Graham continues his series on John’s Gospel chapters 13-17, picking up here in chapter 16 from verse 17.
Notes:
John 16:17-33
16:33 “In me” compared to “In the world”
1) As he explained previously, his departure was necessary for the Spirit to come
2) His departure was necessary so they could have access to the Father
v 26 “I do not say that I will pray for you”
Now we can talk directly with the Father.
Last week we looked at the need for Jesus to depart to allow the Counsellor (Holy Spirit) to come. Now we see there are more privileges, prayer and access to the Father.
Let us come boldly. Hebrews 4:14-16
14Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
3) “In me” shows them to be re-located
Moved to “heavenly realms”, see Ephesians 2:3-6
3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.
4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,
5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions- it is by grace you have been saved.
6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,
“Heavenly Realms” are mentioned five times in Ephesians. Paul explains that the Christian’s union with the exalted, risen Christ effects us in a number of ways.
(a) We are already in possession of every spiritual blessing in Jesus (Ephesians 1:3).
(b) Ephesians 1:20-22 Christ is enthroned and we share in his enthronement and rule from heaven
(c) By gathering Jews, Gentiles, male, female, slave and free all together, he displays his “manifold wisdom” to the rulers, authorities in the heavenly realm.
Romans 3:22
22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference,
Romans 10:12
12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile- the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,
Galatians 3:28
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
(d) That is why our struggle is not merely against flesh and blood (see chap 6) but against the great spiritual powers that wage war against God. See Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
“In Christ” occurs 12 times in verses 3-12 of Ephesians 1. This is the revelation first introduced by Jesus himself, as recorded in John’s gospel.
Conclusion
We are back to the beginning of the sermon John 16:33 “In me” compared to “In the world”. Once we understand this, how will it effect our response to temptation?
