Finding True Peace in Christ's Victory
Summary
In today's reflection, we delve into the profound paradox of peace as presented in John 16:32-33. Jesus, in His farewell discourse, prepares His disciples for a time of transformation, where they will transition from His physical presence to a spiritual one. This passage is not just a historical account but a timeless message for all believers living in the tension of the "already but not yet" of God's kingdom. Jesus assures us that while the world offers tribulation, in Him, we find peace. This peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of the victor, a peace that transcends circumstances and is rooted in a relationship with Christ.
The paradox of peace is evident in the Advent season, where we celebrate Christ's first coming and anticipate His return. This duality mirrors the disciples' experience of moving from visible leadership to invisible guidance, from earthly peace to supernatural peace. Jesus' declaration, "I have overcome the world," is a powerful reminder that our peace is secured not by our efforts but by His victory. This peace is a gift that sustains us through trials, offering a sense of wholeness and assurance even amidst life's challenges.
The disciples' journey reflects our own, as they had to learn to trust in Christ's presence despite His physical absence. Their failures and shortcomings remind us that God uses imperfect people to fulfill His purposes. Our value in God's mission is not based on our abilities but on His grace working through us. This understanding should embolden us, knowing that God is our constant companion, never leaving nor forsaking us.
As we navigate the complexities of life, we are reminded that true peace is not found in the absence of problems but in the presence of the peacemaker. This peace is a divine mystery, existing right in the middle of our storms and struggles. It is a peace that surpasses all understanding, rooted in the assurance that our conqueror has already won the victory. In Christ, we find both perfect peace and complete victory, enabling us to face life's challenges with courage and confidence.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Paradox of Peace: True peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of the victor. Jesus assures us that in Him, we find peace despite the tribulations of the world. This peace is rooted in a relationship with Christ, transcending circumstances and offering wholeness amidst life's challenges. [08:53]
2. God Uses Imperfect People: The disciples' failures remind us that God uses imperfect people to fulfill His purposes. Our value in God's mission is not based on our abilities but on His grace working through us. This understanding should embolden us, knowing that God is our constant companion. [14:46]
3. God as Our Companion: God promises never to leave nor forsake us. His presence is active and alive, working in and around us. This assurance should embolden us, knowing that we are never alone, even in our darkest moments. [18:04]
4. Peace in the Midst of Trouble: Jesus' peace is not dependent on circumstances but on His victory. This divine peace exists right in the middle of our storms and struggles, offering assurance and strength to face life's challenges with courage. [25:07]
5. Victory Through Christ: Our peace is secured not by our efforts but by Christ's victory. In Him, we find both perfect peace and complete victory, enabling us to face life's challenges with confidence, knowing that our conqueror has already won the battle. [32:52]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:36] - Assurance of God's Presence
[01:52] - Thanksgiving and Praise
[02:27] - Prayer for Clarity
[04:21] - Preparing for Transformation
[08:53] - The Paradox of Peace
[10:05] - Observations on the Disciples
[14:46] - God Uses Imperfect People
[18:04] - God as Our Companion
[20:00] - God's Presence in Our Lives
[22:21] - God as Our Comforter
[25:07] - Peace in the Midst of Trouble
[30:01] - The Source of Our Peace
[32:52] - Victory Through Christ
[38:44] - Resting in His Peace
[42:08] - The Assurance of God's Plan
[43:41] - Invitation to Peace with God
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 16:32-33
- Isaiah 9:6 (Prophecy of the Prince of Peace)
- Matthew 28:20 (Jesus' promise of His presence)
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Observation Questions:
1. In John 16:32, Jesus mentions that the disciples will be scattered and leave Him alone. What does He say about His own state of being alone? [00:36]
2. How does Jesus describe the peace He offers in John 16:33, and how does it contrast with the tribulation in the world? [22:21]
3. What examples from the sermon illustrate the disciples' failures and how God still used them? [10:05]
4. How does the sermon describe the nature of God's companionship with us, even in our darkest moments? [18:04]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the paradox of peace mean in the context of Jesus' farewell discourse, and how does it relate to the Advent season? [08:53]
2. How does the sermon explain the significance of God using imperfect people for His purposes, and what does this reveal about God's grace? [14:46]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God's presence is active and alive in our lives, and how should this impact our daily living? [20:00]
4. How does the sermon interpret Jesus' statement, "I have overcome the world," and what implications does this have for believers facing life's challenges? [32:52]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt alone in a difficult situation. How can the assurance of God's presence, as described in the sermon, change your perspective in similar situations? [18:04]
2. The sermon highlights that true peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of the victor. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with Christ to experience this peace in your current struggles? [25:07]
3. Consider the ways you might feel inadequate or unworthy in your spiritual journey. How does the sermon’s message about God using imperfect people encourage you to step out in faith? [14:46]
4. The sermon mentions that God's peace is a gift that sustains us through trials. What practical steps can you take to rely more on this peace rather than your own efforts when facing challenges? [22:21]
5. How can you remind yourself of Jesus' victory over the world in moments of fear or anxiety, and what specific actions can you take to live boldly in this truth? [32:52]
6. The sermon suggests that God's presence should embolden us. Identify an area in your life where you need to be more courageous. How can you invite God's active presence into that situation? [20:00]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s message about peace being rooted in a relationship with Christ. What specific changes can you make in your daily routine to prioritize and deepen this relationship? [08:53]
Devotional
Day 1: The Paradox of Peace
In the midst of life's tribulations, true peace is found not in the absence of conflict but in the presence of Christ, the victor. This peace transcends circumstances and is deeply rooted in a relationship with Jesus. As believers, we live in the tension of the "already but not yet" of God's kingdom, where we experience both the challenges of the world and the assurance of Christ's victory. Jesus' words in John 16:32-33 remind us that while the world may offer tribulation, in Him, we find a peace that surpasses all understanding. This peace is a divine gift that sustains us through trials, offering a sense of wholeness and assurance even amidst life's challenges. [08:53]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you seeking peace through your own efforts rather than resting in the victory of Christ? How can you shift your focus to trust in His presence today?
Day 2: God Uses Imperfect People
The journey of the disciples is a powerful reminder that God uses imperfect people to fulfill His purposes. Despite their failures and shortcomings, the disciples were chosen to carry out God's mission. This truth should embolden us, knowing that our value in God's mission is not based on our abilities but on His grace working through us. We are reminded that God is our constant companion, never leaving nor forsaking us, and that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. This understanding encourages us to embrace our imperfections and trust in God's ability to work through us for His glory. [14:46]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: What is one area of weakness in your life that you can offer to God, trusting Him to use it for His purposes? How can you rely on His grace to work through you today?
Day 3: God as Our Companion
God promises never to leave nor forsake us, and His presence is active and alive, working in and around us. This assurance should embolden us, knowing that we are never alone, even in our darkest moments. The disciples had to learn to trust in Christ's presence despite His physical absence, and their journey reflects our own. As we navigate the complexities of life, we are reminded that true peace is not found in the absence of problems but in the presence of the peacemaker. This divine mystery exists right in the middle of our storms and struggles, offering assurance and strength to face life's challenges with courage. [18:04]
Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV): "It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."
Reflection: How can you cultivate an awareness of God's presence in your daily life, especially during challenging times? What practices can help you remember that you are never alone?
Day 4: Peace in the Midst of Trouble
Jesus' peace is not dependent on circumstances but on His victory. This divine peace exists right in the middle of our storms and struggles, offering assurance and strength to face life's challenges with courage. As believers, we are called to embrace this peace, knowing that our conqueror has already won the victory. This understanding enables us to face life's challenges with confidence, knowing that our peace is secured not by our efforts but by Christ's victory. In Him, we find both perfect peace and complete victory, allowing us to navigate the complexities of life with courage and confidence. [25:07]
John 14:27 (ESV): "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
Reflection: What current storm or struggle in your life can you invite Jesus into, asking Him to bring His peace and victory? How can you actively rely on His strength in this situation?
Day 5: Victory Through Christ
Our peace is secured not by our efforts but by Christ's victory. In Him, we find both perfect peace and complete victory, enabling us to face life's challenges with confidence, knowing that our conqueror has already won the battle. This assurance allows us to rest in His peace, trusting that His plans for us are good and that He is working all things together for our good. As we reflect on the victory of Christ, we are reminded that our ultimate hope and security are found in Him, and that His peace is a gift that sustains us through all of life's challenges. [32:52]
1 Corinthians 15:57-58 (ESV): "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
Reflection: How can you live in the reality of Christ's victory today, allowing it to shape your perspective and actions? What steps can you take to rest in His peace and trust in His plans for your life?
Quotes
Somebody hear that this morning. I am not alone. Why? For the father is with me. Verse 33. I have said these things to you. That. In me. You may have. Peace. In the world. You will have. Tribulation. Oh, but take heart. I have overcome. The world. [00:00:44] (36 seconds)
Now, what makes this passage particularly powerful for Advent is how it holds together the tension between present trouble and assured victory. Between physical absence and spiritual presence. Between the peace. We already have in Christ and the peace we still await. This is the very tension that Advent helps us to navigate. [00:08:41] (26 seconds)
Family, I will submit to you this morning humbly that peace, true peace, real peace cannot endure away. Apart from the presence of the peacemaker. [00:09:47] (17 seconds)
And that no matter where you are, no matter where you go, there's nowhere we can go where he is not. You can't run too far. You can't run fast enough to outlive his presence, his love. You can't go too far to outlove his grace. You can't move too far where you've gone beyond his ability to grab you and touch you and make something of your life. He's a companion. And he said, I'd never leave you nor forsake you. Even until the end. Even until the age. That's a promise that we can count on. And I don't know about you, but I'm thankful that God said he'd never leave me. I've run so much. I thought I needed track shoes, but God chased me down. His love chased me down. His provision chased me down. His word chased me down. His Holy Spirit chased me down. He ran after me and said, I love you too much to let you go. He's a companion. He's a companion. He's a companion. We see it. And I love, I love how we see these types and shadows all throughout scripture. We see it in Genesis chapter 18. He says, for I am with you. [00:18:12] (69 seconds)
Matthew 28, we see, lo, I'm with you always, even until the end of the age. God is with us. He's a companion. He's a companion. And listen, here's what that should do. That should embolden us and it should excite us. But it should also make us nervous. Amen. Amen. Because we love hearing, God, you're with me. I know you're with me. You're always there. You're a fence around me. You're a hedge around me. And we love that. but that means when we're acting up, he's there too. Help me, Holy Ghost. That means when you're driving down 295 and that person cuts you off and you want to use some colored language, amen, that means, listen, he's there too. When you want to go that place, go to that place where you know you really shouldn't go and that place where you told God, God, I'll never go there again. Guess what? He's with you then too. [00:19:23] (58 seconds)
And the fact that he's a companion means that he's not just with us in good times. He's with us in bad times. He's not just with us when we behave. He's with us when we're wilding out too. So that means that he's a God who loves us and understands us fully and wants to use us and redeem us for his good and his glory. He's a companion. Let me tell you a story. I was in the basement of our home and I was probably watching a game because I love basketball. Did you know I love basketball? And I'm pretty sure I dozed off on the couch. Amen. And at some point during the night, I heard the pitter patter of like the stomping of not so little feet because that boy's a good boy. He's getting big. And I heard it faintly coming down from our upper level and onto our main level and beginning to move down the stairs. And I started to hear a panicked voice. Daddy, daddy, daddy. And it had to be the middle of the night. The lights were all out. And I could imagine what would go through the mind of a half asleep toddler. And I began to hear him more and more and he got more. More exacerbated. Daddy, daddy, daddy. And every time I heard him say it, I could hear the nervousness. I could hear the anxiety rise him. And finally, I called back to him. Yes, savior, are you okay? And he hurried down the remainder of the steps down to the couch. Said, there you are, daddy. Yeah. And hop right on the couch and lay. down next to me because there's something about presence. It was dark. He was confused. He was unsure what was going on. He wasn't sure what was happening but all he wanted to know was where's my father and as soon as he understood that his father was presence, help me here. He was okay. I'm good now that you're here. I'm okay now that you're here. Now that you're here, it's all right. Everything's all right. I don't have to worry anymore. Lord because you're here and in the same way, we can be excited when we go through our dark times and say, Lord, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you are with me. He's a companion. He's a companion. Let's keep going. Um Lord have mercy. Verse thirty -three. Let's keep walking. At the top of verse thirty -three, he says, I have said these things. I have said these things to you that in me, you may have peace. [00:20:35] (168 seconds)
Now, I just wanna point this out briefly. Again, this is just one of my one of the observations on our walk. Amen. I know this seems theologically trite because we are reading the words of Jesus but there's something that jumped out at me when I read this. Y 'all ready? God spoke to them. Now, maybe that doesn't mean much to you. But I am awestruck of the fact that God hears, God speaks to me and the miracle of the fact that I can hear him. Maybe that doesn't mean much to you but I remember when my eyes were closed, I was blind to his love and his goodness. I was blind to his love and his goodness. I was blind to his love and his goodness. My ears were shut and and and I couldn't hear his love, his word, his song singing over my life. I couldn't hear his will. I couldn't hear his way and it reminded me, Pastor Joel of of of um the poem, the prayer late have I loved you by Augustine of Hippo, great theologian, North African scholar, um one of the church fathers and he says late have I loved you. [00:23:24] (82 seconds)
Beauty so ancient, so new and he goes on, he says, you flashed and you've shown you broke through my blindness. You shouted you called you dispelled my deafness and I just need us to remember that God in his love and his power broke through our blindness he broke through our deafness where we could not see him he opened our eyes where we could not hear him he opened our ears so now we can hear and declare the works of the lord see i don't know about you but i'm thankful that god speaks we have a god that still speaks song says lift them up lift them up still he speaks from eternity and if i if i be lifted up on from the earth i'll draw men unto me he still speaks our god still speaks and and and and so here it is he's not just a companion he's a comforter he's a comforter keep going he said these things he spoke to them what did he say he said all these things to you now most believe he's referring to everything he said in the farewell discourses how he was preparing you them how he was downloading into them and he said all these things he says look at this that in me you may have what peace you may have peace in the world you'll have tribulation but in me you'll have peace in the world you'll have problems but in me you have peace in the world you'll have difficulty but in me you'll have peace in the world you'll have disagreement but in me you'll have peace in the world you'll have ignorance and racism and sexism and classism but in me you'll have peace in the world you'll have poverty and disenfranchisement and disenfranchisement but in me you'll have peace in the world you'll have all these problems but in me you'll have peace somebody say that say peace peace when peace like a river intended my way peace peace it's the paradox family of Christian peace that peace is not the absence of problems [00:24:56] (152 seconds)
paradox it's based on relationship not circumstances paradox and that Christ's victory is our peace paradox and what blows me away about this Deacon Harrigan is that of all the things Jesus could have done he didn't say in the world you'll you'll have tribulation and in me you'll have peace that in me you won't have um I'm gonna take away all your problems he didn't say that in me you'll have smooth sailing that that in me that all the numbers will add up that in me the marriage will always be smooth that in me the kids will always do what they're supposed to do that in me the job will always treat you right that in me there won't be any issues in the street that in me you'll have who you wanna have in the White House help me in here he said in me you'll have peace [00:27:19] (63 seconds)
peace peace peace shalom peace wholeness not absence of conflict wholeness that in the middle of difficulty Jesus is saying to the disciples in me you'll be okay I'm not gonna change everything that's happening all around you but I'm gonna change what's happening in you [00:28:43] (26 seconds)
and I wanna talk to somebody today that that's like Lord why don't you fix all this Lord Lord Lord why don't why don't you just change that why don't you just make them act right Lord why don't you just put some more money in there and I don't know who that's for Lord why don't you put some more stuff under the tree Lord why don't you make this easier why don't you take some weight off the bar and God says no I'm not fixing the situation because I'm using the situation to fix you [00:29:51] (32 seconds)
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