Receiving The Whole Christ (John 16:16-33, Philippians 2:1-11)
Rev. William L. Barron, March 31, 2019Part of the Morning Worship at North Greenville Church series, preached at a Sunday Morning service
This is the last recorded discussion between Jesus and His disciples before His arrest. Jesus’ words and meanings can be confusing to us. We become confused over doctrine and the chief mission of the Church. He said the disciples would not fully understand until the Holy Spirit comes in power. His near-time prophecies were difficult to understand for the disciples. They would have difficulties, but ultimately everlasting joy. Jesus gave the Christians the permission to address God as Father, just as He does. This prayer would take the place of Jesus being available to them while on Earth. Our prayer is to be a conversation with God. We are to ask in Jesus’ name. How should we be relating to the Father as those being transformed into the image of Christ? We can ask Him boldly and freely. He cares for us in Christ. The promise of the prayer is that God will give us spiritual understanding. Verse 28 summarizes the ministry of Jesus. Doctrines of the Trinity, the incarnation, the substitutionary atonement, His ascension, His enduring mediatory role. Jesus then questions the disciples belief. He predicts that they would forsake Him. Belief is more than just knowledge. There needs to be a commitment. None of us is as strong spiritually as we think we are. Peace and joy will come to Christians. Jesus has overcome the world. What is peace? It is contentment and trust in God, whatever the circumstances. Joy and peace are Jesus’ to bestow.
| Earlier: | Same day: | Later: |
|---|---|---|
| « The Hour Has Come | None | If You Love Me--My Peace I Leave With You » |
John 16:16–33 (Listen)
16 “A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” 17 So some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?” 18 So they were saying, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.” 19 Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. 23 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
25 “I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”
29 His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 30 Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
(ESV)
Philippians 2:1–11 (Listen)
2:1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
(ESV)