2011

The Joy of Following Jesus

Details: Created on Sunday, 27 November 2011 01:21; Last Updated on Sunday, 15 April 2012 03:18; Hits: 91

THE JOY OF FOLLOWING JESUS
John 16:16-24
Speaker: Ptr. Marvin Gibson Jr.

“A little while, and you will no longer behold Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me.” (v.16)

Jesus is foretelling events that are going to transpire within twenty-four hours of that very moment.

He is predicting his own crucifixion.

Jesus might be referring to when he is going to be raised from the dead.

He might be talking about his second coming in his power and glory.

He was going to be coming to them specifically in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.

I. JOY OUT OF SORROW (vv. 20-22)

“sorrow” or “sorrowful” used four times.

“weep” and “lament” and “anguish” once each.

“joy” and “rejoice” used five times.

Joy comes out of the very thing that makes us sorrowful!

Our greatest pain, sorrow, or tragedy is where God wants to demonstrate himself strong, to redeem. He wants to transform those difficulties into sources of joy.

II. JOY IN HIS RESOURCE (v.23)

“And in that day you will ask Me no question.” (v.23)

“Truly, truly, I say to you, if you shall ask the Father for anything, He will give it to you in My name.”

When Christ calls us to be ambassadors for him in the world, He promises that when we choose to engage in ministry for Him, if we will ask the Father, He will give us what we need.

III. JOY IN MINISTRY (v.24)

“Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.” (v.24)

Jesus is not calling us to a ministry of hard work.

He doesn’t want us to hate the idea of serving him.

Jesus is not looking to use us up.

He wants us to experience full joy.

Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!”

Psalm 100:1-3 “Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing. Know that the Lord himself is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.”

What we are called to do above all else is to be the people of God. - men and women living righteously and justly, full of love and compassion for one another and for the world, living out God’s grace.