Example of Bishop of Worcester and London – Oct 1555
These men knew great pace
Considering John 16:33
To have peace
Jesus has overcome the world
Jesus care for His disciples
This last word from Jesus’ sermon reminds us of how much He care for His disciples
He knew perfect peace (despite this being the night before His execution)
Example of His actions
His last few words "be of good cheer – I have overcome the world"
Jesus knew the disciples would abandon Him
Yet the Father would be with Him and He would have peace
He offered the disciples perfect peace
He speaks words of comfort to the disciples
We should take comfort from this – having ourselves walked away from God
Take note of Jesus final words in His last sermon – "be of good cheer, I have overcome the world"
We must hold onto the teachings and scripture of Jesus Christ even when we do not honour Him
Jesus prepares His disciples
He wants them to be aware there will be persecution, suffering, hardship and difficulty
So they will be prepared and not disillusioned
The two great themes of peace and tribulation – He has already spoken of (in this discourse)
Jesus has left a legacy of peace – "My peace I give to you, My peace I leave with you"
Jesus has already advised about tribulation – e.g. being put out of the Synagogue
The disciples will know peace but also tribulation
The "world" – corrupt ideologies and systems
Example of the Jewish Pharisees, Paul being chased, persecution from the Romans, idols and false gods
The pride of life, the lust of the flesh and the eyes
The disciples would be under duress and pressure – the world today is no different
Pressure to conform to the latest ideologies
Pressure to ‘play the system’ and be less honest
The pressure of living in a fallen world – sickness, pain, death
Be real, be ready, be prepared
Not a false ‘wealth, health and prosperity’ gospel
Jesus says you will have tribulation – but be of good cheer
Jesus says be of courage / take heart
Do not be anxious or down hearted
Jesus has overcome the world
Jesus has overcome the world
Jesus has overcome the world
He did not yield to temptation [and did not sin]
His death and resurrection
He has cast down the ruler of this world
Lift up your hearts and trust in Jesus
Jesus in us and we in Jesus
We can know peace with God
Paul was "hard pressed on every side … but not crushed, perplexed but not in despair … persecuted but not forsaken … struck down but not destroyed" (2 Cor 4:8-9)
Paul said Christ always leads in triumphant – Rom 8:37
Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us
Example of Pagini
Example of difficulties
"Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world"
Example of the Dove of the Holy Spirit – Jesus would sent the Comforter, the Holy Spirit
Closing Remarks
Be people of good cheer
Offer you bodies as living sacrifices – our reasonable service
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds, proving that good and acceptable and perfect will of God
