Learning on the way
Sermon Summary:
This sermon confronts the dangerous belief that life should get easier over time. Contrary to our culture’s “gospel of ease,” Jesus clearly states in John 16:33: “In this world you will have trouble.” This expectation of ease leads to emotional exhaustion, spiritual confusion, and personal stagnation as we delay growth while waiting for better circumstances.
The pastor urges us to stop asking “When will it get easier?” and instead ask “Who am I becoming through this?” True peace comes not from changed circumstances but from anchoring ourselves in Christ, who has already overcome the world.
Key Points:
Jesus promised we would have trouble in this world, not an easy life
Peace is found in Christ, not in our circumstances
Expecting life to get easier leads to emotional exhaustion, spiritual confusion, and stagnation
Difficulties are opportunities for growth and transformation
We need to lean into spiritual practices to build resilience
Small Group Questions:
In John 16:33, Jesus says “In this world you will have trouble.” How does this teaching contrast with what our culture often tells us about how life should progress? Share a time when you realized life wasn’t getting easier despite your expectations.
The sermon mentions the “gospel of ease” that we’re often taught. How have you seen this message promoted in church settings or Christian circles? How has it affected your own expectations of the Christian life?
Jesus prefaces His warning about trouble by saying “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace.” How do you distinguish between worldly comfort and the peace Christ offers? Share an experience where you found Christ’s peace in the midst of difficulty.
The sermon mentions emotional exhaustion as one of the costs of expecting life to get easier. When have you felt emotionally drained because reality didn’t match your expectations? How did that affect your spiritual life? What spiritual practices have helped you develop resilience during challenging times? Are there any you’ve been delaying because you’re “waiting for things to get easier”?
The sermon mentions that we often delay obedience or action while waiting for ideal circumstances. What step of obedience might God be calling you to take now, even though conditions aren’t perfect?
How does Jesus’ statement “I have overcome the world” provide comfort when facing troubles? Share how this truth has sustained you during a difficult period.
Key Verses
John 16:33, John 16
Application On The Way
This week, instead of asking ‘When will things get easier?’ challenge yourself to ask ‘Who am I becoming through this?’ each time you face a difficulty. Journal about how this shift in perspective changes your response to challenges.
Want to Go Deeper?
James 1:2-4, Romans 5:3-5, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, 1 Peter 4:12-13, Philippians 4:11-13, Matthew 11:28-30, Psalm 34:19, Romans 8:18, Hebrews 12:1-3, 2 Timothy 3:12
Read Philippians 3:10 where Paul expresses his desire to share in Christ’s sufferings. How does this perspective challenge the “gospel of ease”? What would it look like in your life to embrace this mindset? The sermon ends with this question: “What if the peace you’ve been waiting for isn’t in your circumstances changing, but in surrendering your expectation that they ever will?” How would embracing this perspective change your approach to current challenges in your life?