'Be of Good Cheer'
Jesus' victory over the world gives us confidence and hope to overcome our struggles and be of good cheer.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the reality of tribulation in the believer's life, acknowledging that while we face trials and challenges, we are called to 'be of good cheer' because Jesus has already overcome the world. He reflects on his own struggles with discouragement but reminds himself that Christ's victory assures us that we can also triumph over our difficulties. Spurgeon encourages believers to find strength in the fact that they are fighting against a defeated enemy, and through Christ's grace, they too can experience victory. Ultimately, he calls for a spirit of joy and praise in the face of adversity, trusting in the Lord's power to overcome.
Text
In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
My Lord's words are true as to the tribulation. I have my share of it beyond all doubt. The flail is not hung up out of the way, nor can I hope that it will be laid aside so long as I lie upon the threshing floor, How can I look to be at home in the enemy's country, joyful while in exile, or comfortable in a wilderness? This is not my rest. This is the place of the furnace, and the forge, and the hammer. My experience tallies with my Lord's words.
I note how He bids me "be of good cheer." Alas! I am far too apt to be downcast. My spirit soon sinks when I am sorely tried. But I must not give way to this feeling. When my Lord bids me cheer up I must not dare to be cast down.
What is the argument which He uses to encourage me? Why, it is His own victory. He says, "I have overcome the world." His battle was much more severe than mine. I have not yet resisted unto blood. Why do I despair of overcoming? See, my soul, the enemy has been once overcome. I fight with a beaten foe. O world, Jesus has already vanquished thee; and in me, by His grace, He will overcome thee again. Therefore am I of good cheer and sing unto my conquering Lord.
Sermon Outline
- The Reality of Tribulation
- The Importance of Being of Good Cheer
- The Argument for Good Cheer
- Jesus' victory over the world
- The speaker's confidence in Jesus' power
Key Quotes
“I have my share of it beyond all doubt. The flail is not hung up out of the way, nor can I hope that it will be laid aside so long as I lie upon the threshing floor” — C.H. Spurgeon
“His battle was much more severe than mine. I have not yet resisted unto blood. Why do I despair of overcoming?” — C.H. Spurgeon
“O world, Jesus has already vanquished thee; and in me, by His grace, He will overcome thee again.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- You can trust in Jesus' power to help you overcome your challenges and be of good cheer.
- Remembering Jesus' victory over the world can give you confidence and hope in the midst of tribulation.
- Don't give in to despair when you're sorely tried, but instead, trust in Jesus' power to help you overcome.