John 16:1-15


“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. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. 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. But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 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. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” (John 16:1-15 ESV)


Jesus Prepares His Disciples for Persecution

In this passage, Jesus warns His disciples about the coming persecution they will face after His departure. He speaks of being rejected by religious authorities and even of being killed by those who believe they are acting in the name of God. Jesus shares these difficult truths to strengthen their faith, so they will not fall away when trials come. His love for His disciples is evident in His desire to prepare them for the difficulties ahead. Following Christ often brings opposition from the world, but Jesus calls His followers to stand firm in faith, even when the cost is high.

Jesus explains that the world's hatred stems from a lack of knowledge of the Father and of Himself. The rejection of Jesus is ultimately a rejection of God. As disciples of Christ, we must be ready to face resistance as we live out our faith in a world that does not know Him. Yet, in the midst of this, Jesus promises the presence of the Holy Spirit to empower and sustain us.

Scriptures to Study:

Matthew 5:10-12, 2 Timothy 3:12, 1 Peter 4:12-14, John 15:18-21


The Advantage of the Holy Spirit

Jesus makes a remarkable statement: "It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you" (v. 7). The Helper, or the Holy Spirit, is promised to the disciples as a necessary gift for their lives and ministry. Though the disciples were sorrowful about Jesus leaving, they would soon experience the immense blessing of the Holy Spirit dwelling in them.

The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in the believer's life. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. The Spirit opens our eyes to our need for Christ by exposing sin and showing us the way of righteousness found in Jesus. He also reminds us that Satan, the ruler of this world, is already defeated. Through the Spirit, believers gain deeper insight into the truth of God’s Word and are equipped for holy living. It is through the Spirit’s power that we can walk faithfully and bear witness to the truth of the Gospel.

Scriptures to Study:

Acts 1:8, Romans 8:9-11, John 14:16-17, 1 Corinthians 2:10-12


The Spirit of Truth Guides Us

Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will guide His disciples "into all the truth" (v. 13). This guiding work of the Spirit is essential for every believer. We are not left to navigate our spiritual journey alone. The Holy Spirit speaks the truth of God, revealing the heart and mind of the Father to us. He helps us understand the deeper truths of Scripture and leads us into a life that glorifies God.

Importantly, the Holy Spirit does not operate independently of Christ. He glorifies Jesus by taking what belongs to Christ and declaring it to us. Everything the Spirit reveals is consistent with the person and work of Jesus. The Spirit does not point us to new or separate revelations but always draws us deeper into the knowledge and love of Jesus. As disciples, our reliance on the Holy Spirit is foundational for understanding the Word of God and walking in obedience.

Scriptures to Study:

1 Corinthians 2:10-14, John 14:26, Galatians 5:16-18, 2 Peter 1:20-21


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Life Application Questions