MEMORY VERSE: ‘Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come. John 16:13
LESSON AIM: To teach that the Holy Spirit is our guide. He will guide us into all truth.
‘Of the disciples after the transfiguration of Christ it is written that at the close of that wonderful scene “they saw no man, save Jesus only.” Matthew 17:8. “Jesus only,” in these words is contained the secret of the life and power that marked the history of the early church. When the disciples first heard the words of Christ, they felt their need of Him. They sought, they found, they followed Him. They were with Him in the temple, at the table, on the mountainside, in the field. They were as pupils with a teacher, daily receiving from Him lessons of eternal truth.’ Acts of the Apostles, page 64.
COMPILERS NOTE: What is Truth? ‘Truth’ is a commonly used word that is hard to define. When studying the Bible, it is more than a word; it is a concept, an understanding, even a world view. “Jesus saith unto him, [Thomas], I am the way, the truth and the life.” John 14:6. Truth is seeing things in Jesus’ way. Notice the words in the quotation that follows. ‘Illumination’, ‘lustre’, ‘clearness’, ‘perfect truth’. Then, by contrast, notice the words of the things that are masking God’s truth in the world. ‘Veil’, ‘traditions’, ‘superstitions’.
‘Under the influence of this heavenly illumination [the Holy Spirit], the scriptures that Christ had explained to the disciples stood out before them with the lustre of perfect truth. The veil that had prevented them from seeing to the end of that which had been abolished was now removed and they comprehended with perfect clearness the object of Christ’s mission and the nature of His kingdom. They could speak with power of the Saviour; and as they unfolded to their hearers the plan of salvation, many were convicted and convinced. The traditions and superstitions inculcated by the priests were swept away from their minds, and the teachings of the Saviour were accepted.’ Acts of the Apostles, page 44.
It is the work of the Holy Spirit to show us this veil, to sweep it away, to reveal to us the traditions and superstitions that have been masking our understanding of the teachings of God’s Word. Then we can say, Now I see, Now I understand, and joyfully and confidently to be able to explain Jesus’ words to others.
1. How can we see that God the Father is Truth? Psalm 25:4-5.
NOTE: ‘He [Jesus] presented to men that which was exactly contrary to the representations of the enemy in regard to the character of God, and sought to impress upon men the paternal love of the Father, who “so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” He urged upon men the necessity of prayer, repentance, confession, and the abandonment of sin. He taught them honesty, forbearance, mercy, and compassion, enjoining upon them to love not only those who loved them, but those who hated them, who treated them despitefully. In this, He was revealing to them the character of the Father, who is long-suffering, merciful, and gracious, slow to anger, and full of goodness and truth. Those who accepted His teaching were under the guardian care of angels, who were commissioned to strengthen, to enlighten, that the truth might renew and sanctify the soul.’ Christian Education, page 74.
2. What did Jesus say of Himself? John 14:6.
NOTE: ‘God has promised that His grace shall be sufficient for everyone who will come unto Him. Those who surrender to Jesus, who open the door of the heart and invite Him in, will be in safekeeping. He says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” John 14:6. Possessing Jesus, they will possess truth. They will be complete in Him.’ Colporteur Evangelist, page 62,