The World's Conquerors
J. Aldis. John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer… I. WHAT WORLD DOES HE MEAN? 1. Not this physical world, so well ordered and beautiful. No, that world was made by Him, and every Christian should find in it tokens of His presence. He was "in the world," and where He was it is an honour to go. 2. The world is that which did not know Him or the Father, which was in antagonism to the authority of Divine law, and the munificence of Divine love. He might have been here not of the world, and the world would, as far as it knew of Him, have admired Him. But He came to the front and manifested His unworldliness; hence the world hated Him. II. IN WHAT MANNER DID OUR LORD OVERCOME THE WORLD. 1. He overcame the world's falsehood by the power of His truth. Others were sent to denounce the falsehood, but the world smiled or frowned on them, and silenced them by its seductions or threats, and many of them learned to repeat the wicked shibboleths. The faithful were murdered, one after another, and finally Christ came, born to this end to bear witness to the truth, and sealed His testimony with His blood, and by so doing won a victory such as the Church does not need to win again. 2. He overcame the world's wickedness by His holiness. Till He came, the idea of absolute holiness was never presented to the mind of man. But He presented to the end an image of perfect purity. 3. He overcame the world's malice by His infinite love. Only love can be victorious. The measure of malignity is the measure of defeat. Animosity is only roused by those who have in some sense gained an advantage over us. Here, then, is the peculiarity of the Lord's triumph. He was at war with the world openly and persistently, but the world never had a better friend; and He turned its murderous rage into an occasion for manifesting His most benignant gifts. III. THE USE WHICH CHRIST TEACHES US TO MAKE OF HIS VICTORY. "Be of good cheer," — a word of large meaning and frequently on our Lord's lips. 1. The original thought is courage, which expresses itself in confidence. The Old Testament rendering is "Be of good courage." 2. The next effect is sure to bring refreshment, when fear is quelled, and agitation has ceased: then the word is "Be of good comfort." 3. But this passes into the higher domain of gladness, for courage wins the victory, and he who triumphs is clothed with smiles and sings the song: hence the word repeatedly is "Be of good cheer." Conclusion: The promise is to conquerors. Some of you are fighting on the wrong and losing side. Christ invites you to the winning side of truth, holiness, and love. (J. Aldis.) Parallel Verses KJV: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. WEB: I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world."