“Better than Staying Beside” - John 16:5-15

1. Better that His Spirit is living inside.

• “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” (v. 7)  

• “The Spirit’s presence inside them, he said, would be better than himself beside them.” (J. D. Greear, Jesus, continued)

• “Religion is what happens when the Spirit has left the building.” (Bono)

2. Better that we are becoming like Jesus.

• “And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” (v. 8)

• “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” (v. 12-13)

3. Better that the life of Jesus being fired up. 

• “He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” (v. 14)

• The Word and Spirit Dynamic (J. D. Greear)
  The Word is eternal and unchanging.  The Spirit’s direction is temporary and varied.
  The Word gives us promises.  The Spirit compels us to risk in certain situation.
  The Word outlines the mission.  The Spirit inspires a vision.
  The Word sets the standard.  The Spirit guides the operation.
  The Word shows us the end game.  The Spirit points to a starting place. 
  The Word sets our expectations.  The Spirit inspires our dream.
  The Word describes the character of God.  The Spirit pulls us into his emotions.
  The Word gives us the revelation.  The Spirit illumines the explanation.
  The Word provides the content.  The Spirit brings the conviction.
  The Word helps us to know.  The Spirit enables us to learn.
  The Word commands us to obey.  The Spirit beckons us to follow.

• “I will not leave you as orphans; I will not come to you.” (John 14:18)

• “We burn out as Christians because we burn the wick without the oil.” (Susan Perlman)

• “For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.” (Matthew 25:3-4)