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Q4. (John 18:37-38) Jesus presents Himself as the King of Truth, with a mission to testify to the truth. What is the danger when we disciples declare the gospel is absolutely true? How do cynics like Pilate or people in our post-modern age react? If people reject the truth we bring, what is the next step for us? The danger is that we are looked upon with suspicion, as outcasts, and narrow-minded, even arrogant hypocrites. We are supposed to be out of touch with the world and its latest scientific knowledge; all of which, in their minds, proves that the Bible is just a book with stories about mythical or supernatural beings and events. Satan, the god of this age, has succeeded in putting a veil over the minds of unbelievers. Which unfortunately in this world today looks like being the majority of the population – how sad and unfortunate. He seems to be doing a great job in keeping these cynics in perpetual darkness. Hiding the light of the gospel of the glory of our Lord Jesus from them – the light through which they would be saved. This is the tragedy of fallen man’s rejection of God. If faced with rejection it is best not to continue with the conversation but to walk away. Pray for them and continue showing our love for them, knowing that if it’s God’s will for them to be saved, they will eventually see the light.

Q3. (John 18:29-35) What do you think the Jewish leaders charged Jesus with before Pilate? If true, why would that be taken seriously by the Romans? What kind of king does Jesus say He is? Where is the source of His Kingship, according to Jesus? What is the danger to our gospel message when we politicize Christian causes? According to Luke 23, the Jewish leaders brought three political charges against Jesus. They accused Him of turning the loyalty of the people away from Rome, inciting the Jews not to pay taxes to Caesar, and announcing that He was a king in opposition to Caesar. All these charges, although all lies, would be taken seriously by the Romans as this all points to undermining the Roman Empire – treason. Our Lord Jesus confessed He was a King. But not the kind of king the Jews accused Him of being, and definitely not the kind that would threaten Rome. Christ's kingdom is not from here – it is not of this world, and does not receive its power or authority from the world. He is not a political king – His authority comes from heaven from our Heavenly Father. His kingdom is concerned with truth, the truth about God, Christ Himself, the Holy Spirit, sin, salvation, and all the other doctrines of Christianity. Not about the untruths told by politicians to further their own pockets and careers.

Q2. (John 18:17-18, 25-27) What have been Peter's acts of courage at the arrest and in the high priest's courtyard? Why do you think he ends up denying Jesus? How would you rebuke Peter according to Galatians 6:1b? Has your courage failed lately? What should you do about it? Peter showed his courage in wounding Malchus and in following Jesus and the guards; despite initially fleeing after Jesus’ arrest (Matthew 26:56). To have gone into the courtyard of the high priest with the possibility of being recognised and perhaps arrested was an act of braveness. To think Peter had witnessed Jesus’ miracles and had heard His teachings, I can only imagine His courage deserted him, and he ends up denying Jesus three times. From the other Gospels we know that Peter went out at this point and wept bitterly. Therefore, we know that Peter truly loved the Lord and it is not for us to judge him in his moment of weakness. Often, but then I pray and ask the Holy Spirit to give me the courage needed.

Q1. (John 18:1-11) What do you think caused the soldiers to fall back in the Garden (18:6)? Why does John tell us this detail? Why does Jesus rebuke Peter for defending Him with a sword (18:11)? Jesus is facing forces sent by hell. Why doesn't He resist? The soldiers fell back in the Garden immediately after our Lord Jesus had revealed Himself to them as the “I AM”, the Almighty God. We often read in the Bible about the power of God’s spoken Word, and here the revelation of Christ’s divine power was so overwhelming that at His word the soldiers drew back and fell to the ground. John tells us these details to show us who is really in control, and that Jesus in obedience to the Father went willingly to the Cross. Jesus rebuked Peter for defending Him because in reality he was trying to take matters into his own hands instead of leaving things to our Lord. He did not, at this stage, know or understand God’s plan. But God is still in control, and all the evil of Judas and the misplaced zeal of Peter will not frustrate God's love and God's plan for the human race, for Christ to die for our sins.

Q6. (John 17:11b, 20-21) Why is unity between Christians so important? What is the model Jesus gives of this unity in verse 21a? What effect does true Christian unity have on our witness to the world? It is important that believers present a common front to the world. Our actions and attitudes, which speak even louder than words, will then point to Jesus as the source of our moral and spiritual strength. Unbelievers, who formerly despised Jesus, might with the help of the Holy Spirit, start believing in Jesus as the One sent by the Father. By doing this we exert more power and influence. If not, we run the risk of being seen as a lot of hypocrites. The unity for which Christ prayed was not a matter of external church union, but rather a unity based on the love for one another and on common moral likeness. He was praying that believers might be one in exhibiting the character of God and of Christ. This is what would cause the world to believe that God had sent Him. This is the unity which makes the world say, “I see Christ in those Christians as the Father was seen in Christ.”

Q5. (John 17:15-16) Is God's desire to immediately extract us from the earth, or to leave us here? How is it possible to be "in" the world, but not "of" it, or contaminated by it? How do we achieve this? God’s desire is to leave us here on earth to grow in grace and to witness for our Lord Jesus. When Jesus says we, as believers, must not be “of” the world, He was saying our natures must not be “conformed” but rather “transformed” (Romans 12:2). We should be transformed by the renewing of our mind, which means that we should think the way God thinks, as revealed in the Scriptures, and not set our minds on the things of this world (Col 3:1-7). We are “in” the world and are to testify that most of its works are evil and that salvation is only available to all who put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We are never meant to withdraw from life and abandon the world, rather we must always desire to win the world - to bring our light into this world of darkness.

Q4. (John 17:6-10) In what sense do the Son and the Father "co-possess" everything? What does that say about their relationship with each other? In what sense do we "co-possess" everything with the Father and Son? How should that affect our values? The way we live? God exists as three persons, yet He is one God. Therefore, all the attributes of God, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are the same. They are all, for example, eternal, omnipresent, omnipotent, infinitely wise, infinitely holy, infinitely loving, omniscient, and so forth. Although being one God, they are three distinct persons. Because the Son and the Father are equal they co-possess everything, and Jesus is able to say “All I have is yours, and all you have is mine.” God’s children are heirs of God and will eventually inherit their Father’s estate. The same with Christ, we are joint heirs with the Son. So, being one with our Lord Jesus and our Heavenly Father, we too co-possess everything with them. In Matthew 6:19-20 Jesus teaches us how we should value things here on earth, and how to live here. He explains that there is no security in material things here on earth as they can all be either destroyed by elements of nature or stolen by thieves. Jesus goes on to say that the only investments not subject to loss are treasures in heaven. His message then for us is not to lay up treasures for ourselves here on earth, but rather to place our investments in heaven. This we can do by being obedient to God and making our time and money do God’s work.

Q3. (John 17:4-5) What was Jesus' pre-existent glory like? What was His glory like during His earthly ministry? How did His glory peek through? What is His glory like now in the presence of His Father? Why do you think Jesus wants His disciples to see Him in this glory (verse 24)? Before Jesus came into the world, He dwelt in heaven with the Father. Having done everything the Father required of Him, He would be exalted to this place – in heaven, at the glorious right hand of His Father. We read of this in Philippians 2:9-11, “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” During His earthly ministry His deepest concern was with the glory of His Father. We read earlier in v. 12:28, “Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again." Instead of praying that He might be saved from the cross, the Lord Jesus rather prayed that the name of His Father might be glorified. This shows us that He was more concerned with bringing honour to God than worrying about His own safety. The Name of God was glorified during the earthly ministry of Jesus, and His obedience unto death also resulted in His own glorification. The very action which glorifies Father and Son also brings life to us lost sinners! Our Lord Jesus desires to have His people with Himself in glory. For us as believers, to die is to go to be with Jesus Christ and to behold His glory.

Q2. (John 17:4) What was the "work" the Father gave Jesus to do? How did it bring glory to the Father? What is the "work" the Father has given you to do? In what ways are you bringing glory to the Father in this? Although Jesus hasn’t died on the Cross yet, Jesus is reporting to the Father that He is going to the Cross to die and then will rise again. Remember He speaks of things which are not as if they are. Jesus will say on the Cross that “It is finished” (John 19:30), indicating that our redemption was finished and that He has done everything that was necessary. I found this quote from Ryle which I think puts it very well: The crucifixion brought glory to the Father. It glorified His wisdom, faithfulness, holiness, and love. It showed Him wise, in providing a plan whereby He could be just, and yet the justifier of the ungodly. It showed Him faithful in keeping His promise, that the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent's head. It showed Him holy, in requiring His law's demands to be satisfied by our great Substitute. It showed Him loving, in providing such a Mediator, such a Redeemer, and such a Friend for sinful man as His co-eternal Son. The crucifixion brought glory to the Son. It glorified His compassion, His patience, and His power. It showed Him most compassionate, in dying for us, suffering in our stead, allowing Himself to be counted sin and a curse for us, and buying our redemption with the price of His own blood. It showed Him most patient, in not dying the common death of most men, but in willingly submitting to such pains and unknown agonies as no mind can conceive, when with a word He could have summoned His Father's angels, and been set free. It showed Him most powerful, in bearing the weight of all transgressions of the world, and vanquishing Satan, and despoiling him of his prey. In my humble way I give Him glory by acknowledging His greatness and giving Him all the honour due to Him by praising and worshiping Him. I bring the Father glory, hopefully making Him pleased with me, as I live my life according to His Word. Maybe He can see a glimpse of His Son in me as I try more and more, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to emulate Jesus Christ.

Q1. (John 17:3) If the average person were to define the words "eternal life," what would they say? Does Jesus define eternal life in terms of duration of time? What is the key element of His definition? How are you doing at present in Jesus' definition of eternal life? The average person might define eternal life as living forever – an endless existence. No, Jesus does not define eternal life in terms of time. Rather, He refers to eternal life as a quality of life, and not just a quantity of life. In His definition, the key element is enjoying an intimate relationship with both Him and our heavenly Father. It is all about knowing the Father and Jesus Christ, about the acknowledgement of His sovereignty and about us gladly accepting His love. As true believers, we already have an intimate fellowship with His person through His Word and through prayer. To me eternal life is a quality of life that I already experience; it is a present reality and not a only future promise.

Q4. (John 16:33) In what sense has Jesus "overcome" the world? In what sense can we "overcome" the world? Can we overcome Satan even though we are martyred in the process? (see Revelation 12:11) Jesus has overcome the world by His defeat of death. He has conquered the world – the decisive battle has been waged and won, and all of us who are in Christ share this same victory. Although the evil in the world continues and even increases, believers cannot be harmed by this as they have overcome the world by their faith in our Lord and Saviour. At the same time, as believers we also have the Holy Spirit who gives us new powers of endurance and new courage to face all the temptations of the world. Most definitely, we have the victory over Satan. He cannot touch us since our victory is based on the death and resurrection of Christ.

Q3. (John 16:32) Jesus said that He is not alone, that the Father is always with Him. What does this mean to us when we are lonely? What should we do to deepen our fellowship with the ever-present Father so that we aren't as lonely? We know from scripture that God has promised never to leave nor forsake His children (Hebrews 13:5b), and that He has also sent us the Holy Spirit, who will comfort us and walk alongside us, even in loneliness (vv. 16:7-8). So we have this constant companion and guide. Also in Revelation 3:20 we read, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me.” It is for us to decide whether to open our life to Jesus’ presence or not. If we do then we will never be alone, and it is not necessary for us to feel sad or dejected, knowing that He is always with us and that we will have this wonderful relationship with His Son. At the same time, we can deepen our fellowship with the Lord by getting away from self-absorption, and by becoming involved in doing the work of the kingdom. Attending Bible studies and belong to a Christian church. Getting to know His Word by study and meditation, also increases our fellowship with Him - remembering that He speaks to us through the Word. As believers we should never feel alone.

Q2. (John 16:23-28) What does it mean to pray to the Father "in Jesus' name"? Is it okay to pray to Jesus and to the Holy Spirit? Why or why not? Is it scriptural to pray to a saint to intercede for us? Why are we allowed to pray to the Father directly? Up to now Jesus had provided for all the needs of the disciples. He had been the source of all their learning and understanding, but with Him leaving they were now able to directly approach the Father who would meet their needs. As believers we have this same direct line to the Father. We know He cares for His children. What a wonderful promise and privilege of prayer. Yes, we serve a triune God; Jesus is God, and the Holy Spirit is God – so I’m sure it is okay to pray to either Jesus or to the Holy Spirit or, of course, to our Heavenly Father. Personally I see no reason to pray to a saint to intercede for us when I can pray directly to God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit. We are allowed to pray to the Father directly because, by Jesus’ death and resurrection, He has removed the barrier of sin between us and our Heavenly Father. A new relationship has been established with the Father in which we are able, with complete confidence, to pray directly to Him. It is on this basis of Jesus’ name, that we can now be certain, that our Heavenly Father will give whatever we ask as long as it is line with His glory.

Q1. (John 16:12-15) In what sense does the Holy Spirit guide us into all truth. Does this promise apply only to the apostolic age to lay the foundations of the faith? In what sense does it apply to us today? The work which Jesus had begun was to be continued by the Holy Spirit. Today He guides us into all truth, just like He guided the apostles in their lifetime. They committed it to writing, giving us today our NT. Combined with the OT we have God’s written revelation, which the Holy Spirit uses to teach us the truths we need to know. He will only speak the things that are given to Him to say by the Father and the Son. Jesus is the truth (John 14:6), and the Word is truth (John 17:17), and the Holy Spirit is "the Spirit of Truth", so wherever the Holy Spirit is at work, there must and can only be truth.

Q5. (John 16:8) Through what means does the Holy Spirit convict unbelievers? Is it our job as preachers or lay Christians to convict unbelievers or backslidden people? If not, why not? What damage do we inflict on people when we try to do the Holy Spirit's job? The Holy Spirit convicts unbelievers through miracles, prophetic words, preaching and testimonies, our faithful lives, and instruction and prayer. It is not our job to convict unbelievers or backslidden people. We do not have the power to do this on our own – if we did try, we will only mess up. We need God’s wisdom as we cannot be trusted for our own wisdom in handling the situation. Satan has put various barriers, like pride, or rebellion, or self-righteousness, between unbelievers and God. All these obstacles serve to close the gospel to people, stopping the light of the gospel from shining in and making them spiritually blind. Since we are involved in this spiritual war with Satan, we need all the help we can get. Anything we do on our own has little power, it is only when we rely on the Holy Spirit to take our words and use them, that we have great power.

Q4. (John 16:5-7; 14:12) What benefit is there to the disciples that Jesus goes away? What promise do we have in John 14:12 concerning the Spirit's power in believers? Jesus would not leave His disciples without help and comfort. The Holy Spirit would empower them, give them courage, teach them, and explain to them the Heavenly Father’s plan of redemption. He would not come until the Lord Jesus went back to heaven and was glorified. Of course, the Holy Spirit had been in the world before this, but He was coming in a new way - to convict the world and to minister to the redeemed. At the time the disciples never understood all this and their main concern was only about their own future. With the coming of the Holy Spirit we see the releasing of the powers of the promised kingdom of God in this world. The frightened disciples needed power for witnessing, and a boldness for preaching the gospel. Like them, we too, will receive this power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us.

Q3. (John 15:26-27) What does it mean to "testify"? In what way does the Spirit testify about Jesus? Can you testify from personal knowledge about Jesus, or only the apostles who were eyewitnesses? To testify is to bear witness about our Lord Jesus – to tell everyone about the truth in this hostile world. The Holy Spirit testifies concerning Christ, and if the Lord Jesus Christ is real to us, we can be sure that the Holy Spirit is at work in us. He will explain to us the great love, grace, and mercy shown by our Lord Jesus, and that He is the Messiah. He will also explain about Jesus’ sufferings and death, His resurrection and ascension, and His exaltation at the right hand of God. Yes, we as believers who are in a close personal relationship, can testify from personal knowledge about our Lord Jesus. As Jesus commanded in Matt 28:19-20, we are to be bold with the truth of the gospel, however, we can be sure that this message will generally be met with much hostility and opposition.

Q2. (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13a) Why do we believe that the Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force or power, but a Person? What kinds of functions that we attribute to persons does the Holy Spirit do? Why is it so easy to refer to the Spirit as "it" rather than "Him"? Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit as a person. We also note that He possesses intellect, emotion, and will, which are characteristics of a person. His intellect: “but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God” (1 Corinthians 2:10-11). His emotion: “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30). His will: “All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines” (1 Corinthians 12:11). Among the personal functions that He performs are: communicates joy (Rom 14:17; Gal 5:22; 1Th 1:6); edifies the Church (Act 9:31); testifies about Christ (John 15:26); imparts the love of God (Rom 5:3-5); imparts hope (Rom 15:13; Gal 5:5); teaches (John 14:26); dwells with, and in believers (John 14:17); abides for ever with believers (John 14:16); is known by believers (John 14:17). The Holy Spirit came in Christ's name in the sense that He came to represent our Lord Jesus here on earth, and the fact that He did not come to glorify Himself, but to draw men and women to the Saviour may be a reason that He is sometimes referred to as “it”.

Q1. (John 15:18-21a) Why are Christians persecuted even if they haven't hurt others? What about a faithful Christian's life threatens non-Christians? Why does Jesus warn His disciples that persecution will come? What happens to our testimony if we give in under mild persecution? What does it say to persecutors when we don't react to their persecution? Do they see us as weak or as strong? The world hates Jesus because He declared that its works were evil, and this is the same hatred that we as Christians experience. It does not matter even if we haven’t hurt others – it is more about wickedness hating righteousness, hereby also explaining why the world hates the believer. Jesus warns us that persecution will come – we will be treated the same way as He was treated. Jesus Himself said that “I have chosen you out of the world”, indicating that believers do not belong to this world. We belong to the kingdom of heaven, and will experience persecution, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:10)”. Non-Christians feel threatened because we expose their evil deeds. There is a sharp contrast between us and the wickedness of the unbeliever. Our good behaviour often puts them in a bad light. We do this unknowingly by the way we behave in the workplace, also by our attitudes to work. At the same time our ethical standards, and life values all expose their works of darkness. Then there is our integrity in speech, and our unwillingness to gossip, our words of kindness and forgiveness, all these will often provoke opposition. So instead of changing their wicked behaviour they seek rather to destroy that which exposes them for what they are. The whole world rebels against God, and has rejected Jesus, and opposition is therefore inevitable – all because of our association with Him. If we give in under mild persecution it does not say much about our Christianity and of our love and faith in our Lord and Saviour. It also indicates that we might be lukewarm Christians at best, and that we have forgotten how He died on the Cross for us! However, we do not react to persecution since it is conformation that we belong to Jesus. "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11-12). We should grab hold of this life with all of its joys and hardships, rejoicing in our Lord. He is our source for this life and for the one to come. We must remain strong in our faith and love for Jesus and continue bearing fruit for the glory of our Heavenly Father.

Q7. (John 15:12-15) What is required to be counted a "friend of Jesus"? What privileges do "friends" enjoy according to verse 15? What happens when we take for granted this privilege? We show that we are His friends by doing whatever He commands us, but we also obey because we love Him! By constantly doing the will of Jesus we abide in His love and are counted as His friend. We must remember God elected us before creation, so we have been chosen to be a friend of Jesus. To be counted as a friend of Jesus is a great blessing, in that we are taken into His confidence, and among other things, His plans for the future are revealed to us. We see this when Jesus confided in the disciples telling them about His departure, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and His own coming again. However, I am careful to call Jesus my friend – I feel it is bringing Him down to my level, but if He calls me His friend, that is a big difference and I am honoured. To me He is the Lord of lords, the King of kings, my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. My favourite hymn: What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer! Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer!

Q6. (John 15:9-11) How are obedience and joy linked? Is obedience an obstacle to a joyful relationship between you and the Lord? In our self-centred world of today, when we think of obedience, commandments, and rules, we think of it as keeping us from having fun, and at the same time as depriving us of our freedom of choice. Meanwhile, it has just the opposite effect. By obeying Jesus’ commandments we will find that they bring joy to our heart, make us wise, warn us about possible dangers, guide us to success, and give us insight into His will. They are a light for our path and keep us on the straight and narrow, and is never an obstacle to a joyful relationship with our Lord and Saviour. Jesus Himself stated that His own obedience to the Father is the basis of His joy, and goes on to say that if we obey Him we will share the same joy. This joy can only come through a proper relationship with the Lord. When a person is in fellowship with God and with the Lord Jesus, he has a deep-seated joy that cannot be changed by earthly circumstances. Obeying His precepts bring joy to our hearts (Psalm 19:8); spending time with the Lord leads to joy (Psalm 16:11); the Holy Spirit gives us joy (Gal 5:22); and our salvation gives us joy (1 Peter 1:8). This reminds me of this great hymn: When we walk with the Lord in the light of his word, what a glory he sheds on our way! While we do his good will, he abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey. Refrain: Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Q5. (John 15:7-8) The fruit from branches connected to a vine is the grape. What is the nature of the fruit that comes from being connected to Jesus? Is it accurate to define fruit as "souls saved"? What is the danger in this definition? A true branch, united with the vine, will always bear fruit which is Christ-likeness. By abiding in Christ we will certainly produce His love, joy, and peace in our hearts. As we get to know Him through His Word, the closer we will get to the Lord, the more we will understand His will, the more we will learn to think His thoughts, the more we will become like Him, and the more fruit of the Spirit we will display (Gal 5:22-23). It is because of our love for Him that we keep His commandments, and as we obey Him we experience His love in a deeper way. Our witness hopefully will work in the hearts of unbelievers so that they too might believe in the words and works of Jesus. This is in sharp contrast to the works of the flesh which are amongst others; sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies (Gal 5:19-21). What a contrast! I would think one can define “souls saved” as fruit, since in is in our Lord’s plan that all be saved. However, we must be careful not think it is because of our own doing – we must humbly accept that it is solely the work of the Holy Spirit. We are not to take credit for it – it is to the glory of our Lord.

Q4. (John 15:4-6) Unbelievers can do many things. So what does Jesus mean when He says, "Apart from Me you can do nothing"? What is the value of things done without Christ? What is the final end of things done without Christ? Jesus means that without His Spirit, grace, strength, and presence, we can do nothing that is spiritually good. If we have not got Christ in us, there is no good thought, no good word spoken, and no good deed done, that is acceptable before God. This passage teaches us about the inability of man to do any good in the sight of God, and we have it confirmed in Romans 14:23b, “everything that does not come from faith is sin.” The value of things done for God without Christ are absolutely worthless, they have no value in His eyes - no current value and no eternal value. The only lasting things done are those done while in a relationship with Jesus. It is all a worthless using up of energy, unless God is behind it and God is guiding it and God is directing it. Finally, the fruits and results of sin shall all perish. Only that which bears the stamp of eternity can really have any value. Man’s greatest need No man lives a true and useful life who lives without Christ. The good man feels his need of Him, and of all of Him always. 1. His eye to guide him. 2. His hand to uphold him. 3. His arm to shield him. 4. His bosom to lean upon. 5. His blood to cleanse him. 6. His Spirit to make him holy and meet for heaven. Christ is the one only Saviour who can make a sinner a saint, and secure to him eternal life. Usefulness is suspended upon holiness, and we are made holy by Christ’s cleansing blood, and in no other way. (Homiletic Monthly.)

Q3. (John 15:4-5) What does it mean "to abide"? What is the doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints? How do these verses support it? What does abiding have to do with "mutual indwelling," of a "personal relationship"? How well are you abiding? To abide means to stay/remain where you are. As born-again believers we have been placed in Christ and in our daily walk we must abide/remain in constant fellowship with our Lord. Just as a branch abides in a vine by drawing its life support nutrients from the vine; so it is with us. We need to abide in Jesus by spending time in prayer, reading, meditating, studying, and obeying His Word. We remain in fellowship with our fellow believers as well as with Jesus. We can only bear fruit as we abide in the vine. Once we have been elected by God, and truly saved, the Holy Spirit will help us grow in the Christian life and keep us faithful to Himself throughout our life. We will persevere to the end and receive eternal life to be together in heaven with our Lord Jesus. In John 6:39 we read that Jesus does the will of the Father and everyone God gave to Christ will be saved, The same in John 10:28 Jesus said that those who remain in Him, those who are His sheep, will receive eternal life, and “no one can snatch them out of my hand”. So we know that those who persevere to the end, have been truly born again – this is the doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints. I feel that with the help of the Holy Spirit I have grown spiritually over the years. Especially when I compare my actions, attitudes, and thoughts with how I was years ago. I can only thank our Heavenly Father for persevering with me – a sinner saved by grace. Without Christ, we can do nothing!

Q2. (John 15:2b) How are we pruned or cleansed by exposure to and obedience to Jesus' words? According to John 8:31-32, how does obeying Jesus' teaching bring cleansing and freedom from sin? Jesus told the disciples that they have already been cleansed through the Word which He taught them. By listening and obeying our Lord a lot of worldliness had been cut out of their lives. We see this in their acceptance of the call to discipleship and their sacrifices made in following Jesus. Many had also borne fruit. The same applies to us when we study and obey the Word. As we read it and obey it we are cleansed and set apart and made usable by God. We persevere and because we are saved we abide in His Word. Since the Word is the absolute truth we get to know the truth, and it is this truth that sets us free from the bondage of ignorance, sin, law, and superstition. The result is that we get to truly know the Lord Jesus and are delivered from sin, and at the same time we walk in the light and are led by the Holy Spirit.