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John 16:12
Verse
Context
The Promise of the Holy Spirit
11and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world has been condemned.12I still have much to tell you, but you cannot yet bear to hear it.13However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Ye cannot bear them now - In illustration of these three points, Christ had many things to say; but he found that his disciples could only bear general truths; yet, in saying what he did, he sowed the seeds of the whole system of theological knowledge, and heavenly wisdom, which the Holy Spirit of this truth afterwards watered and ripened into a glorious harvest of light and salvation, by the ministry of the apostles. Dr. Lightfoot supposes that the things which the apostles could not bear now were such as these: 1. The institution of the Christian Sabbath, and the abolition of the Jewish. 2. The rejection of the whole Jewish nation, at the very time in which they expected to be set up and established for ever. 3. The entire change of the whole Mosaic dispensation, and the bringing the Gentiles into the Church of God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
when he, the Spirit of truth, is come . . . he shall not speak of himself--that is, from Himself, but, like Christ Himself, "what He hears," what is given Him to communicate. he will show you things to come--referring specially to those revelations which, in the Epistles partially, but most fully in the Apocalypse, open up a vista into the Future of the Kingdom of God, whose horizon is the everlasting hills.
John Gill Bible Commentary
He shall glorify me,.... In the ministration of the Gospel, which is "the ministration of the Spirit", Co2 3:8; and asserts Christ to be God over all, to have all that the Father hath, to be possessed of all divine perfections, to have the fulness of the Godhead dwelling in him; ascribes the same works and worship to him as to, the Father; and, as in a glass, holds him forth to be beheld as the brightness of his glory, and his glory to be seen in it, as the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth: it declares him to be the only Saviour and Redeemer of lost sinners, that justification is solely by his righteousness, pardon by his blood, and atonement by his sacrifice; and which ministration the Spirit makes effectual to the bringing of many souls to Christ to believe in him, profess his name, and expect life and salvation from him, by all which he is glorified. Moreover, the Spirit of God glorifies Christ in the experience of the saints, by leading them to him for righteousness, peace, and pardon, for grace, and fresh supplies of it, for wisdom and strength, for food and rest, for life and happiness; and by enabling them to live by faith on him, on whom he has encouraged them to venture, and to whom they have committed their all; and by instructing them to glory in him, as their wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption; and by ascribing the glory of their salvation to him, and by making continual application to him, under his direction and influence; by leaning on him, and expecting every good thing from him both for time and eternity. The particular instance in which he glorifies Christ, follows, for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you; which is to be understood not of gifts Christ received from his Father, and which he gives to men by his Spirit; nor of internal grace, as faith, love, &c. which the Spirit from Christ works in the hearts of men; but either of the doctrines of the Gospel, the deep things of God and Christ, which the Spirit searches, and reveals in the ministration of the word. The Gospel is a sort of a "Kabala", though of a different kind from the oral law of the Jews. Christ received it from the Father, the Spirit received it from Christ, the apostles received it from the Spirit, and the churches of Christ from them in succeeding generations: or this may be understood of the blessings of grace held forth in the Gospel, such as justification, pardon, adoption, &c. which are in Christ; and which the Spirit from Christ takes and shows to the saints, and witnesses their special and particular interest in, and so comforts them, and glorifies Christ.
John 16:12
The Promise of the Holy Spirit
11and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world has been condemned.12I still have much to tell you, but you cannot yet bear to hear it.13However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Knowledge of God
By Paul Washer4.6K25:59Knowledge Of GodJER 9:23JER 31:33MAT 6:33JHN 16:12In this sermon, the preacher begins by emphasizing the importance of knowing and understanding God. He quotes Jeremiah 9:23-24, where God declares that true boasting should come from knowing Him and His attributes of loving kindness, justice, and righteousness. The preacher acknowledges the daunting task of teaching about the attributes of God, as no metaphor or illustration can fully capture His glory. He then highlights the futility of wealth and human endeavors in redeeming the soul, emphasizing that salvation is a supernatural work of God through regeneration. The preacher concludes by mentioning the promise of the new covenant, which involves a heart transformation that enables a response to divine stimuli.
(Guidelines) Begin With Prayer Contd
By J. Vernon McGee2.9K18:15JHN 16:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the Bible as the ultimate source of knowledge and guidance. He highlights that the Spirit of God is the true teacher and can reveal the wonders of the book to believers. The speaker also criticizes those who prioritize worldly activities over Bible study, questioning their commitment to their faith. He concludes by emphasizing that the Bible is a human book, written in a language that speaks directly to our hearts.
Kingdom Life
By George Warnock2.5K1:02:48Kingdom Of GodJHN 16:12In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the revelation that God has been giving to the church of Jesus over the past few decades. He emphasizes that even though some may think these revivals and movements have faded away, God has left a great deposit of truth in the hearts of many believers. The speaker uses the analogy of water evaporating from the sea and returning as rain to illustrate how God's word does not return void but accomplishes its purpose. He also highlights the importance of being vessels through which the Spirit of God can freely move and reveal the hidden man of God to people.
Collection of Prayers 2
By Leonard Ravenhill2.5K15:55Prayer MeetingHAB 3:2MAT 6:33JHN 16:12ACT 3:6ROM 3:24PHP 4:19HEB 9:26In this sermon, the preacher expresses gratitude for the day when every knee will bow before God. He acknowledges the existence of villains who rule the empires of the world and the devastation they have caused. The preacher emphasizes the importance of hearing God's voice and the need for salvation through Jesus Christ. He prays for mercy and for the church to be a vessel of healing and revival in the world. The sermon encourages obedience to God and highlights the riches available through Christ Jesus.
The Perils of Paul
By Leonard Ravenhill1.9K1:24:54PerilsMAT 26:39JHN 16:12ACT 4:122CO 5:12CO 5:42CO 5:62CO 11:23PHP 1:27In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the dedication and discipline of a young Chinese girl who practices diving for hours every day for five years. He uses this example to challenge the audience to examine their own commitment to spiritual growth and transformation. The speaker also highlights the need for a revival in the world, emphasizing that without a divine intervention, society is at risk of decline. He criticizes the reliance on entertainment as a substitute for true joy and emphasizes the importance of using one's resources wisely and being accountable for one's actions.
Knowing the Word of God
By Bill McLeod1.5K52:10ScripturesJHN 16:12HEB 12:1In this sermon, the preacher shares his personal experiences and insights on walking with God. He emphasizes the importance of studying the Bible and having a hunger for spiritual growth. The preacher also discusses the four sword judgments mentioned in Ezekiel 14 and 21, which include war, famine, disease, and wild beasts. He connects these judgments to the current state of the world, citing examples of storms, bad weather, and animal attacks as signs of these judgments. The preacher encourages listeners to seek understanding through the Bible to make sense of these events.
The Emprise of Jesus
By F. Crossley Morgan95356:54GEN 1:3MAT 11:28MAT 28:18JHN 16:12ACT 20:27In this sermon, the speaker discusses the process of making disciples in the context of missionary work in Africa. He emphasizes the importance of repentance, where the native people turn away from their old ways of life and embrace the new revelation brought by the missionary. The speaker also highlights the role of faith, as the native people believe in Jesus and become learners of his teachings. Finally, the act of baptism is seen as a confession of faith and a public declaration of repentance and acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior.
The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power
By Newman Sze8201:22:11MAT 28:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:44JHN 20:19JHN 21:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Tertullian and Constantine
By Michael Haykin7581:53:42JHN 16:12In this sermon, the speaker discusses the Montanism movement and its impact on the early church. The Montanists were known for their prophecies and their belief in the ongoing revelation of the Holy Spirit. However, their lack of self-control and rationality raised concerns among other Christians. The Montanists also influenced the canon of the Bible, as some churches began to question the inclusion of certain books based on the Montanists' use of the book of John.
Personality of the Holy Spirit Principle of Spiritual Growth
By Manley Beasley74558:41Holy SpiritJHN 16:12In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing his current setting and expressing his belief that the Lord is present with the listener. He mentions that his wife is taking their youngest son to school while he records the introduction. The speaker then shares his excitement about his daughter's work in Graphic Truth, a ministry that spreads the gospel through television. He asks for prayers for his daughter and for the success of his upcoming book. The speaker also mentions his intention to discuss the concepts of little children, young men, and fathers as described in the Book of First John, and how these concepts relate to the Christian faith.
In the Shadow of the Cross - Parting Promises
By J. Glyn Owen6411:01:11PromisesMAT 6:33JHN 16:12ACT 1:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the last words of Jesus in formal teaching. He refers to a Bible reading by Eric Alexander, who provides a key to understanding the passage. The speaker identifies three main thrusts in the passage and emphasizes the need for believers to have their eyes opened to see the conquering power of Jesus Christ. He uses the story of Elisha's servant to illustrate the importance of trusting in God's protection and not panicking in the face of enemies. The sermon encourages listeners to have faith and find comfort in the fact that those who are with God are greater than those who are against them.
The Holy Spirit - Part 1
By Ken Baird52248:40GEN 6:3JHN 14:16JHN 16:12REV 22:17In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a series of disturbing dreams where he felt he was on the wrong side of judgment. He emphasizes the importance of relying on the leading of the Holy Spirit rather than our own devices or expediency. The speaker then turns to the 16th chapter of John's Gospel, highlighting the role of the Spirit of Truth in guiding believers into all truth and showing them things to come. He also references the Book of Acts, specifically the warning given to Paul through the Spirit not to go to Jerusalem. The speaker concludes by urging listeners to consider the activity of the Holy Spirit in their own personal experiences.
Jesus Reigning by His Spirit (Silent and Constant Contact With Jesus)
By Hans R. Waldvogel0Holy SpiritConnection with ChristJHN 16:12Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the vital role of the Holy Spirit in maintaining a constant and silent connection with Jesus, illustrating how this relationship allows believers to experience the fullness of Christ's power and presence in their lives. He draws parallels between modern technology and the spiritual communication facilitated by the Holy Spirit, which enables believers to receive divine guidance and transformation. Waldvogel encourages humility and the recognition of our dependence on Christ, asserting that true knowledge comes from being at His feet rather than pursuing worldly wisdom. He highlights the importance of allowing the Holy Spirit to work within us, transforming our hearts and minds to reflect Christ's character.
The Absolute Necessity of Our Receiving the Holy Spirit
By T. Austin-Sparks0Lordship Of ChristHoly SpiritJHN 16:12T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the absolute necessity of receiving the Holy Spirit in the Christian life, highlighting that the Holy Spirit guides believers into all truth and confirms the Lordship of Jesus Christ in their lives. He explains that true evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit includes recognizing Jesus as Lord, experiencing joy, and undergoing a complete transformation from fear to courage. Sparks illustrates how the apostles, once fearful and defeated, became bold and victorious after receiving the Holy Spirit, which also opened their understanding of Scripture. He stresses that this relationship with the Holy Spirit is foundational to authentic Christianity, urging believers to ensure they have received the Holy Spirit.
The Bible: Inspired of God
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0EXO 34:272SA 23:2PSA 45:1PRO 30:6ISA 6:5JER 1:7JER 36:1ZEC 7:7MAT 8:17MAT 10:14JHN 8:47JHN 14:10JHN 16:12JHN 17:8JHN 17:171CO 2:42TI 3:16HEB 2:32PE 1:21JUD 1:17Lewis Sperry Chafer emphasizes the divine nature of the Bible as God's message to humanity, highlighting the unique inspiration of the Scriptures where human authors were directed by God to record His complete and connected thoughts without losing their individuality. He discusses various theories of inspiration including the Naturalistic, Partial, Gracious, and Verbal theories, with the Verbal theory asserting that the Bible, even to its very words, is inspired. Chafer points out the importance of recognizing the Bible's claim to be inspired in its very words, as supported by Christ's affirmation of the Old Testament and the provision for the New Testament's inspiration. He underscores that inspiration ensures the exact divine message is conveyed, aiming at inspired writings rather than inspired men, and upholding the infallibility of God's Word.
1 Corinthians 1:26-27
By St. John Chrysostom01KI 19:10JER 1:5JHN 1:13JHN 16:121CO 1:282CO 5:212CO 12:9John Chrysostom preaches about the divine wisdom in choosing the foolish and weak to shame the wise and strong, emphasizing the power of God's foolishness over human wisdom. He highlights the ancient prophecy of God's plan to confound the wise and the strong, showing the ineffable power and wisdom of the Cross. Chrysostom points out the humility and submission required to fully surrender to God's wisdom, as seen in the disciples' simple faith and obedience. He challenges the Corinthians to boast only in the Lord, acknowledging that true wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption come from Christ alone.
Signposts to the Reality of the Church
By Tom Macartney0JHN 16:12Tom Macartney preaches about the quest for the recovery of New Testament Christianity, cautioning against the pitfalls of human nature that can hinder spiritual reality in the church. He emphasizes that the church cannot be built by copying a blueprint but exists through divine life, energy, and movement, just like the universe is sustained by atomic energy. Macartney highlights the importance of the church being a reflection of God's family and home, with loving relationships, joy, and peace, governed by the Father's character.
How Much Time for the Bible?
By R. Stanley0EXO 16:14PSA 19:10PRO 2:4ISA 28:10JHN 16:12ACT 17:11EPH 6:172TI 2:152TI 3:16HEB 1:1R. Stanley delivers a sermon emphasizing the importance of spending quality time with the Bible, comparing it to the hard work of bees in producing honey. He highlights the need for patience, dedication, and daily commitment to studying God's Word, drawing parallels to the production of manna in the wilderness. Stanley urges parents to instill a love for Scripture in their children from a young age, emphasizing the value of memorization and consistent Bible study. He stresses the significance of thorough Bible study, application, and the use of study aids to deepen understanding and guard against false doctrines.
The Preachers Prepared
By David Servant0LUK 24:25JHN 16:12JHN 20:17ACT 1:31CO 15:32CO 5:14GAL 2:20EPH 2:4COL 2:101PE 1:3David Servant delves into the significance of Jesus' death and resurrection as revealed in the book of Acts and the epistles, emphasizing the gradual unveiling of the full revelation of His accomplishments post-resurrection. Despite Jesus' attempts to prepare His disciples for His death and resurrection, they struggled to comprehend the magnitude of these events until after His resurrection. Through various post-resurrection appearances, Jesus revealed the necessity of His death and resurrection, leading to a deeper understanding of the disciples' new relationship with God and the foundational truths of the gospel.
Letter 94
By James Bourne0EZK 22:14MAL 3:2JHN 16:12HEB 4:151PE 5:8James Bourne, in a letter to M. G. Bushey dated 17 September 1835, shares personal experiences of being spoken to by the Lord through scriptures, emphasizing the importance of divine intervention in one's life for the purpose of salvation. Bourne recounts moments of deep affliction and despair, followed by divine reassurance and guidance, highlighting the refining process believers go through to bring glory to God and exalt the Savior. He encourages Bushey to remain watchful, prayerful, and humble, trusting in God's sustaining power amidst trials and temptations.
The Hidden Wisdom
By Chip Brogden0JHN 16:12Chip Brogden preaches about the hidden wisdom of God, emphasizing that stress, depression, and confusion often stem from unmet expectations rooted in our earthly perspective. He highlights how Jesus, though misunderstood by many, offers unexpected blessings to those who seek Him with a heavenly perspective. The sermon delves into the concept of hidden wisdom, explaining that true wisdom comes from seeing things from God's viewpoint and requires seeking and understanding beyond the obvious. Brogden explores various aspects of hidden wisdom, such as life out of death, wisdom through foolishness, strength through weakness, becoming the greatest by becoming the least, and wealth and prosperity through spiritual poverty.
The Cult of Intellectualism
By Keith Keyser0PRO 9:10LUK 10:39JHN 16:12ACT 4:13GAL 1:12Keith Keyser challenges the common notion that formal theological education is a prerequisite for Christian service, emphasizing that God has historically used both educated and uneducated individuals to fulfill His purposes. He points out that the early apostles, including Peter and John, were unlearned men who had been with Jesus, highlighting the importance of spending time with the Lord for preparation. Keyser stresses that the Holy Spirit is the ultimate teacher of the Bible, and believers should prioritize prayerful study of God's Word and systematic instruction in the local assembly over academic attainment.
Prejudices Against Imputation of Righteousness of Christ
By John Owen0LUK 24:25JHN 1:12JHN 3:16JHN 3:18JHN 5:24JHN 16:12ACT 1:3ROM 4:6ROM 5:19John Owen addresses common prejudices against the doctrine of the imputation of the righteousness of Christ. He refutes objections that claim this doctrine is not explicitly mentioned in Scripture, highlighting the importance of understanding the essence of the doctrine rather than specific terminology. Owen also discusses differences among Protestants regarding this doctrine, emphasizing the agreement on the core belief that our righteousness before God is based on Christ's righteousness imputed to us. He delves into controversies surrounding the nature of faith, the extent of Christ's righteousness imputed, and the formal cause of justification, while stressing the unity in the substance of the doctrine among Protestant writers despite varying expressions.
Guidelines: Part 4 Guidelines
By J. Vernon McGee0PSA 1:1PSA 119:18JHN 16:12ROM 1:51CO 2:12EPH 1:17HEB 10:25J. Vernon McGee emphasizes the importance of following guidelines for studying the Word of God, highlighting seven fundamental steps to enrich one's understanding and application of the Bible. These guidelines include beginning with prayer, reading, studying, and meditating on the Bible, exploring commentaries and resources, obeying its teachings, and sharing its wisdom with others. McGee stresses the significance of obedience, meditation, and passing on biblical truths to deepen one's spiritual growth and impact on others.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Ye cannot bear them now - In illustration of these three points, Christ had many things to say; but he found that his disciples could only bear general truths; yet, in saying what he did, he sowed the seeds of the whole system of theological knowledge, and heavenly wisdom, which the Holy Spirit of this truth afterwards watered and ripened into a glorious harvest of light and salvation, by the ministry of the apostles. Dr. Lightfoot supposes that the things which the apostles could not bear now were such as these: 1. The institution of the Christian Sabbath, and the abolition of the Jewish. 2. The rejection of the whole Jewish nation, at the very time in which they expected to be set up and established for ever. 3. The entire change of the whole Mosaic dispensation, and the bringing the Gentiles into the Church of God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
when he, the Spirit of truth, is come . . . he shall not speak of himself--that is, from Himself, but, like Christ Himself, "what He hears," what is given Him to communicate. he will show you things to come--referring specially to those revelations which, in the Epistles partially, but most fully in the Apocalypse, open up a vista into the Future of the Kingdom of God, whose horizon is the everlasting hills.
John Gill Bible Commentary
He shall glorify me,.... In the ministration of the Gospel, which is "the ministration of the Spirit", Co2 3:8; and asserts Christ to be God over all, to have all that the Father hath, to be possessed of all divine perfections, to have the fulness of the Godhead dwelling in him; ascribes the same works and worship to him as to, the Father; and, as in a glass, holds him forth to be beheld as the brightness of his glory, and his glory to be seen in it, as the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth: it declares him to be the only Saviour and Redeemer of lost sinners, that justification is solely by his righteousness, pardon by his blood, and atonement by his sacrifice; and which ministration the Spirit makes effectual to the bringing of many souls to Christ to believe in him, profess his name, and expect life and salvation from him, by all which he is glorified. Moreover, the Spirit of God glorifies Christ in the experience of the saints, by leading them to him for righteousness, peace, and pardon, for grace, and fresh supplies of it, for wisdom and strength, for food and rest, for life and happiness; and by enabling them to live by faith on him, on whom he has encouraged them to venture, and to whom they have committed their all; and by instructing them to glory in him, as their wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption; and by ascribing the glory of their salvation to him, and by making continual application to him, under his direction and influence; by leaning on him, and expecting every good thing from him both for time and eternity. The particular instance in which he glorifies Christ, follows, for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you; which is to be understood not of gifts Christ received from his Father, and which he gives to men by his Spirit; nor of internal grace, as faith, love, &c. which the Spirit from Christ works in the hearts of men; but either of the doctrines of the Gospel, the deep things of God and Christ, which the Spirit searches, and reveals in the ministration of the word. The Gospel is a sort of a "Kabala", though of a different kind from the oral law of the Jews. Christ received it from the Father, the Spirit received it from Christ, the apostles received it from the Spirit, and the churches of Christ from them in succeeding generations: or this may be understood of the blessings of grace held forth in the Gospel, such as justification, pardon, adoption, &c. which are in Christ; and which the Spirit from Christ takes and shows to the saints, and witnesses their special and particular interest in, and so comforts them, and glorifies Christ.