EGW WritingsJohn 16

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

The Reward of Service

GW 514.2

While much of the fruit of their labor is not apparent in this life, God’s workers have His sure promise of ultimate success. As the world’s Redeemer, Christ was constantly confronted with apparent failure. He seemed to do little of the work which He longed to do in uplifting and saving. Satanic agencies were constantly working to obstruct His way. But He would not be discouraged. Ever before Him He saw the result of His mission. He knew that truth would finally triumph in the contest with evil, and to His disciples He said: “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.” [John 16:33.] The life of Christ’s disciples is to be like His, a series of uninterrupted victories—not seen to be such here, but recognized as such in the great hereafter.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 24, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 24, 1895, par. 11

Christ has overcome on our behalf. He suffered and died that we might be conquerors. He told His disciples what they would meet; He showed them the plan of the battle, but told them that they were not to be afraid, for He was the Captain of their salvation. “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” [Ephesians 6:12.] “In this world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 51, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 51, 1895, par. 12

We are all to calmly depend upon God as we look upon the obstacles and stubborn unbelief, and consider all the risks that must be ventured and then listen to the voice of Jesus, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33.] Yes, Christ is conqueror. He is our Leader, our Captain, and we can advance to the victory. Because He lives, we shall live also. May God give you courage, and faith, and hope, and strength, and grace to press onward.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 23b, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 23b, 1896, par. 2

Shortly before His crucifixion, Christ bequeathed to His disciples a legacy of peace: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you.” [John 14:27.] Christ bears the title of the Prince of peace, and yet He says of Himself, “Think not that I am come to find peace on earth; I am not come to send peace, but a sword.” [Matthew 10:34.] In explanation of this apparent contradiction, He has said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation;” “in me ye shall have peace.” [John 16:33.] He told them that the time would come when they would be hated of all men for His name’s sake; that they would be brought before kings and rulers; that to destroy their lives would be esteemed a service done to God and religion. This has been fulfilled. Every indignity reproach, and cruelty that Satan can instigate human hearts to devise has been visited upon the followers of Jesus.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 37, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 37, 1896, par. 11

Do you not know that your life is hid with Christ in God? Then is not your life bound up with the life of Christ? In your own experience, when depressed and discouraged, almost ready to yield to despair, have you not felt that light has come to you amid the darkness? Have you not felt that Jesus was pouring into your life perpetual streams from the ocean fullness of His love? Bear in mind that the church militant is not the church triumphant. We see our path to the Paradise of God intercepted by the whole synagogue of Satan, who is intent on weakening our faith by intercepting the rays of the Sun of Righteousness. But our Saviour has warned us that “through much tribulation we must enter into the kingdom of God.” [Acts 14:22.] “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.” “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” [John 16:33; 14:27.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 51, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 51, 1896, par. 5

Jesus loves you. He gave His precious life that you should not perish, but have everlasting life. Then lift up your eyes to Jesus. “Look and live.” [Numbers 21:8.] When despair would seem to sweep over your soul, continue to look to Jesus, and say, Get thee behind me Satan, I will have naught to do with thee. I hang my helpless soul upon Jesus Christ. He liveth to make intercession for me. My soul is precious in His sight. He that looks with interest upon the little brown sparrow, looketh upon me. Not a sparrow falleth to the ground without the notice of your heavenly Father, and if He thus notices the birds, how much more will He care for you who is formed in His image? He gave Jesus to be a propitiation for your sins, and not for yours only, but for the sins of the whole world. Now believe, and trust in Him, and talk faith. The spell is broken. Christ hath spoken, “Peace be unto you.” “In the world ye shall have tribulation, but in me ye shall have peace.” [John 16:33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 106, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, par. 23

My brother, gird up the loins of your mind in the stern conflict of life, for you are molding your own character for eternity. What shall it be? Day by day you may help to ruin or to save souls. Trials will come to every believer, but the record of the sufferings of Christ will help him to endure persecution for His name’s sake. Christ spoke to His disciples with reference to these things, “In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33.] Please read carefully the twelfth chapter of Hebrews. As Moses endured the seeing of Him who is invisible, so also will those who by faith choose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasure of sin for a season, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 116, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, par. 21

Never is the tempest-tried soul more dearly loved by his Saviour than when he is suffering reproach for the truth’s sake. When for the truth’s sake the believer stands at the bar of unrighteous tribunals, Christ stands by his side. All the reproaches that fall upon the human believer fall upon Christ in the person of His saints. “I will love him,” said Christ, “and manifest myself to him.” [John 14:21.] Christ is condemned over again in the person of His believing disciples. When for the truth’s sake the believer is incarcerated in prison walls, Christ manifests Himself to him, and ravishes his heart with His love. When he suffers death for the sake of Christ, Christ says to him, They may kill the body, but they cannot hurt the soul. “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33.] They crucified Me, and if they put you to death, they crucify Me afresh in the person of My saints.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 135, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 135, 1897, par. 20

Christ never flattered any one. He has never promised us smooth water; but he has said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation, but in me ye shall have peace.” [John 16:33.] He made an infinite sacrifice that we might become one with Him and one with each other. Every son and daughter of God must work out their own salvation. We have a personal religious experience to gain; they have an individual responsibility resting upon us. If we will avail ourselves of the grace provided for us, God will co-operate with us, and will work in and through us to will and to do of His good pleasure.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 21, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 21, 1897, par. 31

How important that the ambassadors of Christ shall watch with unceasing vigilance and diligence, following up every advantage. In Christ’s stead we are laboring for the salvation of souls. We are to watch for souls as they that must give an account. Let God’s servants open the Word of God, and show distinctly that that Word is not yea and nay, but Yea and Amen in Christ Jesus. Bring the mind to a decision before the first powerful impression wears away. Let the messengers of God weep between the porch and the altar, crying, Spare thy people, Lord, and give not thy heritage to reproach. We must confront opposition. False witnesses will invent all manner of lies. But they cannot harm us if we will work with strengthened faith in God. The Lord Jesus is by our side, saying, “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33.]

In Heavenly Places

We May Triumph Gloriously, September 29

HP 279.1

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. John 16:33.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 147, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 147, 1897, par. 13

Angels are sent to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation. Could the eyes of God’s children be opened, they would see from how many evils they have been saved, from how many perils they have escaped. “Lo, I am with you alway,” Christ says, “even unto the end of the world.” [Verse 20.] You may be taken by councils, and accused and condemned by the men chosen to administer justice; but who are themselves trampling under foot the highest of all laws, even the law of Jehovah. “But be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 35, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 35, 1897, par. 30

And the communion is to be a constant reminder of this. Says Christ, Under a conviction of sin, remember that I died for you. When oppressed and persecuted and afflicted for My sake and the gospel’s, remember My love was so great that I gave My life for you. Will you evidence your love for me, if required to die for me? When you feel your duties stern and severe, and almost too heavy to bear, will you remember that it was for your sake I endured the cross, despising the shame? When your heart shrinks from the trying ordeal, remember that your Redeemer liveth to make intercession for you. “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 89, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 89, 1897, par. 38

All this the Majesty of heaven bore that His grace might lighten the heavy load we would have to carry. He looked steadfastly to His Father for strength, that He might live a perfect life, working out a complete, symmetrical character, and that He might say to every struggling soul, “Fear not; for I have overcome the world. I will give you the aid of My Spirit.” [See John 16:33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 68, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 68, 1897, par. 40

All should say, I will not fail. I will not through my influence betray myself or my companions into the hands of the enemy. I will heed the words of the Lord: “Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me, and he shall make peace with me.” [Isaiah 27:5.] Ever remember that you have One by your side who says to you, “Be not afraid.” “I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33.] Bear in mind that Christ came as the Prince of heaven, and has engaged in an eternal warfare against the principles of sin. All who will unite with Christ will be workers together with God in this warfare.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 90, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 90, 1897, par. 11

How true is this today. Laws enacted by finite authority are exalted above the law of Jehovah. Men trample under foot God’s holy law, and say of God’s people, as the Jews said of Christ, “We have a law, and by our law he ought to die.” [John 19:7.] Over and over again this will be repeated in the courts. Christ tells us that in the world we shall have tribulation, but that in Him we shall have peace. [John 16:33.] Those who live in the last days of this world’s history will know what it means to be persecuted for the truth’s sake. Injustice will prevail in the courts. The judges will refuse to listen to the reasons of those who are loyal and true to the commandments of God, and will say, “We have a law, and by our law he ought to die.” God’s law is nothing to them. “Our law” with them is supreme. Those who respect this human law will be favored, but those who will not bow to the idol sabbath have no favors shown them. Those by whom they are tried utterly refuse to listen to their reasons, because they know that arguments in favor of the fourth commandment are unanswerable. All that is brought against the validity of the fourth commandment is of human invention. There is not one word in the Bible that sustains the first day of the week. It is a spurious sabbath, baptized by human enactment, and given to the world to be kept holy. And false though it is, the world cherishes it, thus pursuing a blasphemous course.

12LtMs, Ms 90, 1897, par. 21

The only evidence that the world can have that God’s people believe His Word is to see them practicing that Word, and following Christ’s example in all things. Those who do not practice the truth in true piety and godliness, who shun the reproach that always comes to the true believer, will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Our Redeemer endured the contradiction of sinners against Himself. It was all for us. There was not one iota of His suffering that was not borne in our behalf, that we might be justified before God. Every pang of distress and anguish borne by our Redeemer was to secure deliverance for us. If Satan could have led Christ to commit one sin, then the serpent would have bruised the head of the seed of the woman. Satan would have triumphed in the fact that he had succeeded in overcoming our Saviour. The world would have been his property. But Christ did not yield in one instance, and He says to us, Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. [John 16:33.] “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same, that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” [Hebrews 2:14.] With one hand Christ holds to humanity, while with the other He grasps the throne of the Infinite.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 98a, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 98a, 1897, par. 25

“Though he were a son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.” [Hebrews 5:8.] Shall we then be timid and cowardly because of the trials we meet as we advance? Shall we not meet them without repining and complaints? “Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.” [John 15:20.] “In this world ye shall have tribulation;” but the Lord Jesus will give us all that we ask and believe that He will bestow. [John 16:33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 176, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 176, 1899, par. 5

Christ passed over the ground where Adam fell, overcoming in our behalf. He endured every test that man will ever be called upon to endure. He met all the temptations which man will meet in his life-experience. Christ has Himself travelled over the path in which He calls upon us to walk. He says, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. As I endured the test and trial, so you may endure it.” [See Luke 9:23.] He who is at last crowned conqueror, must depend, as Christ did, upon Deity. Every step Christ took was taken in full, entire dependence upon God. Had Christ transgressed the law of God in one particular, He would have been a sinner, and His offering would have been a failure, but not upon a single point did the enemy overcome Him. He declares, “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33.] “He that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father on his throne.” [Revelation 3:21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 94, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 94, 1899, par. 33

Christ regarded the enemies of the human race as His enemies. In our behalf he overcame Satan, gaining an everlasting victory for all who will receive him. He engaged in the warfare, and did not give up, but resisted even unto death; and in dying He gained the victory for which He came to our world. Before He died He cried out, “It is finished.” “Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit.” [John 19:30; Luke 23:46.] To His disciples He said, “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33.] Christ has left us a perfect, sinless example. His followers are to walk in His footsteps. If they are not transformed in character, they can never dwell with Him in His kingdom. Christ died to elevate and ennoble them, and those who retain hereditary tendencies to wrong cannot dwell with Him. He suffered all that it is possible for human flesh to suffer and endure, that we might pass triumphantly through all the temptations Satan may invent to destroy our faith.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 43, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 43, 1900, par. 51

Between Christians and worldlings there will be a perpetual conflict on this earth. For this reason we have need of eternal vigilance. We are called to work while it is day, for the night cometh in which no man can work. The Lord knows how weak we are. He knows that our infirmities are numerous. Heavenly agencies have been set to work for the purpose of enlightening ignorance, and overpowering the sinfulness of the world, and surrounding the people of God with an element of light and loveliness. Down along the lines to our time come the words of encouragement, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33.] The Battle, invisible to mortal eyes, is going on, and if we are in agreement with God, we may triumphantly exclaim, “Because He lives, I shall live also.” [John 14:19.]

Lift Him Up

Christ Glorified in His People, October 3

LHU 290.1

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. John 16:33.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 22, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 22, 1900, par. 33

Thus men bearing sacred responsibilities ranged themselves in the side of the enemy to persecute those who were cooperating with Jesus Christ. This history will be repeated. There are men today who, if they dared, would act even as did the priests and rulers. As the truth is presented to the people, the religious leaders will do all they can to oppose God’s servants. But let the Lord’s people remember that He loves them, and that all heaven is interested in the great work in which they are engaged. Christ declared, “In this world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 79, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 79, 1900, par. 21

On one occasion, turning to His disciples, who were to suffer for His sake, He pledged His word to them, saying, “In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33.] He has declared Himself the helper of all who join His army, to co-operate with Him in fighting His battles against visible and invisible foes. He has promised that they shall be heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ, that they will reign as kings and priests with God. What a covenant is this! Those who accept Christ, those who are willing to share His humiliation before the world, shall become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. Those who choose to suffer affliction with the people of God, rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, shall be partakers with Christ in His glory. He will give them the dignity of His name.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 153, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 153, 1901, par. 11

And again He said, “These things have I spoken unto you that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 31, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 31, 1901, par. 18

“No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” [Matthew 6:24.] If you center your thoughts upon the world, you will be worldly; you cannot help but be. But if you weave into the life the principles of heaven, keeping your attention fixed on Christ, you will be prepared for association with the angels. Remember that God wants you to bring Christ into your business transactions just as surely as into the house of prayer. He wants us to bear the testimony that in a world corrupted by sin, human beings can live untainted by worldliness. He wants us to show that we are standing under the bloodstained banner of prince Emmanuel. He does not tell us that the path to heaven is a smooth one. He takes us to an eminence and shows us the powers of darkness arrayed against us. But He tells us that more than men are in the army fighting on the side of right. “Be of good cheer,” He says. “I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 83, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 83, 1901, par. 14

Come directly home to the needs of the soul. Awaken the mind. Inquire, What is the supreme desire of the soul that is troubled? Does he desire salvation, or will he yield to the deceptive power of Satan who is trying to ensnare him. Will the love of gain grow in his mind into an intensity of desire to secure earthly treasure; or does he estimate the power of the truth, the grace of God as it really is—gold tried in the fire? Is he afraid of displeasing God, or does he allow his worldly friends to divert his mind from heaven? Will he choose good or evil to guide his thoughts and feelings and mold his character? Christ watches the conflict, and He says, “I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” [Luke 22:32; John 16:33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 144, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 144, 1901, par. 23

The religion of Christ never degrades the receiver, never makes him coarse or rough or uncourteous. It never incapacitates him for imparting what he has received. The truth as it is in Jesus is warm with comfort and love. Day by day the soul is to receive this truth, for it is spiritual food. Knowing that we have a living Christ, we may safely trust the soul to His keeping. He says, “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33.] There is divine power for every one who will receive Christ by faith. In the Redeemer’s power, practicing self-denial, they can walk in perilous places. “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” [Luke 9:23.] These words are spoken to every one who desires to be a Christian. He who shuns the cross shuns the reward promised to the faithful.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 134, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 134, 1901, par. 34

The religion of Christ never degrades the receiver, never makes him coarse or rough or uncourteous. It never incapacitates him for imparting that which he has received. The truth as it is in Jesus is warm with love and comfort. Day by day the soul is to receive this truth; for it is spiritual food. Knowing that we have a living Christ, we may safely trust the soul to His keeping. He says, “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33.] There is divine power for every one who will receive Christ by faith. In the Redeemer’s power, practicing self-denial, they can walk in perilous places. “He that will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” [Mark 8:34.] These words are spoken to every one who desires to be a Christian. Shunning self-denial and the cross, you shun the reward promised to the faithful.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 10, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 10, 1902, par. 12

What a comfort it is, when tempted and tried, to know that if we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. He will be to you a present help in every time of need. What a comfort it is to know that we may walk with God in peace. When tempted and tried, rely on the One who says to you, “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33.] We can trust fully in His power. The Lord understands your motives, and the purity of the plans He designs you to carry out in the turning of the wheel of providence. You will see more clearly when the cloud lifts. Jesus will open the way. Only trust in Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 263, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 263, 1903, par. 10

In urging us to lay up treasure in heaven, Christ consults our best good. He does not leave us in ignorance of what is before us. He shows us the vast confederacy of evil arrayed against us. He tells us plainly that we are battling against a mighty foe. But He assures us that we shall not be left to fight alone. Angels are in the ranks of God’s soldiers. And One more powerful than angels is there. The Captain of our salvation leads the way, saying, “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 255, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 255, 1903, par. 28

“Behold the Bridegroom cometh! Go ye out to meet Him!” [Matthew 25:6.] Lose no time now in rising and trimming your lamps. Lose no time in seeking perfect unity with one another. We must expect difficulties. Trials will come. Christ, the Captain of our salvation was made perfect through suffering. His followers will encounter the enemy many times and will be severely tried; but they need not despair. Christ says to them, “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 1 [Nos. 19-96]

What a Covenant Is This!

1MR 113.1

On one occasion, turning to His disciples, who were to suffer for His sake, He pledged His word to them, saying, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). He has declared Himself the Helper of all who join His army, to cooperate with Him in fighting His battles against visible and invisible foes. He has promised that they shall be heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, that they will reign as kings and priests with God. What a covenant is this! Those who accept Christ, those who are willing to share His humiliation before the world shall become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. Those who choose to suffer affliction with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, shall be partakers with Christ in His glory. He will give them the dignity of His name. Letter 79, 1900, p. 7. (To Mr. William Kerr, May 10, 1900.)

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 197, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 197, 1903, par. 9

Today Satan strives to lead the disciples of Christ from their allegiance. He is a wary, artful foe, and were we left to battle against him in our own strength, we should be overcome. But help has been laid upon one that is mighty. When Christ went away, He said to His disciples, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33.] “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end.” [Matthew 28:20.] In this promise the lapse of time has wrought no change. Though now He has ascended to the presence of God, and shares the throne of the universe, Jesus has lost none of His compassionate nature. Today the same tender, sympathizing heart is open to all the woes of humanity. Today the hand that was pierced is reached forth to save His people that are in the world. They shall never perish, He says, “neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” [John 10:28.] The one who has given himself to God is more precious than the whole world. The Saviour would have passed through the agony of Calvary, that one might be saved in His kingdom. He will never abandon one for whom He died. Unless His followers choose to leave Him, He will hold them fast.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 88, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 88, 1905, par. 3

Christ was soon to leave this world, but His disciples were to be left. He prayed not that they might be taken out of the world, but that they might be kept from the evil that is in the world. He sent them forth as sheep among wolves. “In the world, ye shall meet tribulation,” He told them. [John 16:33.] “The servant is not greater than his Lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.” [John 15:20.] But He promised them that when they should be brought in test and trial, He would bring all things to their remembrance.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 23, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 23, 1906, par. 25

“These things have I 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.” [John 16:33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 382, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 382, 1907, par. 14

To His disciples He has said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 406, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 406, 1907, par. 4

When we are in perplexity and trouble, we would do well to make an earnest study of the life of Christ. He was a man of sorrows, yet He had peculiar joys—joys that did not spring from earth, but were born of His connection with divinity. He is the Saviour of those who are perishing for lack of His life. He desires to make them partakers of the divine nature, and thus escape the corruptions that are in the world through lust. Amid perplexities and inconveniences the believing soul may have the privileges of sonship with God. Looking unto Jesus, he learns of Him how to conduct himself under every circumstance; for he has the experience of Christ to guide him, and the consolation of Christ to sustain him. Christ is the consolation of His people. “In the world ye shall have tribulation,” He says, “but in Me ye shall have peace. My peace I leave with you; My peace give I unto you; not as the world giveth give I unto you.” “These things have I spoken unto you that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” [John 16:33; 14:27; 15:11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 2, 1910

25LtMs, Lt 2, 1910, par. 10

Be of good courage in the Lord. Stand fast in truth and righteousness, whatever you may have to meet. Rest in the Lord. Talk faith; talk hopefully, and let the soul repose in the words of Christ, “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33.] Let the light of truth shine forth in clear, distinct rays. Let us lay hold of the arm of Infinite power and rest in the Lord.