Sermon Notes...The Truth About Trouble

Text...John 16:33 (New Living Translation) " 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.”

Introduction: Often, our disruption of peace because of problems, are due to our intentional actions. Following Jesus has consequences...
Out of all the places, people and predicaments that causes us trouble, Jesus reminds us that his word is what helps us find peace in him! When we're in trouble, it's not time to franticly run or to be frozen in fear, that the time to stand strong in faith, because peace is in Jesus and no place else!

Transition: Let's cause trouble some trouble, and pay it a visit in it's own context (where it is) and examine it's calling (what it doe's)...

Exposition: If we're to know the truth about trouble, it's necessary for us to listen in on this lesson that Jesus is teaching...

1) The Place of trouble... "Here on earth"
Be warned, that this planet is sinful soil and the atmosphere is polluted with evil. As long as you're here, trouble will be a good friend of yours.
Ephesians 6:12 "For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places."
John 12: 31 "The time for judging this world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out."
John 14:30a "I don’t have much more time to talk to you, because the ruler of this world approaches."
 
2) The Promise of Trouble... "you will have"
Trouble is inevitable (you can't avoid it). No amount of strategic planning or good deeds, can keep trouble away from you. It's not even something that you have to look for, it finds you. All mortals have a contract with confusion... Job 1:6-12 One day the members of the heavenly court came to present themselves before the Lord, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them. ⁷ “Where have you come from?” the Lord asked Satan. Satan answered the Lord, “I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on.” ⁸ Then the Lord asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil.” ⁹ Satan replied to the Lord, “Yes, but Job has good reason to fear God. ¹⁰ You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and his property. You have made him prosper in everything he does. Look how rich he is! ¹¹ But reach out and take away everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face!” ¹² “All right, you may test him,” the Lord said to Satan. “Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don’t harm him physically.” So Satan left the Lord’s presence.
3) The Problem of trouble... "many trials and sorrows"
A trial is a test of the performance, qualities, or suitability of someone or something. Don't give up on something that's not going to be over soon!
Sorrow is a feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other misfortune suffered by oneself or others. But you can defeat it! Philippians 4:13 says "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."

Conclusion: Here's what Jesus had to say about the trouble that's been troubling us, "But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Hear this praise point, trouble doesn't last always, because it's already been defeated!