Understanding God's Love Through Trials and Glory

Understanding God's love requires us to look beyond our immediate desires and circumstances. In John 11, we see a profound example of this through the story of Lazarus. Jesus, upon hearing of Lazarus's illness, chooses not to rush to his side but instead allows him to die. This decision, seemingly counterintuitive, is rooted in a deeper purpose: the glorification of God. Jesus's actions reveal that God's love is not always about immediate relief or comfort but about leading us to a greater understanding and satisfaction in His glory.

The love of God is defined by His willingness to do whatever is necessary, at any cost, to reveal His glory to us. This is not about God making much of us, but about transforming us to delight in making much of Him. Our ultimate satisfaction is found not in being the center of attention or receiving earthly blessings, but in knowing and enjoying God Himself. This is the essence of eternal life: to see and savor the glory of God in Jesus Christ.

We often mistake God's love for the fulfillment of our desires, such as health, wealth, or personal success. However, true love from God is about drawing us closer to Him, even if it means allowing us to go through trials. These experiences are designed to shift our focus from ourselves to God, helping us to find true joy and fulfillment in Him alone. The ultimate expression of God's love is not in the temporary relief of our struggles but in the eternal satisfaction of our souls in His presence.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God's love is not always about immediate comfort or relief. In John 11, Jesus allows Lazarus to die to reveal a greater purpose: the glorification of God. This teaches us that God's love often involves leading us to a deeper understanding of His glory, even through difficult circumstances. [02:17]
• 2. True satisfaction is found in knowing and enjoying God, not in being the center of attention or receiving earthly blessings. Our ultimate fulfillment comes from seeing and savoring the glory of God in Jesus Christ, which is the essence of eternal life. [06:24]
• 3. We often mistake God's love for the fulfillment of our desires, such as health or success. However, true love from God is about drawing us closer to Him, even if it means allowing us to go through trials. These experiences help us shift our focus from ourselves to God. [07:36]
• 4. The love of God is defined by His willingness to do whatever is necessary, at any cost, to reveal His glory to us. This is not about God making much of us, but about transforming us to delight in making much of Him. [08:33]
• 5. Our distorted desires often lead us to seek satisfaction in being made much of by others. However, true satisfaction comes when we forget ourselves and are swallowed up in Jesus Christ, making Him our treasure and delight. [09:51]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:14] - Questioning God's Love
• [00:38] - The Unexpected Answer
• [00:52] - The Story of Lazarus
• [01:22] - Love and Glory
• [02:36] - Jesus's Motivations
• [03:47] - Defining God's Love
• [05:14] - Jesus's Prayer for Us
• [06:24] - Ultimate Satisfaction
• [07:18] - The Purpose of God's Love
• [08:15] - Misunderstanding Love
• [09:22] - True Satisfaction
• [10:09] - Eternal Delight in God
• [10:26] - Conclusion and Reflection

1. In John 11, why did Jesus choose to stay two days longer after hearing about Lazarus's illness instead of going immediately to heal him? ([03:08])
2. How does Jesus describe the purpose of Lazarus's sickness in John 11:4, and what does this reveal about His priorities? ([02:17])
3. What does Jesus pray for in John 17:24, and how does this prayer reflect His love for us? ([05:35])
4. According to the sermon, what are the two profound realities that are highlighted in the story of Lazarus? ([02:36])

1. How does the story of Lazarus challenge our understanding of God's love, especially when it comes to our expectations of immediate comfort and relief? ([02:17])
2. What does it mean for God's love to be defined by His willingness to do whatever is necessary to reveal His glory to us? How does this differ from common perceptions of love? ([04:52])
3. In what ways might our desires for health, wealth, or success distort our understanding of God's love? How can these desires shift our focus away from God? ([07:36])
4. How does the concept of finding ultimate satisfaction in knowing and enjoying God challenge the way we seek fulfillment in life? ([06:24])

1. Reflect on a recent trial or difficult situation in your life. How might this experience be an opportunity for you to see and savor the glory of God, as described in the sermon? ([04:52])
2. Consider your current desires and goals. Are there any that might be distracting you from finding true satisfaction in God? How can you realign your focus this week? ([07:36])
3. How can you cultivate a deeper delight in making much of God rather than seeking to be the center of attention? What practical steps can you take to shift your focus? ([08:33])
4. Think about a time when you felt unloved by God because your desires were not fulfilled. How does the story of Lazarus help you reinterpret that experience in light of God's greater purpose? ([02:17])
5. Identify one way you can grow in your understanding of God's glory this week. Is there a specific scripture, book, or sermon you can engage with to deepen your knowledge and enjoyment of God? ([06:24])
6. How can you encourage someone else in your life to find satisfaction in God rather than in temporary earthly blessings? What conversation or action can you initiate this week? ([09:51])
7. Reflect on the idea that true satisfaction comes when we forget ourselves and are swallowed up in Jesus Christ. What is one practical way you can practice self-forgetfulness in your daily life? ([09:51])