TEXT: NUM. 13:20
INTRODUCTION: We live in the midst of a troubled, depressed and downcast world and, unfortunately, this same attitude has crept into the church. When I see some saints, I honestly wonder if they can remember the last good day they ever had and, if they can remember it, their face certainly does not show it. One of the recurring commands of Christ that I find in God’s Word is the command “be of good cheer.” I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT JESUS CHRIST WAS A GLOOMY, DEPRESSED, ALWAYS SERIOUS PERSON BUT I BELIEVE HE HAD A SMILE ON HIS FACE AND “GOOD CHEER” IN HIS HEART! Further, I believe it is God’s will for His people, yes that includes you, to have a smile on our face and “good cheer” in our hearts. Let’s look at Jesus’ “three cheers” to you.1.TAKE CHEER BECAUSE OF FORGIVENESS
Matthew 9:2 “…be of good cheer, thy sins be forgiven thee.” WHAT A GLORIOUS FACT, OUR SINS ARE FORGIVEN!
A.I ONCE WAS BORN INTO SIN
Every person is born into sin, we have no choice in the matter.
B. I ONCE WAS BOUND BY SIN
The old song says, “I once was lost in sin but Jesus took me in…”
1. What a grand and glorious day that was in my life.
2. I can take you to the place and name the exact moment it occurred.
C. I ONCE WAS IN BONDAGE TO SIN
thank God, I am gloriously free.
1. Jesus shed His precious blood on the cross of Calvary so that I could be free; and He died there for your freedom also.
2. The day I bowed my knee to Jesus and accepted His free offer of salvation I was forgiven of EVERY SIN!!!
1. When Adam sinned, every member of Adam’s race fell that same day.
2. If it could be possibly for you to live your entire life without ever committing a personal sin (by the way, that is not possible), you would still have to be lost and go to hell when you die because you inherited a “sinful nature” from your father, and mine, Adam.
D.I ONCE WAS BURDENED BY SIN
There is only one “cure” for sin, the applied blood of Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son.
1. Good works won’t be good enough; charity won’t suffice morality will fall far short, good intentions won’t get you to heaven.
2. The old song says “What can wash away my sin, nothing but the blood of Jesus.”
2. TAKE CHEER BECAUSE OF FORKNOWLEDGE
Matthew 14:27 “…be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid.” WHAT A GLORIOUS REALITY; AS LONG AS JESUS CHRIST LIVES WITHIN US, WE HAVE NOTHING, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, TO BE AFRAID OF!
A. THE BACKGROUND OF THIS STATEMENT
is that the disciples were out on a storm tossed sea.
1. It was the “fourth watch of the night,” the darkest and most depressing period of the night.
2. They were in the boat, rowing and fighting for their very lives.
3. It is important for us to realize this fact; they had embarked upon this journey at Jesus’ command.
A. As long as Jesus has sent me some place, I am not afraid to go, regardless of what opposition may come my way.
b. To go without hearing His command, however, is sure formula for disaster.
B. BEWILDERMENT OF THE SISUATION
As things looked the darkest, Jesus came walking to them on the storm tossed sea and said, “be of good cheer, it is I; be not afraid.”
1. Can you imagine the relief that must have come upon the twelve that night?
2. They knew that everything would be all right; Jesus was there with them.
3. They knew this storm was no match for Jesus and His power.
C. THE BLESSEDNESS OF THE STORY
You may be in the midst of the worst storm of your life this very day.
1. You may be fighting for your very life and it seems like there is no way that you are going to make it.
2. You need to listen very carefully and you will hear the voice of this same Jesus say to you, “be of good cheer, it is I; be not afraid.”
3. Demons have to flee from His presence; diseases must be healed in His name; depression must depart when His power and anointing comes to you!!!
III. TAKE CHEER BECAUSE OF THE FIGHT
John 16:33 “…be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” WHAT A GLORIOUS REALITY; JESUS HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD AND WE CAN WALK IN THAT FREEDOM AND POWER! In the world ye shall have tribulation: pressure (lit. or fig.):–afflicted, (-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble. I have overcome the world. subdue (lit. or fig.):–conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory.
A.NEED TO RISE UP
We have been victims of the devil long enough, it is time,to “rise up” and be the children of the most High God!!!
B. NEED TO WISE UP
1. Some christians feel that it is their constant duty to “fight the devil.”
2. There is not one instance in the Word of God where God’s people were instructed or ordered to “fight the devil.”
3. We are supposed to “fight the good fight” but we are not told to “fight the devil.”
You need to begin to realize that the victory is already won for the child of God at Calvary.
C. NEED TO SIZE UP
1. Satan cannot defeat the child of God unless we allow him to defeat us.
2. We are the overcomers, we are the victors;
3. “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” “No weapon that is formed against us can prosper.” “When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will raise up a standard against him.”
Be of good cheer, the world has already been overcome for you and you just need to begin to walk in your God-given power, anointing and authority.
RISE UP AND BE WHAT GOD CALLED YOU TO BE;
You are not the tail, you are the head; you are not to be beneath, you are to be above; you are not to run from the devil and demons, you are supposed to cast them out; you are not to live in dread of disease and affliction, you are to be healed and be an instrument of God’s healing power to others.
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