The Gospel of John Lesson 72 (04-27-14) John 16:25-33

The Gospel of John Lesson 72 (04-27-14) 

Lesson 72 – John 16:25-33 

In v. 25 He tells them that up until this point what He has shared with them has been things that are hard to conceptualize and understand because they are foreign concepts to them being realities that are not of this world. Because of this He has used metaphors and parables and the like to give them a vague idea of a reality of what He was attempting to show them. They were concepts above their reality.

However, a new level and understanding was about to arrive. Soon with the arrival of the Holy Spirit they would be able to see clearly what Jesus was referring to, being able to communicate directly and plainly with the Father. Somehow this Holy Spirit would have the ability to reveal to them plainly what Jesus’ Kingdom would be like and what it was all about.

This really will be new for them. Not only would they be able to see the Father and understand His ways and purposes, but what will be truly amazing is that now they will begin to become fluent in this new to them mystery of the Kingdom, so much so, that they will be able to talk the language, so to speak, back to God the Father directly, and, in time speak it fluently. I Cor. 2:9-13

This new spiritual perspective and insight would temper everything that they think and do. But, for now, at this moment, this new reality had not come and they were still unable to comprehend what Jesus was referring to. In vs. 29 and 30 His disciples after hearing what Jesus had just spoken for some reason reply in the affirmative telling Jesus that they now understand and that things are clear to them now as to what is happening concerning who He is and where He is going. However, Jesus replies back to them in a doubtful tone.

In vs. 29 and 30 they all agree and reply that they now understand who He is and that they fully believe in His message and in Him, essentially telling Jesus that they are with Him and committed to Him no matter what may come. But, Jesus knowing man’s heart and ability knows that their commitment without the help of God’s Spirit will not be enough telling them in v. 30 that their belief in Him is not yet complete going on to give them the reality that even now after all that He has taught them and all that they had been through that when pressed hard enough on their own in their own ability and power that they will deny Him and scatter. The natural man even with the best intentions will not survive the test of Satan to deny Christ when life gets tough. (The need for John 15)

It is interesting that soon the test will come and indeed they will not pass it. Soon while in the Garden of Gethsemane, we will see Jesus rebuke them for being unable to stand strong when Jesus needed them most. They were being human. It was late in the night. Their eyes were heavy and they could not stay awake. We can identify with them.

However, did they even really try? Some would say yes,…give them some slack, they were tired, we can identify. But, Jesus tells them something interesting in that moment that He returns from praying in the Garden and finds them sleeping. He tells them in v. 41 of Matthew chapter 26 to watch and pray so that they do not enter into temptation. Another version puts it “so you do not undergo the test”. What temptation, what test?

Jesus knows what’s coming and here at the end of John 16 when His disciples now assure Him and honestly believe that they now get it and are fully committed to the cause, Jesus tells them that their best will not be enough to survive the temptation and test of Satan which Jesus Himself will face in His remaining moments.

We forget that Jesus Himself will face the test of continuing to the destination of the reality of the Cross and that in His final moments in His praying to the Father He wrestled with the enormity of what was ahead. Unlike the disciples, however, Jesus was ready for it. He remained connected to the Father, abiding in Him all the way. He knew what it would take to survive the temptation of the moment being tempted to take the easier way out being tempted to turn from the Cross. However, Jesus would always choose to do the Father’s will no matter what the consequences. But, in that moment in the Garden when Jesus could have used some help and support from His disciples they failed Him. Jesus, however, gave them some constructive advice sharing with them and us the secret of His success…prayer with the Father. Soon, in John chapter 17, in Jesus’ final moments before the Cross when things will be the most difficult we will see Jesus resort to His source of power and strength giving Him the ability to complete the course.

But before we go there, we cannot leave chapter 16 behind before we take a look at its last verse, v. 33. In v. 33 Jesus tells them “these things I have spoken to you that you might have peace”. What things was Jesus referring to? Well, the things that He had shared with them after leaving the upper room. What we see here in chapters 14-6 is a rather lengthy discussion between Jesus and His disciples prior to the Cross and His departure.

Notice Jesus’ perspective in v. 33. Here it is, Jesus is the one that will suffer and die. Jesus is the one that will be forsaken and will be left alone. However, in His remaining moments before the Cross He is thinking about them, being sure that they have what they will need not only to see them through the next few days, but words that will sustain them in their future work and ministry.

In v. 33 He tells them that what He has just shared with them is pretty important. Were they listening? We hope so. We know that at least John was listening for he had penned these words. However, even if they were listening, and, it appears that they were, as yet they did not understand much of what He told them. But, they would eventually in time.

We see the Apostle John restate much of what he had heard that night in his relatively short letter of I John telling those connected to him looking for guidance and encouragement that their source of encouragement and Joy will come from the same source that he had received it from, being the words and instruction that he had received that night from Jesus. In the remaining hours notice that Jesus giving instruction and perspective on what will not fail them Jesus points them to Himself telling them that their peace in life will be found in Him and the application of His teachings. They would not find it in worldly wisdom.

At the end of v. 33 He does more than just tell them that their being in the world that they will have troubles as His followers. In saying this He was not just saying that they would have a bad day. I believe that He was actually warning them that the difficulty will be with their wrestle and temptation with the world’s ways and principles dominating their perspective and lifestyle. Their trouble or tribulation would come in their temptation in going back to their old lifestyle. Jesus knew that this is where the difficulty in life lays, the call and temptation of the world to come join them essentially leaving the things and perspective of Christ behind.

 In v.32 Jesus warns them of this telling them that a time will come soon that they will not only be tempted to abandon Him, but will indeed do so saying that they will go back to their old lifestyle leaving Jesus essentially behind and going home. This is exactly what we see following Jesus’ death. Peter, James and John went back fishing and the others did not know what to do with themselves after all that they had seen and had been through, surprisingly giving way and going back to their old way of life. The natural man and his lifestyle is apathetic toward God and His ways and sees spiritual things as foolishness, I Cor. 2:14. In watching how the natural man lives his lifestyle proves it. Give him enough time and eventually to him God will be nonexistent and his lifestyle will prove it in the end depending only on himself.

At the end of chapter 16 Jesus encourages them to not fail the test and give into temptation encouraging them to follow His example and serve God instead, being cheerful in doing so. Jesus encourages them by saying that He did it, He won this battle serving and obeying the Father, and, with His help they can do it too. Jesus found peace and joy in living this new and living way. The disciples would lose their way going back to their old lifestyle for a short time following Christ’s death, however, after Jesus’ resurrection Jesus would bring them back on track refocusing them on the things that really matter.

So, what were these things that Jesus was referring to that He had spoken to them that would bring them peace? Abiding in Jesus (Jn. 15) Serve one another (the Last Supper) Love one another as Christ loved them (Jn. 14, this comes with promise of the Holy Spirit) The Holy Spirit (Jn. 16: 7-11, understanding the work and movement of the Holy Spirit and joining Him) Knowing the Father and His love for them (Jn. 16) The first and most important thing was that their joy would be found in their relationship with Jesus and not in the deadness of the routine and things of this world. Jesus in this dialog had given them some practical guidance on successful Christian living.

I Need Thee Every Hour397. I Need Thee Every Hour

Text: Annie S. Hawks, 1835-1918
Music: Robert Lowry, 1826-1899
Tune: NEED, Meter: 64.64 with Refrain

---

1.      I need thee every hour, most gracious Lord;

        no tender voice like thine can peace afford.

Refrain:

        I need thee, O I need thee;

        every hour I need thee;

        O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee.

 

 

2.      I need thee every hour; stay thou nearby;

        temptations lose their power when thou art nigh.

        (Refrain)

 

3.      I need thee every hour, in joy or pain;

        come quickly and abide, or life is vain.

        (Refrain)

 

4.      I need thee every hour; teach me thy will;

        and thy rich promises in me fulfill.

        (Refrain)

 

5.      I need thee every hour, most Holy One;

        O make me thine indeed, thou blessed Son.

        (Refrain)  

In John chapter 17 we will see an intimate and real dialog between Jesus and the Father giving us an example and idea of what a relationship with the Father should be like.

The Gospel of John Lesson 71 (04-20-14) Lesson 71 – John 16:12-27

The Gospel of John Lesson 71 (04-20-14)

 Lesson 71 – John 16:12-27

In vs. 12 and 13 of John 16 Jesus tells His disciples that learning the Spirit’s, or God’s, will and ways will be an ongoing process. Jesus knows that the time is short and that His disciples still have so much to learn. Notice that Jesus does not step up the pace of His training for them in the remaining moments franticly cramming in more information than is possible to learn or understand, nor, does He give up in frustration knowing that there is not enough time for Him to tell them everything, and, for them to learn what would be needed to carry on Jesus’ ministry. Notice that He also does not tell them to figure the rest of it out on their own.

He prepares them for a ‘New’ reality. It will be a reality and concept that will be hard for them to conceptualize and understand at first. It will not be along the line of their way of thinking and what they had previously had learned and been taught.

In these verses Jesus introduces them to a new friend and the new reality of Jesus’ ongoing presence and ministry. Jesus will speak in the coming verses as if He is not leaving at all, even though He has told them that He is indeed leaving. This will be confusing to them. So little time left and they still are not understanding. But, Jesus knows that they will, for the Spirit that He will send in His place will see to it that they will eventually get it.

He tells them in v. 12 that He was not just holding back information from them, but they were just not ready to receive it as yet. He tells them to prepare their heart…be ready to learn and embrace this new concept. He tells them “What you are use to will not work here.” He shares with them that this will be a stretch for them. They have no idea how much of a stretch this will be for them.

In vs. 13-5 Jesus reveals to them how this Comforter will work and minister to them. In v. 13 He tells them that when this Comforter comes that He will actively engage with them continuing to reveal to them what truth is, including additional truths concerning Christ. He tells them that this real presence that will come to them and identify with them will not speak about Himself or His agenda, but will continue to teach and instruct along the lines of Jesus’ teachings, further revealing the truth of the Gospel and its details. Even though we need to respect, revere and worship the Holy Spirit being God, Jesus tells them that this new mysterious Comforter and teacher must not become a thing of its own. He tells them that this Comforter will magnify Jesus just as He, Jesus, magnified the Father.

In v. 16 Jesus again reminds them that He is leaving, but in the same sentence He tells them that He will also return. After what He had just said to them, now they were totally confused. He had just told them that He was leaving and that this new mysterious presence would come and not only be with them, but would comfort and instruct them and now He tells them that He is leaving, but He is also coming back. Jesus knows that this is confusing now, as He is telling them this, but He also knows that they will eventually get it. Some things are best to be experienced even though it is a good idea to prepare for what is coming by an explanation. The experience will come very soon.

In vs. 17 and 18 we see that the disciples continue to be very confused by Jesus’ words about leaving. This may seem strange to us looking at the events from this side, after these events and the Cross having already happened. However, we must give them some credit. In their minds they continue to see Him as the Messiah that has come and as such all they can see is a King that has arrived that is assured a victory. At this point they cannot imagine seeing Him as a King that will now that He has arrived for some reason leave before He has taken His throne, and, surely they cannot see Him as a King that will fail in His ascent to His throne, possibly ending in His death. They were having trouble wrapping their mind around what Jesus was saying.

Knowing that they are truly confused about these details and that they are for some reason afraid to ask Him directly about this, Jesus Himself brings it up. However in doing so it appears that He does not answer their question directly, but instead again prepares them for the reality of the coming events reassuring them that in the end everything will be all right.

In v. 20 Jesus begins to share the realities of the near future with them. He explains to them that His leaving will not be as simple as just His going away like a friend or relative leaving and their missing Him. In v. 20 He informs them that His leaving will be a big thing, and, that in His leaving that all those connected with Him will be affected, those that are for Him and those that are against Him. He tells them in v. 20 that rightly so being connected to Him they will indeed miss Him. But, He also gives them the impression that this leaving will not just be a casual departure of the parting of friends, but that there will be more drama associated in His departure of more of a tragic nature.

In v. 20 He tells them that they will ‘weep and lament’. Undoubtedly these words catch their attention for they are words that are only used in extreme tragedy, most often implying someone’s death. As He continues, He brings the situation into sharper focus by telling them that even though they will have great sorrow that their sorrow will not be shared by most. Most will be happy that Jesus has met this tragic ending. They will feel like the world will be against them, and their perception will be an accurate one. But, He immediately reassures them that sorrow will not be their ultimate end. He encourages them to focus and set their eye on the end, for the end will be filled with great joy.

However, in v. 21 He tells them that initially there will be great trouble associated with His departure and compares their sorrow and grief with the pain on the level of childbirth. Lookout! Trouble coming. Be Aware! This does not look good.

But, as He continues He reassures them that even though their pain will be intense…extremely intense, that it will indeed have an end and that they should look for, and even find, joy in their relatively short time of sorrow using the example of a woman willingly bearing the pain of childbirth for the reward of the joy that is received when it is over. He tells them that in the end it will be a Joy that will not be taken away. He reassures them in v. 22 that He will most assuredly be reunited with them again. They can count on it. It is better than money in the bank.

He continues by telling them that this reunion will have even greater benefits associated with it. Up until this point all they could really see was Jesus. This of course was not bad, but this was not Jesus’ purpose in coming. As we remember, repeatedly Jesus made the statement that the purpose in His coming was to reveal the Father to them so that they could know and experience directly the love that the Father had for them.

We also remember in the Old Testament in Exodus chapter 19 that man’s initial encounter with God did not go so well. In meeting the Father we find that man’s response initially was one that was griped with fear not understanding God’s purpose of love in meeting with him. However, now we see that Jesus is nearing the end, completing His purpose in coming in that soon, very soon, those who truly love God will know directly in relationship the Father and the love that He has for them. Very soon the door to God the Father will be opened wide allowing all who will to come to Him directly experiencing His love intimately and first hand.

Notice the progression. In God’s initial meeting with Israel in Exodus chapter 19 Israel drew back fearing God and telling Moses, “You go and meet with God…we will stay here.” In saying this the people of Israel were saying that they were more comfortable in talking with a person, meaning with Moses instead of directly with God. However, Jesus had completed His task in showing us the Father and the intentions that the Father had all along for us. God’s love for us had always been there. However, no matter how you look at it God is God and as such His Presence is frightening to us especially in our sinful state.

However, now Jesus had accomplished His task and has shown the Father to us plainly, v. 25.In v. 26 He tells them that soon they will be able to go directly to the Father with their requests. In v. 27 tells them that it is not just Jesus that loves them. They had experienced and knew first hand Jesus’ love. But, now, the Father God Who they had been taught all of their lives was unapproachable Jesus now tells them that He also loves them as Jesus did, telling them to come close and not to be afraid. Yes man in his unregenerate state should fear God, but for those who had received forgiveness and full pardon all that remained for them was God’s love. There is no fear left .The God of Exodus 19 was now near to them, something that God had wanted and intended all along.

The Gospel of John Lesson 70 (04-13-14) John 16:7-11 continued

The Gospel of John Lesson 70 (04-13-14) 

Lesson 70 – John 16:7-11 continued: 

In considering these passages and the work that the Holy Spirit is engaged in when dealing with man’s heart concerning his need for the Savior it is difficult to tell who the Spirit is dealing with and how He is dealing with them when viewed on a surface or superficial level. Most of the work that the Holy Spirit is involved in concerning man’s heart and his condition is below the surface, not easily discernible or detectable to the casual glance or an undiscerning eye. It is like looking at a body of water, what you see is the surface, but who can tell if there are any fish below that surface or if there is any activity below the surface of the water.

So it is with the heart of man. It is not easy to know what is really going on in man’s heart at any given time and if perhaps God is at work wrestling with someone that is near you, under the surface, revealing to them their need for the Savior.

It is interesting in reviewing and looking back at the process that the Holy Spirit uses to bring someone to Christ that on the surface an outsider would never know the process and the progress that is occurring in their journey toward the Savior. Even the person involved in the Holy Spirit’s work often is not fully aware of the wrestling and dealing that is going on down in their heart with God.

In Matt. 16:17 when Peter made that great statement witnessing that Jesus was indeed the Christ, Peter thought that he had come to this realization all on his own. But, Jesus told him different. Jesus told him that it was the Father that was dealing with his heart and that the Father had revealed this to him.

And, yet, we are called to enter into this mysterious process of the Spirit being used by Him to further His work and assist those involved in His work to come toward Him. So, somehow we must become aware of what God is doing so that He may also lead us in being a part of what He is doing. We must develop techniques or methods that probe below the surface to give us a better idea of where the Spirit is truly at work. 

Since it is the Holy Spirit’s job to deal with our world in the way mentioned in Jn. 16:7-11 it is a practical approach to test what appears to be His work with probing questions or engaging activities or actions to see if the Spirit is truly at work in the lives of those around us. Again, you cannot tell if the fish are biting or even if they are there if you do not throw out bait or look for signs of their interest, testing the waters for activity so to speak.

So it is with spiritual things. In our daily casual conversations and encounters it is most often impossible to know or detect if a person or even a larger environment including many people are hungry and awaiting a spiritual conversation or encounter unless we probe the situation with offers for spiritual conversation or engagement. Using conversational questions, offers or actions along the lines of the Holy Spirit’s workings and activities can reveal if the Spirit is at work in a situation or conversation.

In doing so, a response can be very revealing. Often we are surprised at who is actually interested in spiritual things. More times than not, it is not the person that you initially thought would be spiritually hungry. Quite often it is someone to the left or to the right of that person that you initially thought was God’s focus. Or, it may even be more than one that is receiving God’s dealing and attention at that time.

By using these spiritual promptings in questions, statements or offers of involving them in activities associated in some way with God and His Church their interest or non interest in further and more directed conversation and activities concerning the Spirit’s work can be discerned. Remember the Spirit does not necessarily think or work like us. Jn. 3:8 Our focus and interaction needs to be along the lines of the working of God’s Spirit found in these passages, Jn. 16:8-11, joining Him and looking for what He is doing.

How important is this discussion? How serious do we take this? Sharing our faith is not an option; it is a directive and command. Our passage here in John is directly connected with the Great Commission concerning approach, method and execution in fulfilling that commission.

In Matt. 28:19-20 Jesus tells or commands His followers to go to all nations and neighborhoods and teach and share His message and precepts with them. Jesus also again reminds His followers in Acts 1:8 of their purpose in being left on earth during His absence telling them that they are here to do more than just exist, but that we are to be His witnesses to the world around us making our presence and perspective known to them that we are His followers and that He is calling all who will to come.

It is interesting that these verses imply active engagement and not just a passive witness. It is true that in Matt. 5:14-6 we are told to let our life shine before those around us, but in saying this Jesus is not telling us to be passive. We are told to go and engage the world, not in mortal combat, but in compassionate and intentional encounter, sharing the forgiveness and hope that we have received. In vs. 8-11 of John 16 we see directions for the practical application of bearing fruit in obeying the Great Commission, joining the Holy Spirit where and how He is at work.

So, why is it that most of us are content to sit on the sidelines and take the position of being involved in church routine and ritual and not be actively involved in the Great Commission? What happens between our conversion and our practice?

It would be too easy and I believe inaccurate to just say that most believers just get comfortable and do not care. Yes, it is true that comfort and complacency do play a big part in our tendency to be content to be a spectator and not be actively involved in the game. And, it is easy to get derailed in life by the cares of this world. But, I also believe that that these are not the only reasons for not being as actively involved in the Great Commission as we should.

There are those who we must give them credit for trying to reach out and make an honest attempt in serving God attempting to fulfill His command of going to those around them. However, so often our attempts appear to be unproductive or at best of little success, and, we must be quite honest, often we give up trying because to us it appears like nothing is happening or we just cannot make sense of the results or lack thereof. Jesus’ disciples were pretty much at this same place in this passage…pretty much totally confused.

Jesus tells them here in John chapter 16 that working with the Spirit is not going to be easy. His work is mysterious and to us what God sees as making perfect sense quite often from our perspective makes little to no sense to us at all. In this chapter Jesus tells His disciples to be open to learning the ways of His Spirit and be open to learning new ways and methods of reaching the world with Him instead of for Him.

Romans 12:2 reminds us to be willing to renew and change our way of thinking translating into different actions and approaches that we would not think of on our own. To be productive we must join the Spirit. But, first we have to find Him. Nothing happens that has eternal value without God’s Spirit. He is the Key to the Great Commission and our success in our efforts. And, it is not like He does not want to be found. He is not hiding from us. He is looking for, and at times, waiting for us to join Him.

So, what is the practical application of looking for the Spirit and His work so that we might identify His work in action that we might join Him? Well, we all must intentionally develop activities, words, phrases and a lifestyle that attract attention and further investigation from those that the Spirit is dealing with. We must make offers to those around us along the lines of the Spirit’s dealing found here in this passage. This can be along the lines of a comment or question like, “Do you go to church” or “Have you ever gone to church” to asking them if they would like to join you on a church or Christian activity like a church sponsored hike or coming to your small group or going with you with some other people from your church for something like a bike ride. Remember God’s Spirit will be prompting them toward spiritual things if He is at work at that time in that situation and the right question or invite at the appropriate time will often reveal if God’s Spirit is at work at that time.

Over the years I have found that some approaches work better than others for me when looking for where the Spirit is at work. It must be said that what works for one and at one time may not work for another. So, we must either by trial and error or by research and attempted application learn how God’s Spirit can use us best. Sometimes we need not ask or say anything to get the response that we are looking for, but that by something that they are already doing or saying it may reveal their spiritual search for God.

I remember one time while in my office, walking into a treatment room and finding one of my patients and his son, and, the son was sitting in a chair reading one of the daily devotionals that I leave out for patients to take. At first I had messed the significance of this. It wasn’t until later that I had realized the spiritual significance of this and that possibly I could have made some kind of inquiry that may have led to a spiritual conversation. Too late I realized that God was at work at that moment to some degree that I may have missed an opportunity to join Him.

Be creative. To find where the Spirit is at work and join Him we must therefore think like Him. However, our attempts to learn which approaches work best for us are most productive when we test them out based on the facts that God is indeed at work around us and that He will work on the basis of His three objectives found here in John 16:8-11.

Unfortunately we do not have time to discuss all of the methods that could be used to find and assist the Holy Spirit in His work, but we do know that God wants us to be part of His work, so we must be actively involved in the Great Commission. Unfortunately many of us have become comfortable or preoccupied with the things of this world and have not investigated and applied our calling to be actively involved in the Great Commission. There are methods and callings, but make no mistake, all are called in some fashion and in some way to participate. So, we must test out the Spirit with a willing heart looking for how we can be best used to accomplish our part of God’s Great Commission. Let’s get going! Today is a good day to started learning the Spirit’s ways and joining Him in His work.

The Gospel of John Lesson 69 (03-30-14) John 16:7-11 cont.

The Gospel of John Lesson 69 (03-30-14)

Lesson 69 – John 16:7-11 cont.

What Jesus says here in John 16:9 is huge encompassing more than just a debate concerning the unforgivable sin. If we were to stop for a moment and ponder and consider the implications of what Jesus is saying here in this one short comment or statement it is incredible. What He says and implies here in this one small verse relates to every aspect of God’s relationship and connection with man…including our perspective and method of service doing the Lord’s work following conversion.

His comment here in v. 9, although we may see it from the perspective of the sin of unbelief relation to sin and salvation, the sin of unbelief in reality is connected to so much more. It is true that the biggest and most important consequence of the sin of unbelief is the sin of unbelief concerning accepting or rejecting Jesus’ offer and work of salvation. Believing the Holy Spirit’s witness and testimony concerning Jesus being God’s Messiah that has come to make payment for man’s sin brings to us the free gift of God’s salvation and forgiveness.

However, the sin of unbelief does not end there. Although, believing in Jesus and His work on the Cross removes any possibility of committing the unpardonable sin, belief and unbelief continues to play a major part in our Christian life. Belief or unbelief in all areas of our life is the basis for all of our decisions and in the end will determine our level of success in life and in our service to the Lord. It is ‘unbelief’ when the Spirit witnesses to us the truth or the way we should go that keeps us from God’s blessing and His good will in our life.

It is important to understand and apply what is implied in these passages. The work and ways of the Holy Spirit is foreign so different to the way we think and how we operate in this world. This is a world that says ‘show me’ demanding the physical tangible proof of what they claim is reality. However, the work of the Spirit is a witness and proof to the soul. It is a witness of and from God which is accessed only by belief or faith. However, this believing or faith produces tangible results. Jesus refers to these tangible results as fruit in chapter 15.

It is interesting that those who demand proof have been shown more than enough for them to believe the truth and even if more proof was given in reality they still would not believe. Jesus attests to this in Luke 16:19-31 where the rich man asks God to send Lazarus to witness to those still on earth receiving the reply that if more testimony and facts or proof were give that yet they would not believe. It is the condition of the heart in unbelief that keeps God at a distance and is unforgivable. It was the Pharisees that kept saying to Jesus in essence, “give us more proof…show us plainly if thou art the Christ”, Jesus already giving them more than they needed to believe when considering the witness and help of the Holy Spirit.

Even today those in unbelief question God concerning His methods asking God to show Himself more plainly, wanting Him to satisfy their standard of reason wanting to measure and analyses God before they will believe. The rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar asks what man thinks are some good questions wondering why Jesus chose to come at a time when so few could see Him instead of coming at a time such as we live in today with mass media where He could have taken His message directly to so many more people.

The answer to man’s question is found right here in John 16:9. It is by faith that we see and know God and not by knowledge or experience alone. This is the mystery of God and the expressed job of God’s Spirit to reveal Him to those who will believe. If what the Bible says is true reason alone will not be enough see God and believe or know Him. Those who found God by faith must be careful not to replace the work of the Spirit which is seen with the eyes of faith for the world’s standard of God needing to prove Himself.

It is by the work of faith that God has chosen to do His work on earth. This brings us to the necessity of and reason for Jesus leaving during the Church age. If Jesus had remained during the Church age the exercising of faith would have been difficult. If Jesus did not leave the second time, or at His ascension, all we would have to do is to go find Jesus, or watch Him on the local media, and physically look at Him to believe.

Some would argue that there were those who did not believe even though they saw Jesus while He was on the earth at His first coming. However, following His resurrection, to not believe would have been difficult. They had just seen, lived out and witnessed His death and resurrection surrounded by many miraculous events. Jesus being removed during the Church Age would have been necessary for the Spirit to do His work witnessing to the heart of man of the reality of Jesus by faith instead of sight. Because of the basis of the Holy Spirits method of working, instead of man asking for more tangible physical evidence he should be asking for more of God’s Spirit and His revelation of what is true. Acts 2:16-8

This brings us back to the three fold work of the Holy Spirit mentioned in John 16:7-11. Jesus tells His disciples that when the Holy Spirit arrives that this is how He will be known to them telling them to be aware and to be looking for evidences of His presence and His work. He told them to watch for Him as He is actively at work reproving the world of sin, teaching God’s standard of righteousness and judging this world concerning its offenses. It is my opinion that Jesus tells them this so that when He, Jesus, is gone that they in seeing where the Holy Spirit is at work they might go and join Him in His work. Now things get interesting.

In these verses Jesus narrows down where the Spirit will be at work and what He will be doing making it easier for Jesus’ disciples to see and locate Him. But, not so fast. Jesus told Nicodemus in chapter 3 of John’s Gospel that the Holy Spirit and where He goes and what He is doing is like the wind and is hard to follow. Jn. 3:8 Of course for Nicodemus having an unregenerate heart it was impossible see or figure out what the Spirit was up to.

But, to a believer, and, to a trained eye and to someone with some experience Jesus tells them that if they know what they are looking for that they will be able to see evidence of the Holy Spirit at work and will be able to not only know where He is at work, but can follow the signs of His activity to where He is going.

This type of thinking is totally contrary to the Church at large in our day. We are often found donating our time to the first noble cause that comes along in the church or that is associated with the church chalking it up as duty done for the day or week as being my part. As good as it is to want to be a part and help out this is not what Jesus is talking about when He calls us to abide in Him in chapter 15 and join the Holy Spirit in His work in chapter 16.

To Jesus abiding was joining. It was the getting into it with Him (Matt. 11:29), not going off and doing our own thing and calling it serving God. Jesus told His followers to abide and learn and know where He was at work and to be there, going with Him. They knew where the Holy Spirit would be because Jesus had just told them what He would be doing and to just look for these things…you can’t miss Him.

But wait a minute. Although it sounds easy it is not that easy. If we go back to Jesus’ comment to Nicodemus in John 3:8 relating the activity and work of the Holy Spirit to the wind we find that the wind is a mysterious thing and is not always so easy to spot and tell what it is doing and where it is going next.

When Jesus told Nicodemus that the Spirit of God’s actions and work was like keeping track of the wind his response in 3:9 was one of bewilderment and perplexity as if to say I am doomed, I will never be able to figure this out. Nicodemus responds in v. 9 by saying, “How can this be?” Really what he was saying was that using his normal intellectual approach to figure this mystery out he would not be able to come up with an answer. It did not fit into his way or process of thinking,

As Jesus continues His dialog with Nicodemus Jesus challenges him further. Nicodemus was a very learned man. Being a Pharisee and one of Israel’s religious leaders one would have thought with all of that teaching and head knowledge that he would have been able to understand what Jesus was talking about. But, this was not the case. Nicodemus really had no clue…even as a well educated leader.

In vs. 11 and 12 of John chapter 3 Jesus challenges Nicodemus to go further in his thinking and understanding making a bold statement to him telling him that He was speaking from a position of experience in God and how He, God, works and compares Nicodemus’ understanding of this topic with just being book learning not always having practical application.

This is the work of the Holy Spirit…and this too is our challenge when attempting to join the Wind or the Holy Spirit. We cannot do God’s work our way. Even though we have good intentions and want to serve God we all too often try to apply the tools of fact and reason that we have learned living in this world only to be frustrated with marginal results. What Jesus was referring to in John chapter 15 was abundant fruit. All too often in my personal journey I must admit that I have been met with frustration in the lack of fruit from after so much effort and work. However, I must admit that I did not fully understand this principle of joining Him instead of doing something for Him. Abiding does make a difference.

However, in abiding there is a very important principle that cannot be overlooked that makes all the difference in our success in ministry with Him. We must be careful to not miss it. Here it is. We must do our work when abiding in Him in faith, doing simple and seemingly often unimportant things as the Spirit prompts us while abiding believing that even though we think that we could have come up with a better more grandly executed plan that the simple act initiated by the Spirit’s prompt is not only enough, but is just right.

So often walking with God and His Spirit we are prompted to do seemingly simple unimportant things only to see God use our action or deed to bring someone closer to Him. It is like a small breeze of the wind that can turn into something with some power. This is the mystery of walking and abiding with God and joining the Holy Spirit.

But, again it is not always so easy to figure out where the Spirit is at work. I am all too often like Nicodemus not always being able to read the wind to know what it is doing. But, I am getting better at it. Reading the wind takes some practice, and, so it is concerning joining the Spirit. Understanding God’s ways and the moving of the Spirit takes some practice and it takes time abiding with God to get to know His ways learning to abide even more closely with Him. This does not mean that we just chuck all that we have learned and start from ground zero. But, being with God we will learn better ways to apply what we have learned, God using them to produce fruit for His Kingdom.

In looking for God and where He is at work it is often good to ‘test or look for the wind’ to see where He is at work using John 16:7-11 as our guide. Jesus told His disciples to be looking for these things that are found in these verses. He tells them that when you see them, go join what is going on to test and see if God is there at work asking what He would like you/us to do.

(We will discuss some additions points concerning our active involvement with the Holy Spirit and His work as addressed here in John 16 in our next study.)

The Gospel of John Lesson 68 (03-23-14) John 16:7-11

The Gospel of John Lesson 68 (03-23-14)

Lesson 68 – John 16:7-11

Normally I do not name individual studies, however, the next two studies are such important studies for practical application that I felt led to name them “The Holy Spirit…coming to a neighborhood near you”. As we move through these studies hopefully you will understand why I felt led to do so.

In vs. 7-11 Jesus gives His followers more details about the gift of the Comforter that was to come. He tells them that if He did not go away that this Comforter would not come to them and minister to them and empower them as He tells them that He would. It is true that this Comforter, the Holy Spirit, had already in reality come. But, He did not act on their behalf as yet in the way that Jesus had explained to them that He would.

Even though the Holy Spirit was present with them at the time that Jesus spoke these words, the Holy Spirit’s work at that time had to do with Jesus and His present work, especially with reference to the nation Israel. While Jesus was still present it appears that the Holy Spirit’s job and ministry had more to do with ministering to Jesus and witnessing to those present that Jesus was indeed the Messiah that was predicted would come. However, soon the Power that filled Jesus’ ministry on earth would be passed onto His followers to continue His work while He was gone.

There are a number of conjectures or thoughts as to why Jesus had to leave before the Holy Spirit would come and empower Jesus’ disciples for their ministry. Some make more sense than others. In looking at what Jesus was saying about His leaving them, in reality He would be leaving them twice. He would leave the first time upon His death on the Cross for three days and the second time He would leave them for a much longer period of time after His resurrection and ascension until His return at His second coming. In considering these two events, both were necessary for the Holy Spirit to be able to come and do His work.

In vs. 7-11 the Apostle John describes three major jobs or works that the Holy Spirit would be responsible for. In v. 8 Jesus makes clear the functions and jobs of the Holy Spirit. He tells His disciples that the Holy Spirit when He came would convict the world of sin, would show forth, reveal or witness to the world what righteousness really is and being present in this world He would by His very presence judge or be the judge of a world and its leader that was in rebellion toward Him.

When considering the importance of Jesus leaving the first time the reason is pretty obvious. The first time that He left them it was to die on the Cross in payment of man’s sin. It is obvious that if Jesus had not left the first time that the Holy Spirit would not have anything to declare. In v. 9 it tells us that one of the Holy Spirit’s duties or tasks was to convict man that he is a sinner and is in his natural unregenerate state living in rebellion toward God.

If I understand what it is saying here, it is the Holy Spirit’s job to convict and make man aware that he is indeed a sinner, revealing to him his need for a Savior. It is obvious that if Jesus had not left and had not died on the cross the Holy Spirit would not have been able to offer or reveal to mankind Jesus the Savior, the One who had left to die and pay for man’s sins.

It is interesting that here in chapter 16 v. 9 that Jesus highlights one sin in particular that apparently is the worst of the worst concerning sins. In reading what Jesus says here however it appears to go further than that. If you stop and think about what Jesus appears to be saying here, it seem that in reality that there is only one major sin separating man from God and that it is the job of the Holy Spirit to reveal it to man. Jesus tells us here in Jn. 16:9 what that sin is. He tells us that it is the sin of unbelief.

It is interesting, of all the many sins that could be named here Jesus names unbelief as a sin and that it is the focal point of the Holy Spirit’s work. However, what Jesus tells them here in Jn. 16:9 is that not just any type of unbelief would be the focus of the Holy Spirit’s work and attention, but specifically that He would come and deal with the unbelief that denied that Jesus was indeed the Promised Messiah and was the One and only that was capable of paying for man’s sins, offering forgiveness to man for those sins.

Before we go on it is important to say that in thinking about what is said here in v. 9 that in saying that there is one major sin that separates man from God, it is not to say that there is only one sin. The Bible is full of references that name numerous sins that are real trespasses and offenses against God. They are more than can be, as they say, imagined. Sins committed against God and toward man come in all shapes and sizes of perversions. However, here in v. 9 of chapter 16 Jesus seemingly focus’ on one sin in particular in reality putting all sin that man is guilty of and responsible for under the umbrella of this one offence. Why?

The answer may be found by looking at other references in the Gospels that talk about the Holy Spirit’s work concerning man and the forgiveness of his sins. In considering what Jesus says here in v. 9 of chapter 16 and comparing this passage with other references it is the sin of ‘unbelief’ that stands in the way of man’s redemption and his restoration in his relationship with God. We have seen Jesus make a number of statements as we have studied John’s Gospel concerning men and their sins or offences and the need to believe in Him as the Lord and Messiah to be forgiven of these offences.

In review, we will remember that many of those conversations and debates were with Israel’s religious leaders who were self righteous and would not ‘believe’ Jesus’ message and report concerning His being God’s Messiah. In the end Jesus was very blunt with them telling them that if they did not ‘believe’ that He was indeed the Messiah and was capable of paying for and offering them forgiveness for their sins, all their sins, that they would have no hope and continue to stand in judgment for their offensives before God. Jn. 8:24 This judgment is talked about also in John 16:11 where it tells us that it will be the Holy Spirit that will be the divider and judge between good and evil during this time that Jesus would be away.

In our mind most of us could think of a worse sin that we could commit than just not believing. As a matter of fact, most of us when reading this in v. 9 could immediately come up with a sin that we have personally committed that we currently bear shame or guilt from that to us would be much worse than just not believing one’s message and report. Why does Jesus mention ‘unbelief’ as the focal sin and work of the Holy Spirit concerning man, this world and redemption? Is the sin of unbelief in Jesus and His message really that great of offence to God to be focused on and singled out as the main thrust of the Holy Spirit’s work on earth?

In talking about and discussing this one sin, the sin of unbelief, that in essence keeps man from coming to God, we should also take a look at another passage that is connected to this passage here in Jn. 16:9 that is often confusing and often troublesome for many.

As we take a closer look at this, first it is important to remember to point out the obvious, that Jesus does point out unbelief as a sin and that it is indeed, according to this passage, not only a thrust and focus of the Holy Spirit and His work, but it in reality is ‘the’ focus and thrust of the Holy Spirit’s work and attention in this world. Belief is the ‘Door’ that opens up our reality to God and His work of redemption concerning forgiveness…forgiveness not only of the one sin of unbelief, but the forgiveness of ALL sins.

It is the ‘sin of unbelief’ that locks us up in the prison of debt and accountability awaiting the judgment spoken of in John 16:8 and John 16:11. Prior to the belief in Jesus and His offer of forgiveness that He had offered we bear all of our own sins awaiting judgment for each and every one of them before God. They are too numerous to count or even remember for that matter. In believing and receiving God’s message and offer we are forgiven of all of our sins finding ourselves completely forgiven of all sin no longer at enmity with God.

So the question comes up concerning one sin in the Bible says is unforgivable. We find reference to it in Matthew chapter 12 vs. 31 and 32 (Please read) naming it as a sin that is ‘unpardonable’. That means that it is unforgivable.

So what is this sin that is unpardonable? In looking at numerous commentaries, I must admit that even though my commentary review has been enough to satisfy my informational curiosity on this subject that my commentary review has not been completely exhaustive. So far, however, the commentaries that I have seen all seem to say or imply that this sin is indeed an act or word or deed that steps over the line of God’s ability or willingness to forgive. It is implied that it is a line in the sand that God has drawn that once stepped over you have crossed the point of no return. From that moment on the offender stands doomed forever…even if they were to change their mind and repent at a later time.

So, the question comes up again, what is this unpardonable sin that Jesus says is committed against the Holy Spirit of God? It is my belief that this unpardonable sin is intimately related to our passage here in John chapter 16.

In reviewing the incident that occurred in chapter 12 of Matthew that prompted Jesus’ response and comment concerning the unpardonable sin you will note that He made that statement to the Pharisees following a public debate concerning who they thought He was. They had attributed the works and miracles of Jesus to His being associated with God’s enemy the Devil. Because of their unbelief, Jesus found their remarks and comments blasphemous against the Holy Spirit and His work. Matt. 12:24

Some would be totally literal and claim that it is the saying of the words that were uttered by the Pharisees that constitutes the committing of the unpardonable sin. In other words, saying that Jesus’ work is actually the Devil’s work accusing Jesus of doing Satan’s work instead of God’s.

However, if that were true then there would be many that now believe and are followers of Christ that have committed this sin that is unpardonable. Many had serious doubts concerning Christ and His claims prior to coming to Him in belief. In other words they did not believe Jesus’ message.

Many of those who now follow Him, prior to their conversion, have thought Jesus to be false and opportunistic, seeing Him as a deceiver and therefore a liar in essence attributing His message and works to the dark side and in essence to its Prince who is Satan in the process deceiving many. The Apostle Paul is a good example of this. He believed that he was working for God when the Christians were deceiving many by preaching Christ. We know what happened to Paul.

So, this could not be the unpardonable sin. For many it was their wrestling with and being honest with their doubts that eventually gave way to faith. Also, it seems to me that what the Pharisees had said would actually be blaspheming Jesus and not the Holy Spirit.

So what is the unpardonable sin then? Well it is my belief that it is answered here in John’s Gospel as well as in other passages telling us that the sin that is truly unpardonable is the sin stated by Jesus in Jn. 16:9, or, the sin of unbelief.

In vs. 8-11 in John 16 we are told the three fold work of the Holy Spirit. One aspect of the Spirit’s work is to convict man of his sin using Jesus and His life and work as His proof. To deny His, the Spirit’s, witness is to call Him a liar blaspheming Him in the process. The sin that is unforgivable is the sin of ‘unbelief’ not believing the Holy Spirit’s witness. It is the one sin that cannot be pardoned or forgiven for if a person remains in unbelief he is unpardoned or their sin(s) unpardonable. (Part II next week)