Resilience Through Joy, Unity, and Right Engagement
Summary
In the second week of our series, "The Final Hours," we delve into the intimate setting of Jesus' last moments with His disciples before His crucifixion. Jesus, fully aware of the impending challenges and triumphs His disciples will face, offers a profound prayer that serves as a blueprint for resilience. This prayer, recorded uniquely by John, is a testament to the enduring strength and joy that Jesus desires for His followers amidst persecution and trials. As we explore this prayer, we uncover three key ingredients for resilience: joy, a right relationship with the world, and unity within the community.
The first ingredient, joy, is not dependent on circumstances but is a deep-seated assurance that all will be well because God is sovereign. Jesus' teachings are the pathway to this joy, offering a roadmap that transcends the chaos of the world. In a society rife with anger and anxiety, the distinctiveness of God's people is marked by joy, a joy that remains steadfast even in the face of adversity.
The second ingredient is navigating a right relationship with the world, which is inherently complex. Jesus acknowledges the world's hostility but emphasizes that His disciples are sanctified by truth and His sacrifice. They are not of the world, yet they are sent into it to bless and serve, embodying the love and truth of Jesus. This calls for a balance, avoiding the extremes of accommodation, retreat, or combativeness, and instead living as sent ones who bring light and hope.
The third ingredient, unity, is perhaps the most challenging to maintain. Jesus prays for the unity of His followers, knowing that their strength lies in their togetherness. This unity is not about uniformity in opinions but about being centered on Jesus and His teachings. It requires commitment to community, forgiveness, and love, recognizing that isolation makes us vulnerable to spiritual attacks.
As we strive to embody these principles, we are reminded of the power of Jesus' prayer and the resilience it fosters. The early church's ability to thrive despite persecution is a testament to the effectiveness of this prayer. Today, we are invited to embrace these ingredients, cultivating joy, engaging the world rightly, and fostering unity, so that we too can be resilient disciples and a resilient church.
Key Takeaways:
1. Joy as a Foundation for Resilience: Joy is a profound assurance that transcends circumstances, rooted in the teachings of Jesus. It is not contingent on external factors but is a deep-seated confidence in God's sovereignty and love. By centering our lives on Jesus' words, we cultivate a joy that sustains us through trials and challenges. [06:22]
2. Navigating the World with Wisdom: A right relationship with the world involves being set apart by truth and Jesus' sacrifice, yet actively engaging the world to bless and serve. This balance avoids the pitfalls of accommodation, retreat, or combativeness, and instead focuses on being sent ones who embody the love and truth of Jesus. [17:47]
3. Unity in Diversity: Unity is essential for resilience, requiring commitment to community, forgiveness, and love. It is not about uniformity but about being centered on Jesus and His teachings. This unity strengthens us against spiritual attacks and enables us to thrive as a community of faith. [29:22]
4. The Power of Jesus' Prayer: Jesus' prayer for resilience is a powerful testament to the strength and joy He desires for His followers. The early church's ability to thrive despite persecution is a testament to the effectiveness of this prayer, and it remains a source of strength for us today. [10:33]
5. Embracing Community for Spiritual Health: Isolation makes us vulnerable to spiritual attacks, while community provides strength and resilience. Being part of a community of faith, hope, and love is essential for our spiritual well-being, offering support and encouragement as we navigate life's challenges. [24:43]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Introduction to "The Final Hours" Series
- [02:15] - Jesus' Awareness of Upcoming Challenges
- [04:00] - The Importance of Jesus' Prayer
- [06:22] - Ingredient 1: Joy as a Foundation for Resilience
- [10:33] - The Power of Joy in Adversity
- [13:50] - Ingredient 2: Right Relationship with the World
- [17:47] - Navigating the World's Complexities
- [21:49] - Avoiding Extremes in Engaging the World
- [24:43] - Ingredient 3: Unity in Community
- [29:22] - The Challenge and Importance of Unity
- [33:31] - The Power of Forgiveness and Community
- [36:00] - Invitation to Communion and Prayer
- [38:45] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 17:13-23
2. Acts 5:40-41
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Observation Questions:
1. In John 17:13, Jesus prays for His disciples to have the "full measure of my joy within them." What does this suggest about the nature of joy according to Jesus? [06:22]
2. How does Jesus describe the relationship between His disciples and the world in John 17:14-16? What are the key elements of this relationship? [17:47]
3. In Acts 5:40-41, how do the apostles respond to being flogged, and what does this reveal about their understanding of joy and suffering? [10:33]
4. According to John 17:21-23, what is the purpose of the unity Jesus prays for among His followers? How is this unity supposed to impact the world? [29:22]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean for joy to be a "deep-seated assurance" that transcends circumstances, as described in the sermon? How does this understanding of joy differ from common perceptions of happiness? [06:22]
2. The sermon mentions that Christians are to have a "right relationship with the world." What does this entail, and why is it described as complicated? [17:47]
3. How does the unity Jesus prays for in John 17 reflect the relationship between the Father and the Son? What implications does this have for the church today? [29:22]
4. In what ways does the early church's response to persecution, as seen in Acts 5, serve as a model for resilience in the face of adversity? [10:33]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current circumstances. How can you cultivate a joy that is not dependent on external factors but rooted in the teachings of Jesus? What practical steps can you take this week to focus on this joy? [06:22]
2. Consider your relationship with the world. Are there areas where you might be overly accommodating, retreating, or combative? How can you strive for a balanced approach that aligns with Jesus' teachings? [21:49]
3. Unity in the church is essential for resilience. How can you contribute to fostering unity within your community? Are there specific actions you can take to promote forgiveness and love among your fellow believers? [29:22]
4. The sermon highlights the importance of being "sent ones" who bless and serve the world. Identify one way you can actively engage with your community this week to embody the love and truth of Jesus. [24:43]
5. Reflect on a time when you faced a challenge or setback. How did your faith influence your response? What can you learn from the apostles' joyful resilience in Acts 5 to apply to your own life? [10:33]
6. Jesus' prayer emphasizes the power of community for spiritual health. Are you currently part of a faith community that supports and encourages you? If not, what steps can you take to become more involved? [29:22]
7. Think about a person or situation in your life where you need to practice forgiveness. How can Jesus' example of forgiveness guide you in this process? What specific action can you take this week to move towards reconciliation? [33:31]
Devotional
Day 1: Joy as Assurance in God's Sovereignty
Joy is a profound assurance that transcends circumstances, rooted in the teachings of Jesus. It is not contingent on external factors but is a deep-seated confidence in God's sovereignty and love. By centering our lives on Jesus' words, we cultivate a joy that sustains us through trials and challenges. This joy is distinctive and marks God's people, remaining steadfast even in adversity. In a world filled with anger and anxiety, this joy becomes a beacon of hope and resilience. [06:22]
"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." (Habakkuk 3:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to find joy? How can you invite God's presence into that area today to experience His deep-seated assurance?
Day 2: Engaging the World with Purpose
A right relationship with the world involves being set apart by truth and Jesus' sacrifice, yet actively engaging the world to bless and serve. This balance avoids the pitfalls of accommodation, retreat, or combativeness, and instead focuses on being sent ones who embody the love and truth of Jesus. Navigating the world's complexities requires wisdom and discernment, as we are called to be in the world but not of it. Our mission is to bring light and hope, reflecting Jesus' love in all we do. [17:47]
"I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:15-17, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you actively engage with your community this week to reflect Jesus' love and truth without compromising your values?
Day 3: Unity Through Commitment and Love
Unity is essential for resilience, requiring commitment to community, forgiveness, and love. It is not about uniformity but about being centered on Jesus and His teachings. This unity strengthens us against spiritual attacks and enables us to thrive as a community of faith. Jesus' prayer for unity highlights its importance, as our togetherness is a testament to His love and truth. Embracing diversity within the community, we are called to support and uplift one another, fostering a spirit of unity. [29:22]
"Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." (Philippians 2:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: Is there someone in your community with whom you need to reconcile or strengthen your relationship? How can you take a step towards unity today?
Day 4: The Power of Jesus' Prayer for Resilience
Jesus' prayer for resilience is a powerful testament to the strength and joy He desires for His followers. The early church's ability to thrive despite persecution is a testament to the effectiveness of this prayer, and it remains a source of strength for us today. By embracing the principles of joy, right engagement with the world, and unity, we can become resilient disciples. Jesus' prayer continues to inspire and empower us to face challenges with faith and hope. [10:33]
"And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one." (John 17:11, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate Jesus' prayer for resilience into your daily routine to strengthen your faith and perseverance?
Day 5: Embracing Community for Spiritual Health
Isolation makes us vulnerable to spiritual attacks, while community provides strength and resilience. Being part of a community of faith, hope, and love is essential for our spiritual well-being, offering support and encouragement as we navigate life's challenges. The early church thrived through persecution by relying on each other, and we are called to do the same. Embracing community allows us to grow in faith and resilience, standing firm together in the face of adversity. [24:43]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take this week to deepen your involvement in your faith community and support others in their spiritual journey?
Quotes
"I want to add my welcome to those of you who are new, whether you're in person or online. Welcome, welcome, welcome. My name is Alex, and we are thrilled for joining us here for the very first time. Welcome. This is week two of our series called The Final Hours. We're just a couple weeks away from Easter. And so what we're doing for Easter is we are camping out in this really small room with Jesus' best friends as he's in his last few hours before his crucifixion. His disciples don't realize what's happening, what's going to happen, but he realizes it. And what's more, Jesus realizes that, so he realizes a couple things. One, that the next 48 hours for these disciples are going to be a nightmare for them. And then after that, it's going to be dizzingly, amazingly wonderful. And then for the rest of their lives, they're going to be sent to places that they would not have gone on their own to interact with people that they might not have interacted with before. And they're going to face persecution, heartache, suffering, arrest. And some of them are going to be killed for the sake of his name. So Jesus is in this little small upper room, and he's trying to communicate to his disciples what matters most to these people that he loves so much in light of what's happening in the next 48 hours, the next few weeks, and then for the rest of their lives." [00:03:32] (68 seconds)
"And so as John sits down to write down his account of Jesus's life, he's the only one that writes down this prayer. He's the only one that records this prayer. I think he does it in part because he wants to communicate to the church all over the Mediterranean the desire Jesus has for them to remain resilient in the face of persecution, setbacks, and heartaches. And this morning, if you could use a little resilience in your life, this morning, if you're in a spot where, hey, things are hard, challenging, you're facing setbacks, maybe persecution, maybe challenges. So glad you're here today. We're going to invite you to sort of come underneath this prayer, to submit to it, to surrender, to receive it, and then to walk under the prayer that Jesus prays for his disciples." [00:43:32] (42 seconds)
"Jesus prays, I'm coming to you, Father. He's praying to God the Father. I'm coming to you, Father, now, as he's preparing for his death. I'm getting ready to die. I know I'm coming to you, Father. But I say these things out loud while I'm still here in the world, so that my disciples, these people around me, these 11 disciples, these 12 disciples, may have the full measure of my joy within them. So one of the things I do for my mental sanity and health is limit my amount of time on social media. Just have to manage it, right? Because here's the thing. Social media is fueled by, like, a lot of anger and a lot of outrage, right, and a lot of anxiety. And what I find is if I hang out on social media land too much, it's really easy for me to get all tangled up and all the anger and all the outrage and all the anxiety. It probably never happens to you." [00:05:06] (47 seconds)
"The way that Jesus talks about joy, the way the New Testament talks about joy, joy is sort of this deep sense that all shall be well, regardless of circumstances. It's not contingent on circumstances. It doesn't matter what happens. It doesn't matter what comes my way. I have a deep sense. God is on the throne. I am beloved. All shall be well. This thing that's not contingent. Happiness is all about circumstances. Joy is rooted in something beyond circumstances, deeper than circumstances. Who wouldn't want joy, right? Everyone would want joy hypothetically, right? We all want joy hypothetically. But the Bible gives us a particular path to bearing the fruit of joy, to being people who are joyful." [00:06:22] (37 seconds)
"Jesus wants to put joy back at the center of all of human experience. And so everything that Jesus teaches serves joy. Everything that Jesus teaches serves joy. His words are wonderful. His words are wise and true and faithful. They're not magic words, they're miraculous words. You follow them and it orders things. It brings order out of chaos. You receive them and you realize, oh, you know what, Jesus actually is a good shepherd. He actually might walk through my deepest challenges, my hardest heartaches, my deepest valleys. Jesus' words are right and true and good. His words replace and displace purposelessness with real purpose." [00:07:41] (42 seconds)
"Jesus says, I'm saying these things out loud in front of my disciples because I want them to hear them. I want them to receive them. I want them to know them. And so he invites us to be people who attend to his words, who listen to his words. His words are a roadmap to joy. It's not easy. It's just beautiful. It's just right. It's true and good. So here's what happens. Jesus is praying for these disciples. He knows they're gonna face all kinds of challenges. Next 48 hours, nightmare. Few weeks, great. Next few decades, hard, hard, hard with beautiful things all woven in there." [00:08:57] (33 seconds)
"God so loved the world that he sent his son into the world. Jesus so loved the world, he sends his disciples into the world for blessing, for serving, for releasing goodness, wisdom, truth, healing. The good news particularly of the forgiveness available to us in Jesus. The resurrection, the life everlasting. We are sent into the world to bless and love and serve the world. So ingredient number two in our resilient stew is a right relationship with the world. It is a little complicated. And it's complicated in a number of ways. And I want to talk a couple of different ways that Christians have gone wrong with this. Typical common ways that Christians have missed our relationship with the world. Because it matters so much to Jesus. Because he talks about it so much in this prayer." [00:17:03] (45 seconds)
"having this right relationship with the world. Here's three ways that Christians have sort of missed a right relationship with the world. One, we're overly accommodating. And when we're overly accommodating, it makes us less resilient. Overly accommodating just means what matters to the world around us is exactly what matters to us, right? We have the same values. We spend our time the same way. We spend our money the same way. We watch the same stuff. We go to the same websites. We have the same practices, same values, the same kind of, we handle conflict the same way the world does. We handle our need to forgive other people the same way the world does. There's nothing different about us over and against the world. Overly accommodating, a very kind of common way for us to be less resilient and less resilient as disciples. Listen, some of you, some of you, some of you, you wanna have a normal American life with a little bit of Jesus on the side because you don't wanna get too religious, too weird, amen? Religious people are weird. Religious people are totally weird. I totally get that. Listen, I'm surrounded by weird religious people. Pray for me, okay? Totally get that. But here's the thing. Again, Jesus said, follow me and you're gonna be salty and bright. If you're not salty, if you're not different, you're not different. You're not salty, you're not bright. You just blend right in. Jesus said salty and bright, not blending in like everything else." [00:18:13] (70 seconds)
"Ingredient number one, joy, Jesus' teachings. He is God's Joy to the World Restoration Project. We attend to his teachings. We allow his joy to fill us and we become people of joy. There's a third ingredient that Jesus drops and this one is maybe the most complicated of all. It is this, he says this, he prays this. My prayer is not for these disciples here in the room with me alone. But also for those who believe in me through their message. He's praying for us right now. That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. That they may be one as we are one. That they may be brought to complete unity. They may be the hardest of the three ingredients to cultivate and maintain." [00:24:51] (37 seconds)
"Listen, Jesus knows that the next 48 hours will be miserable for these guys. And then the elation, and then decades of them going all over the place, facing all kinds of challenges, all kinds of problems. And Jesus knows the only way the church makes it out of the first century is if they're unified, is if they stick together. And he prays that they might be unified together. He also prays for this unity because here's also what's gonna be distinctive about the first century church. It's gonna bring together people who didn't like each other before. There's gonna be pagans and Jewish people worshiping Jesus together. And these people didn't eat together before. They didn't like each other before. They were suspicious of each other before. And now they're gonna be unified because they met Jesus. Rich, poor, people of all socioeconomic strata, all kinds of, we call it today, races, ethnicities, cultures. They're gonna all come together. And part of the demonstration of the power of Jesus is his power, his authority. And they're actually gonna be unified even when the Roman government, Roman empire could not bring them all together." [00:25:57] (56 seconds)
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