Small Group 7/2/20

Jesus teaches on the Holy Spirit and More.

Holman New Testament Commentary: John John 16: When Jesus Speaks

“All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Communication can be hard.

Examples

In this passage Jesus reminds us what He has taught us and what happens to those who hear His teachings.

John 16:1–4 ESV

1 “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. 2 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. 3 And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4 But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you. “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you.

Jesus warns His disciples that they wold face persecution. He gives the reason for this warning in vs 4. Why do you feel it’s important that Jesus warns the disciples of what is coming?

Holman New Testament Commentary: John A. Confusion Turns to Truth (16:1–16)

Hughes quotes Bonhoeffer’s challenge from 1937 during Hitler’s rise in Germany: “Suffering … is the badge of true discipleship. The disciple is not above his Master … Luther reckoned suffering among the marks of the true church … Discipleship means allegiance to the suffering Christ, and it is therefore not at all surprising that Christians should be called upon to suffer” (cited in Hughes, p. 83).

John 16:5–7 ESV

5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 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.

Holman New Testament Commentary: John A. Confusion Turns to Truth (16:1–16)

Imagine a mother of two children whose husband has been away on business. She must go to the airport to pick him up. She informs the children that they will be alone at home for three or four hours while she makes this lengthy trip across the city. They do not want her to leave; they fear what might happen to them; they want to go with her. But for a variety of reasons she must go alone. She assures them that all will be better for the family when she returns with their father, whom they have missed.

How much does the Christian life involve trusting Jesus and God?

Part of the Holy Spirit’s arrival in our lives is due to Jesus leaving.

Why do you think Jesus left us in this time without Him but trusting on a presence like the Holy Spirit? (As opposed to a real, physical Jesus we could follow.)

John 16:8 ESV

8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:

Do people in the world just generally feel conviction about their sins? Have the non-Christian friends you have experienced conviction over their sin?

How is it that the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin?

The Day of Pentecost

What was the day of Pentecost before the Holy Spirit came on it in Acts ch 2?

Do you think the people in Jerusalem were there for a revival and conversion? Were they deeply convicted about sins and needing to change something?

Let’s read from Acts 2.

What is it that Peter shared?

When did people experience conviction and change?

John 16:9 ESV

9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me;

Holman New Testament Commentary: John A. Confusion Turns to Truth (16:1–16)

People do not go to hell because they smoke, drink, or curse but because they reject faith in Christ. Furthermore, this sin characterizes every unregenerate person. God is not looking for perfect people but people who are willing to accept atonement that he has already provided.

John 16:10 ESV

10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer;

Does the world believe in righteousness?

How is the righteousness of the world different from the righteousness of the Bible?

What is the difference between Objective Evaluation and Subjective Evaluation?

John 16:11 ESV

11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

Satan is already judged

The Holy Spirit and the Believers