11.3.24 John 16 Discussion Guide
Read: 1 Peter 1.
Q1: What are some practically important things it says to those of us who are concerned about the election this week? What does it tell us about how to handle other things with which we are concerned?
Pray: For the election results and for our country.
Read: John 16:1-15
Q2: From this passage and others you know from Scripture, what is the Holy Spirit’s role in the world now? What is His role in the lives of unbelievers and in the lives of believers?
Q3: Why is it so tempting and so common to make the Spirit’s leading overly subjective?
Definition of Subjective: based on or overly influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions.
Q4: God has given us His Word and His people to help us know His will. The Spirit is not going to lead us contrary to His will or contrary to real wisdom.
- How can the Spirit help you understand and apply God’s Word to your life?
- How does God use the wisdom of others (scholars, translators, authors) to help us know His will?
Pray: Ask God to help you understand and apply His word. Thank God for the wisdom of others whom He uses to help you understand His word. Thank Him specifically for those who worked so hard to learn the original languages and culture that enabled them to produce the Bible translation you are reading.
Read: John 16:16-24
Q5: What does asking for anything in Jesus’ name (for his sake) mean? What does it not mean?
Q6: How does wanting his glory to be revealed in our lives position us to experience His joy in our lives?
Pray: Ask God to glorify Jesus in your life. Ask him to help you want this, no matter what it means.
Read: John 16:25-33
Q7: Jesus said that we will have trouble, and we will have peace. Clearly, the peace he is talking about is not the absence of trouble; what is it?
Q8: Does Jesus promise that we will always “feel” peace? Have you always felt at peace yourself, especially in times of great trouble? Perhaps you have “had” peace, though you may not have felt peace. How would you describe the difference?
Q9: Jesus said that he has (completed action) conquered the world, which is the basis for our courage. How can assurance of his final victory bring you peace when you suffer?
Pray: Ask God to help you live with the courage of his peace revealed through your faithful actions amid the trouble in your life.