1. Greater Victory John 14:1-14 (ESV)
Read from the ESV (specific wording) – more consistent in the correct translation of the word “believe” than other translations
[ READ HANDOUT: John 14:1, 9-14 and 16:33, 20:31 ]
In the Gospel of John, Jesus has modeled a life of victory that He now [in John 14] calls the disciples to believe in so they may experience even greater things. To believe in Him is to live His life [our actions show what we truly believe] and experience His victory over all the troubles of this world and so much more.
And so this morning – God is stirring us to believe for greater things in this year
Now he wants to teach us the way to those greater things
We see three kingdom principles that lead us to greater things (victory)

2. THE PRESENCE OF GOD Greater victory depends on . . .
“the Father who dwells in me does His works” v10
“the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing” (5:19)
Consistently through the Gospel, Jesus has said something astonishing.
Jesus, the Son of God, has consistently talked about He is dependent on the presence and will of the Father.
Jesus the son of God, is doing nothing of his own accord.
Jesus is living out a pattern that of a victorious life – he is modeling for us
And its this:

3. Isn’t about what you have. It’s about Who is with you.
Greater Victory
Isn’t about what you have.
It’s about Who is with you.
Victory isn’t about what you have, its about who is with you
Imagine – your spouse/roommate wins the lottery
Are you worried about paying the rent/mortgage any more – no
Is it because what you have changed – you’re still making your same salary
But who is with you – has so much more
Why do you do believe a great team is going to win the playoffs
It’s nice to root for a team because of where they are from
But in the end – why do believe a team is great?
You believe because of who is on the team.
You don’t believe because of the uniform or the money they have
You believe in victory because of who is on your team
We said two weeks ago – Jesus hasn’t lost yet
Moses & Joseph – God is with him
Solomon & Samson – success but not victory – God was not with them

4. “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17

5. It’s a presence problem.
Defeat and discouragement in your life isn’t a power, people or personality problem.
It’s a presence problem.
And that’s really a
PRIORITY PROBLEM!
What are you doing about the presence of God?
(Are you insane?)
There is no victory outside of the presence of God
Why are you letting the world and sin separate you?!
Is your life reflecting that?
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
(Ps 16:11)

6. DOING THE WORK OF JESUS Greater victory depends on . . .
“whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do” (14:12)
“I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.” (17:4).
Jesus promises that we will do the work he does
When Jesus uses the word “works” in John – a good synonym is “purpose”
What are works? – like v11 – are whatever helps someone else beleive
Jesus work is his purpose

7. “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world  and they have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me.”
John 17:6-8

8. Helping those God has given you to believe in Him
The “Work” Of Jesus
Helping those God has given you to believe in Him
The one purpose you have in life is to help those God has given you – believe
It’s not about your bank account
Its not about your career
Its about helping those God has given you beleive

9. Greater Victory
Isn’t about accomplishing many things in this life. It’s about accomplishing one thing for the next life.
So passionate about a cause, a kingdom principle – how about your family
Are you going to over protect your kids or overflow with the Spirit so no matter what they experience God’s presence is the love of their life
We will need what’s next for that

10. When you know you are giving yourself to His purpose, life doesn’t have to be perfect and neither does the people or progress around you.
Well done tho good and faithful servant
You know why you are so frustrated – your blind to the only purpose that’s eternal.
Everything in this earth is going to pass away.
It’s important to be compassionate and passionate
But if people aren’t believing in Christ through what you are doing you are doing it wrong.

11. SERVING GOD’S GREATER GLORY
Greater victory depends on . . .
SERVING GOD’S GREATER GLORY
“and GREATER WORKS than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (v12-13)

12. The Promise Of “Greater Works”
“There is no limit to my power through you to reach more than I reached.”

13. Greater Victory
Isn’t about your greatness or goals. It’s about God’s greater glory in others and in the world.
Jesus the good shepherd care about sheep we don’t know about
“And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.”
John 10:16

14. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations [people groups]
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations [people groups] teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20

15. God’s greater things are found in greater servanthood
God’s greater things are found in greater servanthood. The more you make your life about yourself, the smaller your life and victory will become.
Serving joyfully -
Watch out for bitterness & pain
They convince you to forget about others
Doug Wheeling –
Life of pain – keep growing – those who serve don’t get stuck
Until one day – God’s greatest work is done
As we come to Martin Luther King, Jr Day – I automatically think of his last speech before his assationation – listen for greater things in his voice

16. https://youtu.be/9CwK_d9drIU Show 1:16 until the end
This historic clip, the last message "preached" Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. prior to his assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee the next day on April 4, 1968.

17. Greater Things/Victory
Is found in His Presence not my circumstances.
Its about His Work not my success.
Its about serving His glory not looking for people to serve me.