Funeral II
John 16:31-33
INTRODUCTION: Talk about Ms. Aleeze and the peace she had about her station in life. Speak of the arrangements she made.
I. The trouble we face comes only from this world
A. God allows trouble because:
1. It reveals our hearts (Mt 13:1-9)
2. It is an opportunity to trust God. (James 1:2-5)
3. It loosens our grip on life (Ecc 12:12)
4. God can turn it around to good
B. We sometimes believe our trouble comes from a lack of faith, but it builds our faith
1. Jesus predicted our trespass and desertion, but we can come back to Him.
2. Jesus forgives us and trusts us despite our failings.
C. We cannot bluff our way through life
1. We speak of intimacy with God because it sounds spiritual but we don’t understand it.
2. We speak of the importance of being a Christian but we don’t know what that means.
3. Wouldn’t it be great to not have to fake it?
D. We need to rely on:
1. The Bible – It should top every “must read” list.
2. Each other – Strength in fellowship
3. The church – Body of believers – We cannot get that from TV or radio preachers
II. The peace we find comes only from Jesus
A. Words from the Greek:
1. Peace – Rest
2. World – Physical world
a. Used 78 times in John – The universe, the earth, the people on earth, most people, people opposed to God, the human system opposed to God’s purposes.
3. Tribulation – Pressure or burden
4. Cheer – Courage or comfort
a. “Take heart” is a practical command – we control how we react to trouble.
B. Jesus is the ONE source of hope we MUST turn to.
1. His peace transcends circumstances of this world, oppression of this world, and death.
2. We will never be alone for He is with us.
3. He keeps us safe, we cannot be safe without Him.
4. YOUcannot have peace until YOU have Christ.
III. How to overcome
A. “Overcome” in Greek = subdue, conquer, prevail
1. Jesus will know final victory.
2. Jesus’ victory over tribulation and death is given to us as our victory as well.
B. He promises to be with us in this world (Matt 28:20) “…And surely I am with you always until the end of the age.”
1. (Rom. 8:35-37) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written for your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. No in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."
2. (1 Jn.4:4) “…greater is He who is in you than He who is in the world."
CONCLUSION: Have you prepared for the trouble and death you will face by asking Jesus into your heart?
