Believing in Jesus, Praying in His Name and Doing His Will (Jn. 14:12-14)

We're continuing to read through the Gospel of John. Today's reading is John 14:1-14.

• Verses 12-14 are a unit. They form one long sentence in the Greek New Testament.

• There is a bias toward action. The word "do" is mentioned 5 times (NASB).

• The key participle is "he who believes" (Jn. 14:12). Specifically, it is "he who believes" in Jesus.

• This believing (in Jesus) will impact two things: works (Jn. 14:12) and prayer (Jn. 14:13-14). Power is released for maximum effectiveness and impact.

• The key qualifier in verses 13-14 is "in My [Jesus'] name." This means asking as Jesus' ambassador (in His authority and by His authorization). This is asking according to God's will (1 Jn. 5:14-15).

• How can you know that what you're asking is God's will (is in Jesus' name)? To pray otherwise is to be frustrated and counterproductive. There are three options: random guess, subjective feeling and objective standard. The third is the best option.

• What is the objective standard for determining God's will? It is one thing to pray, but it is another thing to make a decision based upon that prayer.
1. Submit to God (Mt. 6:10; Jam. 4:6-7a; Ac. 21:10-14).
2. Submit to one another. The spirit of the prophet is subject to the other prophets (1 Cor. 14:29, 32). There is plurality of leadership (Jam. 5:14; 1 Pet 5:1; Prov. 11:14). Invite someone else to help you clarify or verify.
3. Be open to the manifestation of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:7-11), especially the word of wisdom and word of knowledge. See also Jn. 14:26.
4. Line up your inclination with Scripture. Remain in Jesus and His Word (Jn. 15:26). See also Psa. 19:7-11.
5. Pray in the Spirit (Rom. 8:26-27; 1 Cor. 14:15).