THE PEACE THAT COMES FROM CHRIST

PROCLAMATION

“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.”  John 16:33 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to the Apostle John and written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter, John records the words which Jesus spoke to His disciples to explain why He was leaving them and what it would mean for them.  Jesus said that after He left them, The Holy Spirit would come and guide them into all truth, (John 16:13) teach them, and increase their understanding.  What The Spirit will reveal to them would not be anything new, He will help them recall and understand the things which Christ spoke to them. (John 14:26 and 16:14-15)  Jesus told them that He would leave them, and they would lament and be sorrowful for a while, but their grief would soon turn to joy. (John 16:19-22)  He also told them that they would be scattered.  Then He told them that He was telling them these things so that they would have peace during the trouble they would face. (John 16:31-33)

 

APPLICATION

Jesus, The Christ, left heaven and came to earth to die.  He did not come here to stay; He had to leave and return to heaven.  His death and resurrection was necessary in order to pay for our sins and for our salvation.  Additionally, while He was wrapped in human flesh, He could only be in one place at a time, but His Holy Spirit could be everywhere all at the same time.  The Holy Spirit can guide us and teach us, each one of us as we need it, all at the same time.  We know that The Holy Spirit is working within us when we are glorifying God.  However, The Holy Spirit of God only dwells within those of us who believe in Jesus, The Christ, and who have accepted Him as our personal savior. (John 14:17, Romans 8:11, 1 John 3:24 and 4:13)  While we are in this troubled world, believers will have His perfect peace as long as our mind is on Him. (Isaiah 26:3)  We should not worry about the things of this world because Christ has already overcome the world. (John 16:33)