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JOHN - The Light Shines in the Darkness
A Bible Study Course on the Gospel of Christ according to John
PART 3 - Light Shines in the Circle of the Apostles (John 11:55 - 17:26)
D - The Farewell on the way to Gethsemane (John 15:1 - 16:33)

3. The world hates Christ and his disciples (John 15:18 – 16:3)


JOHN 15:26-27
26 When the Counselor has come, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will testify about me. 27 You will also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.

What was the Holy Trinity’s answer to the world’s hate and their crucifying of God’s Son? It was to send the Holy Spirit. The coming of the Spirit is a present-day wonder. His coming indicates God’s entry into the world, for he proceeds from the Father and is in harmony with God in being and convictions. He desires the world’s redemption, sharing in creation. The Spirit judges evil in the world, and moves us towards God’s holiness, as he uncovers all filthiness. His presence in the disciples becomes a spur to humility and self-denial, whereas the world suffocates in pride, obstinacy and deceit. Primarily, he is the Spirit of truth, rebuking the worldlings for their iniquities.

At the same time he comforts the disciples, assuring them that Jesus is the Son of God, who completes their salvation. The Spirit of Consolation gives our spirits a witness to Jesus for us to see in the Son’s love the Father Himself. Without the Holy Spirit we cannot realize true faith. With all believers we admit that we cannot trust in Jesus Christ our Lord by our own efforts or faculties, nor can we come to him, except by his Spirit who called us through the Gospel and illumined us with his gifts, sanctifying us by a true faith. He calls all Christians, gathering, illumining and making them holy in Christ. He keeps them in the faith, the one true creed. The Holy Spirit creates the efficacy in our testimony. Do not rely on your understanding or your experience if you wish to present Christ to others. Yield yourself wholly to the Spirit of Wisdom. Listen to his words to learn how to magnify Jesus. Such heartfelt listening to the Spirit’s voice as you witness and converse will make you an effective apostle of the Lord.

Christ called his eleven apostles witnesses for him, a privilege peculiar to them. These disciples were eye-witnesses to Jesus historic vocation on earth. They would witness to what they had seen, heard and touched. Their words would prove the justification of God’s presence on earth. Our faith rests on that witness. Jesus did not author a book, nor write an Epistle, rather he committed his saving message to the witness of the Holy Spirit and the sayings of his disciples resting on their conduct. The Spirit of truth will not lie, but prove to a sick world the power of Christ’s love through the mouth of his disciples. Jesus himself said to his apostles, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit is come upon you, and be my witnesses."

PRAYER: We worship you, o Son of God, the Holy One, you are one with the Father and the Holy Spirit, and have not left us orphans, but sent your Spirit of truth to witness. May we be sanctified by your coming. Teach us to witness for you that many may believe.

QUESTION:

  1. How does God confront the world that crucified Christ?

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