[1]NASHVILLE (BP) – This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with Lifeway Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, Lifeway publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from the Explore the Bible curriculum.
Bible Passages: John 15:26-27, 16:7-15
Discussion Questions:
- How do you determine if a source of information can be trusted?
- What role does the Holy Spirit play in our telling others about Jesus?
- What do you find personally encouraging in this passage?
Food for thought:
In Mark 15, Jesus was preparing His disciples for what was to come. He had just warned the disciples in the previous chapter of the coming hostility they could expect to face. Just as many rejected Jesus, they would also reject His disciples. But they were not without hope. The solution to this bleak outlook would be the Holy Spirit, or Counselor. “When the Counselor comes, the one I will send to you from the Father – the Spirit of truth Who proceeds from the Father – He will testify about Me” (John 15:26).
[2]Jesus explained that the Holy Spirit would testify about Jesus. As eyewitnesses to Jesus’ life, the disciples would also testify about Him. Even though He would be going to the Father, Jesus emphasized that the disciples would benefit from this development. He would send the Spirit who would convict the world about sin, righteousness and judgment. Jesus noted that He had many more things to teach the disciples, but those things would be shared by the Spirit. The Spirit would speak on behalf of the Father and the Son, declaring all of God’s truth.
The Holy Spirit points people to the truth. The Spirit begins working in us when we come to know Christ as Savior, and He is still working in hearts and lives today. In what areas do you need the Holy Spirit’s guidance? What is He teaching you about sin, righteousness and judgment? Be encouraged. We can depend on the guidance the Holy Spirit provides. He will be with us, instruct us and help us. The Spirit is a trustworthy Counselor!
Explore the Bible
Explore the Bible is an ongoing Bible study curriculum that helps groups dig into the key truths of each Bible book, while keeping the group on pace to study through the Bible books in a systematic way. More information can be found at Lifeway.com/ExploreTheBible [3].
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