Sermon Tone Analysis

The Power of Perspective

John 16:16-24

seeing same thing two different ways.

Eye witnesses are least credible witnesses in court.

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PRAY

  Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.

I will turn their mourning into joy;I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

‎Misunderstanding Messes up Joy

‎Now we see through mirror darkly, then face to face.

‎See the world through the same eyes as Jesus.

‎Trials and temptations do not have to take away joy.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

Our perspective needs to change.

‎If we are going to experience joy, we must change our perspective.

3 Ways to Change your Perspective

‎Understand Time (16-19)

They are confused by "a little while".

Interesting that they weren't more concerned about "see me no longer" and "you will see me."

"A Little While" was a phrase used by the prophets.‎

Time is Different for Jesus

‎Jesus has always been.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

God's time and our time are different.

He could view both events in their totality.

One was not independent of the other.

Difference between watching parade from the street and watching from the top of a skyscraper.

Those 3 days of Jesus in grave must have felt like an eternity.

Anxiety and confusion seem to go together for those grieving.

We have to use faith to see the end.

‎Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

‎And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.‎

He understands its purpose: Time is given to bring world under subjection to God.

Why hasn't he already returned?

Mercy for those yet to repent.

End of time= judgment

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

‎Understand Grief (20-22)

, ‎Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Birth -- Out of all the reasons I've heard on why a couple doesn't want any more children, the pain of childbirth was never it.

I've never heard a lady say, "my child was not worth the pain."

We do not have the right perspective on life if we do not see that trials are always worth it.

Grief is not the end result-- God will use the grief.

Understand Prayer (23-24)

Prayer and joy go together.

We Must Ask- ‎You do not have, because you do not ask.

We Must Go to God-- because of Jesus we have direct access.

O.T.- went through a priest with a sacrifice.

N.T.- Jesus is the high priest and the sacrifice- we go directly to God.

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin.

But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

We Must Pray in Jesus' Name

You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.

Answered Prayer Gives Great Joy -- Joy that comes through trial.

‎do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

CONCLUSION

The resurrection is the greatest picture of joy from the ashes.

Jesus was tortured and died.

The disciples lived in great pain and confusion.

Yet, the purpose of the sadness is the greatest victory in the history of man.