Thursday, 16 November 2023

The Upper Room Discourse 47

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John 16:9-11 When He comes, He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; concerning righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see Me; and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.

In the last part (part 46), I gave you my understanding of "sin, righteousness and judgment." Today, in verses 9, 10, and 11, Yeshua gives us His understanding. Let's see what He has to say.

Concerning Sin

First, God will convict the world about sin because they don't believe in Him. Conviction of sin is being made aware that you have a sin problem. The world cannot understand the full weight of sin (transgression of God's commandments) until it sees the perfect One, Yeshua, Who takes away the sins of the world. John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!

Without Yeshua's example, we have no point of reference to blamelessness. 2 Corinthians 10:12 For we do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they have no understanding. The sin of rejecting the sinless One is a great sin indeed.

Concerning Righteousness

In Yeshua, a whole new world of righteousness is opened up to the believer. Yeshua says we will be convicted of righteousness because the Father received Him. This is Yeshua's testimony, that He is accepted by God, our Father. Matthew 3:16-17 After being immersed, Yeshua rose up out of the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Ruach Elohim descending like a dove and coming upon Him. And behold, a voice from the heavens said, "This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased!"

Isaiah prophesied this would happen. Isaiah 42:1 Behold My servant, whom I uphold. My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I have put My Ruach on Him, He will bring justice to the nations.

Concerning Judgment

Yeshua says the world will be convicted of judgment because the ruler of this world has been judged. Who is the ruler of this world? Satan, who usurped the authority God gave to Adam in the Garden. God is not time-constrained. Satan has been judged, is being judged and will be judged and it is all the same to God. Judgment is coming to Satan and all who choose to follow him, but not to the followers of Yeshua.

John 5:24 Amen, amen I tell you, whoever hears My word and trusts the One who sent Me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed over from death into life.

Paul is giving his testimony to King Agrippa. In describing His Damascus Road experience, Paul provides a great summary to our subject today. Acts 26:17-18 I will rescue you from your own people, and from the Gentiles to whom I am sending you, to open their eyes - so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of satan to God, that they may receive release from sins as well as a place among those who are made holy through trusting in Me.