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)

Mark 5:19

However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you." (Mar 5:19)

Three points:

1. Prayer

There is a number of prayers here.
a. The prayer of the demons to leave the man and go into the swine.
b. The prayer of the residents of the area for the Lord Jesus to leave.
c. The prayer of the delivered man to go with Jesus.

2. Answers

Jesus answered all three requests.
a. The demons got a "yes" answer and were allowed to enter the swine.
b. The people of the area got a "yes", and the Lord Jesus left.
c. The delivered man got a "no" and was told to stay there, go home, and tell everyone how the Lord Jesus had delivered him.

3. Us

Sometimes we have a "yes" answer sometimes a "no" answer. Each answer is best. We may not understand at the time why we got "no" for an answer, but it is the correct one. Let us be content with a "yes" or "no" answer.

John 14:2-3

John 14:2-3 In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

Three points:

1. House

The Father must have a huge house, for in it are many, many staying places. Many think this is heaven itself instead of a separate house. These "mansions" may be like apartments, rooms, or mansions. Whatever they are, there is plenty of room for all.

2. I go...and prepare

The Lord Jesus isn't sitting around. He is working--preparing, getting things ready for us.

3. I will come...you

Even though it has been close to 2000 years, since he left, he will come back. It would a waste of his time, it he left and prepared these living quarters but didn't come back for the people who would live in them. Let us comfort ourselves.

Revelation 22:20

Revelation 22:20 He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly." Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

Three points:

1. He

Jesus is speaking here. He is a truthful witness. Our definition of quick is surely different than His, but time's definition is by His dictionary, not ours. His coming is not far away; we must always be ready.

2. Amen

John says, "I agree, Lord." Do we have the attitude, "Your will be done?"

3. Even

No matter how soon he comes; no matter that He says that He is coming soon; it is never soon enough. Our world is a wreck--difficult problems--and the world's leaders and scientists are not and cannot solve them. These will be solved when Jesus returns. Are we doing things His way now? He has given us His rules. Let us encourage one another.

Romans 8:35

Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

Three points:

1. Love of Christ

Love--a love of giving, looking out for the best of others, caring for others perhaps more than yourself.

2. Separate

Separating--a pulling apart. Can any person separate us from God's love? Things might be rough. People may abuse us, use us, or hurt us. We might have a horrible accident or some other catastrophe. Remember God has not forsaken you.

3. Things

Things cannot separate us from God's love either, not tribulation (affliction, pressure, or hardship), distress (calamity)persecution, famine (hunger), nakedness (poverty), peril (danger), or sword (death).