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2. The Holy Trinity descends on believers by the Comforter (John 14:12–25)
JOHN 14:12
12 Most certainly I tell you, he who believes in me, the works that I do, he will do also; and he will do greater works than these, because I am going to my Father.
Knowledge of God is not a philosophy or a logical system. All head knowledge puffs up, but this is the knowledge of God’s love and the Son’s salvation. It signifies freedom to serve. Christ gave his disciples a new commandment "to practice divine love in life by work and deed with prayer."
The disciples asked Jesus for protection and an added knowledge of God when they understood that he was to leave them. But Christ established them in the Father, so that they might be fitted to evangelize the world.
What was vital, was not their temporary cares about themselves, but their preparation for divine service. The knowledge of Father and Son saves us from egoism, and leads us into humble service. Jesus said: Whoever trusts in me works, does not just talk, but follows the path of sacrifice. To the extent that the believer denies himself and magnifies Christ, the Son who rose from the dead works in him and bestows heaven’s blessings on him. With such faith the Apostles were able to heal and to forgive sins as well as raise the dead in Jesus’ name after the outpouring of the Spirit. They denied themselves and Christ lived in them. They loved him with all their beings and glorified him in conduct.
Besides these holy ministries, Christ sent them to perform missions he had been unable to complete during his brief time on earth. After his ascension he sent his Holy Spirit so that many might be saved by their preaching. Children would be born to the Father as dew falling at sunrise. Nothing is finer than our testimony given to the crucified and risen Christ. By trusting this witness, men receive life everlasting. The Holy Spirit comes upon those who cling to Christ and makes them God’s children so that they magnify their Father all their life in uprightness.
JOHN 14:13-14
13 Whatever you will ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you will ask anything in my name, I will do it.
Do you pray? What ratio of your prayers have to do with your anxieties and sins? And how little time you spend in praising God and serving others? Are you selfish in prayer or full of love for God and the lost?
Has God’s love altered your prayers so that you bless your enemies? Has Christ’s salvation made you a rescuer of many in his name? Do your prayers accord with the petitions of the Lord’s prayer? Or do you continue to hate some, not forgiving their trespasses?
If you pray in Christ’s name, you will live and think according to his Spirit, as he desires, and your heart will be filled with compassionate thoughts.
Christ gives a promise that takes in the powers and blessings of heaven. He ties this promise with a clear-cut condition, "If you open yourself to my words, so that they change you, I shall be strong and great in you, and I will save many from corruption by your faith and prayers. As often as you pray in the Spirit’s leading and you believe in me, I shall answer directly."
Brother, think thankfully of the key Jesus has put in your hands. Open up the treasury of heaven in prayer. "I shall descend on your neighbors and friends with blessings and salvation and knowledge as well as repentance and help." Pray to Jesus and implore that he may choose slaves from your nation and make them God’s children. Do not be weary in prayer; your faith is the means of the saving of many. Believe in the answer as you pray; thank him beforehand for his answer. Ask your brothers and sisters to join you in prayer and faith. Do not tire in praise and worship. Pray that he will pour the Spirit of prayer on you.
If you feel that Jesus does not answer your prayers, then repent and confess your sin, break down the barriers of prayer, so that he may cleanse you. He will give you the authority to bring heaven’s fullness to earth. When you embark on prayer in faith and witness, you glorify the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, grant us the Spirit of prayer, lest we think of ourselves first, but think of those we know or do not know. Make us prayerful believers, so that you may save our kinsfolk. I praise you; you have opened up heaven for us pouring on us your gifts and bounty. May the Father’s name be glorified through the birth of many spiritual children. May your name be sanctified through their conduct in holiness and the Spirit’s power.
QUESTION:
- Mention a primary condition for answered prayer!