Hearing the Spirit of Truth
John 14:15-21
There is only so much we can learn about God from nature and nothing we can learn about the will of God if it is not revealed to us. That is the role of the Holy Spirit.
In hearing the Spirit of Truth, Jesus, in John 14:15-21, teaches us:
LOVE OBEYS – 14:15:
Why do you love Jesus? Just brain-storming, here’s a short list:
1. Because He died for me.
2. Because He encourages me.
3. Because He inspires me.
4. Because He motivates me.
5. Because He blesses me:
a. Wonderful wife.
b. Terrific daughters.
c. Fantastic friends.
d. Enjoyable job.
e. Enriching talents.
Now, what is our response to that love? Love obeys. Jesus is about to be crucified. He is telling His disciples – Do not grieve when I go! Obey when I leave!
HOW DO WE KNOW? – 14:16-17:
We simply do not know the mind of God: (Isaiah 55:8-9. Job 38:1-7. Romans 11:33-35). How can we know the mind of God and His expectations? How can we know His commandments?
The word “helper” means someone who is “called beside to help or encourage.” Jesus calls the Holy Spirit “another” Helper because Jesus, Himself, is also a “Helper” – 1 John 2:1.
The Holy Spirit reveals God’s mind: John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13. The Bible reveals the mind of God: John 12:48; 1 Corinthians 2:10-16; 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
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We cannot change that message. Jesus is our example: John 12:49; 14:10-11; 14:24.
OBEDIENCE BRINGS A RELATIONSHIP – 14:18-20:
When we obey Jesus out of love for Him, we dwell in Him; He dwells in us. Jesus says He will not leave the apostles orphans (14:18).
Observe:
1. This relationship is available only to those who love and obey His Son.
2. We also see that the work of the Spirit is parallel to the work of Jesus Christ when He was on the earth – teaching, instructing, training, bringing followers into a relationship with the Father, through the Son.
In the same context (John 15:14), we see that we’ll be Christ’s friends if we obey Him. That’s a relationship.
LOVED BY THE FATHER – 14:21:
If we love Christ, we’ll obey Him. When we do that, then God, the Father, will bless us. That’s God’s promise. See also John 16:27.
If you desire to get the most out of listening to the Spirit of Truth, here are some suggestions:
1. Spend time every day reading and meditating on the Spirit’s words.
2. Keep a spiritual atmosphere in your home.
3. Prepare your heart to receive the Spirit’s message – make sure it is soft and receptive.
4. Thank God for the opportunity to be in His presence.
5. Seek God’s forgiveness.
6. Pray God will help you understand how to apply the message to your life.
7. Always maintain an attitude of receptiveness to the message, expecting God to challenge you to greater heights of service.
We could not know God’s will unless the Holy Spirit had revealed it. Let’s show our love for Christ by obeying that Will.
–Paul Holland
