John Chapter 16

In this world you will have Tribulation:
(Read John 16:1-4)
As Jesus' departure drew near, He warned the disciples about the persecution they would face in the word. Also, He encouraged them with the promise of the future ministry of the Holy Spirit. Christ never promised a trouble-free Christian life. He said, "In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).  The world will hate, isolate, reject and even kill us, thinking that they are serving God. They do this because they do not know the father.  Christ wanted the disciples to be prepared for the coming tribulation. Christian life is not a trouble free, healthy, wealthy, and happy life.  But they share the blessing of God's presence through the indwelling Holy Spirit (Galatians 3:2; Romans 8:9).  He will fill them with divine comfort in the midst of their trials. God has not promised a trouble-free journey but a safe landing. So, they should not be shaken or confused when the world hates them. Christians must not allow the value of the world to influence their lives.  It is very easy to assimilate to the values of this world.  Disciples' sorrow came with the death of Jesus, but joy l arrived with his resurrection. Pray that God would give you the grace to appreciate the ministry of the Holy Spirit in your life.  Christians are supposed to be the most joyful people in the world.
 
The Work of the Holy Spirit:
(Read John 16: 5-15)
The disciples were sad because Jesus was going away. Jesus told them that it was necessary for him to go, so that the Holy Spirit would come. Jesus encouraged the disciples with the promise of the future ministry of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will take permanent residence in them (Romans 8:9).  He will help them to live the Christian life.  We cannot live Christian life in our own strength.  The Holy Spirit baptizes believers into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13).  He indwells the believers when they get saved (Romans 8:9).  Also, the Holy Spirit seals the believer (Ephesians 1:13).  The believers are commanded to be filled by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). The Holy Spirit inspired the apostles by reminding them of His teachings to write the New Testament.  He also gives us the confidence that the Bible is trustworthy. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment.  He would convict the world concerning sin by warning about the danger of not believing in Christ.  The world's ultimate sin is not believing in Christ (John 6:9). Conviction of sin leads to salvation. Secondly the Holy Spirit convicts the world of righteousness. Christ is the righteous one. God declared Christ's righteousness when He raised Christ from the dead (Romans 1:4). Only the Holy Spirit can convict us of this truth. The Holy Spirit constantly draws attention to Jesus and transforms us to see the glories of Christ. Thirdly the Holy Spirit will convict the world of the final judgment. Satan is the ruler of this world.  He is already been judged. The Holy Spirit will convict those who reject Christ in the final judgment (Revelation 20:11-15). The Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are Children of God (Romans 8:16).  The Holy Spirit helps us to understand the Bible and reveals more of the glories of Christ. Pray that the values of the world should not distract us from our commitment to Christ.

 The Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth:
(Read John 16:16-24)
Jesus knew that the disciples will be sorrowful because he is no longer with them.  He said that after a while they would see him and be joyful.  Jesus compared this to a mother who gives birth to a child. They will be sorrowful at Christ's death, but joyful at His resurrection.  Christ gives them living hope to endure oppositions (1 Peter 1:3).  The work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian is manifold. The Holy Spirit will guide believers into all truth. This promise has its immediate fulfillment in the writing of the New Testament. The Holy Spirit helps us to understand Scripture.  The primary role of the Holy Spirit is to glorify Christ and draw our attention to him.  He wants to be actively involved in our life to help us to grow in the knowledge of Christ. The disciples were confused and sorrowful when Jesus said He would go away and after a while you will see me again.  He was referring to his death and the coming of the Holy Spirit. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit gives us the living hope of our eternal inheritance (1 Peter 1:4).  Our sorrow will turn to lasting joy (1 Peter 1:8). Since Christ has returned to the Father to intercede for us, we pray in his name.  Now we pray to God on the merits of the finished work of Christ and his supreme position in heaven.  Jesus is our great and only mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). The Father will answer our prayers because we pray in the name of Jesus Christ.  Our joy and comfort will be completed when Christ returns.  Pray that your church should not be influenced by the values of the world. 

Jesus Overcame the World:
(Read John 16:25-33)
Christians should anticipate difficulty while they wait for the return of Christ. His victory guarantees our victory over Satan. Our faith in the finished work of Christ, helps us to overcome the world (1 John 5:4-5). Only Jesus can give peace because He has overcome the world (John 16:33).  We will someday experience complete victory. But in the meantime, we can find peace by remembering the promises of Christ. Only Christ gives us peace in the midst of suffering. We are united with Christ to overcome the world together with Him. Jesus told the disciples that they would be scattered at his arrest, and he would be alone. Yet Christ is not alone because the Father is with him. Difficult circumstances do not have to destroy our inner peace when Christ is with us.  If you are fearful, present your request to God who promised to guard our hearts and minds with his peace (Philippians 4:6-7). Do you know Christ as your Lord and Savior?