That You May Believe | Aaron Miller, Pastor of Students and Families

INTRODUCTION

The disciples of are overwhelmed with sorrow, and Jesus, being the Good desires to comfort them. He is in the final stages of His and continues to instruct them on the reality of His death, resurrection and eventual departure. He will not abandon them. Through His victorious cross, He will provide them joy and peace.

I. From Sorrow to Joy (16:16-28)

a. The Source (16-22)

b. The Experience (23-28)

II. From Fear to Peace (16:29-33)

a. The Rebuke (29-31)

b. The Love (32)

c. The Confidence (33)

Joy and Peace in the Midst of Sorrow | :16-33 | October 12-13, 2019 WEEKLY QUESTIONS

REFLECT | John 16:16-33 When can you think of a time that you were sorrowful about something? How was the love of Jesus able to help you deal with that sorrow and turn it into joy? How should we respond, as Christians, to a world that rejoices in the death of the only one that can save them? Jesus told the disciples that He would go away and return to them. How should we live knowing that Jesus has gone to be with the Father, but also knowing He has given us a promise that He would be back to get us when He returns?

MEMORIZE | 1 Peter 1: 6-9 “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus . Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

STUDY | 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 What are some things in your life that tend to take away from your joy in Christ? How might you fightagainst allowing things to steal your joy from you? What in your prayer life could use change so that the fullness of joy can be complete? What are some concrete ways that you can be better and be more intentional about being in communion with God in prayer? How can keeping your heart’s affections on things eternal help you through difficult situations?

SHARE Share the promise of Jesus that has been communicated to us in this week’s passage with someone going through difficult times at this time in their life.

PRAY Take some time and pray for some of the needs in our congregation. Go to: gracebaptist.org/prayer to see the requests. Feel free to submit a prayer request of your own as well.

If you have any questions or need additional resources, email Pastor Aaron: [email protected]