John 16 – The Disciples Informed

Jesus begins this chapter with “these things.” What things? Jesus proceeded to review things that he had just told his disciples, but now gives them more information. In Jn. 15:20, Jesus reminded the disciples of the principle that He had mentioned in which a slave is not greater than his master. And so, ultimately, the disciples would experience opposition because of Jesus. And, people would reject Jesus because they did not know God who had sent Him. Thus, by His preaching and working miracles, he had confronted people with their rebellion against God. But, their hatred did not jeopardize God’s plan. And so, even though the world rejected Jesus, there was no cause for it. But upon Jesus leaving his disciples, he would send the Comforter who would then be with the apostles. Yet as Jesus’ disciples, they could not love the world (1 John 2:15-17) or be conformed to the world (Rom. 12:1-2). And in fact, the apostle’s situation would even be dangerous because the world’s opposition was of hatred (Jn. 15:18-19), persecution (Jn. 15:20), excommunication, and even death (Jn. 16:1-4) would turn towards them because they would be identified with Christ.

Now, for three years, Jesus had been with them to protect them from attack; but now He was about to leave them. And, Jesus tells them the reason for Him to return to the Father is so the Comforter would come so as to help them be witnesses of the life of Jesus. Of course, he also left so that He could intercede for His people (Christians). Yet, this was difficult for them to grasp at this time (vs. 12). Thus, the Spirit becomes the teacher, through the apostles (vs. 13). He testifies of Jesus and He glorifies Him (vs. 14). So, people who claim that the Spirit of God led them to do things contrary to the example of Christ or the teaching of the Word are mistaken and are being led astray by Satan. For, Jesus is the truth (Jn. 14:6), and the Word is truth (Jn. 17:17), and the Holy Spirit is “the Spirit of Truth.” So, where the Holy Spirit is at work is never separate and apart from the truth. That is why when we study the Word, we see Jesus Christ which helps us to know God better and to glorify Him in our lives. And, as we teach in a hostile world, the Spirit uses the Word he has taught us and that we share, to convict the lost.

Now, in vs. 16-22, Jesus announced that in a little while, they would not see Him; then, in a little while, they would see Him. It was a puzzling statement (vs. 25) and the disciples did not understand. What did Jesus mean? It could be about his burial and how he would die and then rise from the grave or it may be that he was speaking of His return to the Father (vs. 16, 10). Instead of asking Jesus to explain His words, the men began to discuss it among themselves, almost as though they were embarrassed to admit their ignorance. However, you do not get very far by exchanging your ignorance! It is when we come to the Lord and ask for His help that we learn the important lessons of life. And what we learn is to wait for the coming of Jesus. But while we are waiting, we must deal with our trials and hurts on the basis of transformation if we expect to mature in the Christian life (Rom. 12:1-2).

Now, in vs. 23-28, we learn of the time after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension. It would be a time when Jesus would no longer be with them and they would have to request answers to their questions from the Father in prayer. Now, Jesus knew they wanted to ask Him a question (vs. 19). But, Jesus encouraged the disciples to ask the Father for whatever they needed and that they would be granted as long as they were offered “in Jesus’ name” (Jn. 14:13-14). But, the disciples had not appealed to the Father in Jesus’ name before now. So, Jesus urges His disciples a second time to “ask” the Father realizing that while Jesus was on earth, He met all the needs of the disciples. But upon returning to the Father, the Father would meet their needs. Things were certainly changing there in the Upper Room, He had used a number of symbolic images to get His message across: the washing of their feet, the “Father’s house,” the vine and branches, and the birth of a baby. In the days that followed, these images would become clearer to the disciples as they would be taught by the Spirit of God. Jesus would return to heaven to be with the Father, and there He would minister as our High Priest, making intercession for us (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25).

Now, in John 16:29-30, the disciples suddenly moved out of their spiritual stupor and made a tremendous affirmation of faith. First, they claimed to understand what He had been teaching them, though this claim was probably presumptuous, as their actions proved. They seemed unable to grasp the meaning of His promised resurrection. In fact, they were bewildered even after His resurrection as to the future of Israel (Acts 1:6ff). Yet, they not only affirmed their understanding, but they also affirmed their faith and assurance. Well, Jesus would later speak to the Father about their spiritual condition (Jn. 17:6-8). Certainly He knew their weaknesses, but He was quick to approve their growing evidences of faith and assurance. But it is possible to have faith, understanding, and assurance and still fail the Lord. And, unless we practice that faith, apply that understanding, and rest on that assurance, we will fail when the time of testing comes.

That is what happened to the disciples, and Jesus warned them that it would happen. He had already warned Peter that he would deny Him, but now He warned the entire band of disciples that they would all forsake Him. But, why did He tell them all this? It was so the disciples might have peace in a world of tribulation. What? Every believer is either overcome or an overcomer. “And this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 Jn. 5:4). The world wants to overcome us; this is why Satan uses the world to persecute and pressure believers. The world wants us to conform; it does not want us to be different. When we yield ourselves to Christ and trust Him, He enables us to be overcomers. Thus, we are told to “cheer up!” (vs. 33). His victory over the world can make us overcomers because He has first overcome for us. There is joy when we permit God to transform sorrow into joy, when he answers our prayers and when we overcome the world.

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Unguarded Approach

On July 4th, 1776, a British armada carrying some 34,000 soldiers began landing on Staten Island where Lt. Gen. Sir William Howe made his headquarters.  On August 22nd, they began preparing to cross from Staten Island to just south of Brooklyn on Long Island and by August 26th they were heading toward Brooklyn which was defended by George Washington’s Continental Army of 13000.  Howe’s goal was the capture of Manhattan Island where the British would have control of the Hudson River driving a wedge between the American forces.  On August 27th, the British attacked and drove back Washington’s men to the BrooklynHeights.  This forced Washington to retreat over the East River to ManhattanIsland by a dangerous but brilliant night crossing. The Jamaican pass was the key to British victory because they were able to march a large force and flank Washington’s armies.  The Jamaican pass was surrendered without a shot being fired because it was an unguarded approach.

The Christian soldier fights his battles on a daily basis.  While the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but spiritual (2 Corinthians 10:4), we must still keep an eye open on all avenues through which Satan would seek to take advantage of us (2 Corinthians 2:11).  If we leave any approach unguarded, Satan will surely use that to devour us (1 Peter 5:8).  What are some of these unguarded approaches that Satan may use?

One often unguarded approach is the television set.  Hollywood loves to influence the nation toward its liberal philosophy by means of broadcast media.  Television allows such control.  Homosexuality has made favorable inroads into the American consciousness through television programs that desensitize the subject through humor and sympathy.  Television has undermined the authority of the husband and father in the home by casting them as ridiculous and unnecessary.  Television also has a great effect upon our speech; what is said on television is imitated by its fanatics.  Satan has insidiously flanked us through this unguarded approach.

Another unguarded approach is personal modesty.  The temptation for many is to disregard decency and reveal as much of one’s body as possible exposing breasts, buttocks, and bellies.  Is it any wonder that our country has problems with unwanted pregnancy, venereal disease, and unwed mothers?  According to some recent studies, the average age for a girl losing her virginity is 14.9 years old. Satan has outwitted many of our youth through this unguarded approach.

Finally, many of us are so consumed with managing the details of our own lives that we never find the time to work for the Lord.  We wake up, eat breakfast and then are off to work.  We get home, eat dinner, watch TV and the day is over.  When do we read our Bibles, spend some time in prayer, or talk to a friend about the Lord?  This process repeats itself daily until Sunday when we have to take the day off “for self.”  Satan has conquered us through this unguarded approach.

How many other unguarded approaches do we have?  The question at this point isn’t do we have them, but what to do about them.  We must be vigilant in not giving Satan any advantage over us.  We need to keep a close watch on those approaches that we take for granted and leave unguarded.  Let us be sober minded, realizing that Satan can use any avenue we leave unguarded.  We have a good fight to fight; let us fight it with perseverance and truth.

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Free at Last

About 44 years ago Martin Luther King, Jr., in his famous Lincoln memorial speech, spoke those timeless words, “Free at last, Free at last, Thank God Almighty, we are free at last.”  That speech, though short, still resonates in the hearts of many Americans today.  But truly the thought of freedom has been the focal point of Americans since we
became a nation by finally winning our independence from Great Britain (officially in 1783 with the Treaty of Paris).  For generations we have celebrated that independence on the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence (by the second continental congress) on July 4, 1776.

We love our freedom, don’t we?  Surely no one would want to be a slave to the dominion of oppression.  But did you know that is exactly what many people choose to do spiritually?  Sin enslaves. Jesus said, “…whoever commits sin is a slave of sin” (Jn. 8:34).  Romans 6:16 says, “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness?”

You have a choice, friends (just as Cain had a choice -Gen 4:7). Jesus has the solution: “…If you abide in My word, you are my disciples indeed.  And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (Jn. 8:31-32).  Wouldn’t you like to be “free at last”?

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Toward a God Fearing Government

As many of you know from last week’s article, we were privileged to spend a few days in our nation’s capital last week as we prepared for June’s Rebuilding Faith Rally. It was an enjoyable time and much was learned. Here are the three lessons that stood out the most as we considered the idea of government and what we need to do to restore our culture to the fear of God it once had.

– Anyone who tells you that God wasn’t a part of America’s foundation is dead wrong.

Though we already knew that America had a strong heritage based on a belief in God and the Bible, it was truly eye opening to see just how much influence churches and ministers had during our nation’s founding years. As we toured the capitol building it quickly became apparent that there weren’t just a few references to God here and there – nearly every single event or person memorialized within the building’s walls had some connection to a belief in God. Pictures of prayer meetings and Bible reading hang on the walls. Statues of ministers can be found throughout the building. The very chamber of the House of Representatives (the one you see during the State of the Union address, of course) displays the words “In God We Trust” above the Speaker’s seat and has an image of Moses as the centerpiece of a collection of images depicting history’s great lawgivers. The fact is, the idea that the founders planned a “separation of church and state” in the sense of keeping God out of government is a myth.

– There are still many men and women fighting for religious liberty, but they need our help.

While in Washington we were privileged to listen to various representatives and senators speak on topics that are pertinent to religious matters in America today. While we know that freedom of speech within our buildings is already being targeted in certain areas, it’s comforting to know that there are still folks who are dedicated to preserving the free exercise of religion. As Christians we should constantly be in prayer for our governing authorities (1 Timothy 2:1-2), but we should especially be mindful of those who regularly face opposition in their attempts to stand for our religious rights on federal, state, and local levels.

– Christian influence works from the ground up.

As much hard work as those folks are putting in and as encouraging as it is to see them stand up for us, their work won’t last long if we don’t start turning the tide in this country. It matters very little how many governing buildings have “In God We Trust” or the Ten Commandments inscribed on them if the people within those walls have no fear of God in their hearts as they decide how to govern. Though morality can be legislated in the sense that moral laws can be made, it can’t be legislated in the sense that moral people can’t be developed simply through legislative processes. They can pass laws preserving religious freedom, but they can’t make people seek Jesus Christ. They can speak out against the major anti-God agendas in America, but that doesn’t mean people will believe. That’s where you and I come in. It’s far too easy for Christians today to delegate out all that God expects from us, whether in evangelism, charity, morality, or anything else, but the only way the morality of the nation can be turned around is through the power of God’s Word.

What does that mean for you and me? First, our congregations must step up our efforts in teaching God’s Word from the pulpit. We can’t hold back on the difficult subjects, and we can’t be afraid to offend anyone in the pews. It’s time we go back to speaking directly about the WHOLE counsel of God’s Word and start confronting ourselves and each other with the truth rather than pointing at all that’s going wrong outside our doors. Second, the Bible has to leave the building with us. If our actions from Monday-Saturday (with the possible exception of Wednesday night) don’t reflect what we study on Sunday, how can we claim to be the light of the world? If we keep waiting on lawmakers to do something about homosexuality, abortion, drug abuse, or anything else while ignoring the homosexuals, fornicators, drug abusers, liars, drunkards, or anyone else with a sin problem who desperately needs Jesus, we shouldn’t expect anything to change.

So, this is why we’re going back to Washington, D.C. to hold the Rebuilding Faith Rally this June. It’s time Christians started realizing this world isn’t going to get any better or reflect God’s image any more until we do something about it. That’s what we’re going to talk about, and I hope to see you there. If not us, then who? Let’s always face the world with the Isaiah attitude – “Here am I, send me!

 

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Conditional Blessings

God freely gives us certain blessings. He is the originator of these—we cannot produce them if we tried. It is similar to the scientists who challenged God to a contest to see who could create the perfect human, only for God to stump them immediately when He told them to create their own dust (matter). Without God and His provisions, we would never survive. However, the point of this particular article is to see the conditional nature of these blessings. While we could never obtain by origination these blessings, we still have a part in their access. Notice three examples of conditional blessings.

The first example is our food. Since God created the plants and trees that produce our food, He ultimately produces the food we eat as it originates from Him. As such, without Him providing our food, we would starve. We can see this easily illustrated from His provisions for the nation of Israel during the wilderness journey. When they were hungry, He provided for them food that only His power could provide—manna in the morning and quail in the evening. Without such, they would have starved. However, He did not hand their food to them on a silver platter outside their tent doors, but they had an obligation (condition) to wake up early and gather it. Any Israelite who tried to lie around lazily without gathering the morning manna would have starved. In like manner, God provides for us in answer to prayer our “daily bread” (cf. Matt. 6:11), showing the recognition that our food ultimately comes from Him. However, while He freely provides such, we have an obligation to work in order to obtain. Paul told the brethren from Thessalonica, “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat” (2 Thess. 3:10). Therefore, the free blessing of food is conditional upon our work.

The second example is wisdom. James admonishes that wisdom ultimately comes from God: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5). Since God has provided for us His divine revelation concerning His will for our lives, and how He desires us to live and serve Him, He alone can provide the wisdom necessary to assimilate and apply the divine knowledge contained in the word of God. Yet, He does not miraculously endow us with divine knowledge, but it is conditional based upon our study. Paul encouraged Timothy, “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Tim. 4:13). His spiritual education came by studying with and learning from his mother and grandmother—“But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them” (2 Tim. 3:14; cf. 1:5). Therefore, the free blessing of wisdom is conditional upon our study, since one cannot obtain wisdom without the gathering of divine knowledge.

The final example is salvation. Paul said in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” The ASV translates the Greek word charisma as “free gift.” Yet, just because it is free does not mean that it is unconditional. On the contrary, the blessing of salvation, while free, is also conditional upon our faith expressed in obedience. The Hebrew writer wrote, “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Heb. 5:8-9).

Therefore, we have seen three examples of conditional blessings. Working together by the grace of God (cf. 1 Cor. 3:9), we are able to appropriate the free blessings that He provides conditionally, such as our food, wisdom and salvation.

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