OPENING SCRIPTURE:

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world YOU WILL HAVE TRIBULATION; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33 NKJ)

• Emphasis here on: “You Will” – It’s here. It’s inevitable.

I have told you these things, so that IN ME you may have [perfect] peace. IN THE WORLD you have TRIBULATION and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.] (John 16: 33 Amp)

• Emphasis here is ‘IN ME” – Perfect peace.
• Only in Him can we have “Perfect” peace. Only Jesus is perfect.
• Jesus has overcome the world.
• His victory is abiding. It cannot be reversed.
• That same victory that abides in us also cannot be reversed.

#1: Stand Firm In Faith

• It is a daily decision to stand for your faith when you speak up, when you pray, when you read your bible, when you share the gospel with someone.
• Here’s how you do stand:

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to STAND YOUR GROUND, and after you have done everything, to stand. (Ephesians 6:13 NIV)

• When the world challenges your beliefs, don’t compromise—stand firm in God’s truth.
• Read and meditate on Scripture daily to build spiritual resilience.
• Surround yourself with believers who encourage your faith

#2 Respond with Love and Grace

• The world pushes back because the world wants you to respond with anger and hatred.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21 NIV)

• When facing opposition, choose love over retaliation.
• Pray for those who persecute or misunderstand you.
• Show kindness, even when others are unkind.

#3 Keep Your Eyes On The Eternal Victory

In the world YOU WILL HAVE TRIBULATION; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33 NKJ)

• That’s the victory we need to keep our eyes on.
• There’s even purpose to the pushbacks you face in the world.
• They do not define who you are. They don’t even last forever.

For our PRESENT TROUBLES are small and WON’T LAST VERY LONG. Yet THEY PRODUCE FOR US A GLORY that vastly outweighs them and WILL LAST FOREVER! (2 Corinthians 4:17 NLT)

• When trials come, remind yourself that this world is temporary, but God’s kingdom is eternal.
• Focus on God’s promises rather than present difficulties.
• Keep pressing forward with faith, knowing that your struggles are not in vain.

I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Philippians 4:14 NLT)

CONCLUSION

What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through this message?