THESE THINGS

JOHN 16

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Over 40 times John’s gospel uses the phrase “these things.”  7 are found one chapter 16 which speaks of men’s ignorance of and God’s knowledge of “these things.” Let us examine these things and see if we can lose some ignorance and gain some knowledge.

 

I. WE DONT ALWAYS KNOW WHAT IS GOOD FOR US [v. 1-15, esp. v. 6-7]

1. Jesus Knows What People Will Do. [v. 1-2]

2. Jesus Knows Why People Do What They Do [v. 3, 2:25, 15:18, 24-25]

3. Jesus Knows What We Will Need [v. 4-15]

 

II. WE DO NOT KNOW ALL FUTURE DETAILS [v. 16-17]

1. We Don’t Know the Rapture Details [Mt. 24:36-42]

But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

2. We Don’t Know the Kingdom Details [Acts 1:6-7]

When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord , wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

3. We Don’t Even Know What Tomorrow Will Bring [James 4:13-14]

Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

 

III. WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT WE THINK WE DO KNOW [v. 18-33]

1. Our Understanding is Limited [v. 16, 18]

2. Heavenly Resources are Available [v. 13, 15, 19-28]

3. Our Understanding will Ultimately Increase [v. 29-33, 1 Co. 13: 9-12]

For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.