Difference between revisions of "John 16:16-33, Lasting Joy"
From 2Timothy2.org
(→Direct Access to the Father (V. 23-24)) |
(→Direct Access to the Father (V. 23-24)) |
||
| Line 40: | Line 40: | ||
==Point 2, Our joy should be rooted in our position (V. 23-28)== | ==Point 2, Our joy should be rooted in our position (V. 23-28)== | ||
===Direct Access to the Father (V. 23-24)=== | ===Direct Access to the Father (V. 23-24)=== | ||
| − | *The Christian life is marked by direct access | + | *The Christian life is marked by direct access to the Father, mediated by Christ. As Christians we do not have to work through a priest or other officer. Instead, we have direct access to the father. |
*Notice that this direct access to the Father, mediated through Christ was something new. Prior to this point the disciples had not had this level of access. | *Notice that this direct access to the Father, mediated through Christ was something new. Prior to this point the disciples had not had this level of access. | ||
*Notice the result. Your joy will be complete. | *Notice the result. Your joy will be complete. | ||
Revision as of 19:12, 20 August 2018
Contents
Objectives
Materials
Introduction
Main Body
Setting The Stage
Main Proposition
Point 1, We must have eternal joy (V. 16-22)
Don't Be Confused (V. 16-18)
- When Jesus says "a little while and you will not see me," He refers to His coming ascension. The time after the resurrection when Jesus ascended to heaven. At this point Jesus has repeatedly told His disciples that things are about to change. The disciples did not fully understand what was going to change, but it should have been clear that changes were coming.
- When Jesus said and "again a little while and you will see me, because I go to the Father", He refers to the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jesus and the Spirit are one, and the Sprit would reveal all things.
- The disciples are naturally confused. What can Jesus possibly mean by telling them that because He goes to the Father, they will see Him? Wouldn't a departure to the Father mean they would not see Him? Have you ever thought to yourself, "If I could only see Jesus!" "If God would only come out and tell me what to do!" The disciples spent 3 years walking and talking with Jesus. Yet, it seems, that they only really knew Jesus once he departed. Do you want to see Jesus? Then don't be confused, The Holy Spirit, the revealer of Truth, gives us the ability to see Jesus!
Sorrow is expected (V. 19-20)
- Notice that throughout this entire discussion, Jesus knew what was going on. When a teacher teaches a class there are always side conversations taking place, inside jokes, comments, and discussions that the teacher is only aware of. The best teachers are able to track most of these side conversations and incorporate them into the larger class discussion but even then the teacher generally has to guess. Jesus knew the inside confusion and discussion and brings it directly to the front of the conversation. We must realize that in our times of doubt, sorrow, and grief, our Lord knows. Jesus knows that you have questions and Jesus can provide you peace in the midst of doubt.
- Notice the use of weeping and mourning in verse 20, this carries the idea of death. Jesus is insinuating his coming crucifixion. Jesus then introduces the ultimate cosmological paradox. God took the shame and scandal of the cross and turned it into joy. In defiance of all logic, death turns from weeping to joy and a necessary precondition to life.
Sorrow is Temporary (V. 21-22)
- Good Friday can only be called good because of resurrection Sunday! In verse 21 Christ provides a brief illustration. That of a women in childbirth.
- In verse 23 Christ promises that the joy will be permanent.
As Christians, we must live a life that is marked by Joy. Not a joy rooted in the particular circumstances in which we find ourselves but rather an eternal joy independent of our circumstances.
Point 2, Our joy should be rooted in our position (V. 23-28)
Direct Access to the Father (V. 23-24)
- The Christian life is marked by direct access to the Father, mediated by Christ. As Christians we do not have to work through a priest or other officer. Instead, we have direct access to the father.
- Notice that this direct access to the Father, mediated through Christ was something new. Prior to this point the disciples had not had this level of access.
- Notice the result. Your joy will be complete.
A Better Understanding (V. 25)
The Authority and Merit of Christ (V. 26-28)
Point 2, Our joy comes because we have peace (V. 29-33)
Not Rooted in Ourselves (V. 29-30)
- Notice the irony. Have you ever jumped to a conclusion in someone's story or conversation only to find out you had no idea what you were talking about? (If you don't think you have ever done that then you might be oblivious.)
