Revelation: Peace In All Circumstances | April 17, 2023

“No believer can successfully navigate the troubles of our time, nor stand resolutely against the opposition and persecution as it intensifies, without first beholding and grasping the power of Jesus and learning to trust His character.” —Randy Smith

Revelation 1:17b-18 ESV

[Jesus said,] Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. 

It can be easy to lose sight of God’s care and protection of us when we are facing hard times. Imagine what it would have been like to be a Christian in the first century suffering severe persecution. In yesterday’s sermon, Pastor Aaron reminded us we are not and have never been promised in Scripture that we will escape hard times. What God does promise is we can have peace to endure it. 

In his gospel, John writes Jesus’ words, ^“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV)

 What about King David? How does he handle his fears in hard times or persecution? 

Psalm 56:1-4 ESV

Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me;
    all day long an attacker oppresses me;
² my enemies trample on me all day long,
    for many attack me proudly.
³ When I am afraid,
    I put my trust in you.
⁴ In God, whose word I praise,
    in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
    What can flesh do to me?

Here are some questions to be discussed in Life Groups this week. Let’s consider them here:

1. When you think about things, people, or circumstances in your world, what causes you the deepest fear?
2. What is your “go-to” response when you encounter fear-provoking moments and/or seasons?
3. What’s the one thing Jesus is telling you not to be fearful of? Why do you think that has such a hold on you?
4. Jesus asks us to not be afraid. He tells us He is the first and the last, the living one. Knowing that His promises are real, how can you change your “typical” response from fear into something that may look a bit closer to trust in Him?