Prior Information
Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | August 21 2024 | John 16:1-4
KEY VERSE:
” I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away”. John 16:1(ESV)
MESSAGE:
It has been a long conversation with His disciples about His imminent departure and some subsequent events. In John 14: 29, the Lord Jesus had said that the prior information was for the purpose that when it took place, His disciples would believe.
Here, the reason is for his people to stay on course and not jump ship. Giving prior information of both good and bad news appears to be the nature of God. In Genesis 15:13 God tells Abraham not only the blessings but also the four hundred years of slavery of His People. In John 6, the Lord gives some hard truths. Consequently, some of the Disciples left. As if that wasn’t enough, He asked the twelve if they would also leave. They said they were committed to staying with Him.
In Acts 9:15-16, God was going to show the Apostle Paul how much he would suffer for His Name's sake in relation to the great call. Apostle Paul did not hide from the churches, the fact that affliction is part of the Kingdom Package (1 Thessalonians 3:3&4)
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Adequate prior information produces authentic and not spurious converts and disciples.
PRAYER:
Lord help your Church to be truthful with the prior information.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: FALLING AWAY
The phrase "falling away" is translated from the Greek word "σκανδαλισθῶσιν" (skandalisthōsin), which means "to stumble," "to be offended," or "to fall into sin." The word often carries the connotation of being led into a situation that causes someone to lose faith or abandon their commitment.
The use of "falling away" here refers to the risk of the disciples losing their faith or abandoning their mission in the face of persecution. Jesus emphasizes that the challenges they will face are part of the journey of discipleship, and He provides this prior information to strengthen their resolve and keep them steadfast.
Reflections:
Jesus' warning about "falling away" highlights the importance of being spiritually prepared for the inevitable challenges that come with following Him. How can you prepare yourself spiritually to ensure that you remain steadfast in your faith, even when faced with trials and challenges?
Comments