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The following is part one of a series from the Gospel of John, put together by officers of the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory
SPIRIT OF TRUTH
GOD’S WORD
JOHN 14:15-27
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT (Major Mark Herbert is the Divisional Commander for Southeast United Kingdom)
Spirit of truth reminds us that the work of the Holy Spirit is to put the spotlight on Jesus
STUDY PASSAGE - JOHN 14:15-27
When is something fake? Am I the only one who doesn’t get the fake faces that people use in texts and WhatsApp messages? And how much fake information does there need to be in the news for it to be called ‘fake news’? The reality is the level of fakeness depends upon who is doing the speaking; my truth will contain far less fakeness than yours.
So then, as disciples of Jesus, where do we find the benchmark for truth? Jesus. He describes himself as ‘the way and the truth and the life’ (John 14:6). He then goes on to give a remarkable promise: the Spirit of truth is coming, and he will ‘be with you forever’ (v16).
As you read our study passage, open your ears and allow the Spirit of truth to speak to you and, as he does, grasp the sense of certainty that flows from these words.
Did you hear how many times Jesus says, ‘I will’? We need, of course, to understand the context of this passage. Having just shared the Passover meal with his disciples in the upper room, Jesus teaches them before they leave to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. He explains that their love for him needs to be shown in obedience to his commands, and he promises help and peace.
The promise Jesus gives has many aspects.
First, he is going to send ‘another advocate’ (v16).
This is a picture of one who comes alongside. One of the great privileges of being a follower of Jesus is that we are never alone. We may feel isolated but the Holy Spirit lives within us. It is essential that we understand the work of this advocate. The work of the Holy Spirit is always positive.
It is not the work of the Holy Spirit to cause division.
It is not the work of the Holy Spirit to cause strife and pain, and anguish.
It is not the work of the Holy Spirit to build a barrier that stops us from fully understanding God.
His work is always positive and, although often uncomfortable, always for our good.
Truth becomes hard if it is not softened by love; love becomes soft if it is not strengthened by truth.
QUESTIONS
- When was the last time you testified to the Holy Spirit’s work in your life?
- What did you say?
The second aspect of this promise is the unbreakable link between Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
It is for our benefit that Jesus returns to Heaven. He couldn’t be everywhere at once. Note the difference – Jesus was with the disciples, but the Holy Spirit is in us. The Holy Spirit is not a force that zaps us; he is a person who brings Jesus to us. The work of the Holy Spirit is to put the spotlight on Jesus. The Holy Spirit never speaks about himself, rather, he always directs the attention towards Jesus. When all is said and done, it is for Jesus we live and to him that we will each give an account of our lives.
QUESTION
- In what ways have you felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit in your life?
A third aspect of this promise is easily missed in our haste to get into the passage. The call to obedience is made three times in these verses (vv15, 21, and 23). Third - The link between loving Jesus, obeying God’s word and experiencing the work of the Spirit in our lives cannot be broken. The rule of Christ in our hearts is the test of our love for him and will reflect how aware we are of the Spirit’s work within us.
Radical obedience is one area of our life that won’t cover disobedience in another. Therefore, doing the right thing is the right way with the right kind of love, all in the name of Jesus will lead to a deepening sensitivity to the Holy Spirit – the Spirit of truth who directs our study passage: ‘If’ (v15).
Its significance should not be underestimated. Jesus Is the truth and the Holy Spirit leads us to him. However, our understanding and experience of him rest upon our personal choice. ‘If you …’ says Jesus, ‘I will …’
QUESTION
- Is there an area of your life where you are deliberately being disobedient towards God?
OUR CORPORATE PRAYER
Our Father, we step into Your presence seeking to be more like Your Son, Jesus. Please help us to live in and through the power of Your holy Spirit and to walk in Him 24/7. This we pray in the matchless name of Jesus, amen.
OUR WORLDWIDE PRAYER MEETING FOR JUNE 1, 2023, ~ CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE) TERRITORY
REACHING OUT TO OTHERS
Spend time in earnest prayer for those who will attend this weekend's Commissioning and Ordination of the Reflectors of Holiness Session and every aspect of the weekend that sinners will be transformed and begin their walk of discipleship and saints will draw closer to the flame of the Holy Spirit.
NOTABLE QUOTABLES
“Discipleship is the process of becoming who Jesus would be if He were you.”
- Dallas Willard
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Rick Raymer, Major
Territorial Spiritual Life Development Officer/THQ Chaplain
USA Southern Territory
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