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… 1. There is clearly a negative rolled up in this sentence, viz., that there is no "peace" out of Christ. Every promise involves a negative. There will be no negatives in heaven. And this is the more to be observed, because almost all that we know of heaven itself, as yet, is negative. But where there is nothing but Christ, there can be nothing but "peace." 2. These words were the last Christ said before His teaching turned, as by a necessary transition, into prayer. Jesus says that the whole of His teaching never swerved from that one end. The duty of the fourteenth, the union of the fifteenth, the coming of the Spirit in the sixteenth chapters all pointed to "peace." And, beyond those three peerless chapters, it was the property of Christ's whole doctrine upon earth. No one ever said severer things than Christ; but it was a severity only to "peace." He saddened to gladden, He stirred the deepest waters of the soul that He might make the greater calm. What a lesson to ministers! And you — see what your religion is! — peace-not fear, not condemnation, not excitement, not controversy. I. LET US UNDERSTAND WHAT THIS PEACE IS. 1. It is the feeling of being forgiven — a quiet conscience — a stilling sense of the love of God. 2. Then, growing out of that, it is a certain contemplative habit of mind, which lives up high enough not to be anxious much about the matters of this world. For it is the repose of faith, a trust in promises, a sense of a Father's love, the hush of s little child on the bosom. II. IT IS OF IMMENSE IMPORTANCE TO HAVE THAT PEACE, because — 1. It is the only satisfying of all possessions. Pleasure is man's delight, but "peace" is man's necessity. No man knows the capabilities of his own existence, or what enjoyment is, till he is at "peace." 2. Peace is the root of all holiness. To believe that you are pardoned, to carry a conscience at ease, to take the unruffled reflection of Christ, even as Christ did of the Father, that is the atmosphere of a daily religious life, and that is the secret of every good thing. 3. Peace is the fulfilment of the work of Christ. Then, He "sees of the travail of His soul" in you, "and is satisfied." III. WHAT ARE THE CAUSES WHY YOU ARE NOT AT "PEACE." 1. A want of seriousness and earnestness about your salvation. 2. Or, it may be that you do not see the perfect freeness of this precious gift of "peace." You are trying to work up to it, when you ought to be trying to work from it. 3. Or, you are grieving the Holy Spirit by some continual sin. 4. Or, you are pre-occupied — your mind is cumbered with care, and a crowd of worldly thoughts oppress you, and "peace" will not, cannot come to dwell with what is so turbid, or breathes so thick an air. IV. RULES FOR PEACE. Be more decided. Decision is the parent of "peace." 1. Take some step at once heavenward, and it may be that one step will land you in "peace." 2. Confess Christ. If you honour Him He will honour you. And "peace" is the seal of an honoured and an honouring Saviour. 3. Go up and down more in Christ — His work, His work, His person, His beauty, His grace. See all your evidences in Him, realize your union with Him, listen for His "still small voice." (J. Vaughan, M. A.) 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. |
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