LOVE, OBEDIENCE, AND THE SPIRIT
Discuss It – John 14:15-21
- Who was the best counselor you’ve ever had? What made that person so special?
- What people, things, or experiences in life bring you comfort and peace of mind?
- How do the people you love (whether close friends, spouse, or family members) know that you love them?
- In what way is “love” more a verb than it is a noun?
- How are the disciples to show love to one another? (John 13:34) To Jesus (14:15)
- Why is this idea repeated four times in this chapter? (14:15, 21, 23-24)
- What did Jesus say He would ask God to give His disciples? (14:16)
- What do we learn about the Holy Spirit? (14:15-16)
- How does the Spirit help a follower of Jesus? (14:16) Who has a story to tell?
- Why could the world not accept the Spirit of Truth? (14:17)
- What did Jesus promise the disciples? (14:18) Why is this important?
- Why did Jesus tell His disciples that they would live? (14:19)
- How has Jesus shown himself to you in the past? (14:21)
Apply It
- How “at home” are you with the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit in your life? Are they more like owners or temporary guests?
- How can we show Jesus that we love Him?
- What are the commands of Jesus that we should obey? (Those imperative statements found in the gospels).
- What prevents you from being “all-in” once he reveals something to you?
- How has the Holy Spirit been revealed in your life?
- How are we taught by the Holy Spirit?
- How does the Bible and prayer fit into our spiritual development?
- When was a time you were comforted by the Holy Spirit?
- What is the peace that Jesus has given us? Why is peace important in our lives?
- On a scale from 1 (smooth sailing) to 10 (furious storm), what is your peace quotient?
- Where do you need the peace of Jesus right now?
- How can we experience the peace Jesus has promised us? Are you more hopeful or skeptical about the peace of Jesus?
- When we talk about God’s unconditional love, why does a passage like this seem so conditional? (Obedience = Love).