Confident In Jesus

Introduction

We almost don’t need any preaching after that. I love that last line. I love seeing it again. As Scott did. And that, I pray, will be the goal of all of this. That one day we all will indeed bask in his endless grace. And that’s why we teach, and that’s why we preach. And that’s why we meet in this place. Thank you all for coming. I mentioned in my introductory remarks to Bible class the time 30 years ago that I lived with the Hawk family, Tom and Linda Hawker with us, and I can’t help but reminisce about that. And I’ve forgotten a lot. 30 years you forget a lot of things, but one thing I’ll never forget about my first evening meal with the Hawk family was the instructions that Tom’s dad Harry gave me.

He said, Don’t be bashful, or you’re going to leave this table hungry. Because when it came to eating, the Hawk boys were serious about food consumption. And so I had to dig in if I wanted to survive that month with them. And so I think back to that time because it was just prior to that, about four months prior to that I had made the decision to preach the gospel. And I think a lot about that now. And why I made that decision. And the reason why I made that decision is still the reasons that I preach. The Bible is Scripture. It is the revealed mind and will of the living God. It is our creator’s intention for us. If I might break it down simply as to what the Bible is all about, it is your creator’s intention for you.

It is his unparalleled wisdom for living. It contains of all the facts of history of all the men and women that have lived. From our creator’s perspective, from a vantage point that no one else has, these are the most significant facts of all history. The Bible contains the answers for salvation. And the end result of our salvation in Jesus immortality, living forever, and living wonderfully well, amazingly, indescribably well in the presence of our God. Let me encourage you to examine it and explore its depths.

He is the new preacher in Saraland in Mobile, Alabama, where I held a meeting not very long ago. And with this picture, Spurgeon’s famous comment, a Bible that’s falling apart, usually belongs to someone who isn’t. He says that he discovered that the average grocery store, and I didn’t know this, contains roughly 40,000 items. That’s a lot. Unless, of course, there’s the threat of a hurricane. And then that number is reduced to about a fourth. But 40,000 items. Have you ever been looking for something? As when I go to the grocery store, I don’t know where everything is. And so I end up asking somebody, do you know where Sherry sends me for these things sometimes, and I have no idea where to look. And so I ask an attendant, oh yeah, that’s on aisle number three in such and such a place on the shelf.

He knows its relative, not just its aisle, but the relative location on the shelf because he is familiar with its contents. The Bible.

Frank asked. With the food for the soul. Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. Those were the words of Jesus. Real life is contained in our appreciation of this message and implementing it in our lives. Jesus quoted that in his temptation, his severe temptation from the devil in Matthew chapter 4. It’s actually a quotation of the book of Deuteronomy. In fact, all of the quotations in that place, when he is withstanding the devil’s onslaught of temptation, are all from the book of Deuteronomy that he knows, of course, in a very familiar way. When we come to the Bible, we need to understand that this is the tangible link between heaven and earth. Oh, how I love thy law, the psalmist said.

It is my meditation all the day. Well, what is this book really all about? Well, it’s about the most significant person of all history. The story of Jesus. He is the most significant person of all history by a country mile. An idiom that we use. Jesus’ life was a critical life. And my beliefs about him are well summarized in a single verse that I want to look with you at this morning and the verses surrounding it. And I just came to this thought this week in John 16 and verse 28. My beliefs about Jesus. I came from the Father, and I have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father. I think in one simple statement, we have a summary of Jesus’ purpose.

He came from the Father. He came into the world, and he is now about to die for the sins of the world when he makes this statement. And he is going to rise again, and he’s going to leave the world, and he’s going to return to the Father. What was that critical life all about? In this text of John 16, just hours before his betrayal and crucifixion, shortly followed by his resurrection and ascension, Jesus is now speaking plainly to his disciples. He has spoken to them in mystery, in clouded figures, in figurative language, but now even they detect that he is not using figurative language and that he’s speaking to them plainly. The gospel writer of the fourth narrative, the gospel of John, has already pointed out that in the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God, but that word became flesh.

And tabernacled among us, John chapter 1, verses 14 through 18. And he came to his own, and his own received him not. All of those things summarize really in John 16 and verse 28. So, where does that leave Jesus right now? Where did it leave Jesus when he ascended and banished from their sight in Acts chapter 1? And so where does that leave Jesus today, right now? January 19th, 2014. Hebrews chapter 1 makes it abundantly clear where he is. God, after he spoke long ago to the fathers and the prophets, in many portions and in many ways, in these last days, he has spoken to us in his son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the world. I love that statement.

And he is the radiance of his glory. And the exact representation or imprint of his nature. And he upholds all things by the word of his power. When he made purification of sins, he sat down at the right hand of the majesty on high. And he inherited a name that was better than the angels. A position, a status, a place, superior to even angelic beings. And when he did that, when he made the purification of sins and is now possessing the name that is above all names, according to Philippians chapter 2 and verse 9, he is that yesterday, today, and forever, the Hebrew writer says in Hebrews 13 and verse 8, and so I can affirm to you with all the confidence in this world.

That’s what he did. And that’s who he is. And so for just a few moments this morning, I want to talk to you further about my confidence. And not only God’s word, but its central character, my confidence in Jesus. And I want to look at five phrases that are found in John chapter 16 surrounding the statement of Jesus coming from the Father and going to the Father in these final words to his disciples before they will go out to the Garden of Gethsemane. I came forth from the Father and have come into the world. I am leaving the world again and going to the Father. And his disciples said, Lo, now you are speaking plainly and are not using a figure of speech. Now we know that you know all things, and have no need for anyone to question you.

1. You Know All Things

By this we believe that you came from God. And Jesus answered them. Do you now believe? Behold, an hour is coming and has already come for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave me alone. And yet I’m not alone. Because the Father is with me. These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace in the world. Now you have tribulation. But take courage. I have overcome the world. So the first observation that I would make, the first phrase that I want to call your attention to in this text is the statement of the disciples when they say, You know all things. How confident are you? How confident are we of that? Do you display confidence in his knowledge of things?

Well, we usually do. Until. Until his way does not seem to be the best way. Until we question whether his way is best, until we find something that is opposed to his will that we want to do. Is it true of us anywhere with Jesus? Wherever he points the way? As we sing? Until we discover that anywhere with Jesus and confidence in him and his knowledge of all things is going to cause us to be shunned and rejected perhaps by our peers when we do not run with them to the same excess of riot as Peter described, and they malign you. Do not be surprised at this. Peter says in 1 Peter chapter 4, or do not be surprised when fiery and strange trials come upon you.

1 Peter chapter 4 and verse 12. And so as I think about their confidence in him, and what ought to be our confidence, you know all things. What I think about is that this is the key to a right response to God. This is it to summarizes it. Do you believe that his way is right in everything? Because a lot of our problems spiritually come when we determine that his way is not right, that his way is not best. And yet the disciple says, they say, we know that you know all things.

They have seen prophecies come true. He has just sent them into the city to find a cult. A cult upon which no one has ever sat. And if anyone asks you say the Lord has need of it. And so they go into the city, and there’s the cult, the cult upon which no one has ever sat. And the owner said, What are you doing with this? And he says they say, the Lord has need of it. And the cult is secured, upon which Jesus would make the triumphal entry. We often don’t look at that passage in terms of prophecy, but whether it’s hours or days or years, this is still a prophetic announcement. And they go into the city, and there it is. And the upper room was secured in much the same fashion where they have had this meal.

These are just a couple of the occasions. And the miracles that they’ve witnessed. They know that Jesus’ knowledge is extraordinary. Convinced that the Bible is God’s message to us. And confident in Jesus’ identity as God’s Son and Savior and reigning King. Why? Why would we question any of its teaching or wisdom? When his understanding is infinite.

2. Do You Now Believe?

Psalm 147, verses 4 and 5. When his ways are higher than our ways, and his thoughts are higher than our thoughts. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are his ways to our ways and his thoughts to our thoughts. Isaiah 55, verses 8 and 9. You know all things. How confident are we of that when it comes to statements of Scripture that conflict with how we want to live and the things that we want to choose to do. You see, this is the key to spiritual success. The second phrase that I would draw all your attention to is the question that Jesus raises. Do you now believe? We know that you know all things. We know that you’ve come from God.

Do you now believe? I think the reason why this interchange is recorded for us only here in this gospel narrative is because this has been the point of the author from the very beginning. The point of the Gospel of John, even in the reading that Jay had in regard to the crucifixion of Jesus in John 19. This is the disciple, the one who was at the foot of the cross, the beloved disciple, this is the one who has witnessed these things that you might believe. John 19, 35. And if you come to the end of the story in John chapter 20, these things are written that you might believe, and that by believing you may have life in your name. The whole point of the author is belief in Jesus.

But Peter bursts on in as he likes to do. We’re going to talk about Peter tonight. He bursts on in first. And notice Jesus is not there. Finally, the beloved disciple goes in and looks, and it says, He believed. You see, that’s the point of the author. He believed. Do you believe now? And what’s the point Jesus makes by raising that question to disciples? Because he knows what’s about to happen within hours. Those who have been his closest followers and affirmed their affections as Thomas did. Let us go with him that we also may die with him. I will die. I will not deny you. Peter has just said at this supper, and they were all saying it. Do you believe me? You’re all going to be scattered.

Just like Zachariah prophesied years ago. Jesus questions the degree of faith in his disciples. As one commentator concluded for a brief space, they will return to their old self-centered lives. Units without cohesion. I sort of like the way he summarized that. They’re old self-centered lives, units without cohesion. You see, this is not about believing. This is about the strength of our convictions. The loyalty in our convictions. A faithfulness in spite of turbulent circumstances. Listen, if we don’t learn anything else from the hours that are about to unfold with his disciples, when they all will forsake him and flee. And Peter will follow at a distance and ultimately deny the Lord, as we’ll talk about tonight. Circumstances will challenge the strength of your convictions. And that’s why Jesus says, Do you believe now?

And here we sit with our convictions and our beliefs about Jesus. But what about the circumstances that are going to unfold in our lives? Circumstances will challenge your convictions and the strength of them. And the devil comes along very vociferously. I like that word.

3. I Am Not Alone

And he says to us in those challenging moments, you don’t need this. You don’t need God. You don’t need Jesus. You shouldn’t trust this book. You shouldn’t listen to this preacher. You’ll have more fun if you don’t. Your life will be better. You will be happier. Circumstances can affect the strength of our convictions. Point number three. Despite their desertion, his closest friends, Jesus affirms to them, I am not alone. They were so confident in their loyalty, but in their time of greatest trial, they will all desert him. And I would just make this observation quickly about this point. Jesus was not deterred by the faithlessness of others. There is one relationship that is critical in all of our circumstances, and that is our relationship with God.

4. In Me You Have Peace

He will see us through in times of difficulty if we will be the people of faith. His loneliness was not absolute. Confidence in our relationship with God will strengthen us for any earthly circumstance, no matter how trying it may be, anywhere with Jesus. Appropriate songs, Scott, for this lesson. And then he says to his disciples and reiterates to them again, in me you have peace. This is what all of us need. This is what his followers on this occasion most desperately needed. What is this? In me you may have peace. What is this peace? Remember? When Jesus emerges when he comes forth from the Father, and he appears to Joseph and Mary in that manger scene. What was the statement? Glory to God in the highest, the angels announced.

Glory to God in the highest. Peace among earth, on earth, among those with whom he is pleased. Peace. This Jesus came to bring peace when his forecoming, when his coming was foretold, rather, in Isaiah chapter 9 and verse 6. What did Isaiah say? A son will be given to us, and his name shall be wonderful counsel. Mighty God, eternal Father, and Prince of Peace.

The statement of Philippians 4, verse 7, the promise to believers. And the peace of God that surpasses all comprehension shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. This is one of my favorite verses in the New Testament. I have about a hundred favorites, but that’s that’s one of my favorites. The peace of God that surpasses all comprehension shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. What is that about? How can I possess and maintain that? Jesus says, In me you have peace. Well, if you look at the surrounding context of that, number one, we don’t have to be weighed down by the anxieties of this life. We don’t have to be controlled by the concerns of the world around us. Because, he says, be anxious for nothing and everything with supplication, with thanksgiving.

Let your requests be made known unto God. We don’t have to be anxious about life’s circumstances. The Lord is near. The previous verse, Philippians chapter 4 and verse 5. We can deal with the difficult and harsh circumstances of life because of our relationship with Him. I know why I’m here, what my purpose is, why I was created. Do you realize how many people live day after day with no real idea of why they’re here? What their life really means. I have peace when I know that I am in a right relationship with my God and creator. And I have been cleansed of my sin, and I am ready to meet him on the last great day. I can have peace. Because I’m not afraid of dying.

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. I do not fear. Because the Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. I don’t have to fear an untimely or a premature death or what any man might do to me. I have peace. Because I am confident that his ways are highest and best and good. And that’s the point of Romans chapter 12 and verse 2 as we’re being admonished. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Don’t be molded after this world. Mold yourself after the will of God. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove. What is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God? It is not that we somehow have to demonstrate to the world that God’s will is good and perfect.

5. I Have Overcome the World

We’re demonstrating that to ourselves. We’re showing by the way that we live that this is indeed the wisdom of God. The wisdom is there. We just have to convince ourselves. And finally, he says, In me you have peace. And he says, I have overcome the world. Everything that is opposed to God and militates against him, Jesus overcame. And so can we. Paul affirms the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty to God, to the destruction of fortresses. We are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. We overcome. And this is the victory. That overcomes the world, John says in 1 John chapter 5 and verse 4. Even our faith. My confidence in Jesus equips me to overcome also.

I have a little bit of a problem.

I like winning. And it doesn’t matter what the competition is. I like to win. And I make no bones about it. I don’t let people win at anything. Some of you play me in words with friends. And you know how tenacious I am about that. And about winning. My sports allegiances are that way. And I was saying before the national championship game that, and I even posted on Facebook, that it’s been a wonderful season. No matter what happens in the championship game, it’s been a magical year for the Auburn Tigers. And I was sort of preparing myself for the fact that we could potentially lose that game. But on the last drive, I was hoping for one more Auburn miracle. And I use that term miracle.

But it didn’t happen. It was still a wonderful and satisfying season, but you know, after that game, I was going, man, this would have felt a lot better if we’d won. As good as the year was, a lot of other teams weren’t in the championship game, Alabama wasn’t there. But this would have felt a lot better if we’d won. That desire to win. That’s why you need to be with Jesus, because ultimately he wins. And his people win with him. And we reign with him. And I’ll tell you when that day comes, when all of this is wrapped up, we will be thrilled beyond measure. That we are on the winning side. Aligning ourselves with Jesus is the ultimate winning because in his presence is fullness of joy, and at his right hand are pleasures forever.

Our momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, Paul says in 2 Corinthians chapter 4. We do not look to the things which are seen, but to the things which are unseen. The things that are seen are temporal, and the things that are unseen are eternal. I have overcome the world. We need to be associated with the one who overcomes. So that we can overcome. He said, I am returning to the Father to have the joy that I had with him before the world was. In John 17 and verse 5. That’s a joy that we can know. This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. And so I tell you, yes, without any apologies at all, that I am confident in Jesus.

Conclusion

And his invitation is open to all of us. Listen to him when he says, if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and will dine with him and he with me. Actually, this invitation is written to Christians who were struggling at the present, the church at Laodicea, but the invitation is anyone to come in, to let the Savior in. He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with me on my throne, as I also overcame and sat down with my Father on His throne. Embrace His invitation. Purify your soul in obedience to His truth. And if you need to respond to His invitation this hour, let the Savior in while there’s time and opportunity. Let’s stand and sing.