JUNE 15th, Sermon & Ministry Resources

"THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH" (John 16:12-15)

Lectionary Readings — First Sunday after Pentecost — June 15, 2025

Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31; Psalm 8; Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15

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Call to Worship (based on John 16:12-15)

Leader: Jesus said, "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now."

People: Guide us, Spirit of truth, into all the truth.

Leader: "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears."

People: The Spirit declares to us the things that are to come.

Leader: "He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you."

People: All that the Father has belongs to Christ. The Spirit takes what is Christ's and declares it to us.

Leader: Let us worship the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—who speaks to us even now.

All: We come to listen, to learn, and to worship. May the Spirit of truth guide us today. Amen.

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Opening Prayer (based on Psalm 8)

Let us pray:

Gracious and Majestic God,

When we consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars that You have set in place, we are overcome with wonder. How is it that You are mindful of us? How remarkable that You care for humanity with such tenderness?

You have crowned us with glory and honor, entrusting to our hands the works of Your creation. Yet we stand humbled before You, aware that our true strength comes from the praise of children, from the honest wonder of those who see Your majesty clearly.

Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! From the vastness of the cosmos to the smallest creature, everything speaks of Your glory.

As we gather in worship today, open our hearts to recognize our place in Your divine order. Help us to steward Your creation with wisdom and care. May we walk humbly before You, always mindful of the honor You have given us and the responsibility that comes with it.

We praise You, for You have made us a little lower than the heavenly beings, yet You lift us up in Your love. May our lives reflect the wonder of Your name across the earth.

In reverent awe, we pray. Amen.

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Sermon Outline: [NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon].

[Note: All Scripture is taken from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.]

Sermon Outline: "THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH"

Based on John 16:12-15

INTRODUCTION:

• Opening Illustration: Share a story about a guide who helped someone navigate unfamiliar territory (perhaps a mountain guide, mentor, or teacher)

• Context Setting: Jesus is preparing his disciples for his departure during the Last Supper discourses

• Thesis Statement: The Holy Spirit guides believers into truth, continuing Jesus' teaching ministry and glorifying Christ

I. PATIENCE IN GOD’S PACING (v. 12)

• The Divine Delay

• The Developmental Design

II. PATHWAY TO ALL TRUTH (v. 13a)

• The Promise of a Guide

• The Panoramic Perspective

III. PARTNERSHIP WITH THE DIVINE (v. 13b-14a)

• The Trinitarian Teamwork

• The Prophetic Proclamation

IV. PRAISE TO THE SON (v. 14-15)

• The Purpose of Glorification

• The Profound Possession

CONCLUSION:

• Summary: The Spirit patiently guides us along truth's pathway in partnership with the Trinity to bring praise to Christ

• Challenge: How are we positioning ourselves to hear and follow the Spirit's guidance?

• Promise: We are never left without divine guidance on our journey of faith

Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers