September 15, 2013 Sunday Sermon - Be Prepared for Tribulation

Sunday we continued to think about our relationship to the world in John 16. Jesus gives his followers a reality check, warning them what to expect from the world (that system of organized society that is hostile to God and Jesus’ followers).  Jesus’ reality check offers no false hope and assures them life was not going to be easy.   Jesus prepares His disciples for reality so that being forewarned they would also be forearmed to avoid being trapped by the enemy. 

The preparation Jesus gives them will not only keep them from stumbling or falling away they will be able to take heart and have peace even in the midst of troubles and suffering.  Jesus words in John 16:1 and 33 capture the Lord’s intention and promise:

“All this I have told you so that you will not fall away. (John 16:1)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)


As Ron warned us we live in a day when many false teachers are spinning man made versions of the gospel that do not square with the reality God has revealed to us in His Word. One of the worst is the health and wealth or name it and claim it message.  Praise God we have been forewarned and therefore forearmed so that we will not be taken in by these false teachers. Unfortunately many will stumble and fall way when reality proves they have believed a lie.  

One of my mentors, Dallas Willard, was known for his often thought provoking definitions.  He describes reality this way:

Reality is what you can count on; it’s what you run into when you’re wrong. Spiritual reality is hidden, but it is reality! In fact it is the foundation of the visible, material, and finite universe. 

It is essential that we live with a world view that is consistent with reality; the reality that we learn about from the gift of the living word Jesus, God’s Divine Truth in His written word the Bible and taught by faithful pastors and teachers.