The Good News: The Gospel According to John

Jesus Overcome The World

Sunday April 19, 2026 - Pastor Daniel Griffith

John 16:31-33

Jesus asked, "Do you finally believe? But the time is coming-indeed it's here now-when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." (Jn.16:31-33)

Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers." Peter said, "Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you." But Jesus said, "Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me." (Lk.22:32-34)

Looking at the situation

Jesus should have been in despair:

• 1. The time he most needed his disciples to stand with him was at hand. But he knew they would break and abandon him.
• 2. But he also knew he was not alone: His father would stand with him.
• 3. And he knew he was about to accomplish what would forever cause the weakest believer to be able to face and overcome any thing life and hell could bring against them.

Jesus gives us the ability to take Heart

We see Jesus promising several things:

• 1. You will have to face trials and sorrows - but Jesus will give you a heart to overcome these hard times.
• 2. After the cross comes resurrection: We can face life with resurrection strength and victory!
  • a. The key to any life battle is the condition of our heart (How you see your trouble determines if you win or lose)
  • b. Jesus gives us the ability to "take or find heart"
  • c. You can look to yourself (limited) or look to Jesus- who can "....make a way were there is no way!"

What does it mean to take heart?

To take heart is to take encouragement, to embrace hope, confess confidence in Jesus.

• 1. What defeats us when facing difficulties and sorrows? We don't see any any solution or hope of getting around or through the problem.
  • a. We lose hope or give up - we lose heart.
  • b. Why? Because there is no human way or means.
  • c. What about human positive thinking or ingenuity? This is self strength which can be resilient but life problems can overcome even the most positive and smartest of us.

Jesus' Victory for Us

The difference for the Believer in Jesus Christ:

We are never alone

("Jesus said ..." surely I am with you always") (Matt.28:20)

• a. The gift of his supernatural peace and presence!

  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil.4:6-7)

• b. He gives us the gift of "taking heart" - assurance that where we have an unavoidable cross facing us we have an undeniable resurrection strength to move through our problems.

The Fellowship of the Overcoming

One of the purposes of the Church Is being there!

• 1. The worst thing in facing crises or problems is feeling alone
• 2. Jesus said to Peter "...when you return strengthen your brothers..."(Lk.22)
  • a. The Power of testimony: what God did for me!
  • b. The Power of "agreeing prayer" (Matt.18:19)
  • c. The Power of "spiritual gift giving"
• 3. Importance of small groups (the church of 2 or more) Matt.18:19

Decision Time

Are your facing a life trial or sorrow?

Will you stop looking at your circumstance or loss and Look to Jesus? Embrace His Peace ?

Will you let us Stand with you? (you are not alone!)