Sorrow & Joy

Last week we approached the topic of suffering. How suffering gives opportunity to show off how great God is, which helps others follow Jesus, which will, in turn, send out new missionaries.

This week we will deal with what suffering produces: sadness/sorrow.

Next week we will return to Genesis (Ch 43).

John 16:20–24 ESV

20 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. 23 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

I was slowed down this week and got to reflect on JOY.

Two points of context for this passage:

Jesus references his crucifixion and resurrection (Jn 16:16)

Jesus will leave and the HS will be given (Jn 16:7)

Our sorrow is painful

v21a Illustration of childbirth

Our sorrow is passing

v21b The moments after birth

Our sorrow is purposeful

There is something going on that is a part of God’s plan.

2 Corinthians 4:16–18 ESV

16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Our joy is exhilarating

Illustration: Roller coasters: Mega Zeph & Zydeco Scream

Our joy is eternal

v22 “No one will take your joy from you”

Eternal joy is rooted in salvation

Eternal joy is a work of the HS

Our joy is evangelistic

What I hope every member of our church to understand:

Salvation is a work of God.

God has chosen to use His people to spread the message of the Gospel.

There is no greater joy on this earth than obedience to share the Gospel.