EQUIPPING PROMISES FOR BELIEVERS
John Chapter 16
INTRODUCTION:
A. At the time of the events of John Chapter 16, Jesus knew that the time of His departure was at hand.
1. He knew that He must leave His disciples by way of the cross!!
2. He knew the effects his death, #1at the hands of the powerful religious leaders, and #2upon the cross, would have upon this “new” and “young” church. This was the reason for such statements as:
John 14:1-3 “Let (permit) not you heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
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.”
2. He knew what lay ahead of them, as far as the world’s attitude would be toward them as His followers.
John 15:18-19 “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.”
John 15:1-3 “These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.”
3. Therefore, Jesus left them with many encouraging promises, which was to equip them for their life’s work for Him. Promises that will also help to equip us as we work for Him.