PEACE IN A WARZONE
John 16:1-33 | Nolan Tjaden – July 27, 2025
Have you ever felt unqualified for the mission?
You ever see those movie scenes where someone gets handed a bunch of weapons they have no clue how to use? Like Men in Black—they’re handed gear for a mission they’re not sure they’re ready for.
Maybe you’ve felt that way about your faith:
Parent: Are you ready to raise Jesus-followers in an evil world?
Business owner: Are you leading with integrity and faith?
Student: Are you bold enough to stand for Christ in a classroom that mocks Him?
Young adult: Are you living with conviction in a culture of compromise?
Coach, teacher, influencer, team member, soldier—are you on mission or just going through motions?
💥 The Christian life isn’t about comfort—it’s about calling.
And here’s the good news:
Everyone Jesus sends to the frontlines, He strengthens for the fight.
🔥 1. Prepared for Persecution (John 16:1–4)
“I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away…” (v.1)
Jesus warned His disciples—and us—that hardship is part of following Him. These aren’t scare tactics. This is real talk from a real Savior.
The disciples would face rejection, exile, even execution:
Peter: crucified upside down
Thomas: speared in India
Bartholomew: flayed and beheaded
…and the list goes on.
💡 Jesus knew what was coming, and He still said, “Follow Me.”
He didn’t promise ease—He promised presence. That’s where the Holy Spirit comes in…
🕊 2. Means for the Mission (John 16:5–15)
“It is to your advantage that I go away…” (v.7)
Wait… what? How could Jesus leaving be good news?
Because the Spirit inside you is better than Jesus beside you. 🤯
Jesus sends the Holy Spirit—not a cosmic emotional support animal, but a battlefield ally, a divine counselor, a truth-teller and strength-giver.
The Spirit:
Convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment
Guides believers into all truth
Speaks on Jesus’ behalf
Glorifies Jesus
Declares God’s future plans
Empowers you for the mission
💬 Are you living a life the Holy Spirit was sent to empower?
Where is He prompting you to step out in faith today?
🙏 3. Prayer + Peace in the Pain (John 16:16–33)
Jesus shifts to the cross and resurrection—describing it like a woman in labor. Pain, yes. But joy is on the other side.
“In that day you will ask nothing of me… ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” (v.23–24)
Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection:
You now have direct access to the Father
Your prayers are heard in Jesus’ name
Your joy is rooted in something eternal
And right before going to the cross, Jesus ends with this bold encouragement:
“In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (v.33)
🛡 Jesus doesn’t downplay the pain. He declares His power over it.
He’s not a victim of death—He’s a Victor through it.
And because He overcame, you can endure.
💬 Reflection + Next Steps
Where are you feeling pressure to quit, conform, or stay quiet?
Is there a mission the Holy Spirit has put on your heart—but fear is holding you back?
What would it look like to trust Jesus today with your next step of faith?
🙌 Maybe it’s time to get baptized.
🙏 Maybe it’s time to pray bold prayers again.
🗣 Maybe it’s time to witness to that person you’ve been avoiding.
💪 Maybe it’s time to suffer well for Christ, knowing your victory is secure.
Small Group Questions:
01. Who told you about Jesus? Was anyone ever bold about Jesus with you in a way that was compelling?
02. Why is it so hard to be vocal about faith and evangelistic with friends and acquaintances?
03. How have you seen opposition against faith in Jesus recently?
04. What did you think of the idea that the Holy Spirit is the parakaletos—empowering believers like boxing coach or lawyer?
05. What would it look like for you to live the kind of life that demanded the Holy Spirit?
06. What does evangelism or discipleship look like in your home, school, workplace, family or neighborhood?