God With Us | John 14:15-26
Sermon Summary
In John 14:15–26, Jesus reveals a God who draws near rather than staying distant. Jesus promises He will not leave us as orphans, meeting us in weakness with grace and drawing us into the Father's love. He also promises the Spirit, who comes alongside to convict, comfort, and remind us of His words.
We don't obey to earn God's presence, but because He has already come near through the Spirit's help, the Son's grace, and the Father's love.
The Big Idea
If we love Jesus, we obey Him. We don't obey Jesus alone – the Holy Spirit lives in us to help us love, obey, and walk with Him.
Key Scriptures:
2 Corinthians 13:14 (NASB): The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
John 14:15-16 (NASB): I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.
Hebrews 4:15-16 (NASB): For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NASB): And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
1 John 3:1 (NASB): See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.
2 Corinthians 6:18 (NASB): “And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” says the Lord Almighty.
Truths to focus on this week:
The fellowship of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit helps us by convicting us of sin, teaching us truth, comforting our hearts, and counseling us with what God has spoken. We have access to the Holy Spirit every moment, not just while at church on Sunday. When the Spirit convicts us, the invitation is to turn toward Him to be cleansed, comforted and commissioned.
The grace of Jesus: He understands what it’s like to go through our temptations, yet without giving into sin. In our need, we can draw near to Jesus with confidence to receive grace upon grace. His grace is sufficient to not only forgive our sins but empower us to obey all that He commands.
The love of the Father: God has given us an identity as His sons and daughters. The Father is continually initiating with us and inviting us into deeper intimacy with Him. He desires that we respond by leaning in, and letting Him minister to our hearts.
Reflection Questions
When the Spirit convicts you of sin, has your response been to turn away from God, or to receive His grace and mercy? What's driving your response: a fear of punishment or a desire for closeness with Him?
How has Jesus been your helper and sufficient grace in your walk with Him? Reflect on His faithfulness and ask Him for the strength to take the next step of obedience.
When was the last time you sensed the Father initiating with you? What stops you from letting Him minister to your heart?