Gospel of John - Upper Room Discourse - “But Take Heart! I Have Overcome The World.”

       

“But Take Heart! I Have Overcome The World.”

John 16:23-33

Have you ever been in that place in life, where you need the impossible done, a miracle, because no one is able to help you, or you’re so overwhelmed that fear and doubt are trying to consume you. You can overcome any of this because we have the One who has overcome the world, Jesus on the throne with God the Father. There is only one Deity, only one Almighty God who is able to do what you need, and He says, “Ask of me in the name of my Son, in whom I’m well pleased, ask for it, and I will give it, for nothing is impossible for my Son.” Jesus was giving the disciples the hope that they severely needed. Let’s look at the first portion of the text, “In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”

Jesus was coming to the time of his arrest and death and he was leaving the disciples with the one thing they need most, hope. They were uncertain at best, and lost in fear and doubt at worst. He had told them earlier, after the transfiguration on a high mountain, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you’”… “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.” (Matt. 17:20, Lk. 17:5-6) 

The disciples had asked Jesus, “Increase our faith!” when they were not able to cast out the demon. It was faith in the Son of God that they needed most, it was believing and obeying in the words of Jesus that increased their faith, “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God…by loving God and carrying out his commands. In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” (1 Jn. 5:1-5), and it was asking in faith to God the Father and the Son of God and they would give what was asked for in accordance with the will of God, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” (1 Jn. 5:14-15)

The disciples’ joy would be made complete as they placed their trust, belief and lives in the Son of God, Jesus Christ. They too would be overcomers.

Application - In a world that is escalating into a myre of darkness, there is hope, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He has vacated the world, but he has not left us alone. He has overcome the one who is in the world, namely Satan and his cohorts and minions. We as well are overcomers by our faith in Jesus.

 Jesus knows our fears and doubts, he also has given us his Holy Spirit. The power of God that raised Jesus from the grave. Jesus is telling those who believe in him, the faithful, who have placed their trust and hope in him to ask for whatever you need, for he is listening and will answer you. He has assured us our joy will be complete because he has overcome the world. We have the confidence to ask because we know that he is true to his word, for he is Truth.

Next, Jesus simplifies his rhetoric and speaks as plainly as he could. Let’s look at the next portion of the text, “Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.” Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions.”

Jesus knows his disciples, their hearts, minds, and souls. He loves them deeply, so God simplifies his words to the Son for the disciples (these words were also written in 1 Jn. 5:1-15) Jesus didn’t want his disciples to be confused like the religious leaders, who were controlled by and heirs of the author of confusion, “If God were your father,” said Jesus, “you would love me, for I came from God and arrived here. I didn’t come on my own. He sent me. Why can’t you understand one word I say? Here’s why: You can’t handle it. You’re from your father, the Devil, and all you want to do is please him. He was a killer from the very start. He couldn’t stand the truth because there wasn’t a shred of truth in him. When the Liar speaks, he makes it up out of his lying nature and fills the world with lies. I arrive on the scene, tell you the plain truth, and you refuse to have a thing to do with me… But if I’m telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? Anyone on God’s side listens to God’s words. This is why you’re not listening—because you’re not on God’s side.” (Jn. 8:42-47, the Message)

Jesus opens their hearts and minds to the plain words from God. Jesus clearly says God loves them, he sent Jesus to them so that they would believe in the Father and the Son in whom he sent and would receive eternal life. Jesus in essence told them, your love for me and for one another is what pleases God the Father. Now I’m going back to the Father, but not in the way you will understand right now, but you will understand later, and I will ask of the Father for his Holy Spirit to be sent to indwell you. 

The disciples' minds were finally opened to understanding who Jesus really was and where he came from, and why he came. They didn’t need to ask him anymore questions for they saw that Jesus had revealed all this to them.

Application - In the world, people still question who Jesus is, where he came from, and where he is right now. But Jesus gave all who believe and trust  his Word, authored by the Holy Spirit and penned by the men who believed and trusted Jesus for their salvation and lives. At first, we began slowly in understanding the mysteries of God (our salvation) “My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:2-3), the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit “God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God” (1 Corinthians 2:10), and the Kingdom of God “He said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, “‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’” (Lk. 8:10)

 God had given us hope in the work and promises of Jesus Christ. He has not left us alone or orphans, his Spirit lives in us, empowers us, guides and directs us, and he has given us the fruit of the Spirit (Love, Joy, Peace,...) to be complete. We have the confidence to enter into the Most Holy Place of heaven, “The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: “This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary. Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.(Heb 10:15-25) 

Though we can not see these yet, we have a fullness of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.  “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Heb. 11:1

Last, Jesus now opens their eyes of their hearts to the near future, and it isn’t what they want to hear. Let’s look at the last portion of the text, “This makes us believe that you came from God.” “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

The impact of Jesus’ next words would take the wind out of these fisherman's sails. Jesus tells them that they are going to scatter, run away, leave him alone in the very near future. But Jesus also reassures them that he is not totally alone, the Father will be with Him. The disciples' instincts of protection must have flared up at that moment, Peter who was always telling people to steer away from Jesus: the crowds, the rambunctious children, and the religious zealots who pestered Jesus with twisted questions. But this time, not even Peter would stand firm as we will learn later. They all would flee when Jesus was arrested.

Jesus again assures the disciples not to fret, worry, or fear. Jesus was giving them his peace, a peace that transcends all understanding “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7). Jesus knew the troubles and trials that were about to happen, but His words were like the balm of Gilead, a refreshing assurance of the truth. “But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

 

Application - Just when we think we are on top of our faith, a trial arises. An English evangelist told me this sage advice, “When you have overcome the enemy in your walk of faith, beware, a new level means a new devil to contend with.” Yes, Jesus has defeated  Satan and his ilk, but they are still loose to “...kill, steal, and destroy…” in this world. But we have nothing to fear, for “…you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.” (1 Jn. 4:4)

We have a Lord who has overcome and defeated death, hell, and the Devil. He reigns on high, with all authority over heaven and earth, and all that is within. Jesus’ words should bolster our confidence, make our cup overflow with joy, and our hearts should burst in praise for our King of kings, our Lord of lords, our Savior. For He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life into which we have entered into his kingdom. Amen

I’m again including the ABC’s of salvation (JD Farag). Please, Jesus, God the Son, came to this world to save all who would believe and trust in him. He desires to reveal himself to you, He is the Light that overcomes the darkness of this lawless world. He hears your prayers, and all authority in heaven and earth have been given to him. He will answer you if you will truly believe. And he wants to empower you with the Holy Spirit. If you haven’t asked him to be your Lord and Savior, today could be that day.

 First, A - Admit that you are a sinner. This is where that godly sorrow leads to genuine repentance for sinning against a righteous God and there is a change of heart, we change our mind and God changes our hearts and regenerates us from the inside out. Romans 3:10 - As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not one." Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (We are all born sinners which is why we must be born spiritually in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven). Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The bad news is that the wages of sin is death, in other words our sin means that we have been given a death sentence, we have the death penalty hanging over our heads, that's the bad news. But here's the good news: The good news is that the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 2:8-9 - For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Second,

 B - Believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and that God raised Jesus from the dead. This is trusting with all of your heart that Jesus Christ is who he said he was. Romans 10:9-10 - That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Third, 

C - Call upon the name of the Lord. Every single person who ever lived since Adam will bend their knee and confess with their mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord, the Lord of lords and the King of kings. Romans 14:11 - For it is written: "As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God." Don't wait until later — do this now. Romans 10:13 - For "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." "O God, I am a sinner. I'm sorry for my sin. I want to turn from my sin. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son; I believe that He died on the cross for my sin and that He was buried and You raised Him to life. I have decided to place my faith in Jesus Christ as my Savior, trusting only in His shed blood as sufficient to save my soul and to take me to heaven. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for saving me. Amen."

Please share this with someone this week, the Lord knows that we and they need it.

If you would like other lessons, please go to http://pmdinhisservice.blogspot.com 

Until next week, In His Service Mike Davis

I am developing a new webpage on Spiritual warfare. Please give it a look. I’m adding answers each week to questions that pertain to our time today.  Thank you

http://uss-warfare3.webnode.com