Persevering Through Trials: Finding Peace in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate the work God is doing in Sacramento and to share the progress of Folsom Bible Church. We are grateful for your support and prayers, which have been instrumental in our mission to plant a gospel-centered, Christ-exalting church. Our activities include weekly prayer meetings, Bible studies, home fellowship groups, and outreach programs, all aimed at equipping believers and spreading the gospel.
The core of today's message is an encouragement to persevere through trials and tribulations. Suffering is an inevitable part of the Christian journey, but it is also an opportunity to deepen our faith and trust in God's sovereignty. We explored John 16:33, where Jesus assures His disciples of peace in Him despite the tribulations in the world. This verse serves as a foundation for understanding how to overcome life's challenges.
Four key truths were highlighted to help us live victoriously through trials:
1. Knowing and believing the Word of God and its promises.
2. Understanding our place in the world as believers.
3. Recognizing that Jesus has already overcome the world.
4. Realizing that His victory guarantees our victory.
Jesus' words are meant to produce peace in our souls, a peace that transcends circumstances. This peace is rooted in the promises of God, the assurance of answered prayers, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the joy that comes from knowing Christ. We are reminded that this world is not our home; we are pilgrims passing through, and our ultimate hope is in the eternal life promised by Jesus.
In the face of tribulation, we are called to take courage because Jesus has overcome the world. His victory over sin, death, and the devil is our victory. This assurance allows us to face life's pressures with confidence and joy, knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of God's Word: Believing in the promises of God's Word is essential for overcoming trials. Jesus spoke to His disciples to give them peace, and this same peace is available to us when we anchor our souls in His promises. The Word of God produces a settledness and contentment in our hearts, enabling us to face tribulations with confidence. [49:06]
2. Understanding Our Place in the World: As believers, we must recognize that this world is not our home. We are pilgrims passing through, and our ultimate hope lies in the eternal life promised by Jesus. This perspective helps us endure trials and tribulations, knowing that our true home is with Christ in glory. [46:38]
3. Jesus' Victory is Our Victory: Jesus has already overcome the world, and His victory guarantees our victory. This assurance allows us to face life's pressures with confidence and joy, knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. We can take courage because our Savior has triumphed over sin, death, and the devil. [49:53]
4. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a promise that empowers and comforts us in the midst of trials. The Holy Spirit reminds us of Jesus' words, guides us into all truth, and produces joy in our hearts. This divine presence ensures that we are never alone and that we have the strength to persevere. [56:22]
5. The Assurance of Answered Prayer: Jesus guarantees that our prayers will be answered when we ask in His name. This promise encourages us to pray boldly and trust that God hears and responds for His glory and our good. Believing in the power of prayer strengthens our faith and helps us navigate through life's challenges. [52:59]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[38:36] - Introduction and Greetings
[39:39] - Activities at Folsom Bible Church
[42:06] - Prayer Request for a Facility
[43:29] - Encouragement in Suffering
[45:59] - Understanding Trials and Tribulations
[47:21] - John 16:33: Peace in Christ
[49:06] - The Power of God's Word
[49:53] - Jesus' Victory is Our Victory
[51:49] - Promises of the Upper Room Discourse
[56:22] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[58:59] - Joy in the Midst of Trials
[01:02:18] - Perseverance Through Persecution
[01:04:32] - Peace in Christ vs. Tribulation in the World
[01:14:43] - Knowing Our Place in the World
[01:17:25] - Take Courage: Jesus Has Overcome
[01:19:28] - The Implications of Jesus' Victory
[01:24:07] - Nothing Can Separate Us from God's Love
[01:30:48] - Final Encouragement and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- John 16:33 (ESV): "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the four key truths mentioned in John 16:33 that help believers live victoriously through trials? ([49:53])
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus' assurance of peace in John 16:33? ([49:06])
3. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in helping believers during trials? ([56:22])
4. What does the sermon say about the assurance of answered prayer and its impact on our faith? ([52:59])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding our place in the world as believers help us endure trials and tribulations? ([46:38])
2. In what ways does Jesus' victory over the world provide us with confidence and joy in facing life's pressures? ([49:53])
3. How does the indwelling of the Holy Spirit empower and comfort us during times of suffering? ([56:22])
4. What does it mean to have peace that transcends circumstances, as described in John 16:33? ([49:06])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent trial you faced. How did your understanding of God's promises influence your response? ([49:06])
2. In what ways can you remind yourself daily that this world is not your home and that your ultimate hope lies in eternal life with Jesus? ([46:38])
3. How can you practically take courage in your daily life, knowing that Jesus has overcome the world? ([49:53])
4. Think of a situation where you felt overwhelmed by life's pressures. How can the assurance of answered prayer change your approach to similar situations in the future? ([52:59])
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit for guidance and comfort. What steps can you take to invite the Holy Spirit's presence into that area? ([56:22])
6. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of peace in your soul, rooted in the promises of God, despite the tribulations you face? ([49:06])
7. Consider someone in your life who is currently going through a difficult time. How can you share the message of Jesus' victory and the peace He offers with them? ([49:53])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of God's Word
Believing in the promises of God's Word is essential for overcoming trials. Jesus spoke to His disciples to give them peace, and this same peace is available to us when we anchor our souls in His promises. The Word of God produces a settledness and contentment in our hearts, enabling us to face tribulations with confidence. When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we are reminded of God's faithfulness and His unchanging nature. This knowledge fortifies our spirit and equips us to handle life's challenges with a sense of divine assurance.
In John 16:33, Jesus tells His disciples, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." This verse underscores the importance of knowing and believing God's Word. It is through His Word that we find the peace that transcends all understanding, a peace that is not dependent on our circumstances but rooted in the eternal promises of God. [49:06]
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: What specific promise from God's Word can you hold onto today to help you face your current challenges with peace and confidence?
Day 2: Understanding Our Place in the World
As believers, we must recognize that this world is not our home. We are pilgrims passing through, and our ultimate hope lies in the eternal life promised by Jesus. This perspective helps us endure trials and tribulations, knowing that our true home is with Christ in glory. When we understand our transient nature in this world, we can better navigate the difficulties we face, knowing that they are temporary and that our eternal destination is secure.
This understanding shifts our focus from earthly struggles to heavenly promises. It allows us to live with a sense of purpose and direction, knowing that our lives are part of a greater divine plan. By keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and the eternal life He offers, we can find the strength to persevere through any hardship, confident that our ultimate reward is with Him. [46:38]
Hebrews 13:14 (ESV): "For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come."
Reflection: How does knowing that this world is not your home change the way you handle your current struggles and challenges?
Day 3: Jesus' Victory is Our Victory
Jesus has already overcome the world, and His victory guarantees our victory. This assurance allows us to face life's pressures with confidence and joy, knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. We can take courage because our Savior has triumphed over sin, death, and the devil. This victory is not just a future promise but a present reality that empowers us to live victoriously every day.
Understanding that Jesus' victory is our victory means that we are not fighting for victory but from victory. This perspective changes how we approach our battles, knowing that the outcome has already been secured by Christ. It gives us the confidence to face any challenge, knowing that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. [49:53]
1 Corinthians 15:57 (ESV): "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to claim the victory that Jesus has already won for you?
Day 4: The Role of the Holy Spirit
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a promise that empowers and comforts us in the midst of trials. The Holy Spirit reminds us of Jesus' words, guides us into all truth, and produces joy in our hearts. This divine presence ensures that we are never alone and that we have the strength to persevere. The Holy Spirit acts as our helper, advocate, and comforter, providing us with the spiritual resources we need to navigate life's challenges.
The Holy Spirit's role is crucial in our journey of faith. He not only empowers us to live according to God's will but also comforts us in times of distress. By yielding to the Holy Spirit, we can experience His guidance, wisdom, and peace, which are essential for overcoming trials and living a victorious Christian life. [56:22]
John 14:26 (ESV): "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."
Reflection: How can you be more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance in your daily life?
Day 5: The Assurance of Answered Prayer
Jesus guarantees that our prayers will be answered when we ask in His name. This promise encourages us to pray boldly and trust that God hears and responds for His glory and our good. Believing in the power of prayer strengthens our faith and helps us navigate through life's challenges. When we pray in alignment with God's will, we can be confident that He will answer our prayers in the best possible way.
The assurance of answered prayer is a powerful motivator for us to engage in regular, heartfelt communication with God. It reminds us that we have a direct line to the Creator of the universe, who is attentive to our needs and desires. This assurance not only strengthens our faith but also deepens our relationship with God, as we learn to trust Him more fully with every aspect of our lives. [52:59]
1 John 5:14-15 (ESV): "And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him."
Reflection: What specific prayer can you boldly bring before God today, trusting in His promise to hear and answer?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I want to encourage you to persevere with the Lord, to overcome, and to be triumphant in them and through them, and to not shrink back from following Christ or to deviate from His path. If we don't understand trials, we can fall prey to the devil's lies. We can begin to question God's goodness and His love. Is He really there and does He really care? Whether He's really in control." [43:29] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, command, I have overcome the world. The four truths that I see here, in order to live victorious in the trials, you must know and believe the word of God and its promises to you. That's a no-brainer. But it's still a truth. Secondly, you must know if you're going to overcome your place in the world as a believer. This is not your home and these are not your friends." [49:06] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Think of this. This is the love of God for his own. And you only know these things by reading the word of God. As the preacher, as the pastor said earlier in reading Psalm 42, stop listening to yourself. You ain't faithful. Listen to God. Speak the word of God to yourself, these truths. And it'll start to, you know, clear away the dust, and you will see things clearly in the midst of turmoil." [58:24] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Overcoming in this life begins with trusting Christ and his promises. I mean, that's not new revelation. It's just you need to be reminded of that. Those things that you know. So stick your pointy little nose in the Bible. Believe what you read and live accordingly. This settles the mind. It settles the soul. No matter the outer circumstances." [01:07:16] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Take courage I have overcome the world. Do you do you believe this what I just said do you believe that and if not are you asked to believe that the implication of take courage I have overcome is that his overcoming is directly related to your overcoming what's the so what he overcome that's great Jesus I'm glad you're happy and you're victorious but what's that do for me I'm glad you asked it means that you can take courage and that you will not be defeated you will overcome as I have overcome." [01:25:42] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The Bible has much to say on this matter of suffering. The many different words that are found both in the Hebrew and the Greek speak of pain, injury, harm, both physically and mentally. It speaks of pressures causing distress, misery, unhappiness, the deep pain and sorrow felt so intensely in your heart from the loss of a child or a spouse or a loved one that you can hardly breathe. The emotional pain from that sense of loss is affliction and you are tempted to be angry at God, turn your back on God." [44:24] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If we're going to overcome trials, we need to take God at his word. We need to believe his word, and we need to fill our minds with the truth. He's also concerned for our perseverance, for their perseverance originally. In John 16, listen to this. He warned them of persecution before it came so that when it came, they wouldn't fall away. Listen to John 16, one through four. These things I have spoken so that you may be kept from stumbling." [01:01:40] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We must know our place in the world. We must know the word of God and the promises if we're going to overcome tribulation. I briefly say this. We must know our place in the world. What do I mean by that? That we must expect trouble and trials. We must know that the world is not our home. We are pilgrims passing through. We are merely Bedouins, spiritual Bedouins passing through this world." [01:14:43] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "His overcoming is our overcoming the world cannot defeat him and if you are in Christ it cannot defeat you you any more than it could destroy him you get that martyrdom now there you go we took his life that guy believed Jesus but we fixed him we killed him is that a defeat no because to be absent from the body is to be what present with the Lord haha right." [01:27:48] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Who will separate us from the love of Christ right who will separate will affliction we've been talking about that today will affliction separate you from the love of Christ how about turmoil persecution perhaps how about famine nakedness or peril or sword you know it's interesting persecution famine nakedness peril that's happening to true believers so a true believer can experience famine nakedness and peril will that separate you from the love of Christ." [01:28:35] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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