Read: John 16:14-15, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 1:13-14, Galatians 4:4-7
In what way does the Holy Spirit typically speak to people? Give an example of how it has happened to you?
What does this highlight about how the Holy Spirit might speak when it comes to the spiritual battle? (c.f. John 16:8)
How does this also relate to listening to the Holy Spirit and prayer? How can you do a better job listening today?
Read: John 16:13, 7, 15:26, 14:6
Explain what it means that the Spirit will speak “whatever he hears”. What does this highlight about Jesus?
In what way does this all relate to “truth”? Why is this an important issue when fighting the spiritual battle?
Why should this motivate Christians to pray? How does it motivate you? How will you apply this today?
Read: John 16:12-13, Ephesians 6:18-19, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 2 Thess. 3:1, Philemon 6
How does “praying for insight” relate to the ministry of the Holy Spirit? How does the Apostle Paul practice this?
Why is this important when we are talking about a spiritual battle? What happens if this isn’t practiced?
How does this challenge the way you currently approach a personal struggle or struggle with others? Be specific.
Read: John 16:12-13, 14:16, 26, 15:26, 1 Corinthians 2:10-13, Revelation 1:1-2
In what way will the Holy Spirit guide Christians into “all truth”? How did this happen to John? (i.e., Gospel, Revelation)
What does this imply about the Holy Spirit’s role in the spiritual battle? Why is this important to always remember?
How do you typically rely on the Holy Spirit to “help” you? How does this adjust or encourage you to change?
Read: John 16:8-11, Acts 2:1-41
What impresses you about the Holy Spirit’s arrival? How did the misunderstanding provide a Gospel opportunity?
In what way did Peter preaching the Gospel demonstrate the role of the Holy Spirit in John 16:8-11? Be specific.
What was the result? What does this teach you about living for Jesus? How does this adjust your current approach?
Read: John 16:8-11, Acts 2:37, 1 Peter 3:18, Colossians 2:13-15, 1 Thessalonians 1:5
In your own words, explain the role of the Holy Spirit when the Gospel is being shared. (i.e., convict, judge, etc.)
What does this reveal about your ability to lead someone to Jesus? Why is this important to remember?
When was the last time you talked to a non-Christian about Jesus? Why? How would the Holy Spirit help you?
Read: John 16:7b, 15:26-27, 14:16-20, 25-26
Given Jesus told His disciples to be His witnesses, what does it imply that He is sending them the Holy Spirit?
In what way do the names of the Holy Spirit (e.g., helper, Spirit of truth, counselor) highlight this truth?
How does this relate to the spiritual battle taking place when sharing the Gospel? How does this encourage you?
Read: John 16:2-7a, Acts 11:22-28
In what way was Paul’s life and ministry a living example of the warning Jesus gave to His disciples?
How might you have misinterpreted Paul’s sufferings in light of winning a spiritual battle? (i.e., winning vs. losing)
How does this challenge the way you currently live for Jesus and share with others? What steps can you take today?
Read: John 16:2-3, Acts 7:51-8:3, 22:3-11
In what way did Saul of Tarsus demonstrate the type of spiritual battle that Jesus said will take place?
How does this ultimately demonstrate a hardened heart? What did it take for Saul to change?
How have you seen this type of hardened heart in non-Christians? How does Saul’s experience provide hope?
Read: John 15:27-16:1, Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 2:1-14
In what way did Jesus hold the disciples accountable to the Great Commission? Why might they have bailed out?
In what way did Peter demonstrate the interaction with the Holy Spirit and a responsibility to share the Gospel?
What does this imply about your role in the spiritual battle to “bear witness”? What changes do you need to make?
Read: John 15:26, 14:7, 14:16-17, Acts 1:7-8
In what way would the promise of a “helper” (Holy Spirit) have been an encouragement to the disciples?
Why is the work of the Holy Spirit necessary in a spiritual battle? How will the Holy Spirit actually “bear witness”?
How does Acts 1:7-8 play into it? What does this imply takes place when you share your faith with non-Christians?
Read: John 15:22-25, Romans 12:19-21, Matthew 13:24-30, Hebrews 10:26-31
Why does Jesus encourage the disciples that those who oppose them and the Gospel will be held to account?
How might they have been tempted to react? Why? What does this highlight about the temptations of the enemy?
How can you be tempted to impose your own justice toward those who reject the Gospel? How will you avoid this?
Read: John 15:24-25, 8:31-41, Hebrews 2:1-4, Matthew 11:21-24, Psalm 35:19
If you remove the miracles of Jesus from His ministry, what ultimately happens to His authority? Be specific.
What does Jesus say takes place when people attempt to do this? How does this relate to a spiritual battle?
In what way do you see this taking place today? How does the warning from Jesus help you to not bog down?
Read: John 15:22-23, Matthew 23:1-36
Explain the truth behind John 15:22. What does this highlight about accountability and the spiritual battle?
In what way can those who oppose Jesus still claim to follow God? Give an example.
How can this happen today? Why is this important to recognize in light of the spiritual battle? Be specific.
Read: John 15:18-21, Ephesians 6:12, 2 Corinthians 4:2-6, Colossians 1:13
In what way does the whole idea of a spiritual battle challenge the way you’ve been approaching your faith?
How does it also change the way you view spiritual opposition and rejection? Give an example.
What can a lack of spiritual opposition also reveal about your walk with Jesus? How can this help you today?
Read: John 15:20b-21, Acts 4:1-4, 16:1-24
What is the difference between hatred (John 15:18) and persecution (John 15:20)? Why is this distinction important?
In what way did the disciples live out the warning in John 15:20b? How did Jesus’ warning help them to respond?
How does this make you feel when you see this type of spiritual rejection? How does this also motivate you?
Read: John 15:20b-21, Matthew 5:7, Mark 13:9
In what way did Jesus highlight two different responses to the Gospel? How did this prepare the disciples for rejection?
How could they have misinterpreted spiritual pushback? (i.e., taking it personally vs. spiritual battle)
How do you typically handle rejection or take things personally? Why will you be blessed if you address this in your life?
Read: John 15:18-20a, Matthew 4:1-11
Explain the three primary ways Satan tempted Jesus. Why would this have been a battle for Jesus?
How did Satan essentially tempt Jesus to give into His feelings? What does this reveal about the spiritual battle?
In what way can you be tempted to “fit in” to today’s world? How will you better spiritually protect yourself?
Read: John 15:18-20a, 1 John 3:1-8, 1 Peter 4:1-4, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 12:1-2
Why will growing in your walk with the Lord always be a spiritual battle? (i.e., invisible enemy)
In what way does this reveal why Christians feel out of place being around non-Christians? Be specific.
How do you feel when people disagree with your Christian beliefs? How does Jesus encourage you to stand strong?
Read: John 15:18-20a, Matthew 10:24-25
Why do you think Jesus warned the disciples about a spiritual battle that will take place?
In what way will every Christian experience this same battle? What does it ultimately confirm?
How does this warning change your perspective in how you view daily life and interaction with non-Christians?
Read: John 15:16, Matthew 6:9-15, Luke 11:1-4
Given all the miracles Jesus performed, why do you think the disciples only asked Him how to pray?
What prayer principles are presented in Matthew 6:9? (e.g., your will be done) How does this relate to answered prayer?
Take some time right now to use these principles in prayer. Allow for some silence and being still.
Read: John 15:16a, Matthew 4:18-20, Ephesians 1:3-6, 1 John 4:10
In what way was Jesus trying to encourage the disciples when He told them “I chose you”? Be specific.
Why did they need this reminder? How did this take place both practically and spiritually?
When you consider this same truth in your life, how does it make you feel? Take time right now to thank God.
Read: John 10:14, 22-28, 15:13-15
What was Jesus highlighting when he used a sheep/shepherd relationship to illustrate His relationship with you?
How is this similar to being a “friend” of Jesus? In what way would this be a surprise to non-Christians today?
Why is this important when it comes to spiritual growth? (i.e., religion vs. relationship) How does this adjust you?
Read: John 15:13-15, 3:27-30, James 2:23, 4:1-4
Explain the distinction Jesus makes between being a servant and being a friend. How are they similar and different?
What does this also highlight about daily Christian living? (i.e., personal) How does this adjust your expectations?
How would you rate your friendship with Jesus today? In what ways do you need to avoid a “servant” perspective?
Read: John 15:9-13, 17, 13:14-15, 34-35, 1 Corinthians 13:1-7
How did Jesus demonstrate the most important way to grow spiritually in the Christian life?
Why would this have been challenging to the disciples? How is this challenging to you? Be specific.
In what way will loving others always go beyond a feeling? Be specific. How will you apply this truth today?
