Notes From the Pastor's Desk
March 16, 2025
Assurance of Victory
John 16:33 says, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” God's people are overcomers because the Lord Jesus has overcome through death and resurrection.
I. The Christian's Sphere of Service
Jesus said to His disciples “Ye are in the world.” We are in an atmosphere that is overall anti-God and anti-Christ. It is a place where reason and humanism is accepted over Bible revelation. In this realm of darkness there is such a need of light. Many people need the Lord Jesus Christ so we have a responsibility to tell them about Jesus. We should serve the Lord gladly and wholeheartedly.
II. The Christian's Source of Suffering
Note the words, “In this world ye shall have tribulation.” Job said, “A man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1). The word “tribulation” here had the idea of “pressing together,” a pressing, pressures, burdens, or affliction (17 times rendered affliction in the KJV). In this world we will meet with troubles and trials. Do you think we should escape them? Do we think we are better than our Lord? He had to suffer. Christ suffered more than we can ever know. Troubles come along with simply being in this world. The world is no friend of grace, and just because one is saved, troubles and trials do not skip around the believer.
III. The Christian's Secret of Comfort
Note the words, “In me ye might have peace.” Though we are in a world full of troubles, it is possible for the child of God to have peace in this present world. We do not have to wait until we get to Heaven to have peace. God does give peace of mind, quietness and serenity. Peace comes by putting our faith in and centering our thinking on the Lord Jesus Christ. Peace is a sense that all is well because God is in control of what is going on around us. If we look to Jesus we will have peace (Heb. 12:1-2).
IV. The Christian's Source of Joy
“Be of good cheer.” It is the cheer the Lord provides that gets us through our daily tribulations.
V. The Christian's Assurance of Victory
“I have overcome the world.” We overcome through the One who has already overcome, Jesus, the Son of the Living God. Compare 1 Jn. 5:5. The believer overcomes through His faith in Christ! Are you an overcomer?