September 25, 2005
Sermon Outline
“Jesus Christ: Comforting His Disciples”
John 16:5-33
I. He speaks of the benefits connected to His going away –
1. He knew this was bothering them – John 16:5-6
2. His going away is necessary for the Helper (the Holy Spirit) to come – John 16:7; John 7:37-39
3. The Holy Spirit will be with them in their ministry to the world – John 16:8-11
4. The Holy Spirit will guide the disciples, glorify Christ – John 16:12-15
II. He speaks in general terms regarding what will soon happen –
1. A little while – John 16:16
2. This is confusing to them, and yet they are right to ask for clarification – John 16:17-18
3. Jesus speaks to them both of His death and resurrection, sorrow and joy – John 16:19-21
4. He speaks of invincible joy – John 16:22 & 24
5. He speaks of answered prayer / God’s care – John 16:23
6. In all this He also is speaking to us, we are the church militant – John 16:33; we will be the church triumphant – Revelation 21:1-4
III. He speaks to them of a new relationship they will have with God the Father –
1. Because of Christ’s death on the cross they have peace with God and direct access to God – John 16:25-28; Romans 5:1-2
2. With this plain speech Jesus’ disciples seem to understand, they believe – John 16:29-30
3. Yet He knows their weaknesses in spite of understanding and faith they still fail, but He would not have them discouraged, He does not fail – John 16:31-33
IV. We may apply these great truths to our own lives –
1. Our salvation and access to God the Father is not dependent upon our own merit but rather upon Christ – John 16:23 & :26; Psalm 73:25-26; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-6; John 16:33
2. This applies not only to our personal success but also to ministry and church success:
A. It is dependent on the Spirit, He is our Helper – John 16:7
B. Our Power – John 16:8-11
C. And Our Guide – John 16:12-15
3. With this success we should expect “tribulation” but also “joy” – John 16:33 & :24
God hath not promised skies always blue
Flower strewn pathways, all our lives through;
God hath not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labour, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing kindness, undying love.
God hath not promised we shall not know
Toil and temptations, trouble and woe;
He hath not told us we shall not bear
Many a burden, many a care.
But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labour, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing kindness, undying love.
God hath not promised smooth roads and wide,
Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;
Never a mountain, rocky and steep,
Never a river turbid and deep.
But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labour, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing kindness, undying love.
--Annie Johnson Flint
