John 16

16:1 - (NASB) These things I have spoken to you, that you may be kept from stumbling. - I find it amazing that Jesus very clearly tells us where to look to prevent us from stumbling or for having an ineffective faith and yet we still walk around like we have no way of knowing better. Jesus taught through this section specifically to tell us what the core ingredients are for healthy faith. 2 Peter 1:5-9 teaches us similarly when it says, For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

16:7 - But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don't, the Advocate won't come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. - Jesus knew that it would be better for us to live with the Holy Spirit than even to walk with Him. I think there are times I want to believe that my Christian life would be so much stronger or more effective or better if I could walk with the physical Jesus, but Jesus says having the Holy Spirit is better. This means we have to figure out what works to make more room in our lives for the Holy Spirit and then to follow Him.

16:8 - The Holy Spirit - convicts the world of its sin, and of God's righteousness, and of the coming judgment.

16:13 - He also guides you into all truth and He will tell you about the future.

16:27 - for the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God.

16:33 - I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

Love, Michael