Faith that Overcomes!
“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.” John 16:33 (NLT2)
As you read John 16 it helps to remember that chapters 13 through 17 were the actions and words spoken by Jesus the night before His death. These five chapters were part of a single message of His final instructions to prepare His small group of disciples for what was about to happen, events that would change their lives forever! He knew their faith would be tested and He didn’t want them to be overcome. Despite the sorrow and hardships they would face, He wanted them to be overcomers!
Just like the disciples, how often we are confused, disillusioned and afraid. Jesus knew what lay ahead, and he did not want the disciples' faith shaken or destroyed. God wants you to know you are not alone. You have the Holy Spirit to comfort you, teach you truth, and help you. Jesus told them that when He leaves, God would send them the Holy Spirit. As you read this chapter consider the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit, who gives us faith that overcomes.
“He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness and of the coming judgment.” (Verse 8)
“He will guide you into all truth.” (Verse 13)
“He will bring Me (Jesus) glory by telling you whatever He receives from Me.” (Verse 14)
Jesus called the Holy Spirit our “Advocate” which can also be translated “Encourager, Helper, Comforter or Counselor.” The word in the Greek is “Parakletos” from two Greek words that literally mean “one who comes alongside of us” According to Vine’s Dictionary of New Testament Words “it was used in a court of justice to denote a legal assistant, counsel for the defense, an advocate; then, generally, one who pleads another's cause, an intercessor, advocate.”
It would not be until Pentecost some 50 days later that they would understand and experience the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Since Pentecost, the Holy Spirit has come to indwell the lives of Christ followers offering His counsel, comfort, encouragement and Divine help so that we may be overcomers! Be encouraged with Jesus words as you read John 16.
“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.” John 16:33 (NLT)