What does it mean to ask "in his name"?


(102) What does it mean to ask "in his name"?

Several times now, Jesus has promised his disciples that a “helper” will come. Why did they really need this promise at this time? Why do we really need it, and how often do we remind ourselves of the promise?

Read John 16:1-4

1.       Who famously believe he was doing God’s work when he attacked the disciples? Read Acts 9:1-2

2.       Who, in more recent years, have attacked whole denominations of disciples, believing it was God’s work?

3.       Who do you feel attacked by, and who are you attacking?

4.       Is faith meant to be easy? Why do some people feel betrayed by God when faith turns out to be painful?

Read John 16:5-11

1.       Who asked Jesus where he was going in earlier passages? Read John 8:21-22, 13:35-37

2.       Why did nobody ask him now? When is it right to stop asking questions?

3.       What did Jesus’ death gain for us, besides forgiveness of sins?

4.       Verses 8-11 define what it means to be convicted of sin, righteousness, and judgment, but what do they mean?

5.       Read Romans 1:18-22 What might make us “fools”?

Read John 16:12-15

1.       Have you experienced a time when God didn’t tell you something because you weren’t ready to hear it?

2.       Do you think you might experience such times in the future?

3.       To what extent has the Spirit declared everything to us?

4.       Do we need to do anything to hear from the Spirit?

5.       Do we need to do anything with what we hear from the Spirit?

6.       How do we avoid becoming those who attack God’s people believing we are doing God’s work? (16:2)

Read John 16:16-20

1.       How long is a little while?

2.       When has God tested your patience?

3.       When have you tested God’s patience?

Read John 16:21-22

1.       Have you ever compared your faith to childbirth?

2.       In their world, children often died. How does that affect this analogy?

Read John 16:23-24

1.       What had the disciples asked for? What will they ask for ”in Jesus’ name” and when will they ask that way?

2.       What do we ask for? What should we ask for?

3.       Is joy depending on receiving or on asking?

Read John 16:25-30

1.       Is Jesus speaking “plainly”? Is he speaking plainly now?

2.       What’s the biggest thing you take away from what he says here?

3.       What makes you believe?

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