“To Keep You From Falling,” John 15:26-16:15

Introduction:  Jesus’ goodbyes continue into Chapter 16 with a promise

(v7) “If I go, I will send [the Helper/Advocate/Counselor] to you.”

I.        Our Advocate

A.     Paracletos means “called to the side of” and is a sometimes legal term, Counsel for Defense

1.      Though always present, the Holy Spirit’s work in us is linked to Jesus’ departure.

2.      Physical therapist and the problem of inflicting pain on your patients.

B.     (v8) “When he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin, righteousness and judgment.”

1.      (v9) Sin= “They do not believe in me.”

2.      (v10) Righteousness= “I go to the Father and you will see me no longer.”

3.      (v11) Judgment= “The ruler of this world is judged.”

C.     (v13) “The Spirit of truth…will guide you into all truth.”

1.      “He will declare to you the things that are to come.”

2.      (v14) “He will glorify me.”

3.      (15:26) “He will bear witness about me [Jesus].”

II.       Who Speaks for the Orphans?

A.     (v1) “I have said these things to you to keep you from falling away.”

1.      Revelation 3:1-2, “You have the reputation of being alive, but are dead.  Wake up.” [S 3:15]

2.      Revelation 2:9-10, [Persecution] “I know your tribulation and your poverty…Do not fear.”

3.      Revelation 2:20, “…you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess.”

B.     (v2) “The hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God.”

1.      al Qaeda, Boko Haram, Taliban—2,123 documented Christians martyred in 2013

2.      Luke 20:12, “They will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up…”

3.      Romans 12:9, 21, “Bless those who persecute you.  Do not be overcome by evil, but…”

C.     (v27) “You will also bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.”

1.      Luke 20:13-15, “This will be your opportunity to bear witness…I will give you a mouth…”

2.      Who will speak for the orphans?  Who will bear a message of truth, hope? [Proverbs 31:8-9]

Conclusion:   With Jesus “retired” do the apostles quit, return to fishing and tax collecting?

What was in it for them except trouble and a nasty bit of persecution?