Abstracts—John 3:19
Today’s post is derived from some notes I took on John 3:19. It’s shorter and less connected, but still good.
This world has problems. The world carries temptation. God Himself tempts no one (cf. James 1:13), but the tempter brings his darkness to taunt, tempt, distract, harm, and ensnare us (cf. Ephesians 6:12). These temptations, when acted on, bring forth a slippery slope of sin and death (cf. James 1:15). But, in all trials and circumstances, we know that God has won, and we know that they’re worth persevering through because God is in control (cf. Hebrews 12:1-2). Because we have the Holy Spirit (cf. John 14:15), we are able and capable of holding the joy and peace of Jesus (cf. Philippians 4:4,7). So, no matter what we face, we can face it with an insurmountable joy (cf. James 1:2-4), because we know God is in control and eventually our faith will reap the benefits as steadfastness takes its full effect.