John 16 – Jesus shares a warning and a promise

Subscribe

Apple Podcast Google Podcast Spotify Pocket Casts RSS Link

R.A.M.P. (READ-APPLY-MEDITATE-PRAY)

The context: The night Jesus was betrayed, he was walking with his disciples to the garden of Gethsemane at the Mount of Olives. Within 24 hours, he would be led to the cross.

READ – here are some things that stood out to me:

• Jesus again warns his disciples that persecution is coming (vs 1-4)
  • He warned them so they wouldn’t abandon their faith – persecution can be discouraging. Jesus wanted them to expect this and not give up.
  • For some, the persecution would mean being expelled from the synagogue. This would mean a loss of community, fellowship, friends, and family.
  • For some, the persecution would mean death from those who claim to follow God.
  • But, those who persecute Christians do not truly know God.
• Jesus tells the disciples that it was “best” for them if he goes away – because his going away was necessary for the Advocate (Holy Spirit) to come (vs 5-7).
• Jesus talked about three things the Holy Spirit would do when He comes: Convict the world of sin, righteousness, and coming judgment (vs 8).
  • “Convicting of sin” means that the Holy Spirit will convict people for their refusal to believe that Jesus is the Savior (vs 9).
  • “Convicting of righteousness” means that the Holy Spirit will remind people that righteousness cannot be attained from ourselves – rather it is only gained through the finished work of Jesus on the cross & his resurrection from the dead (vs 10).
  • “Convicting of coming judgment” means that the Holy Spirit would convict the world that there are consequences for sin and rebellion against God – because Satan has already been judged (vs 11).

APPLY:

• Take Jesus and all the consequences! Following Him may come at a cost – and that is to be expected.
• The departure of Jesus from this earth (death/resurrection/ascension) resulted in the coming of the Holy Spirit (our Helper/Advocate/One who comes alongside).
• This is some of what the Holy Spirit does in my life:
  • Conviction of sin. When I feel guilty over something I did (or failed to do), this is the work of the Spirit. When I push away that guilty feeling, I may be saying “no” to Him.
  • Reminder of the righteousness of Jesus. When I realize my sin, and my need for the righteousness that only comes from Jesus, this is the work of the Spirit.
  • Reminder of coming judgment. When I realize that Jesus is coming again to deal with the problem of sin and injustice in the world, this is the work of the Spirit. Knowledge of this judgment also becomes a powerful motivation for me to share the gospel with others.

MEDITATE:
John 16:33 – “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

PRAY:
Jesus, thank you for the warning, and thank you for the promises about your Spirit. Teach me how to live for you – and teach me to love your truth!

Today we’re reading John 16 from the New Living Translation.
Listen now – today is your “On Ramp!”
Shawn.

Ps –
Check out our sponsor – Compassion International – and help release children from poverty in Jesus’ name!

• The On Ramp + World’s Biggest Small Group have teamed up to create the “John 21 Day Reset” study. Get started today for free!
• Get more fun & meaningful content like this at Hope Nation.
• If you need prayer, you can share online here, or call 281-652-5555 (Mon-Fri, 7a-9p Central).

The On Ramp is a podcast production from Hope Media Group.