Seasons: Focusing on the Known
John 16
Richard Dahlstrom, Senior Pastor, stepbystepjourney.com
Just before his arrest and crucifixion, Jesus reveals several things they can know with certainty, along with one uncertainty. The disciple’s reaction to this is instructive for anyone facing uncertainties, which is all of us!
I. What the disciples COULD know
A. You’ll have trouble and failure
B. You’ll receive the Holy Spirit (v. 5-13)
C. Jesus is going to the Father and returning (v. 5, 7, 10, 17, 28)
II. What the disciples COULDN’T know
A. Timetables! (v.16-19)
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1. In his sermon, Richard proposes that things that trouble us most are the things “we know that we don’t know”. What things that you know that you don’t know trouble you the most?
2. Richard shared that other Christians/religious people are more often the persecutors of other Christians. In history and today we see all kinds of abuse enacted “in God’s name.”
a. How have you seen, or do you see spiritual abuse happening around you?
b. When have you seen thoughts or actions that go against the community’s thoughts, considered heresy?
3. What areas of Christian mission have been marginalized or distorted by in-house fighting among the Church? In what ways might you be called to restore the essentials of Christianity and participate anew in God’s mission in the world?
4. Have you been troubled while you have “done the right thing?” What keeps you going in these times of adversity, staying true to your calling?
5. Knowing that we do not know the timing of things, how might that shift our focus, expectations, and our prayers regarding the present and the future?
6. What might faithful and hopeful living in the waiting look like?
7. What areas of your life are you hearing the voice of God saying “in a little while”?
8. For what are you asking God “how long”?
9. What is it are you waiting for?
10. In your waiting, what emotions are you feeling, what hopes do you have, and what points of anxiety?