"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE TRIALS AND CHALLENGES WE FACE IN LIFE"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE TRIALS AND CHALLENGES WE FACE IN LIFE"

John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:

Jesus in the 16th chapter of John covered a variety of subjects, that covered many of the problems, trials and challenges that awaited those to whom He was talking to. And, what Jesus was saying in John 16 apply to those of us alive today. I pray that His closing words in the chapter will be a real encouragement to you.

1. Jesus spoke specifically to encourage those who follow Him. That in Him they can have peace.
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

The these things are the things He said in Chapter 16. But, Jesus states that the reason He said what He said, was to bring peace into the lives of those who know and follow Him. The peace of God is one of the blessings we have given and promised to us in the Word of God. We find peace through God's Word. This is one of the benefits of reading and meditating on the Bible. The Holy Spirit will use it to produce fruit in your life, which includes peace.

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Please notice that "peace" is one of the ways the fruit of the Spirit is described.

Phil 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Phil 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

2. Jesus explained that in the world we would have tribulation.
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

In Christ we have peace, and in the world we have many trials and sorrows. How true both of those statements are. Jesus and peace. The World ( living as if there is no God ) Trials and Sorrows.

Adam and Eve had no trials until they sinned. And, now the entire world is filled with trouble. But, for the Christian, we can find peace in the midst of this troubled world.

And, we can help bring the peace of God to those who do not know the Lord. God will use us to display His glory, mercy, grace, love and truth, if we are available to Him. In fact, if we simply walk with Him, submitted day by day, we will naturally be a witness of Him.

Acts 1:8 “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

3. Jesus also tells His followers to be of good cheer, because He has overcome the world.
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Another way of saying this, is, "take heart, because I have overcome the world" So, while the world is so full of trouble, we don’t need to lose heart, but rather we can take heart, or have courage day by day, because our Lord has overcome this world.

The world as mentioned is filled with trouble as the result of sin. Jesus came into the world to destroy sin, and to overcome it, and He did. And in Him our victor we can be of good cheer and take heart.

1st John 3:8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

Some questions:

1. What if anything has the Lord been saying to you as of late?

2. Have you experienced the peace He speaks of that comes from His Word?

3. Can you see why it's so wonderful and helpful to be a person of the Word of God?.

4. Do you think the world is getting better, or worse?

5. Have you lost heart?

6. Will you take a moment to look at and pray about this verse again. John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” And, let the Lord encourage you.

A prayer:

Father, Thank You for sending Jesus into this world. And, thank You for this verse in particular. We can testify to the truth of what Jesus said. We truly do find peace in Him. It's the peace of God. And, not only do we find that peace Lord, but our lives can become peaceful even though all around us is trouble and difficulty. Use our lives we pray to help point people to You, in Jesus name. Amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier.
Calvary Chapel Visalia