John 15:22-27

1. We should observe how our Lord speaks of the misuse of Christian privileges: it intensifies guilt and will increase condemnation.
2. We should observe how our Lord speaks of the Holy Spirit: He speaks of Him as a Person.
3. We should observe how our Lord speaks of the special role of the apostles: they were to be His witnesses in the world.

"Let us settle it down as a first principle of Christianity, that Christian privileges are in a certain sense very dangerous things. If they do not help us toward heaven they will only sink us deeper into hell."

"Let us take care that the work of the Spirit is not so buried under high views of the church, the ministry and the Sacraments that the real Holy Spirit of Scripture is completely put out of sight."

"We must not be ashamed to stand up for Christ’s cause, to speak out for Christ and to persist in maintaining the truth of Christ’s gospel. Wherever we live, in town or in country, in public or in private, abroad or at home, we must boldly confess our Master at every opportunity, So doing, we shall walk in the steps of the apostles. So doing, we shall please our Master and may hope at last that we will receive the apostles’ reward."

Questions:

1. Jesus declares that the Pharisees are guilty of sin because they heard him speak. Ryle points out that greater privileges will either help us on the road to heaven, or sink us deeper into the depths of hell. What are we doing with the knowledge we have been given in preaching and Bible studies and Bible reading?
2. Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit as a Person, as the Helper, and as the One He and the Father will send. Ryle declares that we must take care that we have sound and Scriptural views of his nature, person, and work. He also warns that the work of the Spirit is not buried under high views of the church, the ministry, and the Sacraments. Are we guilty of not having Scriptural views of the Spirit or burying his work under other things?
3. Jesus calls his disciples witnesses. Ryle points out that this is not only the calling of the 11 apostles, but every Christian in every age whether in town or in country, in public or private, abroad or at home. In what ways are we bearing witness for Christ where we are currently placed?