John_14.18-31_BBCC_10.19.25.pdf

of the Sermon**

In this message from John 14:18-31, we continued our journey through the gospel of John, focusing on Jesus’ words to His disciples in the upper room just hours before His crucifixion. The disciples were troubled by the news of Jesus’ departure, but He offered them profound hope: the promise of His ongoing presence, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and a peace unlike anything the world can offer. Jesus assured them that His leaving was not abandonment but the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan, and that through faith in Him, believers are invited into a living, abiding relationship with God. The sermon challenged us to examine our own hearts—whether Christ is truly at home in our lives—and to rest in the peace and joy that come from His finished work.

**K

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Presence of Christ Is Not Limited by Physical Absence Jesus promised His disciples that He would not leave them comfortless, even as He prepared to depart. His presence is not confined to a physical body but is made real through the Holy Spirit, who indwells every believer. This means our relationship with Christ is not a distant memory or a future hope, but a present reality—He is with us, and His life is the source of our life. The assurance of His presence is meant to anchor us when we feel alone or abandoned.
• 2. Obedience Reveals the Depth of Our Love for Jesus Jesus repeatedly connects love for Him with obedience to His commands. This isn’t about earning His favor, but about the natural outflow of a heart that treasures Him above all else. When we allow Christ to “make His home” in every part of our lives, we invite His transforming presence into even the hidden or resistant places. True love for Jesus is not just a feeling but a willingness to let His words shape our actions and priorities.
• 3. The Holy Spirit Illuminates and Anchors Us in Truth The Spirit’s role is not only to comfort but to teach and remind us of all that Jesus has said. This means we are not left to navigate life or faith on our own understanding or memory. The Spirit brings clarity, conviction, and recall, especially when we need it most, grounding us in the truth of God’s Word. Our confidence in Scripture and in our walk with Christ is rooted in the Spirit’s faithful work within us.
• 4. The Peace of Christ Is Unmatched and Unshakeable Jesus offers a peace that is fundamentally different from what the world gives—a peace that is not dependent on circumstances, resources, or our own ability to control outcomes. His peace is rooted in His character and His finished work, and it stands firm even in the face of fear, chaos, or uncertainty. This peace is not escapism but a deep, abiding rest in God’s sovereignty and love, available to us in every trial.
• 5. The Cross and Resurrection Are the Grounds for Our Rejoicing Jesus’ departure was not a defeat but the culmination of God’s redemptive plan. He faced the cross not because of His own sin, but for ours, and in doing so, broke the power of sin and death. The resurrection is our assurance that His sacrifice was sufficient and that new life is available to all who trust Him. Our response is not just gratitude but deep, abiding joy—rejoicing in the freedom, forgiveness, and hope that are ours in Christ.

1. In John 14:18-20, what specific promises does Jesus make to His disciples about His presence and their future?
2. According to verses 21-24, how does Jesus describe the relationship between love for Him and obedience?
3. What does Jesus say the Holy Spirit will do for the disciples in verses 25-26?
4. In verse 27, how does Jesus describe the peace He gives compared to the peace the world offers?

1. Why does Jesus emphasize that He will not leave His followers “comfortless”? What does this reveal about His heart for His disciples?
2. How does obedience to Jesus’ commands serve as evidence of genuine love for Him, according to this passage?
3. What is the significance of the Holy Spirit’s role in teaching and reminding believers of Jesus’ words? How might this have shaped the disciples’ confidence and memory?
4. Jesus says His peace is “not as the world gives.” What are some ways the world tries to offer peace, and why is Jesus’ peace different and better?

1. When you feel alone or abandoned, what are some practical ways you can remind yourself of Christ’s ongoing presence through the Holy Spirit?
2. Jesus talks about making His home in the lives of those who love and obey Him. Are there any “rooms” or areas of your life where you have resisted letting Christ in? What would it look like to invite Him into those places?
3. Think about a recent situation where you felt troubled or afraid. Did you experience the peace of Christ in that moment? If not, what kept you from it, and how could you respond differently next time?
4. The sermon mentioned that true love for Jesus is shown by letting His words shape our actions and priorities. Is there a specific command or teaching of Jesus that you struggle to obey? What steps could you take this week to grow in that area?
5. The Holy Spirit brings clarity and reminds us of God’s truth, especially when we need it most. Can you recall a time when a Scripture or truth came to mind just when you needed it? How can you cultivate a greater openness to the Spirit’s guidance in your daily life?
6. Jesus’ peace is not escapism but a deep rest in God’s love and sovereignty. What are some practical habits or rhythms you could build into your life to help you rest in this peace, even when circumstances are hard?
7. The cross and resurrection are the foundation for our joy and hope. How does remembering what Jesus has done for you change the way you face challenges or disappointments? Is there a specific way you can express gratitude or joy this week because of what Christ has accomplished?