JOY!

John 16:16-33.

Scripture.  Choose the passage.  Have a plan, don’t make it a random passage in the Bible.

Observation.  What does the passage say?  What is difficult to understand?  What does it say to me?

Application.  How do I apply these verses?  Is there something to give God thanks for?  Is there is a sin to avoid?

Prayer.  Simply end your time with God talking with Him.

 

SCRIPTURE .  John 16:16-33..  Look it up in your Bible, on a Bible app or on Biblegateway.com or Biblehub.com.

Jesus’ message to his disciples turns a corner.  He tells them that they will see Jesus again.  “A little while and you will no longer see me; again a little while and you will see me.”  The disciples had to ask Jesus, but he explains.

 

OBSERVATION. Think about what the verse says.  What instruction does it give?   If you have a journal or notebook, write down some thoughts.

Why do you think the world will rejoice when the disciples mourn?  What will they be reacting to?

What will cause the disciples’ sorrow to turn to joy?

Read verse 27 and 28 again.  What do you hear God saying to you here?

What are the promises in verse 33?

 Does His promise and command give you courage to follow Him?  To try something risky for God?

 

APPLICATION

S  Is there a sin for me to confess?

P. is there a promise for me to claim?

A.  Is there an attitude for me to change?

C.  Is there a command for me to obey?

E. Is there an example for me to follow?

Jesus knows He is leaving (being crucified, buried) but He will come back to life.  Sorrow will be turned to unbelievable joy!   

The pastor at the church we attend always says, “If the grave is empty, then anything is possible.”  How does that statement go along with the command Jesus gives us in verse 33.  “Be courageous!  I have conquered the world!”

 

PRAYER. Take a few moments to really talk to God.  Use CHAT to help you guide your prayer time.  But most of all, be real with God.  Talk to Him.

 

Confess

True confession is agreeing with God about your sin.  It includes repentance, doing a 180 from your sin.  Repentance is not just being sorry for being caught, but sorry for breaking the heart of God.  Examine your heart. Admit your faults.  Be teachable.

Honor

Honor God by praising Him for who He is.  You can do this by reading verse of praise or singing a song to God.

Ask

Ask God for your needs.  Praying for your own needs, both daily and crisis needs.  Also, pray for the needs of others.  Be specific!

Thank

Express gratitude for God has done!  Write it down so you can remember how God has answered your prayers!

 

 

Pray.  Remember, just talk to God.  Look at the ingredients above.  Not every prayer has to include all the ingredients.  Just remember, be honest.  Don’t try to sound religious or churchy.  Just be real as you talk to God.