Sunday 19 May
Showing the Way: Pt 7 – The Opportunity
Mark Wells
Mark walks us through John 15:18-16:4 and shares insight and wisdom. He encourages us to be faithful with the opportunity God has given us to be part of His mission to share the gospel with others, and that the big picture we are in is the love of God. (Due to technical issues the recording starts 5 mins into Mark's talk)
Life Group questions
Showing the Way: Pt 7 – The Opportunity
Showing the Way: Pt 7 – The Opportunity
Read John 15:18 – 16:4a.
Read it again, in the Message translation (you can find this online at biblegateway.com if you need to.)
- What stands out to you in this passage?
Consider the immediate context here – Jesus is preparing the twelve disciples for some of the persecutions that we know about from the book of Acts, Revelation, and early church history.
- How does Jesus understand these persecutions?
- What comfort does he give the disciples here?
- What challenge does he give them?
This passage can also be understood within the broader theology of John’s gospel. John often quotes Jesus’ teaching on “the world,” which is often negative and describes systems and communities that are opposed to God and to his followers.
- How does this passage help us understand opposition to our faith?
- What does it teach us about the work of Holy Spirit in the persecuted church?
- What do you sense God is saying to you here?
- What can you do about this?