Lesson 23: Fellowship and Peace as a Result of the Coming of the Spirit

This Lesson is part of John’s Gospel Easy Notes Series. 

The result of the coming of the Spirit is fellowship with God and Jesus (John 14:20). This is in contrast to the world which no longer will see Jesus (v. 19). Note that Jesus did not go and show himself to Pilate or the High Priest or the soldiers who took part in his crucifixion. The Risen Christ only revealed himself to those who believed in him.

The fellowship he has is only with believers. “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him (v. 23).”

The practical result of this is that when you seek God more and more, and the Spirit of God makes this fellowship with God the Father and Jesus real in your life; you will no longer find pleasure in many things you enjoyed doing along with non-believers. You will be friends with them. But the fellowship, the intimacy, the great strength you derive from spending time with God cannot be substituted by the time you spend with them.

Again the result of the coming of the Spirit is peace. It is not the kind that the world gives. Absence of trouble is peace as far as the world is concerned. Or it is enforced peace at the edge of the sword like that of Pax Romana, the Roman Peace of ancient days, when Roman enemies could no longer resist.

But Jesus said the peace he gives is different from that of the world: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid (John 14:27).” Peace that we enjoy in difficult circumstances is a clear indication that the Spirit of God is in control in our lives.

The Teaching on the Holy Spirit in the Gospel of John—An Overview

This is how Dr. Henrietta C. Mears describes the teaching about the Holy Spirit as presented by John:

1. The Incoming Spirit (3:5): This is the commencement of the Christian life, the new birth by the Spirit. We are born by the Spirit into the family of God.

2.  The Indwelling Spirit (4:14): He fills us with His presence and brings us joy.

3. The Overflowing Spirit (7:38, 39): “Streams of living water will flow from within him”—not just little streams of blessing, but rivers—Mississippis and Amazons if the Holy Spirit dwells within us.

4. The Witnessing Spirit (Chapters 14—16): He speaks through us. This is the particular task of the Christian through the Holy Spirit—to testify of Christ.

The Spirit of Truth

Elsewhere in Scripture the Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of Holiness (Romans 1:4) and the Spirit of Jesus (Acts 16:7). Here he is called the Spirit of truth.  Romans 8:9 the Spirit of God and Spirit of Christ are used interchangeably. Jesus called himself “the truth” (John 14:6). Now he calls the Holy Spirit “the Spirit of Truth.” (14:17).

Just look around you. What kinds of false things can you identify that are being done in the name of the Holy Spirit? Always remember, he is the Spirit of truth.

The Holy Spirit Is a Person

The Holy Spirit is a person (and not just the power of God.). For those who have doubt about this, check Acts for example. The Holy Spirit spoke (Acts 13:2). Only a person speaks.

In the case of Ananias and Sapphira, Peter said, “you have lied to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3).” Peter emphasised again, “You have not lied to men but to God (Acts 5:4b).” Can you lie against a power like the wind or fire or water? No. You can only do that against a person.

Again, it is written, “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God (Ephesians 4:30).” Certainly you cannot grieve a power; only a person!

7. The Spirit of God in the Life of Jesus

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