John 14:15–18, 27–31a; 15:11–16

Bible Studies for Life
Chair and Armstrong Professor of Religion, Department of Religion, Samford University

Why the Christian Life is Better
John 14:15–18, 27–31a; 15:11–16
Sir James Young Simpson, the great discoverer of chloroform’s anesthetic qualities, was once asked, “What is the greatest discovery you ever made?” His answer must have astounded many of his hearers, as he replied, “The greatest discovery that I made was that although I was a great sinner, Jesus Christ is a great Savior!”
At the heart of the Christian faith, rather than a creed or an ethical code, there is a person who meets us and speaks to us, whose friendship is always open to us and who gives us comfort in our deepest inward needs. He offers us not only gifts of His grace but also Himself, as the Gift of all gifts, and in knowing Him, we discover everything that is worth experiencing, not only now but also throughout all eternity.

The Presence of God With Us (14:15–18)
One of the greatest promises to be found anywhere in Scripture is the promise of God’s presence. In the context of telling His disciples that He would be leaving them, Jesus promised that they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, who would enable them to experience God’s presence within their lives.The particular word that Jesus used to speak about the Holy Spirit is paraclete, which can be translated in various ways but basically means “the one called alongside so as to help.” His presence with us means that we are not left as orphans but as people who sense God’s presence with them in the midst of all of life’s struggles and stresses. The Spirit’s presence reminds us that He is the Spirit of truth. His presence with us is nurtured as we give our minds over to seeking His will, discovering more and more of who God is and what His purpose for our lives involves. He leads and invites us to a journey of discovery, listening to God’s voice speaking to us in the Scriptures and following Him in lives of joyful obedience.

The Peace of God Within Us (14:27–31a)
In a world where trouble seems to be around every corner, Jesus’ promise to give us the gift of peace brings a sense of assurance to an uncertain future. The peace He offers is not that of removing difficulties from our lives or taking us away from our problems but rather installing within our minds and hearts a sense of His comfort to support us so that we will be able to persevere. The peace Christ offers is not the same as the peace the world promises — temporary respite as a result of entertainment, fleeting pleasures or the distractions of various activities. Rather it is the assurance that God is in control of our circumstances and by committing all that we are to Him, we receive the gift of peace.

Paul spoke about God’s peace in Philippians 4 as a peace that “passes all understanding.” It is beyond our best endeavors to produce. It is a peace that is better than any human gift or promise. It is God’s peace that enables us to be content in our circumstances and rejoice in His provision for our lives.

The Purpose of God for Us (15:11–16)
God’s presence with us and His peace within us are able to help us to realize His purpose for us — that “our joy might be complete.” Once again, Jesus was not speaking about temporary release from life’s sufferings but rather that in the midst of all that we encounter in our daily discipleship, the Lord’s joy can fill our hearts.
Paradoxically this joy is not self-centered. Indeed true joy, as my Sunday School teacher used to tell me, is Jesus first, Others next and Yourself last of all. This is what Jesus indicated in these verses. Joy only develops within the life of the person who listens to Jesus’ voice commanding him or her to “love one another” as He has loved him or her.

The Christian life is meant to be a fruitful life. The fruit of the Spirit is love manifested in a variety of ways — patience when provoked, kindness in our attitudes, goodness in our actions, faithfulness in relationships, gentleness toward others and self-control in our lives. In this way, God’s love is manifested and joy and peace fills our hearts.