Sermon & Small Group ResourcesThis is the third of our Advent sermon series for 2021. This sermon is ‘Joy that Completes’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: John 16:16-33DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).










Next Steps this Week


BIBLE READING: John 16:16-33



Jesus went on to say, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.”At this, some of his disciples said to one another, “What does he mean by saying, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,’ and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?” They kept asking, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand what he is saying.”Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, “Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me’? Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.“Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.”“Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”


SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS



Download in PDF format.CONNECT: What one thing will help you to better celebrate Christmas this year? WARM-UP What do you think is the difference is between happiness and Christian joy? Do you know a Christian who has been a great example of joy amidst challenge? Read John 16:16-22 (Parting is Temporary) Why do you think the disciples were so confused? What would they have been feeling? What did Jesus mean by saying he must go but that they would see him ‘in a little while’? What image does Jesus compare our present sufferings with? What does he mean by this? Who can take away our joy? How should this be a source of great comfort and confidence? What most is troubling you? How can Jesus’ resurrection and return be a source of joy for you? As we await Jesus’ return, how does our future joy impinge upon today in the power of the Spirit? Read John 16:23-28 (Present Relationship) What does Jesus mean in verse 23? Does this mean God will give us anything we ask for? How should praying in Jesus’ name cause us to come to God in both humility and confidence? Through Jesus, with what type of intimacy are we grafted into relationship with God? How can you experience intimacy with God more readily and more frequently? Read John 16:29-33 (Permanent Victory) What is meant by the disciples' joy being complete? What would it look like for your joy to be complete in and through Jesus? Why - even in the inevitably of facing trouble - should the disciples ‘take heart’? Why should we? What should you be asking of God this advent? Would what it look like to pray confidently this Christmas in accordance with what motivates God? Apply How can the depth of joy in Jesus transform one trouble that you’re currently experiencing?


PRAYER



Gracious Father, we thank you that it is because of Jesus that we may know joy through all in the power of the Holy Spirit. Please help us to know your joy and share it with the world. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.



GOING DEEPER



On Your Frontline This Week: It is not too late for a last minute invite to Carols. Who would want to miss a night of glowsticks & joy?! Listen, Watch, and Read: AUDIO (Paid): “Infallible Joy” by Tim KellerAUDIO: “Joy while we wait” by William TaylorAUDIO: “Surprised by Joy” by Dick LucasSONG: “Joy to Be” by CitizensSeries Resources:Some helpful resources for our Series:Series overview both in PDF and AudiobookAdvent Devotional by Tim and Kathy KellerGrow as Families Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.Families: Read, Chat, Do, and PrayHigh School: CHARGE Discussion QuestionsKids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ TalkeBook: Wat...

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