Finding Peace and Comfort in Christ's Promises
Summary
### Summary
In today's gathering, we delved into John 14, where Jesus comforts His disciples amidst their confusion and sorrow. Jesus had just informed them of His impending departure, which left them troubled and uncertain. They had anticipated a triumphant establishment of His kingdom, but now faced the reality of His crucifixion. Jesus reassures them, urging them not to let their hearts be troubled but to believe in Him and God. He promises them peace, not as the world gives, but a divine peace that surpasses understanding. Jesus explains that He is going to prepare a place for them in His Father's house and will return to take them there. This promise is likened to a Jewish betrothal tradition where the groom prepares a home for his bride.
Jesus emphasizes that although He is leaving, He is not abandoning them. He will send the Holy Spirit, another Comforter, to be with them, guide them, and remind them of His teachings. This Comforter will provide them with peace and strength to endure the trials ahead. Jesus also clarifies that He is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him. Despite their confusion, Jesus assures them that they have seen the Father through Him.
The disciples are encouraged to show their love for Jesus by keeping His commandments. Obedience out of love, rather than fear, is the true mark of a follower of Christ. Jesus' love for them will be evident through the presence of the Holy Spirit and the peace He provides. He also tells them that they will do greater works than He did, not in terms of miraculous acts, but in the extent of spreading the gospel worldwide.
In conclusion, Jesus' message to His disciples is one of reassurance and love. He knows the trials they will face, but He promises His presence through the Holy Spirit and urges them to trust in Him. This same promise and reassurance are extended to us today. No matter the trials we face, we can find peace and comfort in Jesus' love and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
### Key Takeaways
1. Trust in Jesus Amidst Uncertainty: Jesus reassures His disciples not to let their hearts be troubled but to believe in Him and God. This trust is crucial, especially when facing confusing and troubling times. Belief in Jesus provides a foundation of peace and assurance that transcends our understanding. [45:07]
2. The Promise of the Holy Spirit: Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit, another Comforter, to be with His disciples. This Comforter will guide, teach, and remind them of Jesus' teachings, providing them with peace and strength. The Holy Spirit's presence is a testament to Jesus' ongoing love and commitment to His followers. [01:05:26]
3. Obedience as an Expression of Love: Jesus emphasizes that true love for Him is demonstrated through obedience to His commandments. This obedience should stem from love and respect, not fear. It reflects a genuine relationship with Jesus and a desire to please Him. [01:02:22]
4. Peace in Turbulent Times: The peace that Jesus offers is different from the world's peace. It is a divine peace that allows us to remain calm and content even in the most trying times. This peace comes from knowing that God is in control and that He already knows how everything will work out. [01:06:05]
5. Greater Works Through the Gospel: Jesus tells His disciples that they will do greater works than He did, referring to the extent of spreading the gospel worldwide. This is not about performing more miraculous acts but about the far-reaching impact of the gospel message. Through the Holy Spirit, believers can continue Jesus' mission and bring spiritual transformation to many. [58:13]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[06:07] - Announcements
[07:10] - Teen Testimonies from Camp
[12:56] - Prayer and Worship
[13:53] - Introduction to John 14
[43:19] - Jesus Comforts His Disciples
[45:07] - Trust in Jesus Amidst Uncertainty
[48:06] - The Promise of Love
[52:00] - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life
[58:13] - Greater Works Through the Gospel
[01:01:46] - Evidence of Love
[01:05:26] - The Promise of the Holy Spirit
[01:06:05] - Peace in Turbulent Times
[01:10:42] - The Cure to a Troubled Heart
[01:12:13] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- John 14:1-27
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific promise does Jesus give to His disciples to comfort them in John 14:1-3? [48:06]
2. How does Jesus describe the peace He offers compared to the peace the world gives in John 14:27? [45:07]
3. What role does Jesus say the Holy Spirit will play in the lives of the disciples according to John 14:16-17? [01:04:39]
4. How does Jesus define the relationship between love and obedience in John 14:15 and 21? [01:02:22]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasizes belief in Him and God as a remedy for a troubled heart? How does this belief provide peace? [45:07]
2. In what ways does the promise of the Holy Spirit serve as a reassurance to the disciples? How might this have changed their perspective on Jesus' departure? [01:05:26]
3. Jesus mentions that His followers will do "greater works" than He did. What does He mean by this, and how does it relate to the spread of the gospel? [58:13]
4. How does Jesus' analogy of preparing a place in His Father's house reflect the Jewish betrothal tradition, and what significance does this have for understanding His commitment to His followers? [49:24]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt troubled or confused. How did your faith in Jesus help you navigate that situation? If it didn’t, what could you have done differently to lean on your faith? [45:07]
2. Jesus promises a peace that surpasses worldly understanding. What are some practical steps you can take to experience this divine peace in your daily life, especially during turbulent times? [01:06:05]
3. The Holy Spirit is described as a Comforter who guides and teaches. How can you become more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance in your life? What practices might help you stay attuned to His leading? [01:05:26]
4. Jesus links love for Him with obedience to His commandments. Identify one commandment of Jesus that you find challenging to follow. What steps can you take this week to better align your actions with this commandment? [01:02:22]
5. Jesus reassures His disciples that they will do greater works through the spread of the gospel. How can you contribute to the spread of the gospel in your community or workplace? What specific actions can you take to share your faith? [58:13]
6. Think about a situation where you felt abandoned or alone. How does Jesus' promise to prepare a place for you and His commitment to return provide comfort in such times? How can you remind yourself of this promise when you feel isolated? [48:06]
7. Jesus' love for His disciples is evident through His promises and reassurances. How can you show this same love to others in your life? Identify one person you can reach out to this week to offer support and encouragement. [01:10:15]
Devotional
Day 1: Trust in Jesus Amidst Uncertainty
In times of confusion and sorrow, Jesus calls us to trust in Him and God. When the disciples were troubled by the news of Jesus' impending departure, He reassured them to not let their hearts be troubled but to believe in Him. This trust is not just a passive feeling but an active reliance on Jesus' promises and His divine peace. Jesus' peace is different from the world's peace; it surpasses all understanding and provides a foundation of assurance even in the most troubling times. By believing in Jesus, we anchor ourselves in a hope that transcends our circumstances. [45:07]
John 14:1-2 (ESV): "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?"
Reflection: What specific uncertainties or troubles are you facing today? How can you actively place your trust in Jesus amidst these challenges?
Day 2: The Promise of the Holy Spirit
Jesus promised His disciples that although He was leaving, He would not abandon them. He assured them of the coming of the Holy Spirit, another Comforter, who would be with them forever. The Holy Spirit's role is to guide, teach, and remind believers of Jesus' teachings, providing them with peace and strength. This promise is a testament to Jesus' ongoing love and commitment to His followers. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is a source of divine comfort and empowerment, enabling us to endure trials and remain faithful to Jesus' teachings. [01:05:26]
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: How have you experienced the guidance and comfort of the Holy Spirit in your life? In what ways can you become more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence daily?
Day 3: Obedience as an Expression of Love
Jesus emphasized that true love for Him is demonstrated through obedience to His commandments. This obedience should stem from love and respect, not fear. It reflects a genuine relationship with Jesus and a desire to please Him. When we obey Jesus' teachings out of love, we align ourselves with His will and experience the fullness of His love and presence. This obedience is not about legalism but about a heartfelt response to Jesus' love for us. [01:02:22]
John 14:21 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you struggle to obey Jesus' commandments? How can you cultivate a heart of love that naturally leads to obedience?
Day 4: Peace in Turbulent Times
The peace that Jesus offers is different from the world's peace. It is a divine peace that allows us to remain calm and content even in the most trying times. This peace comes from knowing that God is in control and that He already knows how everything will work out. Jesus' peace is a gift that sustains us through life's storms, providing a sense of security and well-being that the world cannot offer. By embracing this peace, we can navigate turbulent times with confidence and hope. [01:06:05]
John 14:27 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: What current situations in your life are causing you anxiety or fear? How can you embrace the divine peace that Jesus offers in these circumstances?
Day 5: Greater Works Through the Gospel
Jesus told His disciples that they would do greater works than He did, referring to the extent of spreading the gospel worldwide. This is not about performing more miraculous acts but about the far-reaching impact of the gospel message. Through the Holy Spirit, believers can continue Jesus' mission and bring spiritual transformation to many. The promise of greater works is an invitation to participate in God's redemptive plan and to be vessels of His love and truth in the world. [58:13]
John 14:12 (ESV): "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in spreading the gospel and making a positive impact in your community? What steps can you take to share Jesus' love and truth with others today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. Believe me. Believe in who I am. And then he says over in verse number 27, he said, peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, not as the world gives, but I give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." [45:07] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The peace that Jesus Christ offers us is the ability to stay calm and content and even joyful in the midst of even the most trying times in life. It's the ability to stay calm because we know that God is in control. You know, God never worries. God never goes, oh no, what am I gonna do about that? You know why that is, I believe? It's because God already knows how everything's gonna work out." [01:06:05] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God believe also in me. Oh we can have peace friends even during the most difficult trials because we have a God who loves us and cares for us and who is in control of all things." [01:12:00] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Are you hurting? Are you confused? Are you concerned about what's happening around you? Join the club. The disciples felt that way. In the words and promises that Jesus Christ gave to disciples to help them in this trying time are the same words and promises that He gives to us. What is happening to you is not a surprise to God. No matter how difficult it may be to you it is not a surprise to God." [01:10:59] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "He knows where the will of the Father is leading Him. He knows that the enemy is working and that it's going to eventually lead to His death. He wants the disciples to know that He knows what is coming and that He's allowing it all to happen because of His love for the Father. Therefore when it happens they shouldn't question. They shouldn't doubt but instead their faith would grow." [01:08:24] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The focus here is not on the house. It's not on the mansion. But it's on the commitment that Jesus Christ has to his disciples. He loves them. Yes, he is leaving. Yes, they're gonna feel abandoned. Yes, he's gonna be away from them, and they can't come with him. But he wants them to know that just because he is leaving them doesn't mean that he's forsaking them." [50:28] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The love that Jesus had for them would be manifested in the person of the Holy Spirit. Jesus will not leave his followers alone to fend for themselves while he's gone. He said in verse number 16 that he will send them another comforter. And that word another means the same kind, one just like me. I'm gonna send you someone that's just like me, who's gonna be a comforter, someone that's gonna come alongside you, encourage you, to teach you, to remind you of all that I've said." [01:05:04] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The hope of every parent is that our children will obey us because they love us, or at the very least, respect us. That's what we want from our kids. The kids want to do what their parents please, what pleases their parents. And the hope that we have that Jesus has for his disciples and the expectation that Jesus has for us as his followers is that we'll obey him, not because of a list of do's and don'ts, but we'll do what he wants because we genuinely love him." [01:03:20] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus Christ tells his disciples, anybody who believes in him is going to do greater works than him. Now I don't know about you, but I've never raised a man that's been dead for four days. I've never even raised a man that's been dead for four seconds. I've never healed a blind man. I've never made a lame man to walk. I've never accomplished any of these things. I've not done greater works than Jesus Christ. I don't know of any man that has done greater works than Jesus Christ." [57:44] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus Christ knows that in just a few hours, he's gonna be arrested. He's gonna be illegally tried and sentenced to death. And he's gonna be crucified. And his disciples aren't gonna understand what's happening. They're not gonna understand what's coming his way. They're gonna be confused. They're gonna be hurt. They're gonna be sad. And so Jesus wants to give them some words of comfort to help them deal with the upcoming hours and days." [47:26] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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