By Receiving Peace That Comes from God

What is promised for the followers of Christ is…. Peace

And so today as we continue our annual them of Enjoying life in his name, we are going to see how we can be reminded about Peace that comes from God, and for those wo don’t know Christ…to receive peace that comes from God found only in Christ alone

With that in mind please turn in your bibles to John 16:16-33…

• Changes that result from trusting God’s Plan.

I. Sorrow is changed to joy (vv.16-24)

Transition: Because

A. God’s plan may seem confusing at first, but clarity will come. (vv. 16-19)

John 16:16–19 — 16 “A little while, and you will no longer see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me.” (stop)

Scripture often points to supernatural revelation to give confidence to God’s people. Christ knew his appointed time of death on the Cross was coming and would so shake his disciples to the core.

So he opened the curtain of his omniscience to his disciples to encourage them so that when his impending death and resurrection took place, they would be encouraged to remember and understand that the name engraved upon his sovereign robe is King of kings and Lord of lords! (Rev. 19:16)

To put it simply, He pointed to Himself! For instance, last week, Pastor Rod preached on John 16:1-15. In verses 1-3, I want you to notice what Christ said to his disciples – take a look:

“These things I have spoken to you so that you may be kept from stumbling. ² They will make you outcasts from the synagogue, but an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God. ³ These things they will do because they have not known the Father or Me. ⁴ But these things I have spoken to you, so that when their hour comes, you may remember that I told you of them.” – John 16:1-3

In other words, our Lord wants his people to one thousand times over that Christ has the whole world in his hand.^[1]

1. He's Got the Whole World in His Hands. He's got the whole world in his hands. He's got the whole world in his hands. He's got the whole world in his hands.

2 He's got the wind and the rain in his hands…

3 He's got the little tiny baby in his hands. . .

4 He's got you and me, brother, in his hands. . .

5 He's got you and me, sister, in his hands. . .

6 He's got everybody here in his hands. . . He's got the whole world in his hands…

So, he’s comforting his people because already he knows that living life in his name will come with its measured share of sorrows…in our discouragements under the sun we need to be reminded of the supremacy of Christ.

[FIX SENTENCE HERE We do the same thing ] by pointing to him in our counseling and ministering to the saints because we know that he’s got the whole world in the grip of his hands. We write children’s songs that point to His sovereignty and power over all things because we know that…

“Whatever the Lord pleases, He does, In heaven and on earth, in the seas and in all the ocean depths.” – Psalm 135:6

We point to his orchestration of the past, present, and future because we need to recapture the wonder of our Christ because he

“Declar[es] the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, ‘[His] purpose will be established, And [He] will accomplish all My good pleasure’” – Isaiah 46:10

Recapture the wonder of the “boundless greatness of His power toward us who believe…in accordance with the working of the strength of His might ²⁰ which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, ²¹ far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” – Ephesians 1:19-21

Recapture the wonder that “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” – Colossians 1:16-17

So it’s a small thing for our Lord to open the curtain of his omniscience as a grace to his disciples, and by extension to us, to make us all aware that he’s got everything under control…and it may seem confusing at first, but in time it will be made clear.

Notice the confusion on the part of his disciples in verses 17-19

Some of His disciples then said to one another, “What is this thing He is telling us, ‘A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me’; and, ‘because I go to the Father’?” 18 So they were saying, “What is this that He says, ‘A little while’? We do not know what He is talking about.” 19 Jesus knew that they wished to question Him, and He said to them, “Are you deliberating together about this, that I said, ‘A little while, and you will not see Me, and again a little while, and you will see Me’?

Verse 18 indicates that this was a question they repeatedly asked about amongst themselves. At this point in the ministry of Christ, you could be wondering how in the world are they so sluggish to understand the theology of the Cross?

Our answer is actually given to us in Luke 24:25 – where he said that his disciples were “foolish” and “slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!” Notice, he didn’t say they were fools, but foolish in the sense that they were slow to believe something Scripture was clear on!

Scripture was clear that the Messiah had to die – that’s a given – we know that - but they were not taught this. As Pastor Rod said last week, they were taught to only look for a political Savior to usher in Kingdom rule, which is true…in part, but not the whole.

Now, you say – David – we know this – we believe this. Ok – that’s great! But what about when adversity comes? Do we still hang on to the ledge of God’s great grace?

Adversity was coming was for God’s people – so Christ was moved to comfort them by giving them a glimpse of something that is yet to be because he wants them and us to know that all things will be made clear in his time.

And in this case, Christ took the opportunity to set the landscape for them

B. God’s plan may bring sadness………. until you consider the result. (vv.20-22)

John 16:20— 20 “Truly, truly, I say to you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy. 21 “Whenever a woman is in labor she has pain, because her hour has come; but when she gives birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy that a child has been born into the world. 22 “Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.

In other words, dear follower of Christ, (1) your sorrow will be turned to joy, and (2) it will never be taken away! The travails of childbirth are followed by the joy of the birth. So then, the death of Christ would bring much weeping and lamentation for his disciples – but his resurrection would bring about the joy of the promises of God – the joy of a redeemed life – the joy of the glories to come!

Now, we know the end of the story, right?

“⁸ And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to report to His disciples. ⁹ And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Rejoice!” And they came up and took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. ¹⁰ Then Jesus *said to them, “Do not be afraid; go, bring word to My brothers to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me.” – Matthew 28:8-10

Their sorrow was turned…to joy. And the distresses you face now in Christ will one day be transformed from weeping…to joy.

I’m sure most of you are aware of the situation that is currently unfolding in Afghanistan. The Taliban has taken over the country – they are a ruthless people that carry the banner of Islam – the army of black flags…many followers of Christ live there and are in real danger. Someone posted this and I shared it on my Facebook – here’s how it reads:

All night they've been awake. Texting each other. Praying – they know.

Some have already received letters from the Taliban...

"𝘞𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘞𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶."

The CHURCH. The same Family of faith as us right here in the U.S. who are also Christ-followers. They know what's coming and they are brave. This is real to them. They know that they are facing a likely torturous exit from this world. But they will not waver from their confession, "Jesus is Lord." Pray for them.

My friends – he’s got the whole world in his hands – even in times of adversity – why? Because he’s overcome the world…

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine
Heir of salvation, purchase of God
Born of His spirit, washed in His blood

Perfect submission, all is at rest
I in my Savior, am happy and blessed
Watching and waiting, looking above
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love

Many of the songs we sing today were written from the deep wells of adversity – in the deepest times of tribulation…but consider the everlasting results…

I want to quote to you a story I read online about a woman named Anne Steele: “She was born at Broughton, Hampshire, in 1717. Her father was a timber merchant, and at the same time officiated as the lay pastor of the Baptist Society at Broughton, England. Her mother died when she was 3.

At the age of 19 she became an invalid after injuring her hip. At the age of 21 she was engaged to be married, but her fiancé drowned the day of the wedding. On the occasion of his death she wrote the hymn "When I survey life's varied scenes."

After the death of her fiancé she assisted her father with his ministry and remained single. Despite her sufferings she maintained a cheerful attitude. She published a book of poetry “on subjects chiefly devotional in 1760”

One of her poems bares the earmarks of Psalm 46: let me read it to you:

Dear refuge of my weary soul,

On You when sorrows rise

On You, when waves of trouble roll,

My fainting hope relies

To You I tell each rising grief,

For You alone canst heal

Your Word can bring a sweet relief,

For every pain I feel

But oh! When gloomy doubts prevail,

I fear to call You mine

The springs of comfort seem to fail,

And all my hopes decline

Yet gracious God, where shall I flee?

You are my only trust

And still my soul would cleave to You

Though prostrate in the dust

Have You not bid me seek Your face,

And shall I seek in vain?

And can the ear of sovereign grace,

Be deaf when I complain?

No still the ear of sovereign grace,

Attends the mourner's prayer

Oh may I ever find access,

To breathe my sorrows there

Your mercy seat is open still,

Here let my soul retreat

With humble hope attend Your will,

And wait beneath Your feet,

Your mercy seat is open still,

Here let my soul retreat

With humble hope attend Your will,

And wait beneath Your feet

Is there anyone here who is suffering? Is there anyone here who is downtrodden and filled weighed down by the sorrows of this life – it’s going to pass away? How do I know this? May I introduce you to the One who inhabits eternity? Can I introduce to the One who has opened the curtain of revelation and said to “let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires, take the water of life without cost.” – Revelation 22:17

What Christ is telling his followers…what he is telling us today…you may experience pain in the short term, but that “momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison – 2 Corinthians 4:17

In other words, we can have peace because we know that God is doing something….we know that he has a plan. Are suffering right now…trust in the sovereignty of God.

Are concerned about the circumstances surrounding what’s going on in our country or elsewhere? Trust in the sovereignty of God. Are you suffering? Look beyond the pain toward the city beyond the horizon who’s builder and maker is God. Why? Because Christ has overcome the world.

Sometimes you will receive the answers to your questions – and sometimes you won’t. But part and parcel of your eternal inheritance upon the golden shores of eternity is the glorious reality that not only will you, like the

Transition: And in the confusion….and in that suffering see that…

C. We are to pray according to his will (v 23-24)

John 16:23–24 — 23 “In that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. 24 “Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full. (stop)

Typically when I prepare a sermon, I’ll come across some passages that are relatively easy to navigate – but other times I’m banging my head on the table trying to wrap my head around what’s being said, especially about the first half of this verse: What in the world did Jesus mean when he said “In that day you will not question Me about anything”? This is how my mind works – I have sooo many questions!

Well, clearly the disciples did have some questions just prior to Jesus’ ascension, right?

“Lord, is it at this time that You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” – Acts 1:6

Wasn’t that a question? You see how my mind works? I drive myself nuts!

So, then – what did Jesus mean? Well…here’s my best educated guess because I consulted a number of other commentators about this and most of them practically ended up in the proverbial waste basket!

Here’s what I think it is – the disciples would no longer field the kind of questions about the Person of Christ…because the resurrection would say it all – would prove it all! It’s not that they were in abject disbelief about who he is…but there were pockets of questions they had centered around his Person – remember, they were slow to believe the prophets, right?

But that all changed upon seeing their Risen Christ – and it was in that day, that their fielding of questions…disappeared. Followers of Christ know who he is..

But ultimately, my friends – a day will come for all us when we stand before the great King that “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” – Isaiah 65:24

Your King will answer all of your questions before you entertain the thought!

What a day that will be
When my Jesus I shall see
And I look upon his face
The one who saved me by his grace
When he takes me by the hand
And leads me through the Promised Land
What a day, glorious day that will be^[2]

Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. 24 “Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full. (stop)

First, let me explain to you what this doesn’t mean – it doesn’t mean that if you invoke His name in your prayers that you’re bound to receive something merely because you’ve said his name. His name is not some sort of strange pagan incantation.

Here’s what it means, my friends - when you pray to the Father, you are praying for that which lines up with his purpose and will. All that we are has come about through Jesus Christ. It is life in his name that our joy is made complete.

It is because of what Christ accomplished at the Cross that you and I have direct access to speak with God the Father.

II. Doubt is changed to belief (vv.25-30)

“These things I have spoken to you in figures of speech; an hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech, but will tell you plainly about the Father. ²⁶ On that day you will ask in My name, and I am not saying to you that I will request of the Father on your behalf; ²⁷ for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father. ²⁸ I came forth from the Father and have come into the world; again, I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”

²⁹ His disciples *said, “See, now You are speaking plainly and are not using any figure of speech. ³⁰ Now we know that You know all things, and that You have no need for anyone to question You; this is why we believe that You came forth from God.”

Prior to the Cross, the disciples had a difficult time understanding what Jesus was teaching them – they didn’t readily understand his parables, they didn’t readily understand his figures of speech. Christ had to later explain these things to them.

But a time was coming that Jesus would be leaving and sending the Holy Spirit who do the very thing that Jesus did with his disciples: to guide them in their understanding.

Verse 26-27 “ On that day you will ask in My name, and I am not saying to you that I will request of the Father on your behalf. ²⁷ for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father.”

In other words, because you love Jesus…the Father loves you with a love that is immeasurable. When we pray to him, we don’t need Jesus to take our requests to the Father – we have direct access to the Father! Jesus is saying – he’s your Father – go to him…speak to him… He loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father.”

Here this powerful quote by

[SLIDE] William Barclay^[3]

Jesus says something we must always remember. His disciples can approach God directly, because God loves them; he does not need to take their requests to God; they can take their own. Here is the final proof something which must never be forgotten. Often we tend to think in terms of an angry God and a gentle Jesus; what Jesus did is presented in a way which seems to mean that he changed the attitude of God to men and women, and made him a God of love instead of a God of judgment. But here Jesus is saying: ‘You can go to God, because he loves you,’ and he is saying that before the cross. He did not die to change God into love; he died to tell us that God is love. He came, not because God so hated the world, but because he so loved the world. He does not need to take our prayers to God; we can take our own. The lover of Christ is the beloved of God.”

God’s love for us is clearly demonstrated in His plan of redemption (vv. 25-28)

Romans 8:32 — “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” – Romans 8:32

God’s plan has been clearly revealed (vv. 29-30)

John 16:29–30 — 29 His disciples said, “Lo, now You are speaking plainly and are not using a figure of speech. 30 “Now we know that You know all things, and have no need for anyone to question You; by this we believe that You came from God.”

III. Fear is changed to Courage (vv 31-33)

Transition: Because…

A. God’s peace is offered to all who believe in Him (v31-32)

John 16:31–32 — 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 “Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.

B. God’s sovereignty over all results in our ultimate peace. (v33)

John 16:33 — 33 “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

Because he has conquered the world…you can have peace…and life in His glorious name.

Jesus said, “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. ² In My Father’s house are many rooms; if that were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you. ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will take you to Myself, so that where I am, there you also will be.” – John 14:1-3

“Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.” - John 14:27

Fix your eyes on Christ because He is the Prince of Peace…and he has overcome the world…

[1]“He's Got the Whole World in His Hands,” last modified, https://hymnary.org/text/hes_got_the_whole_world_in_his_hands.

[2] “What a Day That Will Be,” https://heritagesingers.com/tr..., last modified, https://heritagesingers.com/track/450222/what-a-day-that-will-be.

[3] William Barclay, The New Daily Study Bible: The Gospel of John, vol. 2 (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2017), 234-35.