PEACE, JOY and  LOVE

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” 

John 16:33

 

I. LIFE IS A CONTEXT OF TRIALS AND SORROWS

 

       A.    TROUBLED HEARTS

Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.      John 14:1

       B.     GRIEF

You grieve because of what I’ve told you.                                          John 16:6

       C.     WEEPING AND MOURNING

you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me,            John 16:20

 

II. JESUS’ PURPOSE

 

       A.    BUILD STEADFASTNESS IN ADVERSITY AND DISSOLUTIONMENT

“I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith.         John 16:1

 

       B      BUILD LOVE

This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 

¹³There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 

                                                                                                             John 15:12-13

       C.     BUILD JOY

I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!                                                                                     John 15:11

 

You will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. 

²¹It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world. ²²So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. ²³At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. ²⁴You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.                   John 16:20-24