Search The Scriptures —Study 33 — John 16:16-33

Study 33 From the Book of John is: John 16:16-33

1. 'A little while'. In the light of verses 16:22 do you consider that this refers to the time between the death of Jesus and His resurrection; between His ascension and Pentecost; or both?

2. Note the RSV in verse 23, 'You will ask me no questions.' With the Spirit to enlighten (cf. Verses 12-15) and the Father to supply our needs, what do we learn in verses 23-28 about the place of prayer? On what do we rely when we pray in the name of Jesus Christ? Cf. 14:13, 14; 15:16.
3. In verse 33 Jesus sums up the situation. In what two opposing spheres would the disciples live? What would be their expeirence in the one and in the other? What can be the ground of your courage and confidence?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 32 — John 15:26 – 16:15

Study 32 From the Book of John: John 15:26 – 15:15

1. What evidence do you find in 16:1-7 that the disciples were cast down by Jesus words? Why did He say that He had not spoken of these things before, and why He speak of them now? Notice, however, that He did not lighten in any way the dark picture He had drawn, but rather shaded it more deeply (16:2)
2. What new force, does Jesus say, will be brought to bear upon the world, and through whom (see 15; 26, 27)? What threefold result will follow (16: 8-11)? How would this make Jesus's departure an advantage instead of a loss?
3. What results ought this situation to have upon the disciples (a) in their dependence on the Holy Spirit, and (b) in the place of the Holy Spirit and the person of Jesus Christ in their thinking? Is this true of us? See 16:14, 15.

Notes

1. 16:2. 'Put you out of the synagogues' see note on 12:42.
2. 16: 5. The questions of Thomas (14:5) and Peter (13:36, 37) concerned their own following of Jesus. No-one was now asking about the glory to which Christ was going in His return to the Father.
3. 16:8-11. The Holy Spirit will convince men of their false standards of sin, righteousness and judgment (cf Is. 55:8, 9). He will show them that the essence of sin is unbelief in Christ; that true righteousness is not that of the Pharisees (works of the law) but the righteousness seen in Christ, and declared in the gospel; and that judgment awaits all who follow the ruler of this world. At Pentecost the heavens were convinced by the Spirit 's witness through the apostles, exactly as Jesus says here.
4. 16:13. 'Declare to you the things that are to come': i.e, interpret the significance of Christ's impending crucifixion and resurrection, as well as other divine actions.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 31— John 15:9-25

Study 31 From the Book of John: John 15:9-25

1. People think of the Christian life as a joyless observance of rules. What answer to this idea is contained in these verses? Is it your experience?

2. If we are disciples of Jesus, why must we expect hatred from the world? Why did many hate and persecute Jesus?

3. Love not only feels, but acts. By what actions is (a) the love of the Father shown to the Son, (b) the love of the Son to His disciples, and (c) the love of the disciples to one another? Cf. 3:35; 5:20; 1 Jn. 3:16-18.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 30 — John 14:25 - 15: 8

Study 30 From the Book of John is: John 14:25 - 15: 8

1. The disciples were distressed at the thought of Jesus going away and leaving them alone in a hostile world; cf. 16:6. What promises does Jesus give in verses 25-29 to answer their fears? Why does His going to the Father bring greater benefit than if He had remained as He was? What also does verse 31 teach about Christ's reason for facing the cross?

2. What does the parable of the vine teach about (a) the purpose for which the branches exist, (b) the vinedresser's dealing with the branches, and (c) the dependence of the branches upon the vine? With verses 3 and 7 compare 14:15, 21, 23; see also 8:31, 32. What kind of fruit do you bear? Cf. Gal 5:22, 23.

Notes

1. 14:28. 'The Father is greater than I' cf. 10:29, 30. He is not greater in being more divine, but in the eternal Father -Son and God-man relationships.

2. 14:30. ' The ruler of this world': cf. 12:31; 16:11; 2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2:2; 1 Jn. 5:19. The RSV; 'has no power over me' gives the true sense of these words. There is nothing in Jesus over which the devil can claim possession, and therefore domination.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 29 — John 14:15-24

Study 29 From the Book of John: John 14:15-24

1. Three times in this passage Jesus speaks of loving Him (verses 15, 21, 23). How does our love for the Lord Jesus show itself? Is this true of you? Since love is personal, can you see to what personal relationship this love leads?

2. In what sense does Jesus 'come' to us (verse 18)? How is this related to the coming of 'another Advocate' (see Note 1)? Give examples of ways in which Jesus proved to be the first 'Advocate'.
3. Why Cannot the world 'see' the Spirit or Jesus (verses 17, 19)? Cf. 1:11; 3:19; 5:37; 7:34; 8:19, 47; 12:37-40. What explanation did Jesus give here in answer to Judas? How can the eyes of men be opened to see Him?

Notes

1. Verse 16. 'Counsellor': literally, one called to one's side to plead on one's behalf. 'Advocate' is a better translation. Cf. 1 Jn. 2:1
2. Verse 18. 'Desolate': better, 'bereaved'.
3. Verse 22. Cf. 7:4. The disciples also naturally expected that the Messiah would display His power to the world.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 28— John 13:33 – 14:14

Study 28 From the Book of John: John 13:33 – 14:14

1. Trace the connection between 13:33-37 and 14:1-6. Where was Jesus going? Why could they not follow until later? To what event does 'I will come again' refer?

2. In what respect were the questions of both Thomas and Philip short – sighted? How is Jesus the way, the truth and the life, especially in relation to the Father?

3. What prospect does Jesus set before His disciples as a consequence of His return to the Father? See verses 12:14. Do you know anything of this in your experience? Why are the works of the believers called 'greater works'?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 27 — John 13:21-32

Study 27 From the Book of John is: John 13:21-32

1. Trace the action of Satan upon the heart of Judas as shown in this gospel. See 6:70; 12:4-6; 13:2, 27. If the giving of the morsel to him in verse 26 was Jesus' last appeal of love, what state of heart does verse 27a indicate? What connection has verse 30 with 12:35,36.
2. Compare verses 31, 32 with 12:23, 28. Verses 31 and 32a point to the action of the Son and 32b to that of the Father. To what impending events did these words point? How can the Father be glorified in you?

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