Peter Barnes | John 16:33
SERMON NOTES
CHRIST HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD
(John 16:33)
– in the context of confusion and sorrow, and the disciples’ being scattered (16:32); verse 33 is virtually Jesus’ last word to the disciples before His crucifixion.
1. We must expect tribulation in the world.
– see also Acts 14:21-22; 2 Tim.3:12; we must expect trouble and anguish in this fallen and sinful world.
2. Be of good cheer.
– see John 14:17; the world has its own counterfeit peace
– Matt.5:10-12; Neh.8:9-10
3. Christ has overcome the world.
– perfect tense (i.e. in the past), not the future (‘I will overcome the world’); in His life, death, and resurrection Christ is victorious; John 10:17-18
– 1 John 5:4-5; joined by faith; contrast to Luke 24:21 where the two disciples do not know the whole story
– Christians overcome because Christ has overcome (Rev.3:21; 5:5; 12:11; 15:2; 17:14; 21:7)