Three Cheers From Jesus Series

SERMON TITLE:

Three Cheers from Jesus

(Based on Chapter 1 of Vance Havner’s The Secret of Christian Joy)*

Key Texts:

Matthew 9:2 – "Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee."

Mark 6:50 – "Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid."

John 16:33 – "Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

Thesis:

Christian joy is rooted in the presence and promises of Jesus Christ. His repeated command to His followers is not, “Shape up,” but, “Cheer up.” The gospel is good news. Jesus gives us three great reasons to rejoice: forgiveness, fellowship, and final victory.

Introduction:

Vance Havner writes that the church today needs some old-fashioned, simple-hearted, overflowing Christian joy. We are not called to endure the gospel like a funeral—we are invited to enjoy it like a feast. Jesus gave us three powerful words of cheer during His earthly ministry, and each one speaks to a deep need of the human heart.

Point 1: Be of Good Cheer—Thy Sins Be Forgiven Thee (Matthew 9:2)

Joy begins with the assurance of forgiveness. The greatest burden we carry is the burden of sin, and Jesus came to lift it. When He healed the man sick of the palsy, the first thing He said was not about the man’s body, but his soul: “Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.”

This is the cheer of cleansing. It is the joy of knowing that you are no longer condemned, no longer guilty, no longer carrying the shame of your past.

Many Christians have forgotten the joy of their salvation. We can get so busy with doing that we forget what has already been done. Joy is found not in achieving righteousness, but in receiving it.

Point 2: Be of Good Cheer—It Is I; Be Not Afraid (Mark 6:50)

This is the cheer of companionship. Jesus spoke these words during a storm, when the disciples were afraid and didn’t recognize Him walking on the water. He said, “Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.”

The presence of Christ changes everything—even if the storm keeps raging. You may be surrounded by confusion, fear, or grief. But Jesus is with you, and His nearness is your peace.

Too many people base their joy on peaceful circumstances. But true joy is not the absence of trouble—it is the presence of Jesus in the midst of it.

Point 3: Be of Good Cheer—I Have Overcome the World (John 16:33)

This is the cheer of conquest. Jesus told His disciples, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

We don’t rejoice because we are free from tribulation—we rejoice because Jesus has already overcome it. His victory is ours by faith.

The early church had no buildings, no budgets, and no political power—but they had joy because they knew the risen Lord had conquered sin, death, and the grave.

Application:

Jesus never told His followers, “Be of good works.” He said, “Be of good cheer.” That cheer is grounded in what He has done:

He has forgiven you.

He is with you.

He has already won the victory.

Let your heart return to these simple, solid truths. Real joy doesn’t have to be manufactured—it flows naturally when you see Jesus as He really is.

Closing Reflection (Havner):

“The gospel is not a funeral march; it is a glad song. Jesus invites us to a feast, not a funeral. The church needs more singing saints, not sighing saints.”

Invitation / Response:

Are you carrying guilt that’s already been forgiven?

Are you fearful in a storm where Jesus is already present?

Are you weary in a world He has already overcome?

Let Jesus speak to your heart today: “Be of good cheer.”