The word of
God is perfect, and a roadmap for our lives. The phrases: “be of good cheer”, “be
of good courage” and “be of good confidence” all come from the same words in
the original language. God is in control and assures us of that fact
continually. If you love and serve God, there is nothing for us to fear or
worry about. We can be of good cheer and comfort because God is with us.
Haggai
2:4-9
2:4 strong
H 2388; courageous, strong, fortify. The work to be accomplished is the work of
God. He needs workers to work the fields, will you do it? (Compare: Matt 9:37).
2:5 there is
no fear of troubles of this world when you love and reverence God. Be of good
cheer!
2:6-7 (compare:
Heb 12:26-27, Isa 13:13, Isa 24:18, Isa 9:6-7, Isa 60:18, Matt 24:29-30). There
is only one who can satisfy the desire of all the nations, which is Jesus
Christ. On the Lords day every knee will bow and tongue confess.
2:8-9 this
will be true peace, without the outside influences of the evil things of the
world.
Matthew
9:1-8
9:1-2 be
of good cheer G 2293; courage, comfort, cheer. This act by Jesus will ruffle the feathers of the
Scribes (religious authority of the time). The Scribes are thinking only God
can forgive sins.
9:3-4 Jesus
knew what they were thinking and their thoughts were evil toward Him.
9:5-6 Jesus
had the power to both forgive the sick man’s sins, as well as heal him.
9:7-8 we can
be of good cheer as the man who was healed of the palsy and sins were forgiven.
God has the power the power to forgive us of our sins and heal our bodies. Have
confidence in our Father.
Acts
23:1-11
23:1 the
Romans are watching as Paul addresses the Sanhedrin.
23:2 Ananias
was the high priest appointed by the Romans, not God. He is a religious leader
resorting to violence.
23:3-4 whited
wall: (compare: Matt 23:27). White washed. Remember God did not appoint
him, rather the Romans did. Paul will still respect the position anyway.
23:5-6 (compare:
Ex 22:28). The Sadducees didn’t believe in a life after death. They believed
once you died that was it. The Pharisees (of which Paul was one) did believe in
life after death. Paul is using this against them, to take the focus off him.
Paul was very intelligent.
23:7-9 Paul
went from both parties fighting him, to one wanting him to be released. Use wisdom
in all things! If you fight against God you will lose every time.
23:10 the
Roman captain intercede on Paul’s behalf.
If you are serving God there is nothing to fear.
23:11 shortly
after this 40 Sadducees swore an oath not to eat until they kill Paul (they
never do). From the outside things could look a little dark and down for Paul;
but the Lord said he was going to Rome and if God says something then it will
happen. Be of good cheer, no matter what may be coming against us. God is on
the throne, and that should give comfort and courage to all!
John
16:19-17:4
16:19-20 lament
G 2354 Mourn. They would be sorrowful for His departure, but then rejoice for
His resurrection.
16:21 the
troubles faced are nothing compared to the joys of Jesus returning.
16:22-23 if
you are in need of something to do the work of God, then ask and He will give
it to you. He will never let us down.
16:24 real
joy comes from seeing and doing the work of God, so lives can be changed.
16:25 He
will lay it out plainly, so there will be no doubt.
16:26-28 God
gave us the Comforter (the Holy Spirit) to help and guide us (compare: John
14:26). We will never be left to fend for ourselves. Be of good cheer, be of
good comfort!
16:29-30 many
of these that are “sure” He is from God will abandon Christ on the cross.
16:31-33 we
can be of good courage and cheer, even though troubles will come against us.
Jesus overcame the world and He is in us and we in Him so don’t fear. We can
overcome as well with Christ on our side. Be of good cheer, comfort and courage!
17:1-2 He
was given the elect and whomsoever will. Are you a part of this?
17:3-4 this
is how we gain eternal life; believe in God and the One He sent to save us all.
Believe on Him and be of good cheer!
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