Essentials #6 – Study Questions
Essentials – What We Believe – Week #6
The Work of Christ: John 16:5-15
INTRODUCTION:
As we have seen, our Christian faith is anchored in history. Reflecting the Apostles’ Creed, our Statement declares that Jesus was crucified “under Pontius Pilate” (Article 4). The mention of a first-century Roman governor may seem out of place in a broad statement of Christian truth, but it situates the gospel at a particular place in the chronicle of human events. A Jewish baby named Jesus was born in a village called Bethlehem some 2000 years ago. This baby grew to be a man, who lived and taught in the regions of Galilee and Judea. He was crucified by the Romans on a real wooden cross, and he rose bodily from the grave—his tomb was actually empty. As Luke tells us, this took place during the reign of Roman Emperor Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, Herod’s brother Philip was tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, during the priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas (Luke 3:1-2). This is actual history. In fact, the life, death and resurrection of Jesus is the center of history—the most important moment of all. But the question arises: How does all of this relate to us? How could something so far away in space and time affect our lives here and now? This is far different from the kind of effect that, say, Alexander the Great had through the natural course of human events, for Christians claim that Jesus’ death and resurrection accomplished God’s saving purpose. Jesus Christ now brings new life to all who trust in him and leads them into an eternal relationship with God. How could what happened in the particularity of this one man in that one historical moment have a significance that transcends space and time? Jesus himself anticipated that question in his final words with his disciples on the night before he died (see John 14-16). He was departing from them, and in one sense, he would no longer be with them. But he assured them that they would see him again (John 14:19), that he would continue to love them and that they would know that love (John 14:21). Furthermore, because he lived, they, too, would live (14:19). Those who love him will be loved by the Father, he said, and he and the Father will come to them and make their home with them (John 14:23). Jesus even said to them, “you are in me, and I am in you” (John 14:20). What is the nature of the relationship Jesus describes here? How can he be with his disciples even after his death, resurrection and ascension? The answer must be found in Jesus’ words of promise: “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth” (John 14:16-17). This Counselor, this Spirit of truth, is none other than the Holy Spirit (cf. 14:26). Here Jesus is assuring his disciples that though he will be leaving them physically, he will be forever with them spiritually through the personal presence of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit, this other Counselor, unites us with Jesus the Son and so draws us into a personal relationship with God as our Father. In this way the barriers of space and time are overcome, and the life of the one man, Jesus, touches our lives today. God’s gospel is applied by the power of the Holy Spirit.[1]
Article #6 – “We believe that the Holy Spirit, in all that He does, glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ. He convicts the world of its guilt. He regenerates sinners, and in Him they are baptized into union with Christ and adopted as heirs in the family of God. He also indwells, illuminates, guides, equips and empowers believers for Christ-like living and service.”
GETTING STARTED – As you begin your group time, take time to answer this question together, when was the first time that you heard about the Holy Spirit? What was your first impression / understanding and how has it changed?
IN THE WORD – Let’s dig back into the passage. It is important to strengthen our muscles in reading God’s Word. On Sunday, we walked through the passage in the sermon. Hopefully, that helped you to see the landmarks of the passage with fresh eyes. Now, with your group, go back through it and see what God is saying to you specifically.
First, before you read the passage, take a moment to ask God’s Spirit to quiet your mind and heart and to illuminate the text to you. Second, read the passage aloud to the group. Then, follow the simple method below. (O.P.A)
Observe: Make 8-10 observations from the passage. Pay close attention to observe and note repeated words and phrases, names, places, and themes.
Principles: From your list of observations, what patterns or big ideas do you see emerging? Can you distill it down into 2-4 big idea truths?
Apply: Moving from your list of principles, it is time to apply God’s Word. Remember, we believe that God’s Word is living and active and that it can change the way we live Monday- Friday. What is one tangible way to apply a truth from your list above?
Note: Another way to approach your time together is to talk through the following questions about the article of faith we are studying that week.
- How would you answer the question, “Who is the Holy Spirit and what does he do?”
- What is core to this article of faith? That is, what is something that, if you took it away or changed it, it would significantly alter the article of faith about the Holy Spirit?
- What is clarified for you in this article of faith about the Holy Spirit?
- What is confusing for you in this article of faith? Take time as a group to chat through and offer perspectives on the things that are confusing. The beauty of a group is that often when we study together, we help sharpen and clarify what is confusing for one another.
- How does this article on the Holy Spirit apply to my everyday life? That is, how does it change my outlook and approach to my Monday-Saturday life?
[1] EFCA. Evangelical Convictions, 2nd Edition (pp. 167-169). Free Church Publications. Kindle Edition.