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. - John 16: 33 Suppose Jesus had come, but failed to complete His assignment. What if Jesus had become one of us through incarnation and then, been defeated by the Devil, like so many of the rest of us? If so, then His coming would have been for naught and we would yet be in our sins. But, thanks be to God that Jesus not only came and became, He overcame! 1. He overcame anxiety and fear. (These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.) On the eve of His crucifixion, the Lord assured His anxious disciples that whatever they were about to face, He had already overcome. In spite of rumors of war, they would have peace. Without regard to rumblings of economic doom, they would have prosperity. Never mind the ranting and railing of oppressors, they would have protection. Because He overcame, they could relax in the confidence that they would too. 2. He overcame depression and sorrow. (...but be of good cheer...) Often a battle is lost long before it has even begun because the spirit of the warrior has been broken and defeated. The odds seem overwhelming. The tasks seem impossible. Loss seems inevitable. Sorrow, mourning, grief and depression seem quite normal. Still, Jesus declares: "Be of good cheer!" Not bad cheer which is like whistling through a cemetery at night. Good cheer is a real and sincere joy based on the love, grace and power of God to see you through. 3. He overcame the world. (I have overcome the world.) Have you forgotten Psalm 24: 1? "The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein." The whole earth and everything in it belongs to Him. It obeys Him. It serves Him. It is subject to Him. When the Master says: "I have overcome the world," that means it and everybody and everything in it. Period. Full stop. End of discussion. Thank God He overcame! Pastor Benjamin Morris🙏🏽
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