Romans 12:12

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
(Romans 12:12)

Three points:

1. Rejoicing in hope

The first of these laws is to be rejoicing in hope. Rejoicing is to feel joy over and over again. The best example I have of explaining faith and hope is this: Jesus is returning; this is fact and faith. I hope it is today. We are to rejoice.

2. Patient in tribulation

We like things easy and comfortable, yet life is not like that especially for the Christian: Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, (2 Timothy 3:12). We are to be patient. The Lord Jesus is the supreme example of patience in suffering.

3. Continuing instant in prayer

We are to be persistent, constant, quick to pray no matter what the situation. It is easy to pray when things are difficult, but we must pray when things are good, too.

John 16:10

...concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer... (John 16:10)

Three points:

1. Righteousness

Righteousness is having gone before a judge then declared innocent. The work of the Holy Spirit is to confront people to let them know what is right and wrong.

2. I go

The Lord Jesus is not here on earth; he is in heaven at the right hand of God the Father. He had to leave earth according to the plan of God. The right hand side of an authority is one of extreme importance and power.

3. See me no longer

This refers to his earthly time, not to his return in the future. His ascension was when he left. Now...
1. ...he helps protect his people: For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (Hebrews 2:18)

2. ...he prays for his people: Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
(Hebrews 7:25)

And many other things.

John 16:9

...concerning sin, because they do not believe in me;
(John 16:9)

Three points:

1. Concerning sin

Sin has the idea of missing the mark. The mark is God's Law, His rules. This is summarized nicely in the Ten Commandments. To miss the mark would mean that we cannot live His rules perfectly in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds. The Holy Spirit does the work of conviction.

2. Believe

Believe has the idea of trust. The most common illustration is of the tightrope walker who can not only walk on the cable but also carry and wheel objects. If asked if he is able to do this with a person in the wheelbarrow, all agree, but if asked if they will be that person in the wheelbarrow, no one volunteers. If one did volunteer, that would be the word used here. We have to believe in the Lord Jesus as if our life depends on it.

3. Me

People put their trust in money, government, physicians, friends, themselves, experts(?), science, church, and many other things, but none of these things will forgive sins, take away guilt, or make things right between God and man. Trusting in Jesus can. We must believe in Him everyday for all things; He knows best.

John 16:8

And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment. (John 16:8)

Three points:

1. He

The Holy Spirit knows everything, is all powerful, and is everywhere. The coming refers to Pentecost.

2. Convict

Convict has the idea of confronting someone and showing that they are wrong. It is used 17 times in the New Testament as in "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. (Matthew 18:15) and Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. (John 8:9)

3. The World

This is not a select group of people; it is all of us.
...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God(Romans 3:23)

1 Peter 3:22

(Jesus Christ) who has gone to heaven and is at the right hand of God, where angels, authorities, and powers have been made subject to him. (1 Peter 3:22)

Three points:

1. Who is gone into heaven

He is no longer on earth. He knows everything that happens, but He, Himself, is not here. In heaven He waits for the time to return. He prays for us.

2. Right hand of God

This is a position of honor, authority, and protection.

3. Made subject to Him

Subject means that someone or thing is brought under the authority of someone else whether they like it or not. Angels willingly submit to Him. Authorities and powers are not willing; they are nonetheless. He is the ultimate power and authority. We find safety in Him.

And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. (Matthew 28:18)