1. The Song of Truth and Grace John 16.12-15 & Romans 5.1-5 May 22, 2016 Trinity Sunday Unless otherwise noted, all images accessed on May 20, 2016 (again!) at www.bing.comwww.bing.com

2. Two Texts about Truth and Grace in the life of a follower of Jesus John 16.12-15 | The Spirit’s work in the life of Jesus-followers Life is more than we can bear on our own, v12 Three Assertions: The Spirit guides disciples into truth, v13 The Spirit points disciples to Jesus, v14 The Spirit shares God’s abundance through Jesus with disciples, v15 Romans 5.1-5 | The faithfulness of God at work in the life of Jesus- followers Righteousness is a present reality, v1a Three Exhortations: Peace with God is a given, as far as God is concerned, vv1b-2a We “boast” in hope, not in circumstances, vv2b-4 There is no shame greater than our hope grounded in God’s love, v5

3. What do these texts… …say about the essence of God? There is more to God than we can imagine (John 16.12) God makes us right because Jesus is faithful to us (Romans 5.1a) …invite us to model in life? As the Spirit glorifies Jesus, so should we (John 16.14) We stake our life’s claims in hope and we rejoice in the ways suffering brings us to hope (Romans 5.2b-4) …say about our reality? The truth, like the Kingdom, is now, and not yet (John 16.13) Peace with God is a present reality (Romans 5.1b-2a) …invite us share as Jesus- followers? To live as if everything belongs to God…because it does (John 16.15) To live so that hope triumphs over shame (Romans 5.5)

4. How do these texts… …relate to our needs? While not everything is completely figured out (John 16.12-13), we can know with certainty that, as far as God is concerned, we are at peace with Him (Romans 5.1-2a) …call us to action? Glorify Jesus, as the Spirit does (John 16.14) “Boast” in a hope that is not glib, but grounded in pain transformed by perseverance and character (Romans 5.2b-4) …point us to new rhythms of life? A hope which trumps shame requires a life journey that listens to God and experiences God’s love (Romans 5.5)

5. For Further Reflection … How do we embrace a triune God at work in the ambiguity of incomplete awareness of the truth, and yet live in the promise that, as far as the Triune God is concerned, we live at peace with Him? How do we reconcile the reality of pain in our lives with the promise of hope through perseverance and character, transformed by God? How does hope in God win out over the shame we feel?

6. One More Thing…