Embracing the Present: The Advantage of Christ's Departure
Summary
Today’s teaching centers on the profound truth that it is to our advantage that Jesus is now in heaven. While it’s natural to long for the days when Jesus walked the earth, performed miracles, and taught in person, he himself insisted that his departure would usher in something even greater: the coming of the Holy Spirit, our Helper, Advocate, and Counselor. This reality reframes our longing for the past and invites us to embrace the present, where the Spirit is actively at work in and through us.
Jesus prepared his disciples for the sorrow and confusion that would come with his departure, reminding them that what seemed like defeat—the cross, the grave—was actually the greatest victory. The disciples, like us, often became preoccupied with their own pain and uncertainty, missing the significance of what God was doing. Yet, Jesus promised that their sorrow would be transformed into joy, a joy that no one could take away. This joy is not a fleeting feeling, but a deep, Spirit-given assurance rooted in Christ’s victory and presence.
The Holy Spirit’s role is not just to comfort, but to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. Our task is not to act as judges or attorneys, trying to argue people into faith, but to be faithful witnesses—sharing what God has done in our lives and trusting the Spirit to do the convicting and transforming work. This frees us from the pressure of having the perfect words or arguments, and instead calls us to authentic, Spirit-empowered living.
Prayer emerges as a vital key to a fruitful life. Jesus opened the way for us to approach the Father directly, not just in moments of crisis, but in every uncertainty and need. As we align our hearts with God’s will, even in disappointment or disaster, we find a joy and peace that the world cannot take away. The victory of Jesus means we can live as people of hope, joy, and courage, empowered by the Spirit to be witnesses in our world today.
Key Takeaways
- The Advantage of Christ’s Departure
Jesus’ ascension was not a loss, but a gain for his followers. By leaving, he sent the Holy Spirit, who now dwells within every believer, guiding, empowering, and comforting us. This means we are living in the era Jesus called “better”—where his presence is not limited by geography or time, but is available to all who believe. [36:48]
- Victory in Apparent Defeat
What looked like the ultimate defeat—the cross—was actually the greatest victory. When we face suffering, persecution, or loss, we are invited to see these moments through the lens of Christ’s triumph. Our participation in his sufferings unites us with his victory, reminding us that God’s purposes often unfold in ways that defy our expectations. [41:19]
- The Spirit’s Role and Our Witness
The Holy Spirit is the one who convicts hearts; our role is to be faithful witnesses, not prosecutors or judges. We are called to share our experiences of God’s grace and truth, trusting the Spirit to do the deeper work in others. This perspective frees us from striving for perfect words and allows us to love and witness authentically. [48:03]
- Transformation, Not Substitution
God’s way is not to simply substitute our sorrows with quick fixes, but to transform them into lasting joy. True maturity comes as we allow God to work through our pain, learning and growing rather than seeking immediate relief. This transformation is rooted in remaining in Christ and trusting his process, even when it’s difficult. [55:31]
- Joy and Peace Through Prayer
Prayer is the secret to a fruitful and joyful Christian life. Jesus invites us to bring every need, uncertainty, and desire to the Father in his name, aligning our hearts with his will. Even when prayers are not answered as we hope, we can rejoice and trust, knowing that God is glorified and that our joy in him is secure and untouchable. [01:04:32]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[35:13] - Praying for Our Pastors and Alpha
[36:01] - The Pain of Absence and the Advantage of Jesus’ Departure
[36:48] - Opening John 16: The Promise of the Helper
[38:05] - The Spirit’s Conviction: Sin, Righteousness, and Judgment
[39:21] - The Disciples’ Struggle and the Irony of the Cross
[41:19] - Victory in Suffering and the Call to Endure
[43:21] - Longing for the Past vs. Embracing the Present
[44:54] - Trusting Jesus’ Words: The Helper Has Come
[46:45] - The Spirit’s Role vs. Our Role
[48:03] - Living as Faithful Witnesses
[51:50] - Sorrow Transformed into Joy
[55:31] - Transformation Over Substitution
[58:26] - The Power and Priority of Prayer
[01:01:39] - Take Heart: Christ Has Overcome the World
[01:07:47] - Practical Steps: Prayer and Witness
[01:11:21] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
- John 16:1-33
(The main text for the sermon, covering Jesus’ teaching about his departure, the coming of the Holy Spirit, sorrow turning to joy, and prayer.)
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to Jesus in John 16, why is it to the disciples’ advantage that he goes away? (see especially verses 7 and 13)
[[36:48]]
2. What specific roles does Jesus say the Holy Spirit (the Helper) will have when he comes? (see verses 8-15)
[[38:05]]
3. How does Jesus describe the transformation of the disciples’ sorrow into joy? What analogy does he use? (see verses 20-22)
[[52:21]]
4. In verses 23-24, what new way of relating to God does Jesus introduce to his disciples?
[[59:35]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Jesus insists that his departure is actually for the disciples’ good. Why might this have been hard for them to accept, and what does it reveal about how God’s plans often differ from our expectations?
[[39:21]]
2. The sermon says the Holy Spirit’s job is to convict, while our job is to be witnesses. What are the dangers of confusing these roles, and how might this affect our relationships with others?
[[46:45]]
3. Jesus promises a joy that “no one can take away.” How is this joy different from happiness that depends on circumstances?
[[53:43]]
4. The sermon talks about transformation rather than substitution when it comes to our sorrows. What does it mean for God to transform our pain instead of just replacing it with something else?
[[55:31]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to stop longing for the “good old days” or wishing we could have walked with Jesus in person. Are there ways you find yourself wishing for a different time or situation in your faith? How can you embrace the reality that the Holy Spirit is with you now?
[[44:54]]
2. When have you tried to “convince” someone into faith, or felt pressure to have the perfect words? How would it change your approach if you trusted the Holy Spirit to do the convicting, and focused on simply sharing your story?
[[48:03]]
3. Think of a recent disappointment or painful situation. Instead of asking God to just “fix” it, what would it look like to invite him to transform it into something that brings lasting joy or growth?
[[55:31]]
4. Jesus says we can now go directly to the Father in prayer, not just in crisis but in every uncertainty and need. What is one area of your life where you need to start bringing your needs to God more consistently?
[[59:35]]
5. The sermon describes joy as something that can’t be taken away, even in suffering. Is there a situation right now where you need to hold onto this kind of joy? What would it look like to choose joy in the midst of it?
[[53:43]]
6. Are there places in your life where you’ve been acting more like a judge or attorney, rather than a witness? What is one relationship or situation where you can step back and trust the Spirit to do the deeper work?
[[46:45]]
7. The “secret” to a fruitful Christian life is prayer. What is one practical step you can take this week to make prayer a more regular and vital part of your daily routine?
[[58:26]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for a deeper awareness of the Holy Spirit’s presence, courage to be authentic witnesses, and for God to transform any current sorrows into lasting joy.
Devotional
Day 1: Presence Beyond Physical Boundaries
Jesus’ ascension was not a loss but a profound gain for believers. By leaving the earth, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit, who now dwells within every follower, guiding, empowering, and comforting them. This means that the presence of Christ is no longer confined to a specific place or time but is accessible to all who believe, everywhere and always. Living in this “better” era invites believers to embrace a dynamic relationship with God that transcends physical limitations.
This new reality challenges the natural longing for the days when Jesus walked the earth in visible form. Instead of mourning His absence, believers are called to recognize the advantage of His departure: the indwelling Spirit who actively works in and through them. This presence empowers the church to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world today, living out His mission with courage and hope. [36:48]
John 14:16-17 (ESV)
“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.”
Reflection:
In what ways can you become more aware of and rely on the Holy Spirit’s presence in your daily decisions and challenges today?
Day 2: Triumph Hidden in Suffering
What appeared to be the ultimate defeat—the cross—was in fact the greatest victory. When believers face suffering, persecution, or loss, they are invited to view these experiences through the lens of Christ’s triumph. Participation in Christ’s sufferings unites believers with His victory, reminding them that God’s purposes often unfold in unexpected ways that defy human understanding.
This perspective transforms how pain and hardship are experienced. Instead of despair, there is hope rooted in the assurance that God is working through difficulties to bring about redemption and growth. Endurance in suffering becomes a testimony to the power of Christ’s resurrection and the promise of ultimate restoration. [41:19]
Psalm 44:22-24 (ESV)
“Yet for your sake we are killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered. Awake! Why are you sleeping, O Lord? Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever! Why do you hide your face? Why do you forget our affliction and oppression?”
Reflection:
Identify a current or past hardship—how might viewing it as part of Christ’s victory change your attitude or response toward it?
Day 3: Witnessing Through Spirit-Led Authenticity
The Holy Spirit is the one who convicts hearts of sin, righteousness, and judgment; believers’ role is to be faithful witnesses, not judges or prosecutors. This means sharing personal experiences of God’s grace and truth with authenticity, trusting the Spirit to do the deeper work of transformation in others.
This understanding frees believers from the pressure to have perfect words or arguments when sharing their faith. Instead, it calls for genuine living that reflects the Spirit’s work within. Authenticity in witness invites others to encounter God’s love without feeling judged or coerced, creating space for the Spirit’s convicting power to move freely. [48:03]
Zechariah 4:6 (ESV)
“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”
Reflection:
Who in your life needs to hear your story of God’s grace, and how can you share it honestly without trying to control their response?
Day 4: Enduring Transformation Over Quick Relief
God’s way is not to simply substitute sorrows with quick fixes but to transform them into lasting joy. True spiritual maturity comes as believers allow God to work through their pain, learning and growing rather than seeking immediate relief or escape.
This process requires remaining in Christ and trusting His timing and methods, even when the journey is difficult. Transformation rooted in Christ produces a joy that is deep and enduring, not dependent on circumstances. It invites believers to embrace growth through trials, knowing that God’s refining work leads to greater faith and hope. [55:31]
Romans 5:3-5 (ESV)
“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
Reflection:
What is one painful experience you are currently facing where you can choose to trust God’s transforming work instead of seeking a quick fix?
Day 5: Prayer as the Pathway to Unshakable Joy
Prayer is the secret to a fruitful and joyful Christian life. Jesus invites believers to bring every need, uncertainty, and desire to the Father in His name, aligning their hearts with God’s will. Even when prayers are not answered as hoped, believers can rejoice and trust, knowing that God is glorified and that their joy in Him is secure and untouchable.
This kind of prayer cultivates peace and hope that the world cannot take away. It empowers believers to live courageously as people of hope, joy, and witness, sustained by the Spirit’s power. Prayer becomes not just a practice but a lifeline that connects believers intimately with God’s presence and purposes. [01:04:32]
Jeremiah 29:12-13 (ESV)
“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”
Reflection:
What specific need or uncertainty will you bring to God in prayer today, asking Him to align your heart with His will regardless of the outcome?
Quotes
``But his apparent defeat on the cross was actually the most amazing victory of all time. And when we recognize that we get to partake in his sufferings, that when we face those persecutions, when we face those things, we're actually partaking and unifying ourselves with the work and victory Jesus has done. [00:48:49] (20 seconds)
We do not study the Word of God in order to argue religion with people or to show off our grasp of spiritual things. We study the Word to see Jesus Christ, to know God better, to glorify Him in our lives. [00:47:55] (15 seconds)
He's no longer confined to a geographical location in the world. He's no longer out east somewhere. He's actually present physically living and residing in each one of us, which allows him to reach to every corner of the globe. [00:54:17] (15 seconds)
The way of substitution for solving problems is the way of immaturity. The way of transformation is the way of faith and maturity. We cannot mature emotionally or spiritually if someone is always replacing our broken toys. [00:55:48] (15 seconds)
When we know whose we are, when we know why we are here and where we're going headed in line with scripture, we can know that situations are temporary and take each moment and learn to form it and transform it into joy. [00:57:21] (15 seconds)
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