Better

Than Being With Jesus

11 August 2013 Pastor Art Brammer, Tay Street Baptist Church http://www.taystreetbaptist.org.nz I. A review of these things Jesus taught them. All the events of John 13-19 happen within 24 hours, the Passover day. II. Why Jesus taught them these things (John 16:1-6) A. Jesus tells them what could happen in the future stumble (a trap or snare). God's blessings come with obedience. 1. To stumble means to back away from Christian duties. 2. If we stumble, we have fallen into a trap designed by Satan. B. Jesus tells them what would happen in the future persecution. 1. The persecution these 11 disciples is seen in Acts. 2. All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (2 Tim 3:12). 3. Jesus tells them why this will happen they dont know God. We are persecuted because of our association with Jesus. C. Jesus did not tell them these things at the beginning, but waited until the eve of His departure. 1. Now they were sorrowful because Jesus was leaving! 2. In the future, as the need arose, they would remember what Jesus said; the Spirit would help them remember. III. What is better than Jesus being with them & teaching them. A. It was to their advantage for Jesus to leave them. 1. What Hed be doing for them while in heaven - prepare an eternal home & praying continually. 2. How it would strengthen their faith and character B. He would send the Holy Spirit John 7:37 - spiritual life/refreshment. John 14:15-16 - indwells the believer. John 14:26 - remember Christ's teaching. John 15:26-27 - empowers for witness. You live in a better day than the days of Jesus; these are the days of the ministry of the Holy Spirit.