15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. 18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me. 25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. 30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, 31 but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here. —John 14:15-31

Big Idea: Followers of Jesus experience the helpful assurance of the Holy Spirit’s continuing ministry.

Introduction: We all need help. Jesus’ disciples knew they needed help to navigate the spiritual challenges that surrounded them and awaited them in the future. In the ongoing conversation in the upper room Jesus continues to provide them assurances of God’s provision for them and shares of a Helper to come who will help them do great things.

1. Disciples follow Jesus’ Commands

• a. Jesus commands ‘If you love me’:
  
  1. Serve one another (13:14-15)
  2. Love one another as I have loved (13:34)
  3. Trust me (14:12,15,21)

When we

• b. Disciples have union with the Triune God (13:20-25)

Our Savior not only

2. Helpful assurances for followers of Jesus

• a. “I go and prepare a place for you” (14:3)
• b. “greater works than these will he” (14:12, Acts
• c. “I will ask the Father and He will give you another Helper” (14:16)
  
  1. Parakletos-advisor, intercessor, comforter-He will help, strengthen, and console
  2. Another of the same kind
• d. “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you” (14:18)
  
  1. An orphan has parents who are dead; the Spirit shows us Jesus is alive.
  2. An orphan is left alone; the Spirit draws us close to God’s presence.
  3. An orphan has lost their provider; the Spirit teaches us all things
  4. An orphan has no defender; the Spirit is our protector

Jesus wants you as part of

• e. “Because I live, you also will live”
• f. “The Helper…will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance” (14:26)

Jesus’ ministry

• g. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (14:27)

In the midst of a

Small Group Questions

1. What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.

2. What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?

3. Why do people tend to disassociate obedience and love? How does John 14 help us better obey and love God?

4. What are the most comforting aspects of the Holy Spirit’s nature and work presented in John 14? What truth do you feel drawn to consider and meditate on this week?

5. If we want to be a spirit-led church, what must we focus on? Spend some time praying as a group asking The Spirit to help you grow in dependance on Him.