during times of uncertainty and distress, they can lean on the promise of the Holy Spirit as their Comforter. It encourages them to maintain their connection with Christ through obedience, which further deepens their experience of peace.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that abiding in Christ through obedience leads to peace and comfort amidst life's difficulties. It highlights the significance of the Holy Spirit in providing guidance and support, assuring believers that they are never alone.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage reveals Jesus as the promised Savior who not only comforts His disciples but also equips them through the Holy Spirit. It connects to the larger narrative of Scripture where God continually seeks to dwell among His people, culminating in Christ's presence through the Spirit after His ascension.

Big Idea: In troubled times, Christians can find peace by trusting in the promise of the Holy Spirit and embodying Christ's teachings through obedience.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon using your Logos library, consider exploring the historical context of John 14, particularly the relationship dynamics between Jesus and His disciples. Look into exegetical analyses focusing on the roles of the Comforter and the implications of Jesus’ commands for contemporary believers. Additionally, study cross-references in 1 John 4:13-18 that may provide further depth regarding the Spirit's role in perfect love and driving out fear.

1. Promise of the Helper

John 14:15–17

Perhaps you could emphasize that Jesus gives the promise of the Holy Spirit as a Helper to those who love Him and keep His commands. This introduces the idea that true comfort and peace stem from a relationship grounded in love and obedience to Christ. Highlight how this Spirit of truth dwells within believers, providing the presence of Christ in our hearts, assuring us that we are never alone in our struggles.

2. Presence of Christ

John 14:18–24

You might suggest focusing on Jesus’ assurance to His disciples that He will not leave them as orphans but will come to them. Consider elaborating on how this promise extends to the presence of the Holy Spirit, fostering a profound sense of belonging and peace. Emphasize the mutual indwelling of believers and Christ, illustrating how obedience becomes a natural response to His presence within us.

3. Peace Through the Spirit

John 14:25–27

Maybe highlight Jesus' provision of peace as distinct from what the world offers, through the Holy Spirit—the Counselor. Through this, you can encourage listeners to replace their fears and troubles with His peace, trusting in the Spirit’s power to guide and comfort. Explain how this peace should manifest in their daily lives as they navigate challenges, rooted in the assurance of His promises.

4. Promise of Victory

John 14:28–31

Consider discussing Jesus' warnings and instructions about His departure, reaffirming trust in God's plan. Reflect on the theme of obedience as a response to His love and commandments, reinforcing the idea that our faith and trust in Christ’s victory over the world grant us peace. Encourage believers to live out this victory daily through reliance on the Spirit, actively demonstrating their faith.