Authentic, fulfilling and endless joy is found only in a grace-filled relationship with God.
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SERMON NOTES:
John 16:16-24
Authentic, fulfilling and endless joy is found only in a grace-filled relationship with God.
Confusion abounds. (16-18)
Joy abounds even more for Christ-followers! (19-24)
Joy abounds when we continually experience the grace of Jesus. (20-22)
Joy abounds from our personal relationship with God the Father. (23-24)
study questions:
1. Read verses 16-18. What were the disciples confused about? Do you think you would have been confused if you were in their situation? Why or why not? To what do you think Jesus is referring when He says “you will see me again” to the disciples: seeing him after the resurrection, experiencing His presence when the Holy Spirit comes, or seeing Him at His second coming? Why do you believe this?
2. Read verses 19-22. Do you think Jesus understands the disciples’ confusion? How does He answer their question? Does His answer settle their confusion? How so? What is Jesus point in verse 20-22? Does His illustration help you understand His point? Why or why not? What other illustration or story can you think of that would help someone understand Jesus’ point? According to these verses how can one find joy? Are you experiencing this joy right now? Why or why not?
3. Read verses 23-24. What does Jesus mean when he says the Father will give to you whatever you ask in the name of Jesus? What does Jesus mean when says to ask “in my name”? According to these verses, how does one find joy? How is this joy described? Are you experiencing this kind of joy? What do you need to do to experience this kind of joy?
4. So what? According to these verses, how does one cultivate a life of joy? What in your life steals your joy? How can you personally cultivate a life full of joy based on the teaching of Jesus in these verses?