Finding Peace in Christ Amid Life's Troubles
Summary
In this sermon, I discussed the peace that Jesus provides us, as depicted in John chapter 16, verses 25 to 33. I emphasized the importance of understanding the message of Jesus, who tells his disciples that they will face troubles in the world, but they should take heart because he has overcome the world. I also highlighted the significance of asking in Jesus' name, as it is a recurring theme in the passages from John 14 to 16. I further explored the concept of suffering in life, explaining that while we may face difficulties, health issues, and family problems, we should remember that God has a purpose for everything that happens. I concluded by stressing the importance of prayer in maintaining an intimate relationship with Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus provides us with peace and has overcome the world, so we should not be disheartened by the troubles we face ( [00:51])
- Asking in Jesus' name is a recurring theme in the passages from John 14 to 16, indicating our direct access to God ( [01:36])
- Despite the difficulties and suffering we face in life, we should remember that God has a purpose for everything ( [15:26])
- Prayer is crucial in maintaining an intimate relationship with Christ and helps us cope with the things that affect or hurt us ( [28:06])
- Even though the disciples claimed to understand Jesus' message, they still had much to learn ( [03:40])
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 14:13 #!!04:23!!#
2. John 15:16 #!!04:23!!#
3. Philippians 4:6-7 #!!26:05!!#
Observation Questions:
1. What is the common theme in the verses from John 14 and 15?
2. How does Philippians 4:6-7 instruct us to approach prayer?
3. What does it mean to ask in Jesus' name?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does asking in Jesus' name relate to our relationship with God?
2. What does it mean to present our requests to God with thanksgiving?
3. How does the peace of God guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus?
Application Questions:
1. How can you set a specific time each day to dedicate to prayer? What might this look like in your daily routine?
2. How can you create a quiet space for prayer in your home or daily life?
3. What is one thing you can express gratitude for in your prayer today?
4. How can you incorporate prayer into a daily activity, such as taking medication or eating a meal?
5. How can you trust in Jesus with a current problem or situation in your life?
Devotional
Day 1: Setting a Specific Time for God
In our busy lives, it's easy to let our relationship with God slip through the cracks. To prevent this, we must set a specific time each day to dedicate to God. This doesn't have to be a long period; even a few minutes can make a difference. Just as we start small when we begin a new exercise regimen, we can start small with our prayer life. [21:38]
Ephesians 5:15-16 - "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
Reflection: What specific time can you set aside each day to dedicate to God?
Day 2: Start with Gratitude
Our prayer life should begin with gratitude. Even when things aren't going our way, we can always find something to be thankful for. God never fails us, and we can trust Him with our lives. [25:13]
1 Thessalonians 5:18 - "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: What are three things you can thank God for today?
Day 3: Prayer is Not a Substitute for Obedience
Prayer is not a way to avoid doing what God has commanded us to do. When God instructs us in His word, we don't need to pray about it; we need to do it. The key to prayer is simply praying. [18:54]
James 1:22 - "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
Reflection: What is one thing God has instructed you to do that you've been avoiding?
Day 4: Choose a Quiet Space
The world is getting noisier, and it's harder to find quiet spaces to pray. But if we want to have an effective prayer life, we need to find a quiet space where we can focus on God without distractions. [20:14]
Matthew 6:6 - "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
Reflection: Where is a quiet space you can go to pray each day?
Day 5: Persistent Prayer
Just as a child persistently asks their parents for something they want, we should persistently bring our requests to God. This doesn't mean we should treat God like an ATM machine, but we should continually bring our needs and desires to Him in prayer. [06:51]
Luke 18:1 - "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up."
Reflection: What is one request you can persistently bring to God this week?
Quotes
1. "Heaven will be much more than you can ever imagine. Heaven will be so much greater than you can even begin to comprehend. But what happens is that while we are here we will suffer problems, we will go through difficulties, we will have health issues, our families will break down, children will walk away from the ways of the Lord. But we do know that whatever is happening, God has a reason for this to happen." 16:11
2. "Christianity is the only religion that says well if you come here everything's going to be good. This is probably and I'm not going to say my favorite verse because every Sunday you hear me say something like this and it's always a different verse but this is one verse that stuck with me in the from the very beginning of my Christian Journey where Jesus is saying I have told you all these things so that in me you may have what peace." 16:48
3. "Jesus is preparing his disciples in this world will have trouble but what but take heart I have overcome the world. So when we ask in the name of Jesus it's like saying Jesus I own nothing I know nothing but in your name I want to present this to you and I want to have faith in what you are going to do. Things will not always go my way but but we know that every moment of Our Lives we surrender Our Lives to him." 18:15
4. "When you prioritize having an intimate relationship with Christ Jesus, you will notice and you will see that the things that affect or affected you will not affect you as much, the things that hurt you will not hurt you as much. Jesus here he's comforting his disciples knowing what's about to happen and he's instructing them he's comforting in them at a very high cost why because he told us to follow him he is our Lord and savior and by following him and obeying his commands we know that we can overcome the world." 27:45
5. "If you want to start your your prayer life, first thing that you must do choose a quiet space. The world is getting noisier isn't it there is noise all around us everything and everyone is fighting for our attention. If you want to have an effective prayer life starts with a quiet space." 20:14
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