In John 14:1-31 and John 15:26-16:15, Jesus comforts His disciples by providing them insight into His life with the Father and the promise of the Holy Spirit; highlighting the Trinity as a community of love that we are invited into.
(John 14:1-31)
SERMON OUTLINE
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth.” (John 14:16-17)
Friend: The Holy Spirit as Continuing Presence (John 14:16-17)
- • Advocate (Greek: parakletos)
• Being with us
Teacher: The Holy Spirit Interpreting Jesus (John 14:26)
- • Teaching all things
• Reminding of what Jesus said
Witness: The Holy Spirit Who Testifies to Jesus (John 15:26-27)
- In the midst of trouble
- Equipping for witness
Prophet: The Holy Spirit Who Speaks Hard Truth (John 16:7-11)
- The hard truth about Sin
- The hard truth about Righteousness
- The hard truth about Judgment
Supporting Actor: The Holy Spirit Who Glorifies Jesus (John 16:12-15)
- Guiding into truth of Jesus
- Drawing attention to Jesus
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- When you think of the Holy Spirit, what comes to your mind?
- This week we continue ours eries,“ChosenWords,”by looking at Jesus words about the Holy Spirit in John 14:15-31 and 15:26-16:15. Before you read these two passages of Scripture aloud, take a moment to ask God to speak to you as you read His word.
- The word ‘Advocate’ (Greek: parakletos) appears four times (14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7) in these two passages we are studying. The term literally means helper, advocate or intercessor. In chapter 14, what is Jesus telling His disciples—and us—about the Holy Spirit by His instruction around the term ‘Advocate’?
- This first passage we are looking at, John 14:15-31, falls between Jesus’ repetitions of the phrase, “Do not let your hearts be troubled” (14:1, 27). How might Jesus’ teaching on the Holy Spirit address the coming troubles in which the disciples will find themselves?
- At the end of John, chapter 15, Jesus talks about the challenges His followers will face at the hands of others (15:18-25). He follows this by talking about the Holy Spirit and His disciples testifying about Him (15:26-27). What do you think the connection is here between trouble and testifying? What does it mean that the Holy Spirit and the disciples must testify about Jesus?
- How are you personally testifying about Jesus in your life? Can you give an example? How have you worked with the Holy Spirit in this?
- The phrase “Spirit of truth” appears three times (14:17; 15:26; 16:13) in the passages we are studying. Consider this phrase in light of Jesus’ words in John 14:26 and 16:13. What is the Holy Spirit’s work in relation to truth? What truth is being talked about?
- In what ways have you experienced the Holy Spirit as an advocate or spirit of truth in your life? How might you want to grow in this way?
- What is one specific thing that God is speaking to you about life with the Holy Spirit through this study? How will that shape your life in the next week? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and pray for one another. If you are studying on your own, write it down and share it with someone.