TEXT: John 14:15-31 & 16:4-15
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Out of the three persons of our triune God, the Holy Spirit often carries the most mystery. Father and Son are relatable to our human experience, but Spirit feels other-worldly. Although we feel a lot of mystery surrounding the identity and work of the Spirit, Scripture tells us a lot about His person, power, and presence. In this passage, Jesus teaches his disciples about the necessity and work of the Holy Spirit.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
HEAD: Questions aimed at our minds to help us understand God’s word.
Read John 14:15, then verse 24. According to Jesus’ words here, what is the true mark of a follower Jesus?
List all of the benefits and blessings of the Holy Spirit you see in these two passages. (See especially 16:8-15)
How does the work of the Holy Spirit differ from the works of the Father and the Son?
HEART: Questions aimed at our affections to help us love God
Read 14:18. What does this tell you about the heart of Christ for you? How does this teach us about the gospel doctrine of Adoption? (See also Galatians 4:4-8 & Romans 8:14-17)
How have you experienced the conviction of sin from the Holy Spirit in your own life recently?
Go back to John 7:37-39. How have you experienced joy in the Holy Spirit recently?
HANDS: Questions aimed at our hands to help us live for God (Personally, Communally, and Missionally).
Remember that Jesus is bringing comfort to his troubled and anxious disciples(14:1, 16:6). How does the person and work of the Holy Spirit bring you comfort in your daily life?
What would you say to a professed Christian who doubted if he/she had ever experienced the ministry of the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit speaks to two groups of people - believers and unbelievers. How does this encourage you as you minister to other Christians? How does this encourage you as you minister to non-Christians? Spend time praying for both of these groups.