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The Gospel Impacts Our Suffering
The gospel impacts every part of our lives and gives us an identity, a way to live, and a worldview through which we not only view the world, but which influences our decisions.
In the teaching video this week, we’ll look at four needs we have as human beings and four ways that Christ has met those needs through the gospel and the doctrine of atonement. We’ll examine four aspects of the doctrine of atonement.
In the homework, we focused on the power of the gospel in our lives to transform and renew us. We looked at John 16:1-33. John has recorded Jesus’ preparation of the disciples for living in the world after His departure, which will be found in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. The gospel enables us to live in a world marked by pain and suffering, awaiting Jesus’ return, with joy and peace because we have the power and presence of the Holy Spirit who indwells us.
In your homework, hopefully, you saw a repeated phrase from Jesus: “I have said these things.” Jesus addresses the sorrow and fear His disciples are feeling after hearing Jesus say that He will be departing. He promises to send them the Holy Spirit, the Helper, who will be with them in His absence. But this is still quite unsettling for the disciples. So Jesus addresses their fears through the repeated phrase, “I have said these things…”:
- I have said these things…to keep you from falling away 16:1
- I have said these things…so when the hour comes you will remember 16:4
- I did not say these things…from the beginning because I was with you 16:4
- Because I have said these things…you are filled with sorrow 16:6 but the Holy Spirit will come and dwell with you and guide you 16:12. (We see the indwelling of the Holy Spirit fulfilled in Acts 2.)
Put yourself in the “disciples’ shoes” Can you relate to their experience of grief at hearing Jesus will be leaving them — the One they have given up all to follow and the One they have grown close to and come to rely upon?
Another repeated phrase, “a little while,” begins a new section at 16:16 which points to Jesus’ going and their sorrow, but also to joy to come. This also serves as a transition to Jesus addressing their sorrow, but also of the joy to come which is marked by the repeated phrase,” I say to you” in 16:20.
- I say to you…you will weep and lament but the world will rejoice. Your sorrow will turn to joy…and I will see you again. 16:20
- I say to you…whatever you ask of the Father in my name, He will give you (16:23) (because of the indwelling of the Spirit guiding and aligning believers’ hearts with the will of God).
- I have said these things…in figures of speech, but the hour is coming when I will tell you plainly about the Father. 16:25
Jesus concludes this section with the great affirmation and encouragement: “Take heart, I have overcome the world.” 16:33
Jesus does not leave them to wrestle with their fears, but assures them that although they may not completely understand all that is happening or why, He has not abandoned them! The promised Holy Spirit will be their comforter, teacher, guide, and assurance that one day He will return again.
The promises to the disciples are promises for us as well as Christ-followers. We can be assured as Christ-followers that regardless of what our circumstances or feelings may be shouting, He has not forsaken us. He is with us. He is near. The Holy Spirit indwells us and is our comforter, teacher, guide and assurance of Jesus’ return.
Jesus goes on to point out in 16:16-33, that His going will bring a new age of lasting joy and true peace. Our sorrows are temporary — but for a moment —compared to the all surpassing joy and peace we will experience one day! (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
Here is something you may want to rehearse when you are fearful or anxious in your suffering and hardship:
- Because it is true that God is_____________________
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- I will take heart. I am not afraid of ___________________
- I am not dismayed by ____________________ I will take heart.
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- Because God is __________________
May the Lord continue to encourage you through His Word and His Spirit, regardless of where you find yourself today.
Rejoicing in Christ Jesus,
©2024, Susan Cady
Doctrine of the Holy Spirit Summary
