2012-01-08
Training of the Twelve - The Last Night: Comfort, Challenge and Instruction
Steve Lane

A. Review/Introduction
I have eagerly desired to be with you (Luke 22: 15)
The mission of the Holy One of God, the very mission of God is to be handed over to them
The disciples were about to embark on a whole new adventure
Called, equipped, sent - God is still the same — He provides what is needed
Preparation of the New Year; Thursday Night with Jesus

My children, I am leaving, but God will be glorified in this
He will comfort them (John 14: 1 - 4)
Comfort and challenge are interspersed throughout

B. Challenge: Presenting Christ
John 14: 12 You'll do what I have been doing, if you have faith
What was He doing? Presenting the Father in life-on-life relationships (John 14: 20)

(John 14: 15) More challenge: If you love Me, you will do what I command
He will now quickly give them the method in which they are to accomplish these impossible things!
John 14: 16 - 21
Colossians 1: 27
Ephesians 4
Galatians 2: 20
Romans 6

More promises of the Holy Spirit coming to live in them, and more comfort, and...

C. Jesus Reminds Them of His Fruit-Bearing Expectations

John 15: 16
The tone changes to more earnestness, and looking to their labor—its nature, hardships and joys
They have a great work before them
More is expected than them simply not losing heart when He leaves!

D. Deeper Still, the Driving Force of Fruit Bearing

John 15: 9 - 17
My dear disciples, My Father expects fruit, as do I.
What is fruit?
So, while the fruit is emphasized in disciple making, the motivator is love and the result is joy
It flows out of a genuine, God-produced love. If you are trying to invest in people's lives, or produce abundant fruit or make disciples, yet do not have love, you need to go to Him first
Keep remaining/abiding in Him, and you will have a fruitful, productive and effective life

E. The Joy of Fruit Bearing, and Disciple Making!

John 15: 11
A fulfilled, effective disciple
In step with Him—desiring what He desires, asking Him for it and getting it.
Loving others and doing as He did

John 16: 24; John 17: 13; Matthew 28: 18 - 20; Acts 1: 8
A tragedy when believers try to find satisfaction or self-worth in...
When the call is clear

John 15: 15 - 17
Jesus' missions don't tend to be safe, but they are good.
Isaiah 52: 7