JESUS IS WITH US ALWAYS

JESUS IS WITH US ALWAYS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 28:16-20

Key Verse: “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:20 KJV)

Supporting Texts: Hebrews 13:5; Joshua 1:9; Isaiah 41:10; John 14:16-18; Psalm 23:4; Acts 18:9-10

Description: Jesus promises His continual presence with His people, providing comfort, guidance, strength, and assurance throughout every season of life.

INTRODUCTION
One of the greatest promises ever given by Jesus is found in the closing verse of the Gospel of Matthew. After commissioning His disciples to make disciples of all nations, Jesus assured them with these comforting words: "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." This promise was not limited to the apostles alone but extends to every believer throughout every generation. It is a declaration of Christ's unfailing presence with His people.

Throughout Scripture, God's presence has always been the distinguishing mark of His people. From Abraham to Moses, from Joshua to David, and from the prophets to the apostles, the assurance of God's presence brought courage, strength, and victory. While Jesus physically ascended into heaven, He did not abandon His followers. Through the Holy Spirit, He continues to dwell with and within every believer, fulfilling His promise to remain with them always.

In a world filled with uncertainty, loneliness, trials, and challenges, the promise of Christ's presence provides hope and confidence. Believers may face opposition, hardship, sickness, disappointment, or persecution, but they are never alone. The abiding presence of Jesus gives strength in weakness, peace in storms, and courage in difficult circumstances. Understanding this truth enables Christians to live victoriously regardless of what they face.

1. THE PRESENCE OF JESUS IS A PROMISE TO EVERY BELIEVER
Christ's promise extends to all who follow Him.

a) The Promise Was Given to His Disciples (Matthew 28:20)
Jesus assured His followers that He would remain with them.

b) The Promise Continues Through Every Generation (Hebrews 13:5)
God's commitment to His people never changes.

c) Every Believer Is Included (John 14:23)
Christ dwells with those who love and obey Him.

d) His Presence Is Constant (Psalm 139:7-10)
There is no place where believers are separated from God's presence.

Biblical Example: God assured Jacob of His continual presence during his journey and struggles (Genesis 28:15).

2. THE PRESENCE OF JESUS BRINGS COURAGE IN DIFFICULT TIMES
Knowing Christ is present removes fear and anxiety.

a) His Presence Conquers Fear (Isaiah 41:10)
Believers need not fear because God is with them.

b) His Presence Strengthens the Weak (Isaiah 40:29)
Christ provides strength during times of exhaustion.

c) His Presence Gives Confidence (Joshua 1:9)
God's companionship empowers believers to face challenges.

d) His Presence Sustains Through Trials (Psalm 46:1)
The Lord remains a refuge and help in times of trouble.

Biblical Example: Daniel remained fearless in the lions' den because God was with him (Daniel 6:22).

3. THE PRESENCE OF JESUS PROVIDES DIVINE GUIDANCE
Christ leads His people through every stage of life.

a) He Directs Our Steps (Psalm 37:23)
God orders the path of those who trust Him.

b) The Holy Spirit Guides into Truth (John 16:13)
Believers receive direction through the Spirit.

c) His Word Illuminates the Way (Psalm 119:105)
Scripture provides guidance for daily living.

d) He Gives Wisdom for Decisions (James 1:5)
God grants wisdom to those who seek Him.

Biblical Example: God guided the Israelites through the wilderness by the pillar of cloud and fire (Exodus 13:21-22).

4. THE PRESENCE OF JESUS EMPOWERS KINGDOM SERVICE
Christ's presence enables believers to fulfil their divine assignments.

a) The Great Commission Requires His Presence (Matthew 28:19-20)
The mission can only be accomplished through His help.

b) He Gives Boldness for Ministry (Acts 4:31)
God empowers believers to proclaim His Word.

c) He Confirms His Work (Mark 16:20)
The Lord works with those who serve Him.

d) He Supplies Grace for Service (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Divine strength enables effective ministry.

Biblical Example: Moses successfully led Israel because God's presence went with him (Exodus 33:14).

5. THE PRESENCE OF JESUS BRINGS PEACE AND COMFORT
The Lord comforts His people in every circumstance.

a) He Gives Supernatural Peace (John 14:27)
Christ's peace surpasses earthly understanding.

b) He Comforts the Brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18)
God draws near to those who are hurting.

c) He Provides Rest for the Weary (Matthew 11:28-29)
Jesus invites burdened people to find rest in Him.

d) He Carries Us Through Life's Storms (Mark 4:39-40)
His presence calms every storm and brings assurance.

Biblical Example: Jesus calmed the storm while His disciples feared for their lives (Mark 4:35-41).

6. THE PRESENCE OF JESUS GUARANTEES ULTIMATE VICTORY
Believers can be confident because Christ remains with them.

a) No Enemy Can Defeat God's Purpose (Romans 8:31)
If God is for us, no opposition can prevail.

b) His Presence Guarantees Spiritual Victory (1 John 4:4)
Greater is He who is in believers than the one in the world.

c) He Will Never Forsake His People (Deuteronomy 31:8)
God's faithfulness remains constant.

d) He Will Be With Us Until the End (Matthew 28:20)
Christ's promise extends throughout life and into eternity.

Biblical Example: Paul endured persecution, imprisonment, and hardship because the Lord stood with him and strengthened him (2 Timothy 4:16-18).

CONCLUSION
The promise of Christ's continual presence is one of the greatest sources of comfort and strength for believers. Jesus did not merely give His followers a mission; He also assured them of His abiding presence. Whether in times of joy or sorrow, success or difficulty, abundance or lack, believers can confidently know that they are never alone.

The presence of Jesus provides courage, guidance, peace, empowerment, and victory. His promise remains true today just as it was when He first spoke it to His disciples. As we walk with Him daily, trust His Word, and depend upon His Spirit, we can face every challenge with confidence, knowing that the Lord is with us always, even unto the end of the world.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for the promise of Your continual presence in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me to remain conscious of Your presence every day in Jesus name.

3. Father, remove every fear and anxiety from my heart in Jesus name.

4. Lord, strengthen me through every challenge and difficulty in Jesus name.

5. Father, guide my steps and direct my decisions in Jesus name.

6. Lord, fill me with Your peace that surpasses understanding in Jesus name.

7. Father, empower me to fulfil my divine assignment in Jesus name.

8. Lord, let Your presence bring comfort to every troubled area of my life in Jesus name.

9. Father, help me to trust You completely in every situation in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let me continually walk in the reality of Your abiding presence in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall continually experience the presence of Jesus in your life.

2. Every fear and anxiety shall be replaced with divine peace.

3. The Lord shall strengthen you in every season of life.

4. You shall receive divine guidance in every decision you make.

5. The presence of God shall go before you and make every crooked path straight.

6. You shall never be abandoned or forsaken by the Lord.

7. Every storm confronting your life shall be calmed by the power of Christ.

8. The grace of God shall sustain and empower you daily.

9. You shall walk in victory because the Lord is with you.

10. You shall enjoy the abiding presence, favour, protection, and fellowship of Jesus all the days of your life, in Jesus' name. Amen.