Jesus concluded his final discourse with his disciples before his death in John 16:12-33. He developed previous lessons and added that they would have temporary sorrow that would change into lasting joy. In spite of our suffering in this world, Christians can have joy, peace, and courage, because Jesus has overcome the world.
After noting how little the people had accomplished, in Haggai 2:1-9 God told them to be strong because of his presence with them.
The opposite results of David’s and Saul’s desperate measures hold lessons about how to live in the world while not being of the world.
The conclusion to the first half of Ephesians is a prayer for believers to have strength to know Christ’s love.
