Connecting to Christ's Victory

John 16:33 NASB95

“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.”

Christ’s Victory Provides Us Clarity of Purpose

Verses 16-20

The disciples did not understand why Jesus said “a little while and you will not see me and again a little while and you will see me.”

Their confusion was based on the fact that they thought he would ascend to the kingdom just five days before.

Even after the resurrection the disciples did not understand the season that God had placed them in. Instead they looked for an immediate kingdom. “Will you now restore the kingdom?”

Acts 1:7–8 ESV

He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Many today look for Christ return as an escape from the trials and responsibilities of life. We are called to live as though Christ could come today, and plan as though it will be 1,000 years. Seek first His kingdom, plan for your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to know the Lord. Work to spread the Gospel and the reign of Christ in the hearts and lives of those on earth. Look for His return.

Christ’s Victory Brings Us Comfort Through Life’s Trials

Verses 21-22, 28

The Lord transforms the trials of this life into joy by His promise.

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Seventeen: Let There Be Joy! (John 16:16–33)

God takes seemingly impossible situations, adds the miracle of His grace, and transforms trial into triumph and sorrow into joy

The sorrows of this life are transformed by the knowledge that there is eternal life assured by Christ. This world is NOT ALL THERE IS!

Christ conquered death so that we no longer have to fear!

Christ’s Victory Gives Us Courage to Overcome The World

Verses 23-27

We have the promise of the Father hearing our prayer to encourage us!

John 16:24 NASB95

“Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.

Verses 31-33

We have the triumph of the Lord Jesus to walk in.

Christ’s victory enables us to walk in victory by continuing in faith in Christ in the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 John 5:4–5 NASB95

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

There is coming a day when Christ himself will reward all those who walk by faith, following in His victory. He has won the battle and we get the spoils!

Jesus said to Him who overcomes (Revelation 2-3):

“I will give to eat of the tree of life” - (2:7)

“Will not be hurt by the second death” - (2:11)

“I will give of the hidden manna, a white stone, a new name” - (2:17)

“I will give power over the nations” - (2:26)

“I will cloth in white garments, name forever in the book of life” - (3:5)

“I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God” - (3:12)

“I will grant to sit with me on my throne” - (3:21)

There in the ground his body lay, light of the world by darkness slain. Then bursting forth in glorious day up from the grave he rose again! And as He stands in victory, sin’s curse has lost its grip on me. For I am his and he is mine, bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death, this is the power of Christ in me. From life’s first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny. No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand. Till he returns or calls me home. Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.