I. The Holy Spirit Guides The Christian Into Truth Vs. 12, 13
A. The Situation
1. The disciples had spent three years with Jesus being instructed by Him.
2. They learned about the kingdom of God by hearing His voice and watching His actions.
3. Now he was departing from them and they would have to make a huge adjustment.
B. God’s Solution
1. So much was going to change for the disciples.
2. Jesus mercifully withheld some information. They were full of sorrow. (John 14:16-18)
3. They would understand in understanding when the time was right.
4. The Holy Spirit would come and indwell them, and he would be their Teacher.
2 Peter 3:18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
5. NOTE- Jesus said that He hadn’t told them everything, but that the Holy Spirit would subsequently receive information from Jesus and teach all Christ followers.
a. Many people say that they only want to follow the words of Jesus in the Gospels.
b. Jesus here informs the disciples that His truth would go beyond the Gospel accounts.
c. The Holy Spirit would give divine authenticity re. then Gospels and entire N.T.
C. Details Of How The Holy Spirit Guides
1. He guides Christ followers into all truth. We can expect to be taught, directed, and led.
2. He speaks regarding the present, and the future. (things to come)
3. The Holy Spirit leads us into truth in two ways:
a. By illuminating the truth of God’s word to our hearts and minds.
b. By personal direction regarding decisions, actions, words, life situations, etc.
c. The direction of the Holy Spirit will never be contrary to God’s word.
D. Examples In The Early Church
1. Acts 10:19-20 While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you. 20 Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.”
2. Acts 11:12 Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. (Up until now, Jews never mixed with Gentiles)
3. Acts 11:27-28 And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. (the Spirit gave warning about difficulties)
4. Acts 13:2-3 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. (The H.S. called forth certain people for special ministry)
5. Acts 15:28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: (a very difficult situation deciding how to deal with the Gentile Christians)
6. Acts 16:6 Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. (the Spirit steers us away from situations)
7. Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. (we are led)
8. 1 Corinthians 2:10-16 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 For “who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. (The Christian gains understanding that the unbeliever doesn’t experience)
9. Revelation 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice… (future)
II. The Holy Spirit Glorifies Jesus Vs. 14, 15
A. The Christ Glorifying Ministry Of The Holy Spirit
1. Glorify- to praise, magnify, celebrate, to honor.
To cause the dignity and worth of some person to become manifest and acknowledged.
2. The internal ministry in the heart and mind of a Christian is to bring glory to Jesus.
3. The external manifestation of the Holy Spirit (miracles, signs, gifts), is also to glorify Jesus
4. NOTE- Sometimes people focus on “what the Spirit is doing”, with the Holy Spirit being the focus and emphasis of some gatherings. This is a misplaced focus.
5. Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would glorify Him. Jesus is the focus.
B. Examples Of The Holy Spirit Glorifying Jesus
1. Because of the dispensation we live in, we have insights that the prophets didn’t have.
1 Peter 1:10-12 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, 11 searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven–things which angels desire to look into.
2. The Bible speaks of Jesus.
John 5:39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.
Luke 24:25-27 Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.
3. The Holy Spirit opens up and unpacks the multi-faceted truths of Jesus Christ
Richard Cimino- The 27 books — 260 chapters and 7,959 verses — of the New Testament is the work of God the Holy Spirit declaring Jesus to us. It begins with the four gospels, which record the virgin birth, sinless life, death, burial, resurrection, and return to heaven of Jesus. It then moves to the record of Jesus continuing His mission (Acts 1; Mark 16:20) through the early Church; and the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the first believers were led and empowered by the Holy Spirit. It then moves into the explanation of the Gospel and instructions to various Christians and Christian churches — about how to think and live in light of Who Jesus is; and what Jesus has done. The New Testament closes with the return of Jesus to the earth; the creation of a new heaven and a new earth in which Jesus reigns.
Life Group Questions- We don’t study the Bible to be able to win spiritual arguments, but to know Jesus better for our own lives and for the benefit of others.
1. Can you share a significant truth that the Holy Spirit has taught you at some point in your life?
2. Why is it important to continue to be taught and led by the Holy Spirit?
3. If we are not continually learning and gaining new insights about Jesus, what might that indicate about our lives? What might need to change?