Print

JOHN 16:7-11

"THE TESTIMONY OF THE SPIRIT"

Intro: All of us have had those moments when we realized life was more than just physical. The
       hint or consciousness of the spiritual dimension brings three awareness Sin,
       Righteousness, Judgment.

I. SIN, BECAUSE THEY BELIEVE NOT ON ME.
        A. When you think of sin you think of something else.
                1. That lie that you told; that weakness of your flesh that traps you;
                2. Man has had an interesting time seeking to catalog sin.
                3. Not because they are thieves, or murderers or adulterers.
        B. Why not such a list?
                1. Jesus Christ died for the sins of the world.
                        a. God revealed His plan to the prophet Isaiah 700 years B.C. "All we
                           like sheep, etc."
                        b. All the sin and guilt of humanity was laid of Him.
                        c. Why did Jesus die on the cross?
                                1. Personal application "because He loved me..."
                2. There is just one issue now, what will you do with Jesus.
        C. John 3:16.
                1. Man no longer dies because of his sin, but because he rejects the  Savior.
                        a. Here is a person dying of a poisonous snake bite--you rush a  serum
                           to them.

II. RIGHTEOUSNESS, BECAUSE I GO TO MY FATHER.
        A. The resurrection and accession of Jesus Christ was a testimony of God to the world.
                1. This is the righteousness I will accept.
                2. Nothing to ban his entrance. "No sin shall enter there."
        B. The error of judging by man's standards.
                1. This is not God's standard for judgment.
                2. You can discover flaws in the best & there is always someone a little lower
                   than you.
        C. If you desire access into heaven your righteousness must be equal to Christ's.
                1. This is the righteousness that is given to us by our trust in Him.
                        a. "Those things which were gain to me, I counted loss, for. . ."

III. JUDGMENT - BECAUSE THE PRINCE OF THIS WORLD IS JUDGED.
        A. This is somewhat of a surprise.
                1. Expected to warn of future judgment.
                2. Scripture does speak of Gods throne of judgment.
        B. "Prince of this world" refers to satan. John 14.
                1. Through the cross he was judged and his power broken.
                2. He can no longer hold you captive in the grip of some sin.
                        a. Your prison doors have been opened and you have been set free.

IV. YOUR REACTION TO THE SPIRITS TESTIMONY.
        A. Will you reject Jesus Christ?
                1. Then that is your sin and you will face the judgment that follows the 
                   prince of this world.
        B. Will you accept Jesus Christ?
                1. Then His righteousness shall be imparted to you and He will break the
                   chains that bind you and you and lead you into a life that will never end.