John 16

Come Holy Spirit

John 16:1 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.

What things did he say to keep us from being offended? Offended is to be impeded, a stumbling block in the way. What is it that may cause us to be stopped in our witnessing for Jesus? Let's look back a few verses to see.

John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
John 15:21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.

We are not to lose heart or stumble because the worlds people oppose us or persecute us. We are to expect this, so be encouraged in your spirit and press on. What is unexpected is when someone you respect in the church speaks words against you.

John 16:2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.

Your spiritual life will not end if they throw you out of a synagogue or church; they may kill you, but you will be forever alive in the presence of our Lord.

Rom 8:36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Rom 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Rom 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Rom 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

No one in God's Spirit will seek to die. I am speaking of suicide or some other self seeking reason, perhaps to hurt others? Jesus obeyed the Father to die for us, out of love, knowing He would accomplish our salvation in this way. If we are martyred, then God gives grace for that too.

John 16:3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.

Saul of Tarsus was doing this; rounding up Christians to be persecuted and killed. This is the religious spirit. You find this in every church, where their view is the only view. Jesus opened Saul's blind eyes, by first sending his light and then his salvation. Jesus came to Saul in a blinding light, brighter that the noon day sun.

Acts 9:3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
Acts 9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
Acts 9:5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
Acts 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Saul had an encounter with Jesus and he was changed from Saul, enforcer of the law of sin and death, to Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, bringing grace to those he was seeking to Kill. He thought that he was serving God, but instead he was serving satan. When he saw Jesus, he saw truth and worshipped in spirit and in truth the Living God.

John 16:4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.

Jesus was preparing his disciples for what was coming. In truth all but John were killed, martyrs for our Lord. They have a greater reward. The writer of Hebrews described the trials of the Old Testament men of faith.

Heb 11:35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
Heb 11:36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
Heb 11:37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
Heb 11:38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. No one should promise you a wealthy affluent trouble free life, this is not truth. Jesus warned of persecution to come and we should prepare by abiding in Jesus and his word, through His Spirit.

John 16:5 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?

The journey to the Father would be a perilous journey, through whippings, torture, blood and death. But, he would rise again on the third day. No one seemed to care or to inquire of his well being.

John 16:6 But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.

Jesus knew their hearts, they had shifted their thoughts away from Jesus onto their own fears and sorrows.

Phil 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

This is always a danger, we should never take our eyes off of Jesus. He is our life. He has good news for them, they will not be alone facing persecution.

John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

The Comforter, the Holy Spirit will come after Jesus returns to glory. He came at Pentecost.

Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Acts 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
Acts 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Each man heard them worshipping God in their own tongue.

1 Cor 14:21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
1 Cor 14:22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

Those who have not God's spirit, have no delight in His word.

1 Cor 14:23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

Yes, I have been there.

1 Cor 14:24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
1 Cor 14:25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

1 Cor 14:31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
1 Cor 14:32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
1 Cor 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
1 Cor 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

It is commanded to not forbid tongues.

1 Cor 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

1 Cor 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

Are you wanting to be built up in the Spirit. Pray in tongues. But in public, speak God's word to edify the Church, or there must be an interpreter. Why not just prophecy or speak the word without the confusion?

1 Cor 14:19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

Five words of understanding are better than ten thousand in an unknown language.

1 Cor 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

Seek the best gifts, to edify the church.

1 Cor 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
1 Cor 14:14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
1 Cor 12:29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
1 Cor 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

Tongues is one manifestation of Spiritual gifts. Not all who are gifted, speak in tongues.

Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

1 Cor 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.
1 Cor 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

Jesus commanded us to love one another.

1 Cor 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
John 16:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;

The gospel message includes these three things: Sin, the need to repent and seek forgiveness Righteousness, the righteous Jesus, the sacrifice for our sins, the way of forgiveness and the way to eternal life with God the Father. Judgement, the devil is already judged, under a sentence of damnation. Without the hope of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are also damned. In him our sins are forgiven and we are seen as God's righteous son.

The Holy Spirit will reprove; convince or tell one of their faults. Of sin, the sin of unbelief. Those who do not believe think they can get away with all manner of evil. God's Spirit will convict them. We are to put away the works of the flesh.

(NLT Bible version)

Gal 5:19 19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure,
Gal 5:20 20 idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group,
Gal 5:21 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

Jesus will no more be walking the earth, speaking of righteousness and repentance. After the cross, righteousness was by faith in him. The Holy Spirit will show the work of Jesus through the witnesses, convicting hearts. The fruit of the Spirit will be produced in a Spirit filled person.

(NLT Bible version)

Gal 5:22 But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Gal 5:23 gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.
Gal 5:24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.
Gal 5:25 If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives.
Gal 5:26 Let us not become conceited, or irritate one another, or be jealous of one another.

John 16:11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

The world is condemned because they have not received Jesus. The devil is damned and the Holy Spirit is the spirit that brings this truth.

John 16:12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

People can only hear so much. They had much to think about.

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.

Paul, Peter, John spoke by the Spirit the things of Jesus in the New Testament epistles. He also will guide us into all truth. We are to compare things with the written Bible. The Holy Spirit will bring to remembrance what has been spoken. He will not speak of himself, but he will magnify Jesus, bringing His word to remembrance and through words of prophecy. But be sure, he will not speak in contradiction to the written word of God. He will guide us and show us things to come, by the scriptures, by personal revelation as to our purpose in serving God, and by his prophets. Remember, nothing will be added to or taken away from the Bible.

The apostle Paul, rebuked those who added things to the gospel message of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Gal 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Gal 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
Gal 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Gal 1:9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

Rev 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
Rev 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Some people claim to follow spirit guides, who is the spirit speaking for? Some worship angels, they are only messengers; we do not worship a messenger, but our God who speaks his word. Perhaps it is a fallen angel with a false message from satan? The Holy Spirit brings us the message of Jesus that he has received from the Father. We follow Jesus who is the way to God, the truth of God and the life of God. (John 14:6) We do not hear the Spirit speak of himself or of a man, but of Jesus. Jesus is glorified as the Comforter allows us to bring forth Spiritual fruit; the heart of Jesus manifested through us with signs and wonders following.

Sorrow becomes Joy

John 16:14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.
John 16:15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.

The Holy Spirit speaks the words of Jesus, bringing to remembrance what you have heard of the word and for some, revelation knowledge. Paul heard from Jesus and was not taught the things of Jesus, but by revelation.

Gal 1:15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,
Gal 1:16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
Gal 1:17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.

The Holy Spirit has one main purpose: to reveal Jesus, to make him the focus of all he says.

John 16:16 A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.
John 16:17 Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?
John 16:18 They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.

We see what he meant. He must go to the cross, be risen and return to the Father. But, to those who expected his kingdom, why did he leave? Why not establish the kingdom of God at that time, instead of waiting and coming later?

Well, how many believed in him at that time? Not many people trusted Jesus. As the gospel message goes out to all nations, all will have the knowledge to receive him and to come into the kingdom. The church has been increasing since the ascension of Jesus. After the church is come to it's fullness, then Israel will be awakened followed by the coming of the Lord.

Rom 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Rom 11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

John 16:19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye inquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?
John 16:20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.

They would be sad and frightened after the crucifixion of their Lord, but after he would show himself to them, their sorrow would turn to Joy. Joy is ours through the fruit of the Holy Spirit. We go through hard times, but never does our peace leave us. Peace unites with joy when the purpose of the trial is fulfilled.

John 16:21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.

Jesus, the seed of woman, would travail in sufferings to bring forth the church; his hour was come. He made it possible for those lost in sins to be born-again into God's kingdom. There will be much rejoicing.

John 16:22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

We have great joy knowing that Jesus is the atonement for our sins. After travail comes joy, the same comes when we travail and bring a soul to Jesus. As he overcame death and satan, we bring others to new life, snatching them from the powers of darkness. The angels rejoice with us.

Luke 15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

We also are given the fruit of joy as we receive the Holy Ghost. The joy continues as we walk in His Spirit. If we are not in his spirit, the joy soon leaves. Through our good works joy returns. Encourage another. Do good, even to your enemies and joy will come. Be active in your Spiritual gifts and joy will follow.

John 16:23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.

At that day, their will be no need for questions. The purpose will have been fulfilled. Jesus paid the price to redeem us from our sins. Jesus gives them the right and permission to personally ask God the Father questions and to ask for favor through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is come; the Spiritual presence of Jesus, your Comforter, your friend and your teacher.

John 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

This was a new beginning, ask in the name and authority of Jesus, our savior and redeemer. You may ask, and receive fulness of Joy. He wants to bless you. God loves the Son and grants to you blessings because you are in him. We like to be blessed and to have joy, how much more blessed is it to bring good gifts to another?

Acts 20:35 I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

John 16:25 These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall show you plainly of the Father.

Proverbs, parables and metaphors help us to understand. You may not quite understand what is said, but when the Holy Spirit comes he will show us all things he has heard from Jesus. We cannot know all things, until the time that Jesus himself returns.

1 Cor 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
1 Cor 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Will Jesus speak as He was in the beginning? Yes, He is the Word Of God and the way to God the Father. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us and has returned to the Father. He has made the way for our forgiveness and is our hope of everlasting glory.

John 16:26 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:
John 16:27 For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.
John 16:28 I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.

At that day, when Jesus has returned to the Father, the way will be made, an eternal connection through his Holy Spirit. No longer is Jesus required to approach the Father in prayer for us; He will be with him as our mediator and advocate. At this time we follow the example of Jesus and pray directly to our Father God. He receives our prayers and loves us because we have believed in the Son and have loved him.

John 16:29 His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.
John 16:30 Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.

They thought that they had suddenly become wise and understanding. When we think we are strong in understanding, we will be shown how we are not yet as we imagined. Only Jesus is the fulness of God. Placing Jesus as our master is the important thing, then we shall be committed to be his disciples.

John 16:31 Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?
John 16:32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

Friends may desert you and accuse you or deny you before men. God will never leave you.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Ye shall have tribulation in the world, a promise, but be of good cheer, we are overcomers in Jesus. We must stay connected to the vine and not partner with unbelief. The devil may attack, friends may desert you, but our Lord keeps you in his hand. Rest in Jesus, he gives us His peace.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

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