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John 16:33 (Amplified) I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
The heart of God is that you would be at perfect peace and have confidence.
A. Peace
B. Confidence
A. Peace – peace can be elusive for people even believers in Jesus Christ.
1. God’s perfect peace becomes a practical reality when we have a word from God about a situation and we believe it.
Jesus is telling his disciples in John 16 what is going to happen to him and them. This information can be very helpful to give a person peace as these difficulties start unfolding.
Remember Paul on the ship that was going to Italy? He knew that the ship and cargo were going to get destroyed but there was going to be no loss of life. They’d fought a hurricane force storm called a northeaster for 14 days straight.
The ship and cargo were destroyed but all 200 + passengers survived.(Acts 27:34)
The same thing can happen for you personally. As you are in prayer God can speak to you about what you are to do or what is getting ready to transpire in your future. This information can smooth out rough bumps and cause us to respond properly to circumstances as they happen, even troubling events.
2. Trusting in the Lord and not being double minded (James 1:8) gives a person peace.
Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
What is the word of the Lord about your situation? Stick to it!
If we hear the word of God and obey it then this promise is for us. Hearing it only is not enough. We have to hear, believe and thus obey.
3. One of the fruits of walking in the Spirit is Peace (Galatians 5:22)
Fruit takes time to develop and comes as a result of placing the roots of your life into Christ. Drawing life from Him and not the world system. (John 15)
When we’ve lost our peace joy goes with it.
The peace Jesus gives is called perfect peace. What are some imperfect sources of peace?
Communing with the Father will also bring peace.
Philippians 4:6,7 (Amplified)
6Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. 7And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Knowing Jesus is going to meet all of our needs gives us peace.
Philippians 4:19
19And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
1. Understanding your life source and your enemy’s life source will give you confidence if you know the Lord is in what you’re doing.
2 Chronicles 32:8 With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles." And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said.
1a. This is the current reality for the enemy in our lives.
Colossians 2:15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
2. Add to that experience, past success. More confidence comes
1 Samuel 17:36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God.
3. The blood of Jesus gives us confidence to go into the Most Holy Place with God
Hebrews 10:19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,
Ephesians 3:12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Having confidence to approach God is important because if we’re afraid of God we obviously can’t approach him. Without being in his presence we sever the flow of life from God to us thus starting the ticking clock of our own failure.
The world gives
- Tribulation
- Trials
- Distress
- Frustration
Tribulation - distress or suffering resulting from oppression or persecution
Trials - a test of faith, patience, or stamina through subjection to suffering or temptation; broadly : a source of vexation or annoyance
Distress - pain or suffering affecting the body, a bodily part, or the mind : trouble, a painful situation : misfortune
Frustration - a deep chronic sense or state of insecurity and dissatisfaction arising from unresolved problems or unfulfilled needs
Jesus Gives
- Cheer
- Courage
- Confidence
- Certainty
- An undaunted state of mind
 |
| Courage |
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.“ (Deut 31:6)
Certainty – Certainty comes when there’s been an investigation, the evidence lines up with our natural mind, the voice of God speaks to our hearts and we believe it.
Luke 1:3,4
3Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
Undaunted - courageously resolute especially in the face of danger or difficulty : not discouraged .
Think about Joshua, David and others who were undaunted.
Conclusion
Jesus has overcome the world meaning he’s deprived it of power to harm you and has conquered it. Nothing can take away that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ.
The peace that God gives here in John 16:33 depends on hearing the voice of the Lord and believing it. Hearing God’s voice is not something reserved for the elect of God. It’s every Christians privilege.
John 10:27
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
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Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-9124
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