Where the World is Wrong
Do you ever find yourself angered or shaking your head by what you see on the news, on social media or even on TV commercials? Yeah, there is a lot is wrong in our world.
In John 16-17, Jesus gave His disciples a stern warning about what they could expect from this world. He wanted them to be prepared for a really harsh reception. He went on to tell them that the world is wrong in three specific ways. He warned them about the influences in this world and how they would conspire against Him and them, as His followers. But He didn’t leave them with a doom and gloom outlook on life. In fact, He told them how to get right in this world! Everything Jesus shared with them applies to us too.
7 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin, because people do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. John 16:7-11
So let’s take a closer look at what Jesus teaches about where the world is wrong.
1) About sin. (John 16:8-9)
We all sin and fall short of the mark God has set for us (Rom. 3:23); but In this context, Jesus is focused on one particular sin. In fact, it is the one sin that will keep us far from God and ultimately out of His heaven. Jesus says the Holy Spirit will prove the world wrong about the sin of unbelief; that is an unwillingness to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior.
So what would keep the world from believing? Wrong thinking will keep the world from believing. I’ll give you three examples…
Wrongly thinking we don’t have a sin problem. But the truth is we all have a sin problem and have since the beginning of time. (Rom. 5:12)
Wrongly thinking that sin doesn’t have consequences. But sin does have serious consequences, both for today and forever. It leads to spiritual death, separating us from God for eternity. (Rom. 6:23)
Wrongly thinking there is another way. But Jesus left no doubt about that when He plainly said: 6 …“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6.
When people choose not to believe, it is not because the Holy Spirit is not working; it is because they willfully reject the truth. The world is often wrong about sin, specifically, unbelief in Jesus as Savior and Lord.
2) About righteousness. (John 16:8;10)
The world has a problem with righteousness, specifically, self-righteousness. Jesus spent a lot of time in His ministry pointing out the wrong thinking of people who thought that what made them right with God was following religious rituals and laws. But, righteousness comes, not through religion, but through a faith relationship with Jesus Christ. (Rom. 3:21-22)
The world wrongly says, “You don’t need Jesus; you’re alright.” But are you really? The truth is, this world, and anyone in it, is not alright apart from Christ. We need Him to be right with a holy, just and righteous God.
3) About judgment. (John 16:8;11)
Jesus had been wrongly judged in this world. He had been rejected by many. Soon, He would be wrongly convicted, tortured, and hung on a cross. The prince of this world, Satan, continues to rule this world. His influence is prevalent on this earth, so this world is not in any position to make righteous judgments; but the Holy Spirit can.
There is a spiritual blindness in this world inspired by the enemy. It causes many to wrongly think that their way is ok, their truth is correct, their acceptance of what amounts to blatant sin is somehow right. They hide behind terms they have perverted like tolerance, acceptance, and even love. They shame those who embrace God-honoring Biblical values and call them bigots and fools. That is not truth… It is a lie, inspired by the prince of this world. And Jesus says the Holy Spirit will convict and judge where this world can’t and won’t. The Spirit will lead sinners to true judgment.
So, How Can We Get Right in the World?
1) Count on the Holy Spirit to guide us in all truth. (John 16:13)
2) Overcome trouble with the peace of Christ. (John 16:33)
3) Pray for protection against evil influences. (John 17:15-18)
For much more, especially about how get right in this world, click here to listen to: Light in the Darkness, Part 14 - Where the World is Wrong. Please share this message with others looking for light, hope and truth in a dark world.
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