By The Rev. Ron Purkey
Guest Columnist

Read: John 16:1-33

“These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.” (John 16:1)

The Rev. Ron Purkey

We should not expect the easy way, for if we do, we will be disappointed. Any person who knows the Bible knows Christ warned his followers to count carefully the cost, and that certainly does not speak of an easy way. But there is no good thing that comes without cost.

The Christian life is the most satisfying life, but only when we actually go all out and all the way. It is the Christian who tries to compromise who finds life miserable, for he has all the problems, without the fellowship that comes through surrender. For every trial and test, Christ supplies an abundance of grace with which to bear it, and in our weakness, we are made strong.

“In that day” (John 16:23) refers probably to the day when the Holy Spirit would come and begin his ministry among them. While Christ was on earth, the disciples were accustomed to taking their questions and needs to him personally. When Christ returned to heaven, he sent the Spirit to assist them in their praying (Romans 8:26-27), and instructed them to pray to the father personally. Bible prayer is to the father, through the son, in the Spirit. It will not be necessary for Christ to beg the father on our behalf (verse 26) because the father is willing to answer our requests (verse 27).

Prayer is a tremendous privilege! Consider these other words of Christ about prayer: John 14:13-14; 15:7; 15:16. As the believer allows the Holy Spirit to teach him the Word of God, he grows in his prayer life, for prayer and the word go together. Jude 20 commands us to “pray in the Holy Ghost.” Too much praying today is in the flesh, asking for things that are not in the will of God (see James 4:1-10). It is wonderful to allow the Holy Spirit to burden us with prayer requests (Romans 9:1-3). The Spirit knows the mind of the father and can lead us to pray for those things God wants to give us. It has well been said that prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance; it is laying hold of his willingness.

The testimony of the disciples must have pleased Christ’s heart, but He warned them of their coming failure (verse 32). Even God the Father would finally forsake Jesus on the cross! What a blessing to hear the Lord say, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (verse 33). He was about to be arrested and crucified, yet Jesus gives peace and joy to His followers! He promises them his victory: “I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

God has a special ministry in our lives. Are we allowing him to have his way?

Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study online free at rcpbibleoutlines.com. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.