Gospel of John - Lesson 11

Lesson 11

... but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,
and that believing you may have life in His name. John 20:31

Lesson 11, John 15 & 16
"I AM THE VINE"

Branches - We Must Abide (John 15:1-11)

List the seven I AM statements of Jesus as recorded by John and their meaning to you.
John 6:35 ________________________________________________________________
John 8:12 ________________________________________________________________
John 10:7 ________________________________________________________________
John 10:11 ________________________________________________________________
John 11:25 ________________________________________________________________
John 14:6 ________________________________________________________________
John 15:1 ________________________________________________________________
Many times in the Old Testament God used the image of a vine or vineyard to describe the nation of Israel. Read Jeremiah 2:21; Ezekiel 15; 19:10-14; and Isaiah 5:1-7. What was the condition of the vineyards?
What is the connection between the chastening of the Lord in Hebrews 12:11 and the pruning of the Lord in John 15:2?

How have you been "pruned"? How did this pruning produce more fruit in your life?
Define of the word "abide" ("remain" in NIV) that is repeated ten times in verses 4 - 11.
Jesus used the vine and branches allegory to emphasize that there is no spiritual life outside of abiding in Jesus. What is experienced by those who abide in Jesus?
John 15:2 ________________________________________________________________
John 15:2 ________________________________________________________________
John 15:7 ________________________________________________________________
John 15:8 ________________________________________________________________
John 15:9 ________________________________________________________________
John 15:10 ________________________________________________________________
John 15:11 ________________________________________________________________
What does I John 2:6 add to the evidences?

What should others see in us if we are abiding in Jesus?
Why was Jesus speaking these things to His disciples?

Friends - Love One Another (John 15:12-17)
What is the great commandment that Jesus gave twice in this short section?
How did Jesus' life change the relationship between God and His followers?
For what purpose did Jesus choose and appoint His followers?

The Spirit as Comforter Encourages the Church (John 15:18-16:4)
Why does the world hate the Christian?
John 15:18 ________________________________________________________________
John 15:19 ________________________________________________________________
John 15:21 ________________________________________________________________
John 15:22-24 ________________________________________________________________
The world functions on the basis of conformity to the current standard. Discuss how the world accepts those who conform to its standards and conflicts with those who don't conform.

Why does this cause conflict for the Christian? See Romans 12:2.
Who is the Counselor/Comforter/Helper?

What does He do?
After addressing their relationship with God and encouraging them to love one another, what did Jesus warn the apostles to expect from unbelievers?

Why did Jesus tell them of their impending trials to come?

The Spirit as Convictor Witnesses through the Church (John 16:5-11)
The apostles' hearts were sorrowful because Jesus said He was going away. What gift were they to receive that should have made them happy?
What will the Counselor do and why?
If Jesus' role was to draw all men to Him, and the Counselor's role is to convict the world of sin, what is our role in saving souls?

The Spirit as Teacher Guides the Church (John 16:12-15)
From verses 13-15, is the Holy Spirit a person or a mere influence?
What would the Spirit of truth do for the apostles?

How would that be accomplished?

Upon what authority?

JESUS' FAREWELL TO HIS DISCIPLES (John 16:16-33)
From Sorrow to Joy (John 16:16-22)
What words of Jesus puzzled the disciples?
Jesus told the apostles of a time when the world would rejoice and they would be sorrowful, but their sorrow would be turned into joy. Explain the allegory that Jesus used to explain their sorrow producing joy.
Jesus said, "no one will take your joy from you." What can take joy from a Christian?

Ask, and You Will Receive (John 16:23-28)
What would be different in "that day" about asking and receiving?
Name two reasons Jesus gave that God loved the disciples.

I Have Overcome the World (John 16:29-33)
What convinced the disciples Jesus came from God?
Jesus' previous words about the hour to come had been about Himself. How does Jesus say that hour will affect the disciples?
What can one have in Jesus?
What does it mean to you when Jesus tells the apostles to "be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."?

Lesson Twelve

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