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John 14:15
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- Adam Clarke
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Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If ye love me, keep my commandments - Do not be afflicted at the thought of my being separated from you: the most solid proof ye can give of your attachment to and affection for me is to keep my commandments. This I shall receive as a greater proof of your affection than your tears.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, &c.--This connection seems designed to teach that the proper temple for the indwelling Spirit of Jesus is a heart filled with that love to Him which lives actively for Him, and so this was the fitting preparation for the promised gift. he shall give you another Comforter--a word used only by John; in his Gospel with reference to the Holy Spirit, in his First Epistle (Jo1 2:1), with reference to Christ Himself. Its proper sense is an "advocate," "patron," "helper." In this sense it is plainly meant of Christ (Jo1 2:1), and in this sense it comprehends all the comfort as well as aid of the Spirit's work. The Spirit is here promised as One who would supply Christ's own place in His absence. that he may abide with you for ever--never go away, as Jesus was going to do in the body.
John Gill Bible Commentary
If ye love me,.... Not that Christ doubted of the love of his disciples to him; but he argues from it to their observance of his precepts, seeing ye do love me; as all do who are born again, who have had any spiritual sight of him, of his glory, suitableness, and fulness; who believe in him, and have received from him; who have had his love shed abroad in their hearts, having enjoyed communion with him, and know the relation he stands in to them; these love him above all others, and all of him, and that belong to him, unfeignedly, and in the sincerity of their souls, as did the disciples; and since they professed to love, and did love him, as they ought to do, he exhorts them, saying, keep my commandments: Christ is Lord over his people, as he is the Creator and Redeemer of them, and as he is an head and husband to them, and as such he has a right to issue out his commands, and enjoin a regard unto them; and these are peculiarly "his", as distinct from, though not in opposition to, or to the exclusion of, his Father's commands; such as the new commandment of loving one another, and the ordinances of baptism, and the Lord's supper, which are to be observed and kept as Christ has ordered them, constantly, in faith, and with a view to his glory.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Christ not only proposes such things to them as were the matter of their comfort, but here promises to send the Spirit, whose office it should be to be their Comforter, to impress these things upon them. I. He premises to this a memento of duty (Joh 14:15): If you love me, keep my commandments. Keeping the commandments of Christ is here put for the practice of godliness in general, and for the faithful and diligent discharge of their office as apostles in particular. Now observe, 1. When Christ is comforting them, he bids them keep his commandments; for we must not expect comfort but in the way of duty. The same word (parakaleō) signifies both to exhort and to comfort. 2. When they were in care what they should do, now that their Master was leaving them, and what would become of them now, he bids them keep his commandments, and then nothing could come amiss to them. In difficult times our care concerning the events of the day should be swallowed up in a care concerning the duty of the day. 3. When they were showing their love to Christ by their grieving to think of his departure, and the sorrow which filled their hearts upon the foresight of that, he bids them, if they would show their love to him, do it, not by these weak and feminine passions, but by their conscientious care to perform their trust, and by a universal obedience to his commands; this is better than sacrifice, better than tears. Lovest thou me? Feed my lambs. 4. When Christ has given them precious promises, of the answer of their prayers and the coming of the Comforter, he lays down this as a limitation of the promises, "Provided you keep my commandments, from a principle of love to me." Christ will not be an advocate for any but those that will be ruled and advised by him as their counsel. Follow the conduct of the Spirit, and you shall have the comfort of the Spirit. II. He promises this great and unspeakable blessing to them, Joh 14:16, Joh 14:17. 1. It is promised that they shall have another comforter. This is the great New Testament promise (Act 1:4), as that of the Messiah was of the Old Testament; a promise adapted to the present distress of the disciples, who were in sorrow, and needed a comforter. Observe here, (1.) The blessing promised: allon paraklēton. The word is used only here in these discourses of Christ's, and Jo1 2:1, where we translate it an advocate. The Rhemists, and Dr. Hammond, are for retaining the Greek word Paraclete; we read, Act 9:31, of the paraklēsis tou hagiou pneumatos, the comfort of the Holy Ghost, including his whole office as a paraclete. [1.] You shall have another advocate. The office of the Spirit was to be Christ's advocate with them and others, to plead his cause, and take care of his concerns, on earth; to be vicarius Christi - Christ's Vicar, as one of the ancients call him; and to be their advocate with their opposers. When Christ was with them he spoke for them as there was occasion; but now that he is leaving them they shall not be run down, the Spirit of the Father shall speak in them, Mat 10:19, Mat 10:20. And the cause cannot miscarry that is pleaded by such an advocate. [2.] You shall have another master or teacher, another exhorter. While they had Christ with them he excited and exhorted them to their duty; but now that he is going he leaves one with them that shall do this as effectually, though silently. Jansenius thinks the most proper word to render it by is a patron, one that shall both instruct and protect you. [3.] Another comforter. Christ was expected as the consolation of Israel. One of the names of the Messiah among the Jews was Menahem - the Comforter. The Targum calls the days of the Messiah the years of consolation. Christ comforted his disciples when he was with them, and now that he was leaving them in their greatest need he promises them another. (2.) The giver of this blessing: The Father shall give him, my Father and your Father; it includes both. The same that gave the Son to be our Saviour will give his Spirit to be our comforter, pursuant to the same design. The Son is said to send the Comforter (Joh 15:26), but the Father is the prime agent. (3.) How this blessing is procured - by the intercession of the Lord Jesus: I will pray the Father. He said (Joh 14:14) I will do it; here he saith, I will pray for it, to show not only that he is both God and man, but that he is both king and priest. As priest he is ordained for men to make intercession, as king he is authorized by the Father to execute judgment. When Christ saith, I will pray the Father, it does not suppose that the Father is unwilling, or must be importuned to it, but only that the gift of the Spirit is a fruit of Christ's mediation, purchased by his merit, and taken out by his intercession. (4.) The continuance of this blessing: That he may abide with you for ever. That is, [1.] "With you, as long as you live. You shall never know the want of a comforter, nor lament his departure, as you are now lamenting mine." Note, It should support us under the loss of those comforts which were designed us for a time that there are everlasting consolations provided for us. It was not expedient that Christ should be with them for ever, for they who were designed for public service, must not always live a college-life; they must disperse, and therefore a comforter that would be with them all, in all places alike, wheresoever dispersed and howsoever distressed, was alone fit to be with them for ever. [2.] "With your successors, when you are gone, to the end of time; your successors in Christianity, in the ministry." [3.] If we take for ever in its utmost extent, the promise will be accomplished in those consolations of God which will be the eternal joy of all the saints, pleasures for ever. 2. This comforter is the Spirit of truth, whom you know, Joh 14:16, Joh 14:17. They might think it impossible to have a comforter equivalent to him who is the Son of God: "Yea," saith Christ, "you shall have the Spirit of God, who is equal in power and glory with the Son." (1.) The comforter promised is the Spirit, one who should do his work in a spiritual way and manner, inwardly and invisibly, by working on men's spirits. (2.) "He is the Spirit of truth." He will be true to you, and to his undertaking for you, which he will perform to the utmost. He will teach you the truth, will enlighten your minds with the knowledge of it, will strengthen and confirm your belief of it, and will increase your love to it. The Gentiles by their idolatries, and the Jews by their traditions, were led into gross errors and mistakes; but the Spirit of truth shall not only lead you into all truth, but others by your ministry. Christ is the truth, and he is the Spirit of Christ, the Spirit that he was anointed with. (3.) He is one whom the world cannot receive; but you know him. Therefore he abideth with you. [1.] The disciples of Christ are here distinguished from the world, for they are chosen and called out of the world that lies in wickedness; they are the children and heirs of another world, not of this. [2.] It is the misery of those that are invincibly devoted to the world that they cannot receive the Spirit of truth. The spirit of the world and of God are spoken of as directly contrary the one to the other (Co1 2:12); for where the spirit of the world has the ascendant, the Spirit of God is excluded. Even the princes of this world, though, as princes, they had advantages of knowledge, yet, as princes of this world, they laboured under invincible prejudices, so that they knew not the things of the Spirit of God, Co1 2:8. [3.] Therefore men cannot receive the Spirit of truth because they see him not, neither know him. The comforts of the Spirit are foolishness to them, as much as ever the cross of Christ was, and the great things of the gospel, like those of the law, are counted as a strange thing. These are judgments far above out of their sight. Speak to the children of this world of the operations of the Spirit, and you are as a barbarian to them. [4.] The best knowledge of the Spirit of truth is that which is got by experience: You know him, for he dwelleth with you. Christ had dwelt with them, and by their acquaintance with him they could not but know the Spirit of truth. They had themselves been endued with the Spirit in some measure. What enabled them to leave all to follow Christ, and to continue with him in his temptations? What enabled them to preach the gospel, and work miracles, but the Spirit dwelling in them? The experiences of the saints are the explications of the promises; paradoxes to others are axioms to them. [5.] Those that have an experimental acquaintance with the Spirit have a comfortable assurance of his continuance: He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you, for the blessed Spirit doth not use to shift his lodging. Those that know him know how to value him, invite him and bid him welcome; and therefore he shall be in them, as the light in the air, as the sap in the tree, as the soul in the body. Their communion with him shall be intimate, and their union with him inseparable. [6.] The gift of the Holy Ghost is a peculiar gift, bestowed upon the disciples of Christ in a distinguishing way - them, and not the world; it is to them hidden manna, and the white stone. No comforts comparable to those which make no show, make no noise. This is the favour God bears to his chosen; it is the heritage of those that fear his name.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
14:15 If you love me: Because Jesus loves the Father, he is obedient to what God directs him to say and do (12:49). If we love him, we will obey him too (14:21, 23; 15:10, 14; see 1 Jn 2:3-4; 5:2).
John 14:15
Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit
14If you ask Me for anything in My name, I will do it. 15If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. 16And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—
- Scripture
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Soldiers of Christ Arise
By A.W. Tozer13K31:34WarfareEZK 33:32MAT 6:33JHN 14:15ROM 12:2EPH 6:122TI 2:3JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker criticizes certain leaders who he believes are leading young people astray by portraying the Christian life as a game. He argues that this mindset affects various aspects of Christian culture, such as music and magazines. The speaker also mentions that he will be speaking at a convention of religious writers and editors, where he expects to have a more challenging and confrontational discussion. He emphasizes the importance of being a good soldier of Jesus Christ and willingly embracing hardship for the sake of the faith. The sermon concludes with a reference to the story of John Bunyan's "Christian entering heaven" from "The Pilgrim's Progress."
Ark of the Covenant - Part 1
By Major Ian Thomas7.6K1:07:41Ark Of The CovenantEXO 20:3LEV 24:1DEU 6:51CH 13:1MAT 6:33JHN 14:15ROM 12:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samuel and the Israelites' battle against the Philistines. The Israelites were defeated, and the elders of Israel questioned why the Lord had allowed this to happen. They decided to bring the ark of the covenant to the battlefield, believing it would save them. However, the preacher highlights the importance of a personal relationship with God and obedience to His commands, rather than relying on token obedience or external rituals. The sermon encourages listeners to reflect on their own relationship with God and their practice of the Christian faith.
My Jesus, I Love Thee (Brookyln Tabernacle Service)
By Jim Cymbala4.7K02:38HymnWorshipLove for JesusPSA 100:2JHN 14:15ROM 12:1EPH 5:191JN 4:19Jim Cymbala emphasizes the deep love and devotion we should have for Jesus, encouraging believers to express their affection through worship and song. He reflects on the grace of God and the importance of recognizing Jesus' sacrifice and love in our lives. Cymbala calls the congregation to respond to this love with heartfelt praise and commitment, reminding them that true worship flows from a genuine relationship with Christ.
God's Intention for This Midnight Hour
By David Wilkerson4.4K58:07Work Of GodMAT 6:33MRK 2:9JHN 14:15ROM 8:1EPH 2:6COL 1:18HEB 9:14In this sermon, the speaker expresses his disappointment with the current state of Christianity in America, noting the prevalence of ego, competition, and materialism. He criticizes the commercialization of the gospel and the focus on raising money for extravagant projects. The speaker warns of impending difficult times and emphasizes the importance of knowing and being in union with Jesus Christ. He concludes by stating that God's intention is for every believer to become a true expression of who Jesus is, so that the world can see Christ in them and be drawn to Him.
Funeral Service for a.w. Tozer
By A.W. Tozer4.3K54:26Funeral ServiceMAT 6:33JHN 14:1JHN 14:15GAL 2:20COL 1:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of remembering our Creator in our youth and not being deceived by the false belief that worldly possessions can bring true satisfaction. He highlights the futility of seeking power, wealth, and pleasure as means of fulfillment, as they ultimately lead to emptiness. The preacher also discusses the five-fold attachment that Christians should have to Christ intellectually, volitionally, exclusively, inclusively, and irrevocably. He concludes by urging the audience to live a life joined to Christ, crucified to self, and filled with His life.
Becoming Familiar With the Presence of God
By Carter Conlon4.1K52:20Presence of GodMAT 10:37MAT 12:50MRK 3:31LUK 8:21JHN 14:15ROM 12:21JN 2:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of accepting Jesus Christ as one's savior. He encourages the audience to make the decision to follow Christ and assures them that it will be the best decision they ever make. The preacher also highlights the violent nature of the cross, explaining that it represents the passion of God to save humanity. He emphasizes that the message of the cross should not be watered down or eliminated, as it is the only way to salvation. The sermon concludes with a passage from Mark 3:31, where Jesus declares that those who do the will of God are considered his family.
Where Does It Lie
By A.W. Tozer3.6K42:36Christian LifeISA 1:2ISA 2:22MAT 16:24JHN 14:15ROM 3:23ROM 6:232TI 3:16In this sermon, the speaker uses a metaphor of a ship carrying valuable cargo to illustrate the dangers of being led astray by false teachings and sinful behaviors. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to the word of God and not being swayed by worldly influences. The speaker also shares a personal anecdote about a confrontation with a policeman to highlight the need for authority to meet certain conditions and for individuals to stand up for their rights. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of seeking truth and avoiding traps that can lead us away from God's path.
Additions to the Church
By C.H. Spurgeon3.6K51:30JON 3:4MAT 28:19JHN 14:15ACT 2:37ACT 2:41EPH 4:4The sermon transcript discusses the importance of welcoming and watching over new converts in the church. It emphasizes the need for all members, not just pastors, to take responsibility in caring for and guiding new believers. The speaker encourages the existing members to be a source of support and friendship for the newcomers, and to set a positive example for them. The sermon concludes by highlighting the potential for growth and impact that comes with the addition of new converts to the church.
Experiencing Pentecost
By Erlo Stegen3.2K1:19:58PentecostEZK 36:26LUK 11:28JHN 14:15ACT 2:1ROM 5:5GAL 3:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preparing oneself for Sunday service by getting enough rest on Saturday nights. He warns against engaging in long discussions with friends that may lead to exhaustion and falling asleep during the service. The preacher also highlights the significance of hearing and keeping the words of Jesus, stating that those who do so are more blessed than the womb that gave birth to him. The sermon concludes with a story about a boy who innocently waits for his friends at a mall, only to be approached by a seductive girl, highlighting the dangers of temptation.
There Is a Warfare
By Leonard Ravenhill2.9K1:01:51WarfarePSA 119:105PRO 3:5JHN 14:15ROM 8:282CO 6:4EPH 6:12JAS 1:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the various aspects of the Christian journey. He compares it to a fight, a race, and a stewardship, highlighting the need for believers to give an account of their actions. The preacher also discusses the concept of talents, explaining that they have a monetary value in scripture. He shares the story of Job and how he lost everything, but ultimately found hope and wrote a book about his experience. The sermon concludes with a discussion on the resurrection of Jesus and the impact it had on the world, emphasizing the personal encounter Paul had with Jesus. The preacher encourages the congregation to be open to surprises and shares some thoughts he previously discussed with others. He then directs the audience to 2 Timothy 2:4, urging them to consider the message in that passage.
Persecution: Is It Coming? How Do We Prepare?
By Paul Washer2.8K08:02MAT 6:33JHN 14:15ACT 5:41ROM 12:21TI 4:7HEB 10:251PE 3:15In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experiences in Peru during a time of great persecution and danger. He shares stories of how God miraculously protected and provided for a little Baptist congregation in the mountains. The speaker encourages believers to focus on Christ and fellowship with other believers, rather than being consumed by worldly concerns like money and politics. He urges listeners to seek the Lord's guidance and live godly lives, even in the midst of dark and uncertain times.
Funeral Service for A. W. Tozer
By Paris Reidhead2.6K1:00:57A.W. TozerPSA 90:1JHN 14:1JHN 14:15COL 1:20In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the pursuit of worldly possessions and pleasures as a means to find satisfaction. He uses the example of King Solomon, who had wealth, power, and indulged in every desire, yet found it all to be empty and meaningless. The preacher emphasizes that the human heart cannot be satisfied by material things alone, but rather by a relationship with God. He concludes by urging the audience to remember their Creator and seek Him in their youth.
The Obedience of Sonship
By Art Katz2.5K1:43:26SonshipMAT 6:33JHN 14:15ACT 1:8ROM 8:9ROM 12:11CO 2:10GAL 5:22EPH 5:181TH 5:19HEB 5:9JAS 1:221PE 1:141JN 2:61JN 3:24In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding and interpreting the scriptures to protect ourselves from deception. He mentions an article by Reggie Kelly about the perspective of natural disasters, specifically the tsunami. The speaker also emphasizes the need to support and contribute to the traveling expenses of Simon, who plays a crucial role in the community. The sermon touches on the topic of reaching out to the Jewish community and how to convince those who may not sense the calling to do so.
How Blind Is the Church
By George Verwer2.5K42:12RevivalPSA 119:11JHN 14:15ACT 1:8EPH 5:18REV 3:1REV 3:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a genuine and passionate love for Jesus Christ. He warns against being complacent and distracted by worldly pursuits, urging listeners to prioritize their relationship with God. The preacher calls for a revolution in witnessing and a baptism of humility, highlighting the need for repentance and a humble heart. He also challenges the church to examine their ways and not be deceived by their own perceived righteousness, referencing Revelation 3:17 to illustrate the danger of spiritual blindness and self-sufficiency.
The Greatest Promise
By Manley Beasley2.2K1:02:39PromiseMAT 6:33JHN 14:15ROM 10:172CO 8:5HEB 11:6JAS 1:221JN 5:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of money in our lives. He acknowledges that while there is more to life than just money, it still holds importance as we spend a significant amount of time working to earn it. The preacher encourages saving, but also emphasizes the need to trust in God and be willing to give back to Him when called upon. He shares a personal testimony of his own struggles with education and reading, highlighting the power of God's grace in his life. The sermon also emphasizes the importance of not just knowing the truth intellectually, but also believing and experiencing it in our lives. The preacher uses the example of obeying and minding one's mother as a parallel to obeying and minding the Holy Spirit. The sermon concludes by highlighting the transformation of a poor church in Macedonia into a rich one, not just financially, but also spiritually.
The Upper Room Discourse 'Troubled Heart'
By Conrad Mbewe1.9K44:34JHN 13:36JHN 14:12JHN 14:15JHN 14:27In this sermon, the speaker discusses the human tendency to assume that life will always move forward and progress. However, there are times when we experience setbacks and things don't go as planned. The disciples faced this when Jesus revealed that one of them would betray him and their hopes for a glorious future seemed to be shattered. Despite these challenges, Jesus encourages them to trust in God and reminds them that He is still in control. The speaker also warns against overconfidence and emphasizes the importance of staying committed to the Lord and not becoming lukewarm or indifferent.
Why Revival Tarries
By George Verwer1.9K41:11RevivalPSA 119:11PSA 119:105MAT 28:19JHN 14:15ACT 1:8EPH 5:181JN 2:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of believing in God and keeping our focus on Him to avoid discouragement. He highlights the power of God's grace to overcome our mistakes and sins. The speaker encourages Christians to walk with Jesus and not to neglect reaching out to others with the message of Christ. He challenges believers to have a revolutionary mindset that changes their priorities, actions, and relationships. The sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to actively witness and not make excuses, reminding them that they have the ability to speak and share the gospel.
Bible Holiness
By Rolfe Barnard1.7K51:02MAT 6:33JHN 14:15ROM 8:29HEB 12:14JAS 1:221JN 2:31JN 3:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of believing in something and having faith. He talks about the need for people to come together and stand united in their beliefs. The preacher also discusses the concept of love and its connection to the will of God. He emphasizes that the gospel is the power to overcome sin and that true response to the death of Jesus Christ is to die to the old life and seek after the will of God. The preacher challenges the notion that people can go to heaven without obeying God and highlights the importance of walking with God in order to attain salvation.
Are You Saved? Take the Test
By Shane Idleman1.6K11:26JHN 14:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of having a right relationship with God above all else, highlighting the need for genuine love for God, a hunger for God's Word, a lifestyle of prayer, genuine humility, devotion to God's glory, selfless love, separation from the world, spiritual growth, obedient living to God's Word, and repentance of sin as key markers of true conversion and faith.
01 New Wine in New Wineskins the Difference Between the Old and the New
By Zac Poonen1.6K59:17PSA 139:23EZK 36:22MAT 7:14JHN 14:15ROM 8:13GAL 6:16COL 1:18REV 19:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of hallowing God's name and living in a way that glorifies Him. It discusses the need for a new heart, filled with the Holy Spirit, to overcome sin and idolatry. The focus is on seeking a new covenant life, walking in God's commandments, and loathing one's own sinful ways. The goal is to have the church resemble the Garden of Eden, a testimony of God's holiness and power.
A Remarkable Day for People Without Hope
By Carter Conlon1.6K45:43PSA 139:23ISA 58:6MAT 25:35MRK 9:24LUK 10:25JHN 14:15ACT 10:1EPH 2:11This sermon from Acts chapter 10 focuses on the remarkable day for people without hope, highlighting the story of Cornelius, a devout man who prayed and gave generously to the poor. The message emphasizes the need for believers to step outside of self-focused religion, open their hearts to human need, and be vessels of God's compassion and love to impact those without hope. The call is to love our neighbors as ourselves, reach out to those in need, and trust God to bring about remarkable days of transformation and salvation.
He That Winneth Souls
By John R. Rice1.6K22:05PRO 11:30EZK 3:17MAT 28:19MRK 1:17JHN 14:15JHN 15:4ROM 1:14This sermon emphasizes the importance of winning souls, highlighting the seven sins of those who do not engage in soul-winning. It discusses the disobedience to the Great Commission, the lack of love for Jesus, the failure to follow Him, not abiding in Christ, dishonesty in neglecting the sacred trust of sharing the gospel, the folly of short-sightedness in not focusing on eternal rewards, and the grave consequence of spiritual manslaughter by failing to warn the wicked. The message urges Christians to repent of this sin and prioritize soul-winning.
Revival Conference Victoria 2010
By Edgar Reich1.6K05:011SA 15:22EZR 9:3EZR 10:1EZR 10:4EZR 10:14PSA 51:10JHN 14:15ACT 3:19JAS 4:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of personal revival as a precursor to seeking revival for others. Drawing from the example of Ezra in the Bible, it highlights the need for confession, weeping, and trembling at the word of God as essential elements of revival. Obedience to God's commandments is stressed as a key factor in experiencing personal transformation and preparing for revival.
(Revelation) Revelation 14:13-16:18
By Zac Poonen1.6K1:00:43MAT 19:6JHN 14:151JN 2:181JN 5:3REV 3:21REV 14:1REV 14:12In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of both faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to the commandments as essential marks of a New Testament saint. He emphasizes that these two aspects should not be separated, as God has joined them together. The preacher also mentions the concept of overcomers, who are those who have wholeheartedly followed the Lord and overcome the spirit of the Antichrist throughout church history. Finally, the sermon highlights the need for the perseverance of the saints, as mentioned in Revelation 14:12.
Leonard Ravenhill on Wotm Radio Program
By Compilations1.6K03:07MAT 7:21MAT 16:26MAT 25:21MRK 8:36LUK 9:23JHN 14:15PHP 2:171TI 6:5JAS 4:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of sacrificial living and true devotion to God over material prosperity. It challenges believers to focus on eternal impact rather than temporary gains, highlighting the significance of selfless sacrifice and obedience in the Christian walk. The speaker warns against complacency and the danger of living a life without actively pursuing God's will, stressing the eternal consequences of neglecting spiritual growth and service.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If ye love me, keep my commandments - Do not be afflicted at the thought of my being separated from you: the most solid proof ye can give of your attachment to and affection for me is to keep my commandments. This I shall receive as a greater proof of your affection than your tears.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, &c.--This connection seems designed to teach that the proper temple for the indwelling Spirit of Jesus is a heart filled with that love to Him which lives actively for Him, and so this was the fitting preparation for the promised gift. he shall give you another Comforter--a word used only by John; in his Gospel with reference to the Holy Spirit, in his First Epistle (Jo1 2:1), with reference to Christ Himself. Its proper sense is an "advocate," "patron," "helper." In this sense it is plainly meant of Christ (Jo1 2:1), and in this sense it comprehends all the comfort as well as aid of the Spirit's work. The Spirit is here promised as One who would supply Christ's own place in His absence. that he may abide with you for ever--never go away, as Jesus was going to do in the body.
John Gill Bible Commentary
If ye love me,.... Not that Christ doubted of the love of his disciples to him; but he argues from it to their observance of his precepts, seeing ye do love me; as all do who are born again, who have had any spiritual sight of him, of his glory, suitableness, and fulness; who believe in him, and have received from him; who have had his love shed abroad in their hearts, having enjoyed communion with him, and know the relation he stands in to them; these love him above all others, and all of him, and that belong to him, unfeignedly, and in the sincerity of their souls, as did the disciples; and since they professed to love, and did love him, as they ought to do, he exhorts them, saying, keep my commandments: Christ is Lord over his people, as he is the Creator and Redeemer of them, and as he is an head and husband to them, and as such he has a right to issue out his commands, and enjoin a regard unto them; and these are peculiarly "his", as distinct from, though not in opposition to, or to the exclusion of, his Father's commands; such as the new commandment of loving one another, and the ordinances of baptism, and the Lord's supper, which are to be observed and kept as Christ has ordered them, constantly, in faith, and with a view to his glory.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Christ not only proposes such things to them as were the matter of their comfort, but here promises to send the Spirit, whose office it should be to be their Comforter, to impress these things upon them. I. He premises to this a memento of duty (Joh 14:15): If you love me, keep my commandments. Keeping the commandments of Christ is here put for the practice of godliness in general, and for the faithful and diligent discharge of their office as apostles in particular. Now observe, 1. When Christ is comforting them, he bids them keep his commandments; for we must not expect comfort but in the way of duty. The same word (parakaleō) signifies both to exhort and to comfort. 2. When they were in care what they should do, now that their Master was leaving them, and what would become of them now, he bids them keep his commandments, and then nothing could come amiss to them. In difficult times our care concerning the events of the day should be swallowed up in a care concerning the duty of the day. 3. When they were showing their love to Christ by their grieving to think of his departure, and the sorrow which filled their hearts upon the foresight of that, he bids them, if they would show their love to him, do it, not by these weak and feminine passions, but by their conscientious care to perform their trust, and by a universal obedience to his commands; this is better than sacrifice, better than tears. Lovest thou me? Feed my lambs. 4. When Christ has given them precious promises, of the answer of their prayers and the coming of the Comforter, he lays down this as a limitation of the promises, "Provided you keep my commandments, from a principle of love to me." Christ will not be an advocate for any but those that will be ruled and advised by him as their counsel. Follow the conduct of the Spirit, and you shall have the comfort of the Spirit. II. He promises this great and unspeakable blessing to them, Joh 14:16, Joh 14:17. 1. It is promised that they shall have another comforter. This is the great New Testament promise (Act 1:4), as that of the Messiah was of the Old Testament; a promise adapted to the present distress of the disciples, who were in sorrow, and needed a comforter. Observe here, (1.) The blessing promised: allon paraklēton. The word is used only here in these discourses of Christ's, and Jo1 2:1, where we translate it an advocate. The Rhemists, and Dr. Hammond, are for retaining the Greek word Paraclete; we read, Act 9:31, of the paraklēsis tou hagiou pneumatos, the comfort of the Holy Ghost, including his whole office as a paraclete. [1.] You shall have another advocate. The office of the Spirit was to be Christ's advocate with them and others, to plead his cause, and take care of his concerns, on earth; to be vicarius Christi - Christ's Vicar, as one of the ancients call him; and to be their advocate with their opposers. When Christ was with them he spoke for them as there was occasion; but now that he is leaving them they shall not be run down, the Spirit of the Father shall speak in them, Mat 10:19, Mat 10:20. And the cause cannot miscarry that is pleaded by such an advocate. [2.] You shall have another master or teacher, another exhorter. While they had Christ with them he excited and exhorted them to their duty; but now that he is going he leaves one with them that shall do this as effectually, though silently. Jansenius thinks the most proper word to render it by is a patron, one that shall both instruct and protect you. [3.] Another comforter. Christ was expected as the consolation of Israel. One of the names of the Messiah among the Jews was Menahem - the Comforter. The Targum calls the days of the Messiah the years of consolation. Christ comforted his disciples when he was with them, and now that he was leaving them in their greatest need he promises them another. (2.) The giver of this blessing: The Father shall give him, my Father and your Father; it includes both. The same that gave the Son to be our Saviour will give his Spirit to be our comforter, pursuant to the same design. The Son is said to send the Comforter (Joh 15:26), but the Father is the prime agent. (3.) How this blessing is procured - by the intercession of the Lord Jesus: I will pray the Father. He said (Joh 14:14) I will do it; here he saith, I will pray for it, to show not only that he is both God and man, but that he is both king and priest. As priest he is ordained for men to make intercession, as king he is authorized by the Father to execute judgment. When Christ saith, I will pray the Father, it does not suppose that the Father is unwilling, or must be importuned to it, but only that the gift of the Spirit is a fruit of Christ's mediation, purchased by his merit, and taken out by his intercession. (4.) The continuance of this blessing: That he may abide with you for ever. That is, [1.] "With you, as long as you live. You shall never know the want of a comforter, nor lament his departure, as you are now lamenting mine." Note, It should support us under the loss of those comforts which were designed us for a time that there are everlasting consolations provided for us. It was not expedient that Christ should be with them for ever, for they who were designed for public service, must not always live a college-life; they must disperse, and therefore a comforter that would be with them all, in all places alike, wheresoever dispersed and howsoever distressed, was alone fit to be with them for ever. [2.] "With your successors, when you are gone, to the end of time; your successors in Christianity, in the ministry." [3.] If we take for ever in its utmost extent, the promise will be accomplished in those consolations of God which will be the eternal joy of all the saints, pleasures for ever. 2. This comforter is the Spirit of truth, whom you know, Joh 14:16, Joh 14:17. They might think it impossible to have a comforter equivalent to him who is the Son of God: "Yea," saith Christ, "you shall have the Spirit of God, who is equal in power and glory with the Son." (1.) The comforter promised is the Spirit, one who should do his work in a spiritual way and manner, inwardly and invisibly, by working on men's spirits. (2.) "He is the Spirit of truth." He will be true to you, and to his undertaking for you, which he will perform to the utmost. He will teach you the truth, will enlighten your minds with the knowledge of it, will strengthen and confirm your belief of it, and will increase your love to it. The Gentiles by their idolatries, and the Jews by their traditions, were led into gross errors and mistakes; but the Spirit of truth shall not only lead you into all truth, but others by your ministry. Christ is the truth, and he is the Spirit of Christ, the Spirit that he was anointed with. (3.) He is one whom the world cannot receive; but you know him. Therefore he abideth with you. [1.] The disciples of Christ are here distinguished from the world, for they are chosen and called out of the world that lies in wickedness; they are the children and heirs of another world, not of this. [2.] It is the misery of those that are invincibly devoted to the world that they cannot receive the Spirit of truth. The spirit of the world and of God are spoken of as directly contrary the one to the other (Co1 2:12); for where the spirit of the world has the ascendant, the Spirit of God is excluded. Even the princes of this world, though, as princes, they had advantages of knowledge, yet, as princes of this world, they laboured under invincible prejudices, so that they knew not the things of the Spirit of God, Co1 2:8. [3.] Therefore men cannot receive the Spirit of truth because they see him not, neither know him. The comforts of the Spirit are foolishness to them, as much as ever the cross of Christ was, and the great things of the gospel, like those of the law, are counted as a strange thing. These are judgments far above out of their sight. Speak to the children of this world of the operations of the Spirit, and you are as a barbarian to them. [4.] The best knowledge of the Spirit of truth is that which is got by experience: You know him, for he dwelleth with you. Christ had dwelt with them, and by their acquaintance with him they could not but know the Spirit of truth. They had themselves been endued with the Spirit in some measure. What enabled them to leave all to follow Christ, and to continue with him in his temptations? What enabled them to preach the gospel, and work miracles, but the Spirit dwelling in them? The experiences of the saints are the explications of the promises; paradoxes to others are axioms to them. [5.] Those that have an experimental acquaintance with the Spirit have a comfortable assurance of his continuance: He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you, for the blessed Spirit doth not use to shift his lodging. Those that know him know how to value him, invite him and bid him welcome; and therefore he shall be in them, as the light in the air, as the sap in the tree, as the soul in the body. Their communion with him shall be intimate, and their union with him inseparable. [6.] The gift of the Holy Ghost is a peculiar gift, bestowed upon the disciples of Christ in a distinguishing way - them, and not the world; it is to them hidden manna, and the white stone. No comforts comparable to those which make no show, make no noise. This is the favour God bears to his chosen; it is the heritage of those that fear his name.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
14:15 If you love me: Because Jesus loves the Father, he is obedient to what God directs him to say and do (12:49). If we love him, we will obey him too (14:21, 23; 15:10, 14; see 1 Jn 2:3-4; 5:2).