Be of Good Cheer: I have Overcome

Be of Good Cheer: I have Overcome 

Study Text: John 16:33

Introduction:

This Scriptural verse emphasizes the importance of a believer in Christ to maintain a positive and hopeful outlook, even in the face of adversity.

This is because Christ has overcome the world and He is always present to offer strength and peace.

 It encourages believers to find joy and courage in their faith, remembering that God's promises are true and that He is working all things for their good. Romans 8:28

The phrase "Be of good cheer is highlighting God's presence and power to dispel fear. It reminds us that God is stronger than any challenge we face. 

 God is with His Children in every situation, offering comfort, guidance, and strength, we are never left alone in our struggles. 

Therefore, through faith in Christ, believers have already overcome the world and its challenges. This perspective shifts the focus from being a victim to being a victor.

We shall be discussing the topic under three subheadings:

1.  The Prophesied Trouble: You will have Tribulation 

2.  The Prescribed Peace: Be of Good Cheer

3.  The Promised Victory: I have Overcome

1.  The Prophesied Trouble 

We shall have tribulation in this world but Jesus overcame the world so that we can have salvation and everlasting life.

We are not yet in the Tribulation period, it will be worse than the troubles we have now. The Christians won’t be here when the Tribulation comes, because it will happen after the Rapture of the Saints to Heaven. 

But there is trouble in every life, and Christ is informing us that we will have a share as Christians living in the World.

The Lord was preparing His disciples for things to come. They did not know He will be arrested and crucified, and that they will be scattered and fear for their lives and eventually die because they preach the Gospel. 

Today, Christians are actually being persecuted and killed. A lot of Christians in the world are being persecuted today. We have not suffered as others have and we should thank God for that.

Trouble in our lives may not come as persecution, but as family strife and illness because we live in a sin-cursed world, and therefore trouble is expected.

 God is not angry with you and you should not rush to that as the first conclusion. If God chastens you it is to cause you to return to him because you’ve gone astray. He only chastens if you need it. But more often it is a Satanic attack because you have  been doing right. 

Satan will attack those who work for the Lord. Sometimes we are sick for the glory of God. Sometimes God works through our illness to be a blessing to others. Trouble comes to us for many reasons.

For a Little While

Jesus prepares His disciples and clearly says that trouble is coming. Jesus says He would leave to go to the Father and prepare a place for us and will come again in a little while. They didn’t understand. He said trouble is coming and the world will celebrate and they will lament in sorrow. But He would return and they will have joy.

 No man will take hope from us — hope is permanent. Everything in this life is temporary but Jesus gives us the promise of hope.

Jesus tells His disciples to pray in His name from that point forward. They haven’t ever done that before. The promise of answered prayer “will be given to you” He tells them.

 Sometimes affliction is for the glory of God but ask  in Jesus name so your joy will be full. Don’t pray for something you know is not right. You can go directly to the Father’s throne and pray, “Our Father, who art in Heaven…” God hears you and your prayers are precious to Him.

2.  The Prescribed Peace 

In the midst of the trouble in the World, Jesus told His disciples to be of good cheer. This mean to be at peace in the midst of troubles.

 Hold your peace. That indicates something is trying to take it away: thoughts of worry, fear, anxiety.

 You might think, “What if it doesn’t happen? What am I going to do?” If you will just stay in peace, the Creator of the universe, the Most High God will go to work on your behalf.

Remember, nothing can stand against our God. He has all power. He stopped the sun for Joshua. He closed the mouths of hungry lions for Daniel. Whatever you face in life, if you will just hold your peace and remain at rest, He will fight your battles and lead you into everlasting victory.

Peace is the foundation God uses to do every memorable thing in our lives. We need to be broken from every battle: spiritually emotionally and physically in order for God to make us lie down in green pastures. Psalms 23: 1-2

 Remember God does not anoint or empower the flesh. So receive the peace that flows like a river that attends the soul of a believer in Christ Jesus.

Hold Your Peace, or Be of Good Cheer focuses on the biblical instruction to trust in God's power and remain calm amidst trials, instead of resorting to worry or self-effort. 

1.  It emphasizes that when facing adversity, believers are called to quiet their anxieties and trust that God will fight for them, leading to victory and peace. 

2.  This  is a call to relinquish control and trust that God is able to handle the situation. 

3.  It is about finding rest and peace in the knowledge that God is fighting for you, just as He did for the Israelites at the Red Sea. 

There is a great  tendency to worry or react impulsively when faced with challenges, but we must resist these tendencies and choose faith instead. 

4.  It encourages believers to fix their eyes on Jesus and His promises, rather than on the problem or their own perceived limitations.

 

 God often uses times of quietness and waiting to reveal His plan and bring about His desired outcome. 

5.  It is presented as a form of spiritual warfare, where you are actively choosing faith over fear. 

It is good to know that inner peace is the foundation for God's work in one's life. 

6.  It emphasizes that God is in control, and His sovereignty is a source of comfort and assurance. 

It often requires patience and perseverance, trusting that God's timing is perfect. 

Some of these positive steps will be of great help:

1.  Learn to identify and challenge negative thoughts that lead to worry and anxiety. 

2.  Seek God's Guidance.  Turn to prayer and scripture for direction and reassurance. 

3.  Be Still and Listen: Cultivate a habit of quiet reflection and meditation on God's Word. 

4.  Respond with Grace: Practice self-control and respond to challenges with kindness and wisdom.

3.  The Promised Victory 

Jesus said: Be of Good Cheer, for I have Overcome:

If you believe you are a victor who has been granted deliverance in Christ over the devil and the kingdom of darkness, it will be obvious in the way you live. 

You will look at the problems, failures, and successes of this life from the lens of that victory which you have in Christ.

On the other hand, if you have no knowledge of this victory, though you  are a Christian, you will live just like those who are still subject to the power of darkness. 

The dominion granted to you over sins and temptations will not take effect, simply because you have no knowledge of it.

Your battle with the power of darkness ends when you received the gospel. It is in the gospel that the true victory is granted. 1 John 5:4

Be of Good Cheer for I have Overcome: focuses on the triumph believers have in Jesus Christ over sin, death, and the power of the enemy. 

It emphasizes that this victory is a gift, not something earned, and is accessed through faith and a relationship with Jesus. 

  1. The Source of Victory: Jesus Christ's Sacrifice:

The foundation of victory is Jesus death on the cross, which atoned for sin and defeated death. 

Christ's resurrection signifies victory over death and provides believers with hope for eternal life. 

Victory is not something earned through human effort but is a free gift from God, received through faith. 

 2. The Series of Victory:

1.  Victory over Sin:

Through Christ, believers can overcome the power of sin and live a righteous life. 

2.  Victory over Death:

Jesus victory over death offers believers the promise of eternal life and hope beyond physical death. 

3.  Victory over The Devil and Evil Forces:

Believers are empowered to resist the devil and his schemes. 

4.  Victory over Trials and Tribulations:

Even in the midst of suffering and challenges, believers can find strength and victory in Christ. 

 3. The Steps to Victory:

1.  Faith: 

Believing in Jesus and His finished work is essential. 

2.  Living by the Spirit:

 Walking in step with the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live a victorious life. 

3.  Love for Others:

 Demonstrating love for fellow believers is a sign of having the life of Christ. 

4.  Remaining Steadfast:

 Persevering in faith and resisting the temptation to give up.

 5.  Confidence in God's Love: 

Believers can be confident that nothing can separate them from God's love. 

6.  Hope for the Future: 

Victory in Christ provides hope for the future, both in this life and in eternity.