Jesus prepares His disciples for hatred, sorrow, witness, prayer, and victory.
A weak faith needs the world to calm down before it can stand. John 16 trains disciples to stand because Christ has overcome the world.
“These things I have spoken to you so that you may be kept from stumbling.”
“They will make you outcasts from the synagogue… everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God.”
A man may think he is defending God while fighting against the word of God.
“It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you.”
Jesus sends the Helper for the mission ahead.
The apostolic witness would rest on Spirit-given truth.
“He… will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.”
Sin must be exposed. Righteousness must be defined by God’s verdict. Judgment must be announced.
“When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth.”
“He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you.”
Christian joy does not deny sorrow. It stands because Christ lives.
“You will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy.”
The world cannot undo the risen Christ.
“If you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you… ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.”
Prayer comes under Christ’s rule.
The disciple comes to the Father through the Son.
“I came forth from the Father… I am leaving the world again and going to the Father.”
“In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
The Spirit-guided word is not ours to edit.
Faithfulness is not measured by ease.
Train the next generation before the hour of pressure comes.
It is controlled by Christ’s victory.