The Horror of Not Abiding

Lesson #242

Jesus continues to speak about the importance of abiding in him: “If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned” (John 15:6 ESV). Once you are born again you abide in Jesus. Therefore, if one does not abide in Jesus then that person is not a believer. Branches are people and these branches can either be attached to Jesus the true vine or they can be from somewhere else. They were not once abiding in Jesus and now they are not. That would imply the loss of salvation and that is not supported by Scripture. I know of some who think otherwise, but they are not interrupting the Scriptures correctly.

If branches are found not attached to the true vine they are of little value and are to be gathered up and thrown into the fire and burned. This brings to mind the fate of the unbeliever: “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8 ESV). Anyone who has not been born again will experience the second death and will burn forever.

Think about what we have covered so far that would apply to the unbeliever. The unbeliever is cut off from Jesus, having no connection to the light and life he provides. The unbeliever is withered, having no spiritual life within. Unbelievers are gathered up through God’s judgment to experience his wrath forever because of their sin. Unbelievers are separated from God’s people and from God himself and left to themselves and the devil forever. The unbeliever will experience burning in hell for an eternity. How important it is that we abide in Jesus and seek the mind of Christ and in obedience, fight the good fight of bringing in the harvest of plentiful fruit to the glory of God.

Prayer

Father, after seeing the outcome of the one who does not abide in Jesus, it is hard to understand why so many stand in opposition to him. It is also hard to understand why so many Christians continue to live for themselves and not for the eternal work of the kingdom of God. Father, your word is so rich and walking with Jesus is truly an adventure of a lifetime, but living by faith seems so unattractive to so many. Father, have mercy on them because they don’t know what they are missing now and in many respects for all eternity. 

No Jesus, No Fruit!

Lesson #241

In the last lesson we saw that a branch by itself cannot bear fruit and neither can we. The branch must be attached to the vine and we must abide in Jesus. Jesus continues by saying, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 ESV). For emphasis, Jesus repeats that he is the vine, the source, and we are the branches, the place where fruit is produced. The vine and the branches go together and in similar fashion, Jesus and we go together. Just as the branches draw life from the vine to produce fruit, so we draw life from Jesus to produce fruit. Without this union, in both cases, there will be no fruit. As we abide in Jesus and he in us we have a fruit bearing combination. Jesus is our source of life and nourishment and he in us provides us with the mind of Christ and a Christ-likeness and in obedience we press on, even if suffering results, to produce fruit.

What does Jesus mean, “apart from me you can do nothing?” Clearly, it does not mean we can do nothing at all, for unbelievers can carry on the normal activities of life without abiding in or being a part of Jesus Christ. What it does mean is that we can do nothing of eternal value. In 2 Corinthians 3, Paul speaks of each of us being a letter from Christ, written with the Spirit of the living God on our hearts. That letter is a reflection of Christ in us, is only possible as we abide in Jesus. It is those letters which recommend Jesus to others and is an active ingredient in bearing fruit. The formation of these letters on our hearts provides us with confidence in our work to the glory of God. Paul makes it clear that we cannot claim anything as coming from us because of our sufficiency is from God. These letters are read by unbelievers as they observe us living out life, especially through hard or difficult times. What they read may produce fruit. Without this union with Jesus, these letters are impossible and without them any work accomplished is to our glory and not to God and does not count for anything. The work that counts is the work Jesus does as he lives his life through us.

Prayer

Father, as I wrote the last sentence of this lesson, I was deeply impressed with thoughts from Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (ESV). To bear fruit I no longer live for myself, but for Jesus Christ. I allow him to live through me and together we bear fruit to your glory. Father, without Jesus, there is no hope of being productive. 

Abide in Me

Lesson #240

Our Father is the vinedresser who cares for the vineyard, especially the branches where fruit is produced. He lifts up those that have fallen down and prunes those that are putting out extra growth instead of fruit. The vineyard is to be kept free of other plant life, like weeds, that would interfere with good fruit bearing. In this sense, the word of God can act as a cleansing agent to aid in fruit production. We are being encouraged to produce fruit, but what is really needed to bear fruit?

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me” (John 15:4 ESV). Jesus is making it clear that he wants us to abide in him; to intentionally come to him and retain an active relationship with him. He also wants us to allow him into our lives; to live his life through us. This is a picture of intimacy; a vital union in which we come to him by faith and we accept him into our life.

John then using the vine and branch relationship, points out the importance of the vine in providing nourishment for the branches for the purpose of producing fruit. The branch cannot produce fruit by its self and neither can we. We must be connected to Jesus Christ if we are to bear fruit, but what is this fruit that we are to bear? The answer seems to depend on who you ask as people emphasize different fruits. I would like to point out two that I believe should be considered.

First, if we look at Galatians 5:16 – 24 we find the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit listed. As one reads through this passage, it becomes clear that we are to crucify the flesh with its passions and desires (verse 24) and allow the fruit of the Spirit to show forth. Over the years I have come to embrace the idea that there is only one fruit and that is love and the others are characteristics of love. I came to this conclusion during my time in China when students continued to comment about these characteristics of love they saw in me. I continued to tell them what they saw was evidence of God living in me; a God who is love and what they saw were characteristics of his love. Therefore, one way to bear fruit is to show evidence of God in our lives through a display of his love characteristics, thus drawing loss sheep to Jesus. Some see good works as fruit. Whether it be good works or characteristics of God’s love, the end result is to bring loss sheep to Jesus for salvation.

Second, and major evidence of fruit is found in creation. “And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:11 – 12 ESV). The primary purpose of God’s creation is for life to bear fruit after its kind. Hear plants are to bear fruit. Next God created fish and birds and animals and he told them to go and bear fruit after their kind (Genesis 1:20 – 25). After these he created man and he told them to go forth and be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth (Genesis 1:26 – 31). But remember, Jesus told Nicodemus that he must be born again; he must have spiritual life (John 3:3:3). In John 15:8, Jesus said that his Father would be glorified if we bear fruit, but then in John 15:16, Jesus makes it clear what this fruit is that we are to bear. He said, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you” (ESV). From Genesis 1, the purpose of creation is to bear fruit; fruit that remains are born again believers that form the body of Christ and populate the kingdom of God. Bearing fruit must contribute to the process of populating the family of God.

Prayer

Father, it appears from my study that after Adam sinned, you allowed the fallen human race to continue to populate the earth with fallen people, determined to live for themselves. From this great multitude of humans, living under the curse of death, you have chosen a group, according to your sovereignty, that will come to salvation. It is these lost sheep that we are to find and disciple. This, I believe is our assigned work and includes all of us applying the gifts given to us. This process of finding and bringing to maturity these lost sheep appears to be the process of bearing fruit. Father, I find this to be an exciting adventure of searching for those you have chosen and as my brothers and sisters, helping them adjust to family living with you as our Father. 

How Does the Word Cleanse?

Lesson #239

As we move on to John 15:3, it seems to be out of place since verse 2 and 4 are both about branches. In verse 2 the branches are being lifted up or pruned to encourage greater fruit bearing and verse 4, we will see later, is about the branch abiding in Jesus in order to bear fruit. In that context we need to think about what John was trying to teach us about the word and its relationship to being cleansed.

To bear fruit, verse 2 tells us that extra foliage is to be pruned away to encourage nourishment being used to bear fruit. In verse 4, fruit bearing is related to abiding in Jesus who is the Word in flesh. In John 13:10, Jesus spoke of the disciples being clean, except for Judas. In some way, as the disciples listened to the teaching of Jesus, all except Judas, who betrayed him, were cleansed. In Proverbs 16:6: “In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; And by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil” (NKJV). Verses like this teach us about our provision for salvation and as we learn about God and what he has done for us and what he expects for us, then out of fear of punishment for disobedience we feel pressure to turn from evil. Psalm 119:9, 11: “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (NKJV). As we know the Word, it has a cleansing influence on us because with it in our heart we will tend to live it out. 2 Timothy 3:16 – 17: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (ESV). These verses contain more evidence of the cleansing of the Word. And finally in 2 Timothy 2:15: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (NIV). As we spend time with the Word it has an influence over our lives of cleansing.

Like the Father pruning the branches, the word of God, whether taught by Jesus to the disciples or through our study of the Word, through its power it has a cleansing effect on us who believe and abide as a branch in Jesus.

Prayer

Father, I thank you for the cleansing effect the word of God has had on my life; how it guards me in times of temptation; how it stimulates me to live more and more like Jesus each day. It provides me with a standard or a filter through which input from the world is received. Having the Word standing between me and the world has prevented me from experiencing much trouble and heart ache. “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” I find to be a key to righteous living.

He Takes Away?

Lesson #238

The vinedresser checks the branches attached to the vine and “Every branch in [Jesus] that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit” (John 15:2 ESV). As believers, we are like branches connected to the vine, to draw nourishment that is needed to produce fruit. The Holy Spirit that was given to each of us is like the sap that flows from the vine to the branches. Any branch in Jesus must be a believer, which raises a question about the meaning of “he takes away.” A quick check of Strong’s Concordance shows that “he lifts up” to be a better choice. Some translations replace “he takes away” with “he cuts off.” This presents a problem because if a branch is in Jesus Christ, it implies one who is saved and then to cut off the branch, or even to take it away, implies the loss of salvation, which is not possible because once you are a child of God you are always a child of God. “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out” (John 6:37 ESV). Jesus will never cast us out and we do not have the ability to cease being a child of God.

If we rewrite the first part of the verse to read, “Every branch in [Jesus] that does not bear fruit he lifts up” and look at a possible meaning. In a vineyard, grape vines are trimmed to grow along horizontal wires stretched along a row of posts. If a branch growing along the bottom wire becomes dislodged and falls to the ground it will not bear fruit, but if it is cared for by lifting it back up to its supporting wire and attached it will once again become productive. This idea carries over to believers. If believers fall down into sin, should we just ignore them or try to lift them up again to godly living? Because of my agricultural background and because of Christians who make bad choices and need to be restored, I am going to embrace the choice of words “he lifts up.”

“and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” If left unattended, branches will add extra growth and look nice and green and full, but this is an unhealthy condition as this extra foliage draws away nourishment needed for fruit bearing. This extra foliage needs to be trimmed away to produce more fruit. The same applies to believers. We can become distracted by so many things in the world that we leave little energy or time to do good works, called fruit bearing. Our Father will keep his eye on us and will trim where needed. Some of this trimming may be painful and come in the form of trouble or trials in our lives, but his goal for us is to do the good works he has assigned to us to do. This may not sound very enjoyable if your focus is on your selfish desires, but remember our Father chose us and assigned to us work to do and he expects obedience out of our love for him. He does not expect us to live a life of self-gratification as friends with the world. If this is your focus, then you should check to see if you are really a branch in Jesus Christ and not part of the group mentioned in Matthew 7:21 – 23.

Prayer

Father, from this lesson we see that it is essential that believers bear fruit. As believers we are left here on earth, on assignment to do our Father’s will. It appears, by our lifestyle, that we have a greater interest in seeking what the world has to offer than we are in spending our life to the glory of God. As we work through future lessons, help us see the importance of fruit bearing. 

Father is the Vinedresser

Lesson #237

We are currently working on John 15:1: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser” (ESV). Jesus is the true vine who provides the attached branches with all that is needed for producing fruit. I have been around vineyards and have had my own grape vines, and have quickly learned that left to themselves, production begins to decrease as the branches tend to grow for themselves instead of focusing on bearing fruit. These branches that enjoy producing an abundance of leaves, leave little energy to produce fruit. To correct this problem a vinedresser is hired to maintain the vineyard with proper cultivation, fertilizing and trimming. Not only does overgrowth draw energy away from fruit bearing, but the extra growth blocks the sunlight and air movement for a healthy environment. It is truly amazing how the removal of extra growth at the proper time stimulates production. This idea carries over into other areas of agriculture. It is important to know how many seeds to sow to maximize yield; too few seeds result in not enough plants and too many seeds produce an overcrowding problem; both results in lower yields.

How does this apply to us as a believer? As we start this chapter we must remember why God left us here on earth after becoming believers. At least two reasons stand out: First, we need to grow spiritually from children, to young men, to fathers (1 John 2:12 – 14) and second, before the beginning of time, God prepared work for us to do while we were growing spiritually. Jesus is the source of all we need to grow spiritually and to do the assigned work, and our Father will provide the guidance, training, and even discipline to insure that we are conformed into the image of his Son (Romans 8:29) as we serve him. This process will take on much more meaning as we work our way through this chapter.

Prayer

Father, I find that if I am to have healthy trees around my home, I need to trim them on a regular basis; I need to remove lower branches that hang down and remove extra growth from within the tree. As I do the trees take on a nicer shape and are much healthier as they grow and they have more endurance to weather severe storms. As the vinedresser, you do the same thing with my life; trimming some here and some more there; things that I do that use up time and energy and detract from doing kingdom work assigned to me. Father, thank you for taking me from being lost and without hope and are transforming me into the image of Jesus. Thank you for the joy you have given me as I do my assigned kingdom work. 

Jesus the True Vine

Lesson #236

With this lesson we will begin chapter 15, which is divided into two major parts by the ESV Bible: I Am the True Vine, and the Hatred of the World. As before we will progress from verse to verse, as space allows, but I am considering a presentation change. Instead of three lessons each week, I am considering five shorter lessons each week. We will see how this works out.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser” (John 15:1 ESV). A sort verse that contains so much to think about. I find it interesting to see how much space is taken up by commentators trying to decide when Jesus shared this material with his disciples and what might have prompted him to say this. We will stay focused on the verse and consider the meaning of “I am the true vine” and “my Father is the vinedresser.”

“I am the true vine” is the last of the seven “I AM” statements made in this gospel by Jesus. For a summary of these follow the link to summary. The area around Palestine abounded with vineyards and often used in reference to Jewish people. In Isaiah 5:1 – 7, God compares the illustration of a vineyard that was not bearing fruit to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and Juda, who were not bearing fruit with their lives. God looked for justice but instead he found bloodshed. A growing picture of America today. In Jeremiah 2:21 we read of God’s disappointment in his people: “I had planted you like a choice vine of sound and reliable stock. How then did you turn against me into a corrupt, wild vine?” (NIV). Jesus may have had this verse in mind when he referred to himself at the true vine. In this sense, Jesus is real and genuine and truly gives what is emblematically represented by a vine. A vine is a source of life for the branches attached to it. If a branch is cut off it dies. In like manner, Jesus as the vine, is the source of life for us as believers. It is Jesus as our leader and teacher that imparts to us grace and strength to bear the fruit of holiness.

In our next lesson we will consider the role of a vinedresser in producing greater fruit.

Prayer

Father, thank you for the illustration of Jesus being the vine who provides us, the branches, with all we need for life. Father, I am afraid we live depending on physical substance and give little attention to the nourishment our soul needs. Father, challenge us through future studies in this chapter to see the importance of becoming a healthier branch, attached to Jesus the true vine. 

The Ruler of the World is Coming

Lesson #235

With this lesson we will finish chapter 14. Jesus continues to share with the disciples: “And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe” (John 14:29 ESV). At John 13:19, Jesus said: “I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he” (ESV). This is not the first time he has told the disciples he would die. He wanted to be sure that when his time came, they would not be taken by surprise. By explaining to them what was to happen, and then when it does happen just as he said, they might then believe that he was truly the Son of God, the promised Messiah, and that he was then in glory, sitting at the right hand of God.

Time is short, as Jesus says: “I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me” (John 14:30 ESV). The remaining time left before the cross will not allow much more to be said. The “ruler of this world” is Satan the devil and is coming to do his work. His plans to kill Jesus seem to be coming together and soon he believes he will have victory over God. His plans are God’s plans because God is allowing him to carry them out. Little does he know what will be accomplished on the cross and that his assumed victory will be turned into his defeat. This reminds me of Haman in Ester 5:13 – 14, who had a gallows fifty cubits high made on which he would have Mordecai hanged, but events did not unfold as he had planned and in Ester 7:9 – 10, we find Haman was hanged in place of Mordecai. Satan’s plans to defeat God will be overcome and Satan defeater. As Jesus suffers on the cross, drawing closer and closer to his death, Satan was feeling pretty good, but then things began to happen and death could not hold onto Jesus and he rose victorious, sealing Satan’s defeat. The ruler of this world came to do his work, but in the end he had no claim on Jesus.

Jesus makes it clear that he is here on earth on assignment. He says: “but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here” (John 14:31 ESV). The obedience of Jesus to carry out the wishes of his Father is evidence of his love for him. Adam Clark, in his commentary, 1832, summarized this verse so well when he wrote: “The reader should carefully note the conduct of our Lord. He goes to die as a Sacrifice, out of love to mankind, in obedience to the Divine will, and with unshaken courage. All our actions should be formed on this plan. They should have the love of God and man for their principle and motive; his glory for their end; and his will for their rule. He who lives and acts thus shall live forever. Amen.” (public domain). It is not easy to walk as Jesus walked because it requires we carry a cross, the meaning of which is clearly described by Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (ESV). This is another uniqueness of Christianity. We must die if we are to truly live. Those who truly live will appear as aliens and strangers (1 Peter 2:11 – 12 NASB) compared to those who don’t. Where on the living scale are you in your walk with the Lord?

Prayer

Father, as we come to the end of chapter 14, I want to pray for those who take time to read and think about these lessons. I am amazed over how many countries of the world readers are found. They represent a variety of cultures and personal experiences. Many with freedom to express their faith in Jesus Christ and some who are found facing persecution. In whatever circumstance they find life, I pray for their endurance to remain faithful in serving the Lord; I pray for needs to be met that are hindering their walk with the Lord; I pray that resentment and the need of justice will be surrendered to God allowing love and forgiveness to rule their hearts; I pray that their souls are being nourished by the Word and that their lives are a living testimony of the wonderful salvation we have in Jesus Christ. 

What is Biblical Peace?

Lesson #234

Try to put yourself in the disciples’ place. What Jesus is telling them and doing is so radically different than what they have experienced or been taught by their Jewish teachers. Jesus tells them about things that will happen and about things they will not understand until later. They don’t know what to think or how it will finally impact them. This is not unlike many nonbelievers today. Without the indwelling Holy Spirit, they are unable to understand many spiritual concepts found in the Bible. We must be careful not to be too harsh with the disciples, because they have much to learn and experience yet.

Jesus continues to say to them: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27 ESV). “Peace I leave with you” is a Jewish form of salutation and benediction. Jesus desires that they experience peace now and after he leaves. The expression “peace” used by Jesus had a much richer connotation that the English word does since it conveyed not merely the absence of conflict and turmoil but also the notion of positive blessing, especially in terms of a right relationship with God. For example: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24 – 26 ESV). Also, “The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace” (Psalm 29:11 NKJV). This peace will manifest itself most clearly in the midst of persecution and tribulation from the world. Remember what Jesus said, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:18 – 19 NKJV). Later in our study, Jesus will say, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 ESV). This peace Jesus speaks of is testified of by people currently experiencing persecution in various parts of the world.

The Jews offer empty wishes and the people of the world offer empty compliments, but to the followers of Jesus he gives peace, procures it, preserves it, and establishes it. He is the author, prince, promoter, and keeper of peace. The disciples, and we, are to focus on this and not let our hearts shrink back through fear of any approaching evil. Jesus wants his disciples to understand that this approaching evil will only fall on him, and this evil he is to endure will result in comfort and salvation for them and for us, and in the redemption of a lost world.

Jesus continues to tell them: “You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I” (John 14:28 ESV). Jesus is going away from them through his death and he will come to them by his resurrection. I don’t think there is any question that the disciples loved Jesus, but Jesus was implying that they didn’t have a proper view of him as their Messiah, were still influenced by various Jewish prejudices, and lacked confidence in what he was telling them. If they really understood his mission, they would rejoice because of the benefits they would receive in the person of the Holy Spirit.

What is the meaning of “the Father is greater than I?” Over and over again Jesus has told the disciples that he was sent by his Father. The one who sends is considered greater than the one sent. In this sense, the Father is greater than Jesus, but in terms of the Godhead the Son is equal to the Father.

Prayer

Father as I think of this peace that Jesus gives I am reminded that Paul tells us to “let the peace of Christ rule in [our] hearts, to which indeed [we] were called in one body. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15 ESV). It is so easy to let other things take over our hearts and as a result we wonder why we experience so much tribulation in our lives. Father, we need to get our priorities straight and let the peace of God rule our hearts because that peace surpasses all understanding and it will guard our hearts and our minds (Philippians 4:7). 

The Importance of the Holy Spirit

Lesson #233

As Jesus continues to prepare his disciples for his departure, he says: “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you” (John 14:25 ESV). For over a year we have studied the things Jesus said and did and to us we understand because we have the New Testament to learn from and we have the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth. The disciples were before all of this and to the natural mind they were not able to understand these spiritual applications. Jesus wanted them to hear what he was saying and even if they didn’t understand, they will one day. This understanding will come when they meet Jesus after being raised from the dead and especially when they receive the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. This is the hope Jesus again tells them about.

Jesus continues: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26 ESV). The disciples are struggling to understand and Jesus is trying to encourage them by telling them that the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in his name, will one day give them understanding. The Holy Spirit will teach them all they need to know when they need to know it. One of the joys of Bible study, especially in preparing these lessons, is being taught by the Holy Spirit. Not only does he teach me new things about verses, but he brings to mind things I learned in the past. I notice this even more as I age and have more trouble remembering things of normal life, but find that my recall of spiritual things continues to grow.

How might “bring to your remembrance” apply to the disciples? First, I think it applies to remembering the things Jesus told them. There was much information that needed to be remembered in order to write the gospels and for the edification of believers and the church. Second, the Holy Spirit would teach them the meaning of those things which Jesus had spoken of that they didn’t understand when he was with them, even though he repeatedly told them. Remember, God chose the Jews to be a light to the Gentiles, but they kept God to themselves. The Gentiles were to also have hope in the name of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit used Peter to help establish an understanding of this in Acts 10:44 – 48.

I decided to ask Google the question, “What is the importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives?” to see what I would get for an answer. I browsed through the information retrieved and chose to look at this link, which provided a list of 50 things the Holy Spirit does.

Prayer

Father, as I think about a closing prayer for this lesson, I am reminded of how we misuse the tools you give us for ministry. We need to be reminded over and over again that you chose us and assigned kingdom work for us to do and gave us tools to use. Three of these tools are prayer, the Word, and the Holy Spirit. We usually use prayer, asking you to meet our needs and to establish greater comfort for us and others. From the Word we are nourished and find directions in how to do our work, but we tend to leave it on the shelf or table. We often seek the Holy Spirit for our enjoyment, not for the purpose of guidance, strength and understanding in doing our assigned work. Are we not like the person who was given the one talent who did not invest it? Father, have mercy on us. 

How Much Do You Love Jesus?

Lesson #232

We have been assured that Jesus will not leave us as orphans as so many children are in the world. It is such a tragic picture to see many children fending for themselves, having lost their parents to the aftermath of evil that surrounds them. We now pick where we left off with Jesus saying: “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him” (John 14:21 ESV). Again Jesus stresses the importance between obedience and love. Every one of you who has a Bible, especially the New Testament, has his commandments and if you do it is your responsibility to know them and to keep them. If you don’t, then you show little or no love for Jesus. If by this evidence we show that we love Jesus, then we will experience the Father’s love for us and Jesus will love us and will make himself known to us in clear and understandable ways.

“Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?”” (John 14:22 ESV). The “Judas” John names here is identified, in Matthew 10:3, as Lebbeus or Thaddaeus. This disciple wanted to know how Jesus was going to reveal himself to them and not to those in the world. We are not told what he was thinking, but it is apparent he had not thought of the possibility of Jesus appearing inside a closed room with them after his death. Jesus is going to ignore the question and allow time to answer the question when he shows himself.

“Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him”” (John 14:23 ESV). It is clear that Jesus does not want to get sidetracked, but wants to continue to stress the importance of the relationship between obedience and love. Earlier, keeping the commandments was evidence of love for Jesus. Here, evidence of our love for him is seen in our obedience to his word. Notice that Jesus expands what he is saying to include anyone, not just his disciples. As before our obedience is tied to the Fathers love for us. Jesus now adds intimacy by indicating that Jesus and his Father will make their home with us. It is in our heart they will come to rest and live. How this should challenge us to experience this today and not continue to keep friends with the world.

Jesus continues: “Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me” (John 14:24 ESV). I believe this statement opens the possibility that one may be obedient as a form of good works (Matthew 7:21-23), but without love the effort is without eternal benefit (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). God is love and if our obedience is not connected to love then we are not obeying for God’s benefit but for ours. Jesus repeats what he said in John 12:49: “For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak” (ESV). What Jesus has been saying is not from him as a man, but is from his Father who sent him.

Prayer

Father, as I think about this lesson, several verses come to mind. “. . . Jesus said to those . . . who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”” (John 8:30 – 32 NKJV). Father, it is so easy to spend time with things of the world, like Facebook or watching sports, as two examples, but nearly impossible to spend equal time with as much attention to seeking to know the truth found in the Bible. Maybe deception is to blame. “So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him” (Revelation 12:9 NKJV). “. . . there is no truth in [the devil]. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44 ESV). It seems that Satan will do his best to deceive us into thinking the truth is not important and will look for every opportunity to tell us that it isn’t. Embracing these lies leads us into the bondage of sin, but embracing the truth will set us free. Father, we as western believers desperately need your help in this matter. 

Not Left as Orphans

Lesson #231

We have considered the connection between love and obedience and have learned that Jesus was going to ask the Father to send us a Helper. We know that happened because later books of the New Testament testify that he did and we personally know he did because he bears witness of his presence in our lives. Jesus continues by saying, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18 ESV). Some translations replace orphans with the words comfortless, desolate, all alone and bereaved. Orphans is a good translation because the disciples of a particular teacher among the Hebrews called him father; his scholars were called his children and on his death, they were considered as orphans. In John 13:33, Jesus referred to his disciples as little children and now that he is about to be removed from them by death, he assures them that they shall not be left fatherless, or without a teacher. He assures them that he will come to them again; that he would rise from the dead and appear to them. Then after his ascension they will receive the Holy Spirit, which will comfort them and be their advocate, teacher, and guide forever.

After being assured that they will not be left as orphans, Jesus continues to encourage the disciples by saying, “Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19 ESV). Once Jesus is taken down from the cross and placed in the tomb the world will no longer see him, but for the disciples and other believers, that would not be the case. Jesus will rise from the dead and his resurrection will be proof and a pledge that the disciples and also for us that we will rise likewise. Jesus will live a life of intercession for us at the right hand of God and while here on earth we will live a life of grace and peace and then a life of glory hereafter.

When the disciples see Jesus after his death they will realize an important fact: “In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you” (John 14:20 ESV). After his resurrection, the disciples will be more fully convinced of this important truth, that Jesus and the Father are One, for he will live in them by his Spirit, and they shall live in him by faith, love and obedience. One of these meeting times is as follows: “On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”” (John 20:19 ESV). This was very convincing!

Prayer

Father, when I feel alone or unloved or troubled, I turn to you and by faith I see myself as a little boy sitting on your lap, being help close and told how much you love me. Father, what a beautiful experience that is; one the world knows nothing about and maybe even those who are flirting with the world don’t understand. Father, thank you for the Holy Spirit who lives within me and assures me that I am your child and that I am secure in Jesus Christ. 

The Promise of a Helper

Lesson #230

Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John14:15 ESV) and then he spoke about the Helper he was going to have the Father send to help us keep those commandments. Jesus continues: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you” (John 14:16 – 17 ESV). Our salvation, Jesus is going to the cross to purchase, is much more than simply a ticket to heaven. The following verses suggest various aspects of our salvation we need to think about. “Jesus answered and said to [Nicodemus], "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."” (ESV). This new birth provides us with eternal, spiritual life, by connecting us to Jesus Christ like a branch is connected to a vine. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, (connected to Christ to draw life from him) he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV). That new creation is also referred to as God’s temple, because God’s Spirit dwells there: “Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 ESV). This salvation starts at our being born again, but it is not complete until we receive our new bodies in heaven. Between these two end points we have a responsibility: “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12 – 13 ESV). That which was born spiritually needs to mature. That maturing process is a joint effort between us and God and is referred to as working out our salvation. This working out our salvation brings us back to verse 16 and the Helper Jesus was going to ask the Father to send to us.

The word “Helper” in the ESV translation is replaced with “Advocate”, “Comforter”, “Counselor” and “Paraclete in some other translations. Each of these conveys a different emphasis on what the Holy Spirit does in our lives. As a helper the Holy Spirit will help us with working out our salvation and do daily living. He will also help us understand the Scriptures and convict us of our sin. When life is difficult, because of the various trials we may experience, He comes along side to help us experience greater comfort in the midst of our suffering. There are times when we are not sure how to decide about something. He is there as our counselor to guide us to the right choice. Paraclete is an old word found in older translations and generally has the same meaning as counselor.

This Helper that Jesus will have the Father send to us will be with us from the day we are born again. He will dwell within us forever. He is called the Spirit of truth and “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come” (John 16:13 ESV). The Holy Spirit is a live communications connection between God and our spirit. He is our perfect guide and teacher. This Spirit of truth, who dwells with us and in in us, is not seen or known or available to the world. He is available only to those who are born again and become God’s temple for him to dwell in.

Prayer

Father, thank you that our salvation is not just an eternal extension of life as we know it today. Thank you that we become a new creation, a temple in which the Holy Spirit dwells. Thank you for the role he plays in our life, now and throughout eternity. Thank you that he bears witness to us that we are children of God.