MovingBeyondDisappointment

Moving Beyond Disappointment

John 16:5-15

January 17, 2010

I.                    Experiencing extreme disappointment. (John 16:5-7)

A.                  Jesus’ disciples were extremely disappointed because He wasn’t going to fulfill their expectations and establish an earthly kingdom, something that Jesus never intended to do.

                                    *The definition for ‘disappoint’ is to fail to fulfill the expectations or wishes of.

B.                  It is very common for people to have difficulty moving beyond these types of feelings but it is harmful to have these feeling over wrong expectations.

                  *A typical wrong expectation or desire: “Lord, change the world so that I don’t have to change!”

C.                 Jesus knew of His crucifixion that was soon approaching, but He still moved ahead towards it because He knew where He was going and why.

                  *When we have the knowledge of the will of God, we are able to move forward in tough times.

II.                  The expected convicting work of the Holy Spirit. (John 16:8-11)

A.                   ‘Conviction’ is not the same as ‘conversion’ but is necessary to it. “Convict…of guilt” is ‘elenxei’ Definition: “to present or expose facts, to convince of the truth.”

B.                  The conviction of sin where the true contents of our hearts are exposed. We are convinced into a confession that leads to repentance.

C.                 We can only be considered righteous in God’s sight through faith in Jesus Christ. Many oppose this belief and hold a righteousness according to the world’s standard.

D.                 Judgment is a sentence of condemnation, damnation and punishment. Rebellious people should take note of Satan’s defeat and fear God who holds the power to judge.

III.                Moving forward to God’s appointed future for us. (John 16:12-15)

A.                  Jesus speaks of the future of His apostles when the Spirit will guide them into “all truth”. The apostles were appointed to be the writers of the N.T.

B.                  Jesus said, “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.” In their condition of disappointment they: (1) didn’t desire another plan for their lives (2) believed that this plan was too heavy to bear (3) they didn’t know how to carry it out.

C.                 The work of the Helper.

1.                   Producing a right state of mind

*Gaining right expectations of God and of life through His word, we are better able to focus on things that are truly essential.

2.                   Creating more favorable circumstances

*Former sinful ways led us into unfavorable circumstances. God leads us to better ways and places.

3.                   Providing abilities and resources

*God is able to provide everything needed in order to accomplish His will for our lives. He especially provides ‘other believers’ which is fellowship and interdependence.