What Do I Need to Know That I Already Know? | 2 Peter 1:12-21

What Do I Need to Know That I Already Know? | 2 Peter 1:12-21

Clay Jernigan

Sermon Title: What Do I Need to Know that I already Know?

Main Idea/Question: What if your spiritual growth is less about new information and more about obedience to what you already know? We often believe that our growth depends on learning new things. However, true growth may rely less on acquiring new knowledge and more on being obedient to what we already know. In this passage, Peter reminds his audience of truths they have heard before, knowing these reminders are vital to their maturity in Christ.

You tube Description : Message on Growing as a Christian | 2 Peter 1:12-21

Where Do We Grow From Here? | 2 Peter 1:5-11

Where Do We Grow From Here?| 2 Peter 1:5-11

Drew Nethery

Where Do We Grow From Here? | 2 Peter 1:5-11

Sermon Series: Faithful to the End

1. Intro: 4th of July – 

   1. Illustration Pilgrims- Pilgrim’s Progress  

2. Question to Answer: What do I do with what I have received? Grow in your Faith

3. Context

4. For this Reason (2 Peter 1:1-4) Take this personally- your sin, your life, claim his promise for you, spend time with him

   1. God has called you out of corruption

   2. God has equipped you to live a godly life

   3. God keeps his good and precious promises

   4. God invites you to himself to share in his divine nature.  

1. Make every Effort (Luke 5:1-11) (Listen to the Master (intake of God’s Word), Put out into deep water (make faith decisions) keep at it or leave and follow Jesus 

2. Add to - Generous and Costly Participation (Theater Patron) – What are you investing in the kingdom of God? Time, Finances, Opportunity Cost

   1. Growth

      1. Growth takes Effort (Generous and Costly Participation 

      2. Growth is Gradual (Peter’s Journey, Saved by GRACE) 

      3. Growth is effective (you will see evidence) 

   2. Faith (Hebrews 11: 1- confidence in what we hope for, assurance of what we do not see) 

      1. Faith is the foundation- virtue without it is like a screen door on a submarine (Hebrews 11:6-without faith it is impossible to please God)

      2. Faith is a Gift (2 Peter 1:1)

      3. Faith does not stand alone (verse 5-11)

1. Goodness (Mark 10: 17-18 No one is Good but God alone) | Let God’s Word be your Moral Authority, Let it come from your faith 

2. Knowledge (Gnosis, Practical Wisdom, Proverbs- the fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom, Listen to Wise Counsel, be Humble, Phone illustration What kind of knowledge do we seek (tree of knowledge of good and evil)

3.Self Control (1 Peter 2:11 Abstain from desires that wage war) Christian and Faithful in Vanity Fair)

4. Perseverance (Endurance- Ernest Shackleton, Romans 5:3-5)

5.Patience- Waiting on Jesus, Suffering-perseverance-Character-hope, God does not waste it. He is the God who sees you (Genesis 16:13)  But we are not meant to be alone (Genesis 2:18)

6.Godliness (godliness- Godliness- Eusebia- piety, holiness, reverence, respect) (1 Peter 2:17)

7. Mutual Affection (Philadelphia brotherly love, (1 Peter 1:22) 

6. Vulnerability of Being known, power of Christian Community – Outward- love God, love people 

   8. Mutual Affection to Love (Agape) The Fathers Bargain

   6. (John 13:35-Love one another)- We are called to love each other in this manner. 

7. Possess these qualities in increasing measure-Growth = increase in size or complexity- one of the traits used to determine if something is alive. Have these and you will be effective and productive (Living things Grow)

Epignosis knowledge of Jesus Personally. To know him. 

8. Near sighted and Blind (blind by way of being near sighted, driving example, you are a danger to others) 

9. Forgetting they have been cleansed (Pilgrim’s Progress , Christian being tempted to turn back- but remembering when his burden fell- The Gospel 

10. Therefore- make every effort (again) to confirm your calling and election

Two Plants- Because Living things grow – If you are growing – it is evidence you are alive in Christ. Consider this. How to confirm- Pursue Jesus. Repent and Believe, Continue to repent and believe

11. Stumble- What causes people to stumble? This is an eternal type of stumbling block. (lack of faith, perverted good, worldly knowledge, lack of self control, etc.)

12. Rich Welcome- Arrival at the end of the Journey- take of your pack, put down your burden- Hospitality of Heaven – Worth striving for, waiting For, dying for

    1. 2 Peter 3:18 – Read aloud

13. Gospel Presentation/Communion

I

Do You Have Everything You Need? | 2 Peter 1:1-4

Do You Have Everything You Need? | 2 Peter 1:1-4

Darien Gabriel

Download

Series: Faithful to the End

Title: "Do You Have Everything You Need?"

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:1-4 NIV

2 Peter 3:18

Matthew 26:31-34

Luke 22:31-32

John 17:3

Jeremiah 9:23-24

Bottom Line: In Christ, we've been given everything that we need to be fully restored to the person God created us to be in the first place.

INTRODUCTION

CONTEXT

OUTLINE

CONCLUSION

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

NOTES

YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

MAIN REFERENCES USED

INTRODUCTION

The Last Lecture

Many universities have a tradition called “The Last Lecture.” A professor is asked to imagine this is the last opportunity they’ll ever have to teach their students.

What would they say?

They don’t waste time on trivia.

They don’t chase rabbit trails.

They talk about what matters most.

Peter is writing his own last lecture.

He’s asking,

“If these are my final written words, what do believers absolutely need to remember?”

In essence, a last lecture is a professors attempt to leave you with the main things you need to have to thrive in life.

Peter is writing his last lecture to remind Christians of all they already have in Christ. It doesn't require a special knowledge (gnosis) but it is the same knowledge the Apostles enjoyed.

CONTEXT

"Second Epistle of Peter was likely written near the end of the Simon Peter’s life to churches in Asia Minor that were facing the growing threat of false teachers. These teachers were distorting God’s grace, denying the certainty of Christ’s return, encouraging immoral living, and undermining confidence in the apostolic message. Peter writes as a spiritual father who knows his death is near, urging believers to stand firm in the true knowledge of Jesus Christ. The letter emphasizes that Christians already possess everything they need for life and godliness through Christ, calls them to grow in grace and experiential knowledge of Him, warns them to recognize and reject false teachers, and reminds them to live holy, expectant lives in light of Christ’s promised return. Throughout the letter, Peter contrasts the life-giving truth of the gospel with the destructive deception of false teaching, encouraging believers to remain faithful until the day Christ returns." -ChatGPT

OUTLINE (Influenced by J. Shaddix)

I. The Background (1:1)

II. The Blessing (1:2)

III. The Big Idea (1:3-4)

I. The Background (1:1) - See CONTEXT above

I. Verse 1

Who am I? A servant and apostle.

↓

Who are you? Believers possessing faith equal to mine.

↓

How did you get it? It was given through Christ’s righteousness.

↓

Who is Christ? Our God and Savior.

⸻

Peter starts by saying:

“Every true believer already possesses the same priceless faith because it comes from the same Savior.”

No elite Christianity.

No higher class of believers.

No insider spirituality.

Everything begins with the same gracious gift from the same divine Savior.

That theme naturally prepares for verses 2–4, where Peter explains that God has already given believers everything they need for life and godliness. In other words, Peter begins the letter not by emphasizing what Christians lack, but by reminding them of what they have already received in Christ.

II. The Blessing (1:2)

A. The blessing of knowing Jesus.

1. 1. 1. Not just knowing facts about Jesus (gnosis)

      2. Knowing Jesus personally and experientially (epignosis)

      3. “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John‬ ‭17‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

B. The blessing of being reminded.

1. 1. 1. Peter begins the letter not by emphasizing what Christians lack, but

      2. By reminding them of what they have already received in Christ.

III. The Big Idea (1:3-4)

A. The power to be like Christ. (1:3)

1. 1. 1. Dynamite!

      2. Resurrection power!

B. The process of becoming like Christ. (1:3)

1. 1. 1. It's a gift.

      2. Through knowing Jesus personally.

      3. Called by Jesus to come.

C. The promise of being like Christ. (1:4)

1. 1. 1. Again, it's a gift.

      2. The gift of grace: Participating in the divine nature of God himself in the midst of an evil and corrupt world.

"Second Epistle of Peter was likely written near the end of the Simon Peter’s life to churches in Asia Minor that were facing the growing threat of false teachers. These teachers were distorting God’s grace, denying the certainty of Christ’s return, encouraging immoral living, and undermining confidence in the apostolic message. Peter writes as a spiritual father who knows his death is near, urging believers to stand firm in the true knowledge of Jesus Christ. The letter emphasizes that Christians already possess everything they need for life and godliness through Christ, calls them to grow in grace and experiential knowledge of Him, warns them to recognize and reject false teachers, and reminds them to live holy, expectant lives in light of Christ’s promised return. Throughout the letter, Peter contrasts the life-giving truth of the gospel with the destructive deception of false teaching, encouraging believers to remain faithful until the day Christ returns." -ChatGPT

CONCLUSION

Bottom Line: In Christ, we've been given everything that we need to be fully restored to the person God created us to be in the first place.

• In the midst of false teachers, Peter points to the epignosis of knowing Christ personally and experientially.

• In the midst of distorting God's grace, Peter points people to resting in his grace as a gift that empowers us to live the godly, abundant life.

• In the midst of his final days, Peter urges people to stand firm in the true knowledge of Jesus Christ as we await his return.

Peter knows what it's like to fail; to fall.

Matthew 26:31-34

Luke 22:31-32

He also knows what it's like to be restored.

John 21:15-19

So, as you open your spiritual baggage, what do you see? Is it full? What's it full of? Do you have everything that you need to live an abundant, godly life?

Let's read the last verse in 2 Peter 3 together as a prayer...

Pray

NOTES

2 Peter 1:1–4 provides a stronger connection to Superman than the typical “hero who dies for us” comparison.Peter’s emphasis isn’t primarily on rescue; it’s on transformation. The gospel doesn’t just save us from something—it changes us into something.

Everyone knows Superman’s origin story.

A baby is sent from another world by his father. He grows up among ordinary people. As he matures, he discovers abilities no one else possesses. He can fly. He’s stronger than anyone. He sees farther. Hears better. He’s capable of living at an entirely different level.

The question isn’t, “Can Superman become Superman?”

The question is, “Will he live according to who he already is?”

That’s surprisingly close to Peter’s point.

Peter begins his letter by reminding believers of what God has already given them.

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life…” (v. 3)

Notice the tense.

Not will give.

Has given.

Peter isn’t telling Christians to become something they aren’t.

He’s reminding them of what God has already made them in Christ.

Like Clark Kent eventually discovering his identity, Christians often live far below the resources already available to them.

Where the analogy breaks

Clark Kent discovers power that was always inside him because of his Kryptonian nature.

Christians do not discover hidden divinity within themselves.

Peter says our new life comes through the knowledge of Him who called us (vv. 2–3). Everything we have comes from Christ, not from ourselves.

Our strength is received, not innate.

The astonishing statement

Verse 4 contains one of the Bible’s most breathtaking promises:

“…so that through them you may participate in the divine nature…”

Peter is not saying we become gods.

He’s saying we begin sharing in God’s moral character and life because His Spirit now dwells within us.

We become increasingly like Christ.

In other words:

God doesn’t simply rescue us. He restores us to become the people He created us to be.

That fits beautifully into our overarching metanarrative:

• Creation: Made in God’s image.

• Fall: That image is corrupted.

• Redemption: Christ rescues us.

• Restoration: We increasingly share in His character and will one day perfectly reflect His image.

Superman is fiction’s dream of a man with extraordinary powers.

Christianity is God’s declaration that ordinary men and women can receive extraordinary life—not because of who they are, but because of whose they are.

Superman shows us what power can do.

Jesus shows us what grace can do.

Clark Kent’s life changes when he discovers his true identity and embraces it.

Peter says our lives change as we know Jesus more deeply. The Greek term Peter uses for “knowledge” points to relational, experiential knowledge—not merely acquiring facts.

The more we know Christ, the more we experience His grace, His peace, and the transforming power He has already supplied.

That leads naturally to the sermon’s central idea:

The Christian life isn’t about striving to become someone new. It’s about growing in the knowledge of Christ and learning to live out what God has already given us through Him.

This fits remarkably well with 2 Peter 1:1–4 because Peter begins not with a list of commands, but with a declaration of identity and provision. Before he ever tells believers what to do (vv. 5–11), he tells them what God has already done. That order is the gospel: grace precedes growth, and knowing Christ fuels becoming like Christ.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process:

1. Retell the story in your own words.

2. Discovery the story

   1. What does this story tell me about God?

   2. What does this story tell me about people?

   3. If this is really God’s word, what changes would I have to make in my life?

3. Who am I going to tell about this?

Final Questions (optional or in place of above)

• What is God saying to you right now?

• What are you going to do about it?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions: Based on this passage:

1. Who is God?

2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

4. What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)

Final Questions (index cards optional)

• What is God saying to you right now?

• What are you going to do about it?

YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“1 - 2 Peter and Jude,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

“1 & 2 Peter ” by RC Sproul

“1 & 2 Peter and Jude” by Thomas Schreiner

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner (VW)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

ChatGPT

Claude.ai

Why Hold On if God Won’t Let Go? | Jude 24-25

Why Hold On if God Won't Let Go? | Jude 24-25

Darien Gabriel

Series: Contending for the Faith

Title: “Why Hold on if God Won’t Let Go?”

Scripture: Jude 24-25 NIV

Psalm 37:23-24

Psalm 139:23-24

Proverbs 24:16

John 10:27-30

Romans 8:38-39

Ephesians 1:13-14

Hebrews 13:5

1 John 2:19

1 John 5:13

Bottom line: We hold on because he holds us.

INTRODUCTION

CONTEXT

OUTLINE

CONCLUSION

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

NOTES

YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

MAIN REFERENCES USED

My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

OPENING STORY

"He is able to keep..."

Watch a parent walk a small child along the edge of a busy sidewalk. The child is doing real walking — short, wobbly, determined steps, working as hard as little legs can work. And then she trips. Of course she does; her foot catches the curb and she pitches forward. But she doesn’t hit the pavement. She never even gets close. Her hand is wrapped inside a bigger hand, and the instant she goes, that hand lifts and steadies and sets her back on her feet before the fall can finish. She stumbled — but she did not fall.

Jude has spent his whole letter telling us to walk a dangerous edge: in the midst of false and deceptive teachers, contend, build, keep, rescue — right alongside the place where others have already gone over and not come back.

Now, in the last two verses, he shows us the hand. “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling.” Or as the psalmist said it long before: "Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand" (Psalm 37:24).

The missteps still come. The fatal fall never does — because the grip holding you is not your own.

Said another way, we may find ourselves in the ditch along the narrow way...but he's right there pulling us out of the muck and mire back onto the highway of our God.

Too Busy in this life

A traveler once walked more than 700 miles to see Niagara Falls. As he neared his destination, he heard a distant roar and asked a nearby farmer, “Is that Niagara Falls?”

The farmer replied, “I don’t know. It might be.”

Surprised, the traveler asked, “Do you live here?”

“Born and raised here,” the farmer said.

“And you’ve never gone to see the falls?”

“No, stranger. I’ve been too busy looking after my farm.”

What a tragedy—to live within the sound of one of the world’s greatest wonders and never take the time to see it.

And yet many Christians do something similar. We know heaven is coming. We know we will stand in the presence of God’s glory. We hear about it every week. But we become so busy with the things of this world that we lose our appetite for the world to come.

Jude reminds us that God is keeping us for something far greater: to be presented before His glorious presence, blameless and with great joy.

Poem

"Some want to live within the sound

Of church or chapel bell;

I want to run a rescue shop

Within a yard of hell."

CONTEXT

The entire letter begins and ends with God’s keeping power:

• Jude 1 — “To those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ.”

• Jude 21 — “Keep yourselves in God’s love…”

• Jude 24 — “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you…”

• Jude 25 — Doxology praising the God who does the keeping.

That creates a beautiful tension:

Kept by God (v.1) → Keep yourselves in God’s love (v.21) → Kept by God (v.24).

The question practically preaches itself:

“If God is holding me, why does Jude tell me to hold on?”

Imagine being swept toward a waterfall.

You know you cannot save yourself.

Then a strong rescuer reaches you and takes hold of your arm.

The question isn’t whether he will hold on.

The question is: Why would you not hold on to him?

That’s the tension in Jude.

God has taken hold of us.

Therefore, we keep ourselves in His love.

Not to earn His rescue.

Not to maintain His rescue.

But because His rescue is already underway.

“Why Hold On If He’s Holding You?”

That raises one of the most important questions in the Christian life:

Is my salvation ultimately dependent on how tightly I hold onto God—or how tightly God holds onto me?

OUTLINE (Help from Shaddix/Akin)

I. God holds/keeps me. (Jude 1, 24) i.e. I am saved and secured by God's power, promise, person, and praise.

A. We are secure because of God’s power

“To him who is able…”

Not merely willing.

Able.

Cross references:

• John 10:28-29

• Romans 8:38-39

• Philippians 1:6

B. We are secure because of God’s promise

If eternal life can be lost, it was never eternal.

Cross references:

• John 6:37-40

• John 17:12

• Hebrews 10:14

C. We are secure because of God’s person

God does not change.

The One who called you is the One who keeps you.

Cross references:

• Malachi 3:6

• 2 Timothy 2:13

• Hebrews 13:8

D. We are secure because of God’s praise

Verse 25 is worship.

Jude cannot discuss salvation without ending in doxology.

The doctrine of eternal security is not merely comfort.

It is fuel for worship.

The point is not:

“Look how strong my faith is.”

The point is:

“Look how great my Savior is.”

II. I am to keep hold of God's love. (Jude 21) God keeps me by helping me hold on to him and his love.

Many people have asked:

“If God keeps me, why must I keep myself?”

Answer: Because security is not an excuse for passivity.

Illustrate: A child walking through a crowded airport.

The child holds Dad’s hand.

Dad also holds the child’s hand.

Which grip matters most?

Dad’s.

Yet the child still holds on.

The father may even let go of the child's hand in the airport to give the child a little more freedom and the child may stay close because they know that's where they're secure.

But the human condition is that we are prone to wander from his grip hurting our fellowship with him. Not that we can get away from him and his security, but that we can wander far enough to impact our fellowship and assurance negatively.

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

“Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love.”

“Here’s my heart, O take and seal it, Seal it for Thy courts above.”

…because relationship requires abiding

John 15.

…because obedience strengthens assurance

Not salvation.

Assurance.

…because spiritual drift is real

The false teachers in Jude prove this.

…because God uses means

Prayer.

Scripture.

Church.

Worship.

Fellowship.

…because the kept become keepers

Verses 22-23.

We rescue others.

…because God’s preserving grace produces perseverance

This is the key theological answer.

The evidence that God is keeping us is that we continue following Him.

God’s sovereignty and human responsibility are friends, not enemies.

You might even summarize:

God’s grip is the cause.

Our grip is the evidence.

CONCLUSION

Bottom line: We hold on because he holds us.

As I've said, we have four daughters. All are married.

As we wait for the music to start--in those few moments where your life flashes before you--before you begin to walk down that aisle before God and all those people--I established a tradition that goes back to the days when selfies were the rage.

It was 2016. Selfies were a new phenomenon. I'm standing there with Samantha and I can tell she's excited, happy, and, well, emotional,m - on the verge of tears.

Now we can't have her makeup running at this moment! So I suggest we do a selfie together as we wait for the thumbs up. It only takes a few seconds. But it gave her a reason to focus on this pic (I'm about to give her away, remember, so I'm emotional too). She leans in with a huge smile and relief and joy swallow us as we take the picture as I miraculously press the right button on the first try. It's an amazing picture.

So, yes, I had the privilege to escort them down the aisle and move their hand from mine to another's. It's a humbling moment.

There’s a moment a father knows well — standing at the back of a sanctuary with his daughter on his arm, about to walk her down the aisle and present her, radiant and whole, to the joy of the whole room. This is a foretaste of the moment when each of us will walk an aisle with our Father and King to meet Jesus in all his glory.

Jude 24 says God will one day “present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy.” Notice whose joy that is. Not just ours — His.

The God you’ve been contending for, the One who kept you the whole way, doesn’t grit His teeth at the finish line. He delights to present you.

That’s where this series lands: you held on, yes — but only because He was holding you, and He was glad to do it the entire time. To Him be glory, majesty, power, and authority. Amen.

“without fault and with great joy”

Most Christians believe:

“God will tolerate me in heaven.”

Jude says something entirely different.

God will present you:

• without fault

• before His glorious presence

• with great joy

And I would emphasize:

Whose joy?

Certainly ours.

But also His.

God is not reluctantly dragging His children into heaven.

He delights to present them.

There is a moment a father knows well—standing at the back of a wedding venue with his daughter on his arm, about to walk her down the aisle and present her, radiant and whole, to the joy of the whole room.

Jude says something even greater is coming.

One day God Himself will present His children before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy.

The God who called you.

The God who saved you.

The God who kept you.

Will be the God who presents you.

And when that day comes, you will finally discover what Jude has been teaching all along:

You were able to hold on only because He never let go of you.

Pray

Questions (Write this down) - grab an index card and pen

What is God saying to you right now?

What are you going to do about it?

Write this down on the index card in the seat pockets.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

Read the passage together.

Retell the story in your own words.

Discovery the story

1. What does this story tell me about God?

2. What does this story tell me about people?

3. If this is really true, what should I do?

What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

NOTES

"William Booth was the founder of the Salvation Army. Booth is often credited with saying,

If I had my way, I would not send my workers to four years of college. If I had my way, I would not put them through three years of seminary. If I had my way, I would put all of my workers in hell for five minutes! That would be the best theological training they would ever receive. (Source unknown)" -Shaddix/Akin

Why hold on to God's love?

• It's a reminder to you when you doubt that you're his.

• It's evidence to others.

• It's a testimony of change in your life.

• It's a make of obedience which is a mark of your love for God.

• It's how we grow to be more like Jesus in practice.

• He calls me to! (V. 21)

• It's what faith looks like:

  • Deny self

  • Take up your cross

  • Follow Jesus

  • Cling to the cross

  • Rest in his arms

  • Walk the narrow way

  • Stand firm

  • Suit up

YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“Jude" by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in Jude, Shaddix & Daniel Akin

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)

Claude.ai

How to Walk God’s Way in God’s World

Series: Walking Wisely

Title: "How to Walk God's Way in God's World"

Scripture: Proverbs 3:1-12 NIV

James 1:5-6

Hebrews 11:6 "Without faith [trust] it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." NIVish

Bottom line: Wisdom is learning to walk in God's way (aka wisely) in God's world.

1. INTRODUCTION

2. CONTEXT

3. OUTLINE

4. CONCLUSION

5. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

6. NOTES

7. YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

8. MAIN REFERENCES USED

My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

Bottom line: Wisdom is learning to walk in God's way (aka wisely) in God's world.

OPENING STORY

A few years ago, our youth group had Pastor Ed Newton speak to them at camp. They loved him! Well, I at some point started following him on Twitter (back then) but X and had saved this tweet/post in my files. This was his quote:

"God's will? Find where you have been given favor, then follow favor, then be faithful to the place that God gave you favor!"

So this resonated with me. So I posted a question asking him the source of that inspiration. He replied Proverbs 3.

"Over the past several months, we walked through Book of Genesis in our series God’s Promises, Our Journey.

In Genesis, we watched God call imperfect people to trust Him with their future:

• Abraham leaving home not knowing where he was going

• Isaac learning to trust God’s covenant promises

But that raises an important question:

How do we actually walk that journey day by day?

That is where Book of Proverbs comes in.

If Genesis teaches us to trust God with the big story of our lives, Proverbs teaches us how to walk wisely with God in everyday life.

Proverbs is not primarily a book of random sayings or good advice. It is a father teaching his children how to live skillfully in God’s world.

Wisdom in Proverbs is not merely intelligence, information, or success. Wisdom is learning to see life from God’s perspective and walk in God’s ways.

At the center of Proverbs is this foundational truth:

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 1:7)

In other words: true wisdom begins with a right relationship with God.

That is why Proverbs 3:5–6 is one of the most loved and well-known passages in the Bible. It speaks directly into moments of uncertainty, transition, decision-making, and future direction.

And that makes this passage especially fitting today as we celebrate our graduates.

Many of them are standing at a major crossroads:

• decisions about school

• work

• relationships

• calling

• identity

• future direction

And Proverbs reminds all of us — graduates and non-graduates alike — that our greatest need is not simply a good plan, but wholehearted trust in God." -ChatGPT

We just spend 9 weeks learning that our journey is shaped by our belief/unbelief in God's promises. We said that God's promises (rightly believed) shape our journey for good.

Proverbs 3 seems like the next right step.

Why? Because it tells us how to walk God's way in God's world. Our journey.

• “Wisdom is where knowledge and love kiss each other.”

• “Power is simply operating in Christ’s authority with his resources.”

Father (King Solomon) is discipling his Prince son. Parents, are you paying attention here?

“Genesis showed us God’s promises in the journey. Proverbs teaches us how to walk wisely in that journey.” -ChatGPT

Or

Bottom line: Wisdom is learning to walk in God's way (aka wisely) in God's world.

CONTEXT

What are the key traits of the book of Proverbs?

• "Proverbs as wisdom literature" #wisdom #promises

• "Solomon/father-to-son framework" #relationships #discipleship

• "Fear of the Lord theme"

• "Connection to Jesus as wisdom incarnate" #incarnation

-ChatGPT

"We're in Proverbs and that means wisdom literature. Why does that matter? Well, we read wisdom literature differently from other types of literature like narrative or didactic.

• Wisdom literature often communicates general patterns.

• Gospel and covenant texts often communicate definitive redemptive promises.

In other words, Proverbs teaches us the normal pathways of wisdom. Jesus announces the guaranteed promises of the kingdom."

-ChatGPT

Genesis showed us Abraham learning to trust God's audible voice with the big story of their lives.

Proverbs teaches us how to walk wisely with God's written word in everyday decisions.

“This is generally true now and will always prove true later.” -Daniel Akin

• "Proverbs describes the normal moral order of God’s world,

• but the fullness of these blessings is ultimately eschatological." -ChatGPT

Bottom line: Wisdom is learning to walk in God's way (aka wisely) in God's world.

OUTLINE (influenced by Danny Akin)

In the early 90s, Anita and I lived in Tampa Florida. Our time included joining Bell Shoals Baptist Church, where I was baptized. This is where I responded to Ministry. This is where I heard the preaching of Danny Akin for the first. I had never heard preaching like this before. It so impressed and influenced me that summer, that I went to the seminar where he was Dean of students. (SEBTS) He's now the president of the seminary. Today's outline is influenced by him and his son's efforts in a commentary I read this past week.

I. We Should Keep the Covenant PROVERBS 3:1,3,5,7,9

• The odd verses give the obligations that we are called to live up to if we

are in a covenant relationship with the Lord.

II. God Blesses Covenant-Keepers PROVERBS 3:2,4,6,8,10

• The even verses give the divine partner’s obligations.

III. This Is Generally True Now and Will Always Prove True Later

Proverbs 3:11-12

• The proverbs are generally true now, but they are always ultimately true.

IV. Jesus Kept the Covenant for You

• "The good news is that he represents us before the Father in this covenant relationship. He lived up to our obligations for us, and then

he took the curses of covenant breaking in our place." -Daniel Akin

CONCLUSION

Bottom line: Wisdom is learning to walk in God's way (aka wisely) in God's world.

From ChatGPT:

The Pilot Through the Clouds (Excellent for “straight paths”)

One of the most dangerous moments for a pilot is flying through thick clouds without visual reference points.

Everything in the body starts lying:

• up feels down,

• left feels right,

• motion feels still.

Pilots are trained not to trust their feelings in that moment. They must trust the instruments.

Some pilots have crashed perfectly good airplanes because they trusted their instincts more than the guidance system.

Proverbs 3 says: “Lean not on your own understanding.”

There will be seasons where:

• your emotions will mislead you,

• your instincts will fail you,

• your understanding will be incomplete.

In those moments, wisdom means trusting the Lord more than yourself.

I found the incident you’re referring to, though the pilot’s name appears to have been spelled Vinson Kyle Perdue in newspaper reporting, not “Purdue.” The crash occurred in August 1981 near Dorchester Road in the Summerville area. 

What I could verify:

• He was a young Air Force pilot from Summerville.

• The jet crashed during a routine training mission near Dorchester Road.

• The crash happened close to the Kings Grant area you mentioned. 

I could not verify from available sources that vertigo/disorientation was officially determined as the cause, though your memory of local reporting may absolutely be correct. Spatial disorientation/vertigo is a well-known factor in military aviation crashes, especially during instrument conditions.

For sermon purposes, I would be careful not to state definitively:

“The crash was officially caused by vertigo…”

unless you locate a direct source confirming that.

But you can still use the illustration powerfully and honestly by framing it like this:

When I was growing up in Summerville, there was a military jet crash near Dorchester Road across from Kings Grant where we lived.

I still remember how sobering that was as a kid.

And one of the things pilots are trained to understand is that when visibility disappears and disorientation sets in, your senses can begin lying to you.

Up can feel down. Motion can feel still. Your instincts can become dangerous.

That’s why pilots are trained to trust their instruments more than their feelings.

Proverbs 3 says something very similar spiritually:

“Lean not on your own understanding.”

There are moments in life where:

• your emotions will mislead you,

• your instincts will fail you,

• your understanding will be incomplete.

Wisdom means learning to trust God more than yourself.

That keeps:

• the local authenticity,

• the emotional weight,

• the aviation imagery,

• and the pastoral application—

without overstating what can be historically verified.

And honestly, because this is tied to your own childhood memory in Summerville, it will likely land much harder emotionally than a generic illustration ever could.

From Claude.ai

What Was Found on Vinson Kyle Perdue

The primary verified source is a newspaper clipping from The Greenville News, dated August 26, 1981 — a clipping published in The Greenville News on August 26, 1981, mentioning Vinson Kyle Perdue in Greenville, South Carolina.  That confirms the name spelling (Perdue, not Purdue) and the August 1981 date align with newspaper reporting. The Newspapers.com record exists but sits behind a paywall, so the full text of the article wasn’t accessible — which means we can confirm existence of reporting but not the article’s specific content on cause of death.

No publicly accessible official USAF accident investigation report for this specific crash surfaced. The Aviation Archaeological Investigation & Research database (which houses USAF accident reports from that era) exists but didn’t return this specific crash in searches.

Bottom line on the Perdue crash: Name, date, and general location are confirmed by newspaper record. Cause of death (vertigo/spatial disorientation) remains your childhood memory of local reporting — plausible and consistent with the era, but not independently verifiable from open sources right now.

What Was Found on Spatial Disorientation — and Why It Strengthens Your Illustration

This is where the research gets genuinely useful for your sermon. The data on spatial disorientation (SD) as a cause of military aviation fatalities is extensive and striking:

• Spatial disorientation accounted for 11% of all USAF crashes, with a crash fatality rate of 69% — and the SD rate was significantly higher in fighter/attack aircraft and helicopters than in training and transport aircraft. At night, 23% of all crashes were SD-caused.

• Even as overall military aviation accidents per flight hour decreased dramatically from 1958–1992, the rate of SD-caused crashes remained nearly constant — actually increasing as a percentage of all crashes, from 6% in 1958–1971 to 16% in 1972–1992.  Technology didn’t solve it. The problem is human physiology.

• Over a 21-year period (FY1993–2013), there were 72 spatial disorientation mishaps in the USAF, resulting in the loss of 101 lives, 65 aircraft, and $2.32 billion.

Spatial disorientation occurs when a pilot’s response to false sensations — of attitude, motion, velocity, acceleration, or position — causes the pilot to misinterpret his or her position in flight relative to the earth or other aircraft.  The instruments tell the truth. The pilot’s body lies to him.

How This Serves the Sermon

You don’t need the Perdue crash to be officially documented as an SD case to use SD as the theological hinge of your illustration. Here’s why: the statistics above are so overwhelming that you can say with complete accuracy:

“Spatial disorientation — where a pilot’s senses tell him up is down and motion is stillness — is one of the leading causes of military aviation fatalities. The pilot feels completely confident. His body is lying to him. That’s why pilots are trained to trust their instruments over their instincts.”

Then the transition to Proverbs 3 is natural and devastating: “Lean not on your own understanding” isn’t just piety — it’s survival logic. The human perceptual system is not reliable in conditions of low visibility and high stress. Neither is the unregenerate heart.

The local crash becomes the emotional anchor. The SD research data gives it theological weight that doesn’t depend on what you can or can’t verify about that specific August morning in 1981.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Pray

Questions (Write this down) - grab an index card and pen

• What is God saying to you right now?

• What are you going to do about it?

• Write this down on the index card in the seat pockets.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

1. Read the passage together.

2. Retell the story in your own words.

3. Discovery the story

   1. What does this story tell me about God?

   2. What does this story tell me about people?

   3. If this is really true, what should I do?

4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

NOTES

Proverbs 3:5-6 outline by Stephen Olford, Windows of Wisdom, pp. 17-19

• The decision of trust must be foremost in our lives.

  • Starting point

  • "All" "to cling to"

  • Focal - lean NOT on anyone or anything else

• The devotion of trust must be fostered in our lives.

  • We must live in the scriptures (Rom 10:17)

  • We must lean on the Spirit (Gal 5:22)

  • Acknowledge = "To consciously know or recognize"

• The direction of trust must be followed in our lives.

  • He makes the best way forward clear by

    • Removing obstacles

    • Giving clear instructions/directions

    • Immediate obedience to his word demonstrates total and focal trust

5 Capitals that we are in charge of stewarding for God's kingdom as disciples of Jesus:

1. Spiritual Capital

   1. How much spiritual equity do we have to invest?

   2. The currency is wisdom and power.

2. Relational Capital

   1. How much relational equity do we have to invest?

   2. The currency is family and friends. 

3. Physical Capital

   1. How much time and energy do we have to invest?

   2. The currency is hours and health.

4. Intellectual Capital

   1. How much creativity and knowledge do we have to invest?

   2. The currency is concepts and ideas.

5. Financial Capital

   1. How much treasure do we have to invest?

   2. The currency is money.

YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“Proverbs,” by Ray Ortland, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in Proverbs, Daniel Akin

Windows of Wisdom, Stephen Olford

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)

Claude.ai

How Can I Know the Way of Jesus? | John 14:1-14 | Darien Gabriel

How Can I Know the Way of Jesus? | John 14:1-14

Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: How can I know the way of Jesus?

Subtitle:

Scripture: John 14:1-14 NIV

Bottom Line: Because Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, we can trust His promises in the midst of our fears, follow His words, ways, and wisdom with confidence, see the Father clearly, and rely on Him to provide all we need for the mission.

1. INTRODUCTION

2. CONTEXT

3. SERMON OUTLINE

4. CONCLUSION

5. NOTES

6. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

7. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

8. MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

“I’m sure that everyone reading this book has been touched by the death of a loved one. I have; by the mercy of God, both of my parents died at home in bed. My mother slipped away at night when I was asleep, but I was next to the bed, more than fifty years ago, when my father breathed his last. I watched death in front of my eyes, and in that moment I lost the person who meant more to me than any person on the face of the earth. When it happened, something stabbed my soul, causing me to say: “This is insane. This can’t be real. He must merely be sleeping. O God, will he live again?” -R.C. Sproul

Moments like this leave us asking: Are we really prepared for what’s ahead?

His disciples faced a similar challenge 2,000 years ago, beginning with a turning point of cosmic proportions with the betrayal of Judas Iscariot.

I submit that we should proceed as Jesus led his disciples to on the night of his arrest and the eve of his crucifixion.

Bottom line:

CONTEXT

Jesus's disciples are deeply troubled because they have just heard 3 things:

1. One of them will betray Jesus,

2. Jesus is about to leave them and go where they cannot go, and

3. Peter will deny Jesus 3 times that night.

On top of all of this, Jesus is still wanted for arrest and likely crucifixion for treason and blasphemy. If they are looking for him, they are likely looking for them as well. They're terrified.

OUTLINE (w/ help from ChatGPT)

Bottom Line: Because Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, we can trust His promises in the midst of our fears, follow His words, ways, and wisdom with confidence, see the Father clearly, and rely on Him to provide all we need for the mission.

1. Jesus Calms Troubled Hearts (vv. 1–3)

• Context: Jesus has announced His departure (13:33) and Peter’s denial (13:38). The disciples are shaken.

• Truth: “Let not your hearts be troubled.” The antidote to fear is faith.

• Explanation:

• Believe in God; believe also in Me → Jesus calls for the same trust we give to God.

• In My Father’s house are many rooms → heaven is real, personal, and prepared.

• I will come again → the return of Christ guarantees our eternal presence with Him.

• Application:

• When anxiety rises, put your weight down on His promises.

• We don’t just long for a place (heaven) but a Person (Jesus).

Illustration: A child afraid of the dark sleeps peacefully when she lies next to her parents bed because they are with her.

2. Jesus Is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (vv. 4–7)

• Thomas: “We don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?” (v. 5)

• Jesus’ Answer: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (v. 6)

• Explanation:

• The Way → He doesn’t show the way; He is the way. The cross and resurrection open the road.

• The Truth → Not one truth among many; the full reality of God revealed in Him.

• The Life → Eternal life is only in Him (cf. John 11:25; 1 John 5:11–12).

• Application:

• In a culture that says “all paths lead to God,” Jesus insists: only one does.

• Jesus is not just useful; He is essential.

Illustration: GPS apps give different routes to the destination. Some take longer while others are easier. We won't all follow exactly the same way. But we do follow him his way rooted in his truth to true and lasting life.

3. Jesus Reveals the Father (vv. 8–11)

• Philip: “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” (v. 8)

• Jesus’ Reply: “Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father.” (v. 9)

• Truth: Jesus is the full disclosure of God (cf. Col. 1:15; Heb. 1:3).

• Application:

• You don’t have to wonder what God is like—look at Jesus.

• If we’re confused about God’s character, we must return to Jesus’ words and works.

Illustration: Like a high-resolution picture bringing clarity where once it was blurry, Jesus brings the Father into perfect focus.

4. Jesus Empowers His Followers (vv. 12–14)

• Promise: “Whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do.” (v. 12)

• Explanation:

• Not greater in quality but in extent—global reach through the Spirit.

• Through prayer “in My name,” Jesus continues His work through us.

• Application:

• We are not powerless—we are prayerful participants in Jesus’ mission.

• Ask boldly in His name, aligning with His will.

Illustration: A relay race—the baton of Jesus’ mission is passed on, but with Spirit-powered expansion beyond what the disciples could imagine.

Conclusion: Bringing It All Together

• When your heart is troubled → Trust His promise (vv. 1–3).

• When you wonder about the way → Follow Him as the only way (vv. 4–7).

• When you want to know what God is like → Look to Jesus (vv. 8–11).

• When you feel powerless → Pray in His name and live on His mission (vv. 12–14).

Bottom Line: Because Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, we can trust His promises in the midst of our fears, follow His words, ways, and wisdom with confidence, see the Father clearly, and rely on Him to provide all we need for the mission.

CONCLUSION

Bottom Line: Because Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, we can trust His promises in the midst of our fears, follow His words, ways, and wisdom with confidence, see the Father clearly, and rely on Him to provide all we need for the mission.

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

1. What is God saying to me right now?

2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

“I’m sure that everyone reading this book has been touched by the death of a loved one. I have; by the mercy of God, both of my parents died at home in bed. My mother slipped away at night when I was asleep, but I was next to the bed, more than fifty years ago, when my father breathed his last. I watched death in front of my eyes, and in that moment I lost the person who meant more to me than any person on the face of the earth. When it happened, something stabbed my soul, causing me to say: “This is insane. This can’t be real. He must merely be sleeping. O God, will he live again?”

R.C. Sproul

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

1. What do I want them to know?

2. Why do I want them to know it?

3. What do I want them to do?

4. Why do I want them to do it?

5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

1. Read the passage together.

2. Retell the story in your own words.

3. Discovery the story

1. What does this story tell me about God?

2. What does this story tell me about people?

3. If this is really true, what should I do?

4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

1. Who is God?

2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

• What is God saying to you right now?

• What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity.ai

Google Gemini AI

How Does Jesus Prepare Us for What's Next? | John 13:18-38 | Darien Gabriel

How Does Jesus Prepare Us for What's Next? | John 13:18-38

Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: How does Jesus prepare us for what's next?

Subtitle: Learning how to shine together in these dark days.

Scripture: John 13:18-38 NIV

Bottom line: Even (Especially) in dark times, Jesus prepares us to shine together.

Bottom line 2: Jesus prepares us to shine in the dark together by showing us his love, calling us to love one another, and showing us how to love each other even when we fail.

1. INTRODUCTION

2. CONTEXT

3. SERMON OUTLINE

4. CONCLUSION

5. NOTES

6. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

7. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

8. MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

On September 10th, 2025, thousands of people gathered at Utah Valley University to hear Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA and Turning Point Faith. Just 31 years old, outspoken, and unafraid to share his Christian faith — Charlie was shot and killed in front of a live audience. The news has shocked our country. Whatever you think about his politics, the suddenness of it all reminds us how fragile life really is, and how quickly everything can change.

Moments like this leave us asking: Are we really prepared for what’s ahead?

No doubt his death has shaken not only his followers but many of us who are for civil dialogue in the pursuit of truth and better ideas for our future as a nation. How should they at Turning Point proceed? How should we as Americans proceed? Most importantly, how should we as followers of Jesus Christ proceed?

His disciples faced a similar challenge 2,000 years ago, beginning with a turning point of cosmic proportions with the betrayal of Judas Iscariot.

I submit that we should proceed as Jesus led his disciples to on the night of his arrest and the eve of his crucifixion.

Bottom line: Even (Especially) in dark times, Jesus prepares us to shine together.

CONTEXT

We've reached a turning point in the book of John not only from public ministry (mix of believers and unbelievers) to private (his followers) but even more so as Judas removes himself from The Twelve leaving the group made up solely of those who have been cleansed by belief in Jesus. We see this happen in verse 31.

As a result, and building on his call for them to serve one another, Jesus calls them to love one another as he has loved them. This is the most appropriate response to his cross-centered, obedient love for his Father and for us.

These are dark days, no doubt. And it's weeks like this when we feel like they're darker than ever.

The question is: Are you prepared and preparing yourself and your household (oikos), your family, your friends, your people--those you do life with?

Jesus gives us another example of his love and then sends us out as his ambassadors to shine brightly together in this dark world.

How? Well, let's read this and find out.

OUTLINE (w/ help from Kent Hughes and ChatGPT)

I. Love's Demonstration (18-30)

Jesus loved Judas and gave him every opportunity to embrace him then and there.

A. The Betrayal Foretold (18-30). Jesus reveals his knowledge of a betrayal by one of his 12 to the group. He loves his betrayer to the end giving him every opportunity to repent and believe.

He also expresses his pain in light of Psalm 41.

B. Psalm 41:9--Connection to John 13:

• Jesus applies Psalm 41:9 to Judas. Just as David experienced betrayal from a trusted friend, so does the Son of David.

• John presents it not as coincidence but as fulfillment of Scripture (13:18). Judas’ betrayal shows Jesus is the greater David, suffering the righteous one’s fate.

• Key difference: David prayed for deliverance from his enemies; Jesus embraces betrayal as part of the Father’s plan to glorify Him through the cross.

II. Love's Demand (31-35)

Judas walks in darkness. Jesus willingly let him knowing it will lead to the cross. This willing obedience that will require infinite suffering will bring the Father glory and Jesus glory. It will also bring infinite good to those who trust and follow Jesus.

The demand of love is that we love each other as Jesus loved his disciples and loved us.

Last week we saw Jesus' love for his disciples exemplified in the washing of their feet. He called them to do this to/for one another. He continues this theme of light and love here.

A. The Glory Revealed (31-32)

B. The New Commandment Given (33-35) This "new commandment" is an expansion of his old command from Leviticus which said, "Love your neighbor as yourself."

1. Love demands a new object: "one another" and not just your neighbor.

1. Believers

2. A very diverse group of people

1. Masters and slaves

2. Jews and Gentiles

3. Men and women

4. Rich and poor

5. Gay and straight

6. Strong and weak

7. And yet the became a community of people held together by their love for God and each other. And this is how people knew they followed Jesus.

2. Love demands a new means: "as I have loved you" not just as you love yourself.

3. While it is admittedly difficult to love your neighbor as you love yourself, it's much more difficult to love others as Jesus loves us. (And maybe even harder to love each other this way)

C. The Denial Predicted (36-38)

• Even our best intentions fail, but Jesus restores us by grace. Our weakness doesn’t cancel His mission.

III. Love's Denial (36-38) - Even our best intentions fail, but Jesus restores us by grace. Our weakness doesn’t cancel His mission.

CONCLUSION

Bottom line: Even (Especially) in dark times, Jesus prepares us to shine together.

King David was betrayed not only by his friend and chief advisor. I mean, you better trust your chief advisor. But he was betrayed by his son. You don't know pain until you've been betrayed by a close family member. (2 Samuel 15-17)

“David felt the sting of Ahithophel’s betrayal, but his greatest grief was for Absalom, his rebellious son. In the same way, Jesus felt the sting of Judas’ kiss, but even more, He bore the grief of a whole world of lost children — and He went to the cross so that rebels could be restored as sons and daughters of God.”

• When darkness comes, we can hold on to his light and love as seen in:

• His sovereignty (He knows).

• His glory (He redeems suffering).

• His command (love one another).

• His grace (He restores the weak).

Think of a time when you were betrayed. Picture them. Now, think about God's light and love:

• He knows about that and knew about that before you. He's sovereignly aware.

• He redeems suffering. He can work grace into your life in and through the suffering you experienced.

• He commands that you love them instead of hate; to forgive them and find healing for yourself.

• His grace restores the weak and brokenhearted. His grace is enough for you.

• Even in the darkest nights, Jesus prepares us not just to survive, but to shine — and to shine together.

“Friends, this is how Jesus prepares us for what’s next:

• He knows — nothing surprises Him.

• He redeems — suffering is never wasted.

• He commands — love one another deeply.

• He restores — even our failures can’t stop His grace.

So what’s next for you? Start with loving one another, serving one another, shining together in His light. That’s how we walk through dark days — not alone, but with Jesus, and with each other.”

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

1. What is God saying to me right now?

2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

Kent Hughes Outline

I. Love's Demonstration (18-30)

II. Love's Demand (31-35)

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

1. What do I want them to know?

2. Why do I want them to know it?

3. What do I want them to do?

4. Why do I want them to do it?

5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

1. Read the passage together.

2. Retell the story in your own words.

3. Discovery the story

1. What does this story tell me about God?

2. What does this story tell me about people?

3. If this is really true, what should I do?

4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

1. Who is God?

2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

• What is God saying to you right now?

• What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity.ai

Google Gemini AI

To Believe or Not Believe... That is the Question | John 12:44-50 | Chris Karpus

To Believe or Not Believe…That is the Question

John 12:44-50

These verses are a summary of Jesus’ teaching – aimed at those who are still undecided…or unbelieving.

These verses, in some ways, are Jesus’ last verbal response to unbelief – He has already said all of these

things in part or in full elsewhere in the Gospel of John

- Jesus gives us a very clear presentation of the gospel

- Possibly Jesus’ final public address

Last week, Darien discussed why so few people believed in Jesus by going back even further to Isaiah

…God made it such that they could not believe because they would not believe

44  Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent

me.  45  The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me.  46  I have come into the world as a light, so

that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

47  “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to

judge the world, but to save the world.  48  There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not

accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day.  49  For I did not speak

on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken.  50  I know that his

command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”

- These verses contain a summary of Jesus’ message in which He emphasizes the close

relationship between Himself and His Father and between Himself and His words. He’s making

the point that choosing not to believe in Him means rejecting God Himself.

- Belief in Jesus is equal to embracing God

- To choose unbelief is choosing to willingly reject God

(v.44) to believe in Jesus is to believe in God

(v.45) to see Jesus is to see God

(v49) to listen to Jesus is to listen to God

There is an urgency in the last appeal of Jesus

- We are confronted with having to make an eternal decision about who we believe Jesus is, but we

don’t have eternity to make that decision.

- The implications of turning away from the light of God are so terrible in the extreme that Jesus is

making sure that people are clearly aware of them.

- Sin unrepentant of is sin condemned, and will be when the King returns “a dreadful thing to fall into

the hands of the living God’

Hebrews 10:26-31

26  If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for

sins is left,  27  but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies

of God.  28  Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three

witnesses.  29  How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled

the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified

them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?  30  For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will

repay,” [d]  and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” [e]   31  It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the

living God.

- There are consequences of the decision you make about Jesus – eternal consequences

- 44  Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who

sent me.  45  The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me. 

o Believe in Jesus – if we submit our lives in allegiance and obedience to Jesus – receive

eternal life – received by grace through faith

 Brought out of darkness and receive eternal life

 Because Jesus is God and one with the Father

John 1:1-3

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  2  He was with

God in the beginning.  3  Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been

made.

 There is still condemnation for sins, but that is what Jesus took on at the cross

v46: 46  I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

- Not the first time Jesus refers to Himself as light

John 8:12

12  When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will

never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

o Reject Jesus – If you reject Jesus, you are rejecting God – remain in darkness and be

condemned in the judgement on the last day…spiritual darkness…this is your verdict

- What does it mean to stay in darkness?

o Have you seen what’s going on in the world? (praying children murdered by an enabled

mentally ill man)

o Jesus is referring to spiritual darkness which results in wickedness, misery and suffering

o There is no wickedness or injustice in God – those come from man’s darkness – people who

do not know God

Example – walking around your house in the dark, when the light is available

- People might want the darkness because they think it hides their actions

- The problem with that is that everything will be brought into the light

Luke 8:17

17  For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or

brought out into the open.

- The light’s coming on whether you accept it now or not…so why not accept it now…why not accept

HIM now and live the life He has for you IN THE LIGHT?

To remain in darkness, means that the wrath of God remains on you – why would you choose that?

- To keep those idols we talked about a few weeks ago?

- To maintain a lifestyle you know is wrong?

Judgement has already been rendered on sin…sin has been condemned – we were already condemned.

Jesus has given us a choice to receive the pardon for our sin, which Jesus was condemned for… or do we

reject Jesus and His pardon and accept the judgement for our sin.

- Why would we accept the judgement for our sin if Jesus has already received that punishment for

us?

o Why would anyone choose to remain in darkness when the light is available?

Romans 6:23

23  For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in [a]  Christ Jesus our Lord.

Jesus paid the penalty for our sin so that OUR verdict is not death

47  “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to

judge the world, but to save the world. 

Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world because it was already condemned. He came to save us…to

deliver us from death that we had already earned in our sinfulness.

Romans 5:8

8  But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Out of God’s great love for us, Jesus came to save us from the wrath of God – the wrath for those

walking in darkness…choosing to walk in darkness

48  There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have

spoken will condemn them at the last day. 

The words of Jesus will serve as additional evidence for condemnation.

- Those who have heard about Jesus (all of us here) knowing what we have heard and seen, if we

choose to reject Him…and thereby reject God, it will convict us.

What about people who have never heard of Jesus and don’t have access to the Bible? They never heard

Jesus’ words…right? Why would God condemn someone for not believing in Jesus when they have never

heard of Him?

- They go to hell because they are sinners. Paul says in Romans 1 that God holds them accountable

for the general revelation of truth through creation and their conscience.

Romans 1:18-20

- 18  The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of

people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness,  19  since what may be known about God is plain

to them, because God has made it plain to them.  20  For since the creation of the world God’s

invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood

from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

What Paul may be saying is that Ultimately, people are judged for their sin, not for their ignorance of

Jesus. (ignorance meaning – lack of knowledge of…)

Paul is telling us that God reveals Himself in ways that ALL humanity can and will experience.

The law of God is written on our hearts…even those tribes and communities that have never heard of

Jesus…try stealing something or killing someone…there will be punishment

The fact is…There is only one way to the Father

John 14:6

6  Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through

me.

You cannot say “I believe in the Father”, but don’t believe in Jesus. If you say I believe in God, but not

Jesus, then you don’t really believe in God.

- It’s easy to equate unbelief with indecision

- In this case, our unbelief is not a lack of information – In this passage, the Jews had seen and heard

enough to make a well-informed decision…so have we.

If you fail to turn to Jesus in faith, you will not be accepted by God. – In other words, If you choose not

to believe in Jesus, then God will judge you for your unbelief on the last day. (v.48)

- UNBELIEF is the conscious rejection of God and His word

Jesus draws a close relationship between Himself and His words.

What you do with Jesus’ words now, determine what those words will do to you later.

Jesus did not come into the world to judge it, but when He comes again He will judge

Matthew 25:31-46

31  “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious

throne.  32  All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another

as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.  33  He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on

his left.

34  “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your

inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.  35  For I was hungry and you

gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you

invited me in,  36  I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison

and you came to visit me.’

37  “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and

give you something to drink?  38  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes

and clothe you?  39  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40  “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and

sisters of mine, you did for me.’

41  “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal

fire prepared for the devil and his angels.  42  For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was

thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,  43  I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed

clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

44  “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes

or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

45  “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do

for me.’

46  “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

A couple more questions…

Why Don’t People Believe in Jesus?

We’ve already talked about the answer to this – in some ways…

- People want to hold on to their idols

- People want to operate in the dark to conceal their actions

- Regarding the Jews who saw Jesus - In spite of overwhelming evidence that substantiated the

claims of Christ, why did most Israelites not believe?

- Unbelief is not due to intellectual deficiency or lack of knowledge. It is a response of a heart in

rebellion against God.

- You cannot coerce or manipulate someone into true belief from unbelief

- At times, the modern American church response to that is coercion…What!?

o We’re not going to overwhelm your senses and emotions and pretend that’s experiencing

God.

 It can happen, but manipulating people into thinking they believe when they

actually don’t is not what the Bible teaches us – it’s the worst thing we can do to

them

 Repent – Believe and Follow Jesus – commit everything you are to Him and walk in

the light…accept the redemption that He offers and change –

o Thank God He can and does use our feeble and misguided attempts

sometimes – He uses us in spite of ourselves – but he doesn’t want

us to use crutches or gimmicks – just the Word of God manifesting

itself through our lives…our words and actions

- That’s also part of why Christianity is not a religion that spreads by the sword – that’s not who Jesus

is. He pushed back on that while He was walking the earth, and pushes back against it now…

- Why Do People who DO believe in Jesus not act like it or share it?

- You’ve choses to walk in light…you’ve made that decision…

It should not be a surprise to the people around you that you follow Jesus

What you say and do reflects on who or what you follow.

Later in John, Jesus said to His Disciples “…As the Father has sent me, I also send you” (John 20:21)

The Lord himself was sent by the Father to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10) and He passed the baton

to His disciples…and to us

- We live in a culture that embraces pluralism and relativism and we are told every day that

proselytizing people or trying to be disciples who make disciples is taboo.

Penn Jillette – well know magician and atheist

“I don’t respect people who don’t proselytize. If you believe that there’s a heaven and hell, and

people could be going to hell or not getting eternal life or whatever…and you think that it’s not really

worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward…and atheists who think that people

shouldn’t proselytize…just leave me alone – keep your religion to yourself…How much do you have to

hate somebody to not proselytize? How much do you have to hate somebody to believe that everlasting

life is possible and not tell them that? I mean, if I believed beyond a shadow of a doubt that a truck was

coming at you and you didn’t believe it…that a truck was bearing down on you – there’s a certain point

where I tackle you, and this is more important than that.”

“He cared enough about me to proselytize and give me a Bible”

If you’re walking in the light, act like it…live like it…talk the talk and walk the talk too

Love God – Love people enough to share the gospel…the good news

Matthew 5:14-16

14  “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  15  Neither do people light a

lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the

house.  16  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and

glorify your Father in heaven.

There’s a decision to be made about Jesus… today is the day of salvation…now is the appointed time…

Jesus is reminding us in His final public address that an eternally consequential decision must be made…

2 Corinthians 6

 As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.  2  For he says,

“In the time of my favor I heard you,

    and in the day of salvation I helped you.” [a]

I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

If you haven’t trusted in Jesus and chosen to believe in Him and accept His sacrifice for our sin, or

publicly declared Him as Lord of your life – would you do that today?

If you have chosen to make Jesus the focus of your life…I implore you to show that to the world.

What Jesus Says About Belief & Unbelief | John 12:37-50 | Darien Gabriel

What Jesus Says about Belief and Unbelief | John 12:37-50

Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: What Jesus says about belief & unbelief

Scripture: John 12:37-50

Isaiah 6:1-11; 10:16-21; 52:13-15; 53:1

Mark 4:9-12

John 1:9-12; 3:16-18

Acts 2:23; 28:26

Romans 11:7-25

Bottom line: Jesus tells us that belief requires God to sovereignly act and people to respond by grace through faith.

1. INTRODUCTION

2. CONTEXT

3. SERMON OUTLINE

4. CONCLUSION

5. NOTES

6. OUTLINES

7. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

8. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

Imagine a chess grandmaster playing against an amateur.

• The amateur makes his own moves—freely, willingly, even thinking he’s clever.

• Yet every move he makes only brings about the outcome the grandmaster already foresaw and planned.

• The grandmaster isn’t forcing the amateur’s hand; the amateur plays by his own desires. But every move still accomplishes the grandmaster’s strategy.

In the same way:

• The people in John 12 made real choices—they saw the signs and would not believe (responsibility).

• Yet their choices fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy, because God had already declared the outcome—they could not believe apart from His sovereign purpose (sovereignty).

• Like the master chess player, God is never surprised. Even unbelief fits into His strategy to reveal His glory in Christ.

Bottom line: Jesus tells us that belief requires God to sovereignly act and people to respond by grace through faith.

OUTLINE (w/ help from Outline Bible)

Jesus & the Passover Crowd (12:30-50)

• The first session (12:30-36) LAST WEEK

• Jesus tells them both the world and Satan will soon be judged (12:30-31)

• He will save men by way of the cross (12:32-34)

• They need to accept him before it is too late (12:35-36)

• The second session (12:37-50) THIS WEEK

• The prophecy (12:37-41): Jesus tells the Jewish crowd their unbelief was predicted centuries before by Isaiah (Isaiah 53:1; 6:10)

• The praise seekers (12:42-43): Some Jewish leaders believe Jesus is the Messiah but will not confess him, for they love men's praise more than God's praise.

• The promise (12:44-50): To accept Christ is to accept the Father, which leads to life everlasting.

• NOTE: FF Bruce says that John is summarizing the main themes of Jesus' public ministry in 44-50 and

• Reflects the lack of positive response he had from the Jews.

• Jesus explains why this happened--it was prophesied to.

• He withdraws now to prepare for his inner circle--those who do believe.

• John prepares the reader for this lack of positive response in John 1:11.

• It's not Jesus' purpose to judge but judgment is coming. "It's not the purpose of the sun's shining to cast shadows, but when the sun shines, shadows are inevitable."

CONCLUSION

How to break a hard heart according to Ray Comfort: Use the 10 Commandments.

Chat GPT says, "Ray Comfort’s style is very direct, urgent, and law-to-gospel focused. He often uses the Ten Commandments to expose sin, then pivots quickly to the cross of Christ. Here’s a summary of how he might say it:

Many people think they’re good enough for God. But let’s test that by the Ten Commandments. Have you ever told a lie? That makes you a liar. Have you ever stolen anything, no matter how small? That makes you a thief. Have you ever used God’s name in vain? That’s blasphemy. Jesus said if you look with lust, you’ve committed adultery in your heart. By your own admission, you’re a lying, thieving, blasphemous adulterer at heart—and that’s just four of the commandments.

When you stand before a holy God, will you be innocent or guilty? Guilty. And if God is just, He must punish sin. The punishment is eternal separation from Him in Hell.

But here’s the good news: God loved you so much that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to take your punishment. He lived the perfect life you could not live, and then died the death you deserve. On the cross, He bore your guilt, and then He rose from the dead, defeating sin and death.

If you repent—turn from your sin—and put your trust in Jesus alone, God will forgive you, give you a new heart, and grant you eternal life. Not because you’re good, but because Jesus is good, and He paid it all. That’s the mercy He offers you today.”

Illustration:

In 1912, when the Titanic struck the iceberg, there weren’t enough lifeboats. Hundreds were left in the freezing Atlantic waters. One survivor later testified that while clinging to debris, she heard a man swimming from person to person, shouting, “Are you saved? Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved!” That man was John Harper, a Scottish pastor. He gave away his life jacket to another passenger, and with his last breaths he pleaded with people to turn to Christ before they slipped under the waves.

Connection to Sermon:

Like those passengers, every one of us is sinking without Christ. The signs have been given, the call is clear—Jesus is the light of the world, sent not to condemn but to save. His words are life, but they will also be our judge. Don’t harden your heart. Step into His light today while there is still time.

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

1. What is God saying to me right now?

2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

Passage Flow

1. Persistent Unbelief (vv. 37–41)

• Despite so many miraculous signs, people still don’t believe.

• John interprets this through Isaiah 53:1 and Isaiah 6:10—hard hearts, blinded eyes.

• Even some leaders believe but won’t confess, because they love human praise more than God’s glory.

1. Jesus’ Final Appeal (vv. 44–50)

• Jesus cries out publicly one last time.

• To believe in Him is to believe in the Father who sent Him.

• He came as light, not to judge, but to save.

• Yet His word will judge those who reject Him.

• His words are the Father’s words—life-giving and eternal.

Major Themes

• The Tragedy of Unbelief: Signs are not enough if hearts are hardened.

• The Cost of Secret Faith: Loving human approval more than God’s glory leads to compromise.

• Jesus’ Mission and Authority: He came as light to save, but rejection of His word brings judgment.

• The Father’s Voice in Jesus’ Words: To receive Jesus is to receive the Father Himself.

"These words from Isa. 6:10 constitute one of the most primitive Christian 'testimonies' from the OT, adduced at an early date to account for the problem of Jewish unresponsiveness to the gospel.

In Mark 4:12 and the two Synoptic parallels the passage is associated with our Lord's choice of the parabolic method in teaching; in Acts 28:26 f. it is quoted by Paul to the leaders of the Jewish colony in Rome, while its thought (and possibly its language) underlies Paul's exposition in Rome. II:7-2s of the partial and temporary 'hardening' which has befallen Israel. (Paul there uses the same word for 'hardening' or 'making obtuse' - G. poroo - as John uses here to render Heb. hashmen, strictly 'make fat', which is rendered more literally in the xx.

When Isaiah was commissioned to undertake his prophetic min-istry, he was warned in advance that the people to whom he was sent would pay no attention to him - that indeed all his words would be counter-productive and make them close their ears the more decisively. This would be the effect of his ministry, but it was not its purpose (its purpose was that they might turn and be healed'); it is expressed, however, as though God were actually sending him in order that his hearers would not listen to him. This Hebraic fashion of expressing result as though it were purpose has influenced John's wording - both in the introductory formula in order that the saying of Isaiah might be fulfilled' in verse 38 and again in the words "This is the reason they were unable to believe' in verse 39. Not one of them was fated to be incapable of belief; it is made plain below (verse 42) that some did in fact believe. But the OT prediction had to be fulfilled, and fulfilled it was in those who, as a matter of fact, did not believe. From the NT writers' point of view, the unreceptive hearing which Isaiah was promised was not exhausted in the circumstances of his personal ministry: it was experienced by one prophet after another and found its..." -FF Bruce

"In that sense God himself, through the prophet, hardens the heart of people - a point later recognized by the prophet when he begs the Almighty to display himself in more merciful ways (Is. 63:15-19). The assumption that God may judicially harden men and women frequently surfaces in the New Testament (e.g. Rom. 9:18; 2 Thes. 2:11).

If a superficial reading finds this harsh, manipulative, even robotic, four things must constantly be borne in mind:

(1) God's sovereignty in these matters is never pitted against human responsibility (cf. notes on v. 38);

(2) God's judicial hardening is not presented as the capricious manipulation of an arbitrary potentate cursing morally neutral or even morally pure beings, but as a holy condemnation of a guilty people who are condemned to do and be what they themselves have chosen;

(3) God's sovereignty in these matters can also be a cause tor hope, for if he is not sovereign in these areas there is little point in petitioning him for help, while if he is sovereign the anguished pleas of the prophet (Is. 63:15-19) - and of believers throughout the history of the church - make sense;

(4) God's sovereign hardening of the people in Isaiah's day, his commissioning of Isaiah to apparently fruitless ministry, is a stage in God's 'strange work' (Is. 28:21-22) that brings God's ultimate redemptive purposes to pass. Paul argues rather similarly in Romans 9:22-33." -DA Carson

OUTLINE

See above

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

1. What do I want them to know?

2. Why do I want them to know it?

3. What do I want them to do?

4. Why do I want them to do it?

5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

1. Read the passage together.

2. Retell the story in your own words.

3. Discovery the story

1. What does this story tell me about God?

2. What does this story tell me about people?

3. If this is really true, what should I do?

4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

1. Who is God?

2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

• What is God saying to you right now?

• What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity.ai

Google Gemini AI

Is Jesus Worth That Much to You? | John 12:1-11 | Darien Gabriel

Is Jesus Worth That Much to You? | John 12:1-11

Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: “Is Jesus Worth That Much to You?"

Subtitle: "Extravagant worship springs from seeing Jesus’ infinite worth."

Scripture: John 12:1–11 (with parallels in Matt. 26:6–13; Mark 14:3–9)

Bottom line: True worship that is worthy of Jesus is costly, humble and lasting because it is the overflow of seeing the worth of Jesus.

1. INTRODUCTION

2. CONTEXT

3. SERMON OUTLINE

4. CONCLUSION

5. NOTES

6. OUTLINES

7. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

8. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

“But we have learned to avoid that sort of thing; we say that it just isn’t practical to be too bold in the proclamation of the gospel today. In other words, we have embraced expediency.

It has been said that the church in the United States of America has been placed on a reservation. We’re still allowed to exist; we’re still allowed to practice our faith; we’re still allowed to pray in our churches. But we are tacitly forbidden from moving off the reservation and into the public square to make public proclamations of faith.

For instance, if a Christian is asked to pray at a public event and then prays in Jesus’ name, he is almost certain to be excoriated for having the audacity to pray publicly in the name of Christ. We’re simply not allowed to do that today.”

“But I have noticed that it isn’t just secularists who howl when a Christian wanders off the reservation and proclaims the gospel in the public square. Other Christians also make a fuss. Why? Because when some Christians draw the ire of secular society, everyone who enjoys peace on the reservation becomes frightened that they will become targets of the enemy. Many who claim the name of Christ would rather live peacefully on the reservation than disturb the world with the good news.That’s exactly what happened in Jerusalem”

“ Those to whom God had entrusted the ministry of the truth of His Word compromised again and again so as not to upset the Romans and possibly endanger their positions of prestige. Thus, when Jesus attracted a following, the Jewish leaders said to themselves: “If we leave this man alone, He will stir up so much trouble that the Romans will take action. They’ll come after us because they’ll see that Jesus is a Jew, and we’ll be held responsible for not controlling one of our own. Then our place and our whole nation will be lost. So what are we going to do?” In short, the Jews wanted to prevent Jesus from causing a stir among the people lest they lose their positions of power”

John - An Expositional Commentary, R.C. Sproul

Bottom line: True worship that is worthy of Jesus is costly, humble and lasting because it is the overflow of seeing the worth of Jesus.

OUTLINE (with help from ChatGPT)

Purpose: To challenge believers to examine what Jesus is worth to them—and to act accordingly.

I. The Setting for Costly Worship (vv. 1–2)

• Context:

• Six days before Passover — Jesus’ final week before the cross.

• Dinner in Bethany, hosted in His honor.

• Lazarus, alive because of Jesus, is at the table.

• Application:

• Worship thrives in a context of gratitude (Lazarus alive) and fellowship (friends gathered).

• Do you make space in your life for intentional, focused worship of Jesus?

II. The Act of Costly Worship (v. 3)

• Mary’s Action:

• Amount: About 12 oz. of pure nard (worth a year’s wages).

• Method: She pours it on Jesus’ head and feet (harmonizing with Matt. 26 & Mark 14).

• Posture: Wiping His feet with her hair — humility, vulnerability, cultural scandal.

• Impact: The fragrance fills the whole house.

• “This was an act of great devotion and humility. We have already seen that John the Baptist declared he was not worthy to untie Jesus’ sandal strap (John 1:27). A rabbi’s disciple was essentially a servant to his teacher, but he was never required to attend to his master’s feet, for that was considered the lowest task of all. When John said he was not worthy to untie Jesus’ sandal strap, he was saying he was lower than a disciple. Mary probably felt the same way, but she gladly cleansed Jesus’ feet” John - An Expositional Commentary, R.C. Sproul

• Application:

• Worship that costs nothing is worth nothing (2 Sam. 24:24).

• What’s your “jar of nard”—the thing of greatest value you would pour out for Him?

• True worship is public, humble, and leaves a lasting influence.

III. The Objection to Costly Worship (vv. 4–6)

• Judas’ Complaint:

• Claims the perfume should have been sold to help the poor.

• Real motive: greed and self-interest (he stole from the money bag).

• Principle:

• Hypocrisy often cloaks itself in noble language.

• There will always be critics when you worship extravagantly.

• Application:

• Don’t let the criticism of others rob you of devotion to Christ.

• Examine your own heart: am I defending a lesser priority over the worth of Jesus?

IV. The Commendation of Costly Worship (vv. 7–8)

• Jesus’ Defense:

• “Leave her alone… It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.”

• Mary’s act is prophetic—she is doing what others will miss after His death.

• “The poor you will always have…” — not dismissing the poor, but highlighting the uniqueness of this moment.

• Application:

• There are moments of obedience and devotion that cannot be delayed—do them now.

• Jesus treasures and defends the worship offered to Him.

V. The Aftermath of Costly Worship (vv. 9–11)

• Crowd Reaction:

• Many come to see both Jesus and Lazarus.

• Religious Leaders’ Reaction:

• They plot to kill Lazarus too, because his life is drawing people to Jesus.

• Application:

• Your devotion may attract some and provoke others.

• A transformed life is a powerful witness—but it may also invite opposition.

CONCLUSION

Bottom line: True worship that is worthy of Jesus is costly, humble and lasting because it is the overflow of seeing the worth of Jesus.

Call to Action:

1. Examine His worth to you — Do your actions match your beliefs about Jesus’ value?

2. Bring your “jar of nard” — What is the most valuable offering you can give Jesus today?

3. Act while you can — Mary seized her moment; so should you.

Closing Illustration:

The missionary widow selling her only cow to fund a church roof, or a believer giving up a career for the sake of ministry—and connect it to Mary’s act.

If Jesus is worth everything, then nothing is wasted when it’s given to Him.

INVITATION

What about you? What is your "jar of nard"?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

1. What is God saying to me right now?

2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

Passion Week Travel Timeline

Friday (before sunset)

• Jesus travels from Ephraim (John 11:54) toward Bethany.

• Arrives before Sabbath begins at sundown.

• Likely stays with Lazarus’ family or nearby.

Saturday (Sabbath)

• Daytime: Rest and worship (no long travel).

• After sunset (end of Sabbath): A dinner is held in His honor (John 12:2).

• Mary anoints Jesus (John 12:3, Matt. 26:6–13; Mark 14:3–9).

Sunday (Palm Sunday)

• The next morning, Jesus rides into Jerusalem in the Triumphal Entry (John 12:12–15).

“But we have learned to avoid that sort of thing; we say that it just isn’t practical to be too bold in the proclamation of the gospel today. In other words, we have embraced expediency.It has been said that the church in the United States of America has been placed on a reservation. We’re still allowed to exist; we’re still allowed to practice our faith; we’re still allowed to pray in our churches. But we are tacitly forbidden from moving off the reservation and into the public square to make public proclamations of faith. For instance, if a Christian is asked to pray at a public event and then prays in Jesus’ name, he is almost certain to be excoriated for having the audacity to pray publicly in the name of Christ. We’re simply not allowed to do that today.”

“But I have noticed that it isn’t just secularists who howl when a Christian wanders off the reservation and proclaims the gospel in the public square. Other Christians also make a fuss. Why? Because when some Christians draw the ire of secular society, everyone who enjoys peace on the reservation becomes frightened that they will become targets of the enemy. Many who claim the name of Christ would rather live peacefully on the reservation than disturb the world with the good news.That’s exactly what happened in Jerusalem”

“ Those to whom God had entrusted the ministry of the truth of His Word compromised again and again so as not to upset the Romans and possibly endanger their positions of prestige. Thus, when Jesus attracted a following, the Jewish leaders said to themselves: “If we leave this man alone, He will stir up so much trouble that the Romans will take action. They’ll come after us because they’ll see that Jesus is a Jew, and we’ll be held responsible for not controlling one of our own. Then our place and our whole nation will be lost. So what are we going to do?” In short, the Jews wanted to prevent Jesus from causing a stir among the people lest they lose their positions of power”

Excerpt From John - An Expositional Commentary

R.C. Sproul, This material may be protected by copyright.

OUTLINE

See above

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

1. What do I want them to know?

2. Why do I want them to know it?

3. What do I want them to do?

4. Why do I want them to do it?

5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

1. Read the passage together.

2. Retell the story in your own words.

3. Discovery the story

1. What does this story tell me about God?

2. What does this story tell me about people?

3. If this is really true, what should I do?

4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

1. Who is God?

2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

• What is God saying to you right now?

• What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity.ai

Google Gemini AI

Why Pray for the Peace and Prosperity of the City? | Jeremiah 29:4-7 | Darien Gabriel

Why Pray for the Peace and Prosperity of the City? | Jeremiah 29:4-7

Darien Gabriel

Series: "For the City" (Vision), Jeremiah 29:4-7 #FTC

Title: “Why pray for the peace and prosperity of the city?"

Subtitle: "Our plan for loving God and loving people in our city and beyond."

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:4-7; Mark 4:26-29; 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

1. Go: John 17:20; Luke 10:1-11

2. Gospel: Acts 17:32-34 (4 responses/traffic light)

3. Grow: Matthew 22:37-39; 28:18-20 + 411 + Commands of Christ

4. Gather: Acts 2:36-47 + Commands of Christ

1. 3/3rds groups; DBS; Hi/Lo; Follow & Fish; etc.

5. Guide: (MAWL)

Bottom line: We pray for and seek the peace and prosperity for our city because it's God's missionary plan for loving God and loving people.

1. INTRODUCTION

2. CONTEXT

3. SERMON OUTLINE

4. CONCLUSION

5. NOTES

6. OUTLINES

7. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

8. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

I love coffee cups.

I don't drink coffee.

I know, I know, that's weird on multiple levels. Let me tell you how hopeless I am. I don't drink coffee (and hot chocolate on a little), but I love to shop for coffee cups.

Now, I do have a pet peeve about coffee cups. When we get our theology from coffee cups.

Coffee cup theology can be misleading. I mean, there's just no room for context on that shiny cup of ceramic goodness.

It's not like the coffee cup with Jeremiah 29:11 on it (“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” NIV‬‬) has room to say that Israel was told this by God while living in exile in the capital city of their arch enemy the Babylonians because they were spiritually unfaithful to him. Not sure that would sell well either.

Transition:

“Have you ever found yourself somewhere you didn’t want to be, facing a situation you didn’t choose?

That’s where the Israelites found themselves—exiled in Babylon. And yet, God speaks into their situation, not with an escape plan, but with a call to pray for and to seek the peace and prosperity of the place in which they’re stuck.”

Understanding Exile

Definition (Jeremiah 29 context):

In this passage, exile refers to the forced relocation of the people of Judah from Jerusalem to Babylon after its conquest by King Nebuchadnezzar in 597–586 BC. It wasn’t just geographic—it was spiritual, cultural, and emotional dislocation.

They were living among people who didn’t share their faith, customs, or values—a godless empire with strange idols and foreign tongues. Yet God didn’t say, “Escape.” He said, “Engage.”

Key insight:

Exile is not just displacement; it’s God’s discipline with a redemptive purpose.

It reminds us that home isn’t always where we are, but where God is.

OUTLINE

WHY we should pray for the peace and prosperity of our city:

Because the Lord told us to. (29:4) Our faith is that simple.

A. Either we trust and obey the Lord, or

B. We don't. To not trust and obey is sin.

Because it's part of God's way of rescuing his people from the kingdom of darkness.

He tells Israel to settle down and live their lives in the midst of their (and his) enemies. But to do it with an eye to the crowds (the harvest) and the clouds (his return) for their transformation. This requires prayer. Abiding in Christ.

The crowds, in this case, happen to be his enemies--the Babylonians.

The clouds, in this case, refer to the end of their exile in 70 years.

WHAT does this look like?

1. We "bloom where we're planted." We settle in to our circles of influence and accountability.

1. Influence--those circles of people we interact with where we live, work, learn and play.

2. Accountability--we will stand before God one day and answer for how we did or didn't do this; for how we led or didn't lead our family to do this.

3. God planted you at your address for a reason. For this season, you're to be Jesus to those around you there.

2. We multiply.

1. We build our career and homestead as if we're going to be here a while. For Israel, it was in the midst of their enemy, Babylon. For us, it is in America and in the midst of enemies of God. (29:5)

2. We build our family. (29:6)

1. This includes our biological family. (Kids, grandkids)

2. Can include extended family.

3. Can include adopted family. (Formally and not)

4. Certainly includes your spiritual/church family.

3. We do this until our "70 years" are over. Then we go home; back to Jerusalem/Zion. Cf. Revelation 21:1-8

3. We pray for the peace and prosperity of our city where we live, work, learn and play. (7)

1. We do this as we go about our lives.

2. Why?

1. Because it benefits us and our family tangibly.

2. Because it benefits us, and family and our world spiritually/eternally.

4. We do not believe those who live for other gods. (29:8-9)

5. We do this until he takes us home. This is his plan for us.

HOW we pray for the peace and prosperity of our city: "A Vision For the City: Jesus & Paul's Strategy Illustrated by 4 Fields of Kingdom Growth" (Optional)o

1. Go together:

1. John 17:20 - that we may be one as we pray and go into the city

2. Luke 10:1-11 - How Jesus trained his disciples to go:

1. Pray for workers for the harvest

2. Be a worker in the harvest

3. Be prepared to suffer in the harvest

4. Go empty-handed so you'll depend on the Lord

5. Look for people of peace; they unlock many more

6. Bless them and then receive what they offer

7. Heal the sick; proclaim the good news that the kingdom of God is near

8. Leave when not welcomed; tell them why you're moving on

2. Gospel: Acts 17:32-34 (4 responses)

1. Share the gospel wherever you go

2. Some will mock you--move on

3. Some will want to know more (or pretend to want to know more) - give them more

4. Some will trust Christ--give them more & train them up

5. Some will already know Christ--offer to train them up

3. Grow: Matthew 28:18-20 + 411 + Commands of Christ

1. Learn the words, ways and works of Jesus Christ

2. Lead others in the words...

4. Gather: Acts 2:36-47 + Commands of Christ - Shows us how to live as the church

1. 3/3rds groups; DBS; Hi/Lo; Follow & Fish; etc.

2. A church does not have to look like what we see most visibly in America

1. It doesn't require a seminary degree

2. It doesn't require bricks and mortar

3. To say you follow Jesus but don't actively engage as a member of a church is not the NT way

5. Guide: (MAWL) We lead others to follow us as we follow Jesus by

1. Modeling for them

2. Assisting them

3. Watching them

4. Leaving them to do it and lead others to do it

CONCLUSION

Consider sharing the story of why Neal McGlohon started the Cypress Project here (see notes).

So the Lord Jesus calls his disciples to keep their eyes on the clouds and the crowds. Keep your eyes on the people you see where you live, work, learn and play each day. For he has you there on purpose for a purpose.

Also, keep your eyes on the clouds. For this is not all there is. This is not our home. Our home awaits us. Our exile in this world is temporary. We will go and stand before our Creator one day. And as his kids we'll be welcomed home with great zeal from our Lord and Savior.

However, if we do known him as Lord and Savior, we'll simply meet him as Lord. And that means we'll be forever separated from him. And that will be eternal misery.

But if you're here today, know that God has surrounded you with people who have their eyes on the crowds and the clouds. As we await his return to take us home, we are looking for opportunities to show and tell the good news about a great kingdom and exalted king. A king who forgives and blesses beyond anything we could ever deserve.

He calls you to himself right now. Will you believe and receive his mercy and grace today?

Bottom line: We pray for and seek the peace and prosperity for our city because it's God's missionary plan for loving God and loving people.

Will you believe apart of that plan?

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

1. What is God saying to me right now?

2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

🎯The Context of the Babylonian Exile (Jeremiah 29)

📜When and Why It Happened

• The Babylonian Exile occurred in stages (605, 597, and 586 BC) as Babylon defeated Judah and deported its people.

• The first wave included nobles, artisans, and young elites (like Daniel and his friends, cf. Daniel 1).

• The final blow came in 586 BC with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.

🏘️Where and How They Lived in Babylon

🟢Freedoms:

The Jewish exiles were not slaves in chains or in prison camps. They lived under imperial control, but with considerable day-to-day freedom:

Area

Reality in Babylon

Housing

They could build and live in their own houses (Jer. 29:5).

Families

They were allowed to marry and have children (Jer. 29:6).

Work & Trade

Many became landowners, traders, and craftsmen. Archaeological records (like the Murashu Tablets) show Jewish names doing business.

Travel

Travel was limited but not impossible. They were not “locked down” but couldn’t return freely to Judah.

Religion

They couldn’t offer sacrifices (no temple), but they could gather, pray, teach Torah (e.g., synagogues emerged in exile).

Civic Engagement

God even told them to pray for Babylon’s peace—suggesting participation in civic life (Jer. 29:7).

It was forced relocation, not slave labor—more like deported citizens under imperial rule with monitored freedoms.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑Did They Live Mixed or Separate?

• Many Jewish exiles lived in Jewish communities, but not in ghettos or prison camps.

• For example, they settled in areas like Tel Abib along the Chebar Canal (cf. Ezekiel 1:1–3).

• They had elders and leaders (Jer. 29:1) and maintained internal governance to some degree.

• Some assimilated; others remained faithful (like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego).

They were among the people, not of the people—able to engage but called to remain distinct.

💰Economy & Taxes

• They worked in agriculture, commerce, banking, and crafts.

• Some became quite wealthy—suggesting they paid taxes like any other imperial subject.

• Babylon benefited economically from the skills of exiled peoples (including Jews).

✈️Could They Travel?

• Return to Judah was forbidden without imperial permission (hence Jeremiah’s promise of 70 years in exile).

• Local movement within Babylon was possible—people could travel for work, trade, or community gatherings.

• Travel to other provinces of the empire was probably limited and required authorization.

📚Supporting Sources

1. The Bible

• Jeremiah 29, Ezekiel 1–3, Daniel 1–6, Psalm 137 (emotional view), 2 Kings 24–25

2. Archaeology & History

• The Murashu Archive: Babylonian business tablets with Jewish names, showing participation in economic life.

• Al-Yahudu Tablets: Letters and contracts involving Jewish families in Babylon during and after exile.

3. Jewish Tradition

• This period birthed synagogue life, oral Torah emphasis, and eventually the Talmudic tradition—spiritual roots planted in exile.

🧠 Summary: Life in Exile Was…

• Disorienting (loss of temple, land, national identity)

• Restrained, but not enslaved

• Culturally pressured, but with space to remain faithful

• Economically active, not destitute

• A test of faithful presence in a foreign world

OUTLINE

See above

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

1. What do I want them to know?

2. Why do I want them to know it?

3. What do I want them to do?

4. Why do I want them to do it?

5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

1. Read the passage together.

2. Retell the story in your own words.

3. Discovery the story

1. What does this story tell me about God?

2. What does this story tell me about people?

3. If this is really true, what should I do?

4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

1. Who is God?

2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

• What is God saying to you right now?

• What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity.ai

Google Gemini AI

Discipleship Guidelines | 2 Timothy 2:1-13 | Robb Hibbard

Discipleship Guidelines | 2 Timothy 2:1-13

Robb Hibbard

Discipleship Guidelines 2 Timothy 2:1-13

• The Great Commission Mt. 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

• How do we make disciples?

• It’s not evangelism and discipleship, evangelism is part of Discipleship

• Discipleship is helping someone move one step closer in their relationship with Christ.

• 2 Timothy 2:1-13 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. 8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 11 Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; 13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself. 

• Making Disciples isn’t dependent on you, it's you being dependant and obedient to the Holy Spirit! (vs. 1-2)

• Characteristics of a disciple-maker:

• A disciple-maker is mission-minded = Soldier (vs. 3-4) 

• Knows the objective and is willing to accomplish it with no excuses

• Any soldier will tell you that suffering is involved, they train for it!

• They do not get involved in civilian pursuits

• A disciple-maker knows the guidelines = Athlete (v. 5)

• A disciple-maker must spend time communicating with God

• There is a difference between teaching someone to follow God and teaching someone to follow you!

• A disciple-maker must be hard working = Farmer (v. 6)

• Characteristics of a good farmer

• A good farmer knows that his future is dependent on the harvest!

• A disciple-maker knows what is at stake (vs. 7-10)

• “Think over what I say”

• “The word of God is not bound” = do not live in fear!

• A disciple-maker demonstrate their faith in action: obedience (vs. 11-13)

• James 2:14-19 “Faith without works is dead”

• “Where faith is abundant, actions are plentiful”

• Making disciples boils down to how seriously we take God at His word.

• Are you obeying the directive to intentionally make disciples?

• Quickest way to start: Take somebody with you!

How Will You Respond to Jesus' Miracles? What Will You Do With What You've Seen? | John 11:45-57 | Chris Karpus

How Will You Respond to Jesus' Miracles? What Will You Do With What You've Seen?

Chris Karpus

How will you Respond to Jesus’ Miracles? What will you do with what you’ve seen?

John 11:45-57

Takes place Right after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead

Everything from this point forward in the Gospel of John focuses on the cross.

The raising of Lazarus from the dead assures us of Jesus’ power over death before He even goes to the

cross to die.

John 11:45-57 NIV

The Plot to Kill Jesus

45  Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in

him.  46  But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.  47  Then the chief

priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin.

“What are we accomplishing?” they asked. “Here is this man performing many signs.  48  If we let him go

on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple

and our nation.”

49  Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at

all!  50  You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole

nation perish.”

51  He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the

Jewish nation,  52  and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them

together and make them one.  53  So from that day on they plotted to take his life.

54  Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the people of Judea. Instead he withdrew to a

region near the wilderness, to a village called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples.

55  When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, many went up from the country to Jerusalem for

their ceremonial cleansing before the Passover.  56  They kept looking for Jesus, and as they stood in the

temple courts they asked one another, “What do you think? Isn’t he coming to the festival at all?”  57  But

the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that anyone who found out where Jesus was should

report it so that they might arrest him.

- There were 2 reactions from those who witnessed Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead

o 45  Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus

did, believed in him. 

 Who else but God can raise a man who had been in the tomb for 4 days?

- 46  But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 

o It’s amazing that 2 groups of people can witness the same event and come away with

completely different reactions

 The way people see miracles depends on their moral condition

 Somehow, it isn’t a guarantee that someone will come to Christ just because they

witness a miracle

 If a person is filled with unbelief, it might not make a difference if they’ve seen a

miracle

Rather than worship Jesus in reverence for what they saw, they had to report it

Jesus becomes Israel’s most wanted for the crime of raising a man from the dead. He

restored Lazarus’ life, but many Jews want to take Jesus’ life. Pretty ironic, right?

47  Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin.

- The Sanhedrin was the highest judicial body in Israel

o They had the political and spiritual power, but served under Roman authority

o In their point of view this was devastating

o Any time the star witness is a resurrected corpse – you have a pretty good case for the

validity of Jesus as the Messiah.

47 Continued “What are we accomplishing?” they asked. “Here is this man performing many

signs.  48  If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will

come and take away both our temple and our nation.”

- Jesus’ enemies admit that He is doing miraculous works (many signs)

o They didn’t protest the authenticity of the healings

o Too many miracles to deny the reality of the works

- We see this later, when some of the disciples were performing miracles in Jesus name, and were

brought before the Sanhedrin…

- Acts 4:15-17

- 15  So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together.  16  “What are

we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have

performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it.  17  But to stop this thing from spreading any further

among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

o “Don’t confuse me with the facts – I’ve made up my mind”

o How do we explain their failure to see the truth?

 It wasn’t lack of information

 Jesus actually gave the answer back in Chapter 9 when He told them they were

blinded by their sin.

 All of this religion and all of this biblical knowledge represented by the Sanhedrin,

yet they were unable to see the glory of God’s Son – because of sin.

 Some of the things we can take away from the Sanhedrin…

 You can be religious, but lost.

 You can memorize scripture but still be ignorant of its truth.

 You can say all the right things, but still have a heart that hasn’t been transformed

by the power of Jesus Christ.

o They also had questioned the source of the miracles: demonic in origin

- Matthew 9:34

34  But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.”

- They were just trying to justify their position

o And so we see their unbelief play out in an interesting way that even applies to us today

too: unbelief will encourage you to protect your idols (vv. 45-48).

- 1. Unbelief encourages you to protect your idols

  48  If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and

take away both our temple and our nation.”

Their primary concern was maintaining control – Jesus threatened their position and influence –

their idols

o They are afraid that the Romans will come in and take away their nation

 Their concern wasn’t for the people, but for themselves

 They believe that if people worship Jesus as the Messiah, then the Jews will come

and crown Him King of the Jews

 They were afraid - They knew the Romans would come in and destroy the temple

and Jerusalem, and scatter the people - if everyone believed in Him

 The Jews, Caiaphas, and the Sanhedrin weren’t interested in doing the right or just

thing. Instead, their top priority was retaining their power and influence.

 Ironically – that which they were so afraid of happening – did happen…

 In AD 70 the Romans did that very thing

 It wasn’t because the people believed in Jesus – it was most likely because

they didn’t

 We see in them a clear and striking picture of the self-centeredness of empty

religion.

- Empty Religion – these days, practiced by people who come to church, give money, say and do the

right thing and are moral, but have no relationship with Jesus Christ – they haven’t given their lives

to Jesus

 Empty religion is always revealed by a person’s focus

 What is your focus?

 If someone is truly following Jesus, their focus will be first on Jesus, then on others

and finally on themselves. – Empty religion always focuses first on me.

 It’s based on MY effort

 It’s about maintaining MY good works

 It’s concerned primarily with MY blessing and MY safety – so others can

look on at “all the good choices I’ve made”

 Empty religion evaluates spiritual realities by how WE will be affected. – When our

decisions are not based on clear biblical standards of holiness, but how they will

affect our own comfort and convenience.

 The Pharisees and Sadducees fear of loss of influence, power and income pushed

them to disobey God’s will.

o People want to protect their lifestyle (their idol) from Jesus

o He always has and he always will be a threat to our idols. And when Jesus threatens idols

you can expect hostility.

o For someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus, the idol always wins –

 Unfortunately, this is true for us too, isn’t it?

 What are some of the idols you have been protecting from Jesus?

 Popularity – approval of others – your lifestyle – your habits

 We need to reserve the thrown in our lives for Jesus

 For the Pharisees, power and control were their idol, and blinded them to the

miracle that so many had witnessed.

 They were more concerned about their place and their power than whether

or not this was really the Messiah

 Are we more committed to our own power, position, your possessions, your pride

than Jesus?

 Do you see Jesus as someone you can use for your own plans, or someone who is

free to use you for His?

- At the same time Jesus is aware of the plot to kill Him, He longed to shelter and protect the

people of Jerusalem.

- But even though Jesus longed to gather His people under His wings, they just weren’t interested.

-

Matthew 23:37-39

37  “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have

longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were

not willing.  38  Look, your house is left to you desolate.  39  For I tell you, you will not see me again until

you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’ [a] ”

Yes, He was speaking to Jerusalem – but how often has He said to each of us “How often I have wanted

to be your number one focus, but you were not willing”

49  Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at

all!  50  You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole

nation perish.” 51  He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus

would die for the Jewish nation,  52  and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God,

to bring them together and make them one. 

John credits the prophesy to the office of High Priest, and not to the man

- Interesting notes on Caiaphas:

o He was a Sadducee, which means he didn’t believe in the resurrection under any

circumstances

o As a Sadducee, he collaborated with the Romans

o He didn’t want anyone rocking the boat

o Having been high priest for 16 years, he was highly educated and intelligent, but also cynical

and ruthless.

What we read in verses 49-50 is a great example of the irony that John builds into his gospel. Because

clearly, Caiaphas is thinking only of political expediency, but the Lord intended for us to see something

else entirely.

It’s obviously ironic because what Caiaphas says in those verses is the gospel message in a nutshell!

Jesus’ death would save his people. “The nation” is a reference to the nation of Israel, but remember,

Paul tells us that the people of faith are true people of God.

- The death of Jesus Christ was going to accomplish what God intended. It was going to save those it

was intended to save, and it was going to gather them into one people.

-

o Though Caiphas said it – It’s a great note of unmistakable certainty.

- Caiaphas’ didn’t understand his own prophecy

- He was so obsessed with his own political power, he only sees everything through that lens. He fails

to understand that the Lord revealed something of spiritual significance through him – but he was

blind to it.

o One thing to learn from that is that being obsessed with political power can force you to

see everything only through that lens – and miss the point of what God is actually doing.

 It’s a lesson for all of us in this politically charged day.

- Because it wasn’t Caiaphas’ plan that was ultimately carried out - it was God’s plan for redemption!

- For evil reasons they sought to put Jesus to death, but unbeknownst to them they were

accomplishing God’s sovereign will all along. What they meant for evil, God intended for good.

- Caiphas’ words, though said to fulfill his own purpose, held greater meaning than he could have

planned.

 Peter makes this point during his sermon on the day of Pentacost.

- Acts 2:23

23  This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you,

with the help of wicked men, [a]  put him to death by nailing him to the cross.

- This doesn’t get Caiphas off the hook – he wasn’t an unwilling puppet. God just turned his wicked

words into truth.

o His speech must have been convincing, because in verse 53:

53  So from that day on they plotted to take his life.

It’s gone beyond impulsive attempts to stone Jesus, and become premeditated murder.

It is noteworthy that some religious people, who claim to know God and to love and serve God don’t

recognize their God when He shows up.

- Amazing what darkness produces in the heart of the unbeliever – the blindness

o It’s a good example of pragmatic thinking. Pragmatism is the fundamental belief that

everything is subservient to achieving results and success.

o If your only goal is to achieve results, it won’t be long before you find yourself

compromising your own moral integrity.

o Unfortunately, this way of thinking has even crept into the church. So many churches are

willing to do whatever it takes to grow. But if that’s your only guiding principle it won’t be

long before your pragmatism puts you at odds with Biblical standards.

 What you win them with is what you win them to…

- Jesus avoided them until the appropriate time:

54  Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the people of Judea. Instead he withdrew to a

region near the wilderness, to a village called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples.

- He would not die because of the whims and wished of the religious establishment.

- His death was not the tragic death of a religious zealot. He would die at the time chosen by His

Father. His life would not be taken from Him. But He would willingly sacrifice it.

55  When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, many went up from the country to Jerusalem for

their ceremonial cleansing before the Passover.  56  They kept looking for Jesus, and as they stood in the

temple courts they asked one another, “What do you think? Isn’t he coming to the festival at all?” 

They were wondering if Jesus was even going to come to the Passover

57  But the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that anyone who found out where Jesus was

should report it so that they might arrest him.

So - How will you Respond to Jesus’ Miracles?

Will you waiver?

- There is no neutrality, when it comes to Jesus – no middle ground when it comes to Jesus

o Middle ground is illogical – if you believe Jesus is who He says He is, then you believe what

He says and you obey Him. Jesus never claimed to occupy the middle ground either…in

fact…

John 14:6

6  Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through

me.

o There are only two options when it comes to Jesus Christ: trust in Him for the salvation of

your soul, or reject him in unbelief.

o One path – the wide path leased to destruction, and eternity away from God

o The path to Jesus is narrow…eternal life with him

Will you fight against it?

- Will your idols of wealth, independence, politics, power, control, pride, popularity or approval blind

you to what Jesus wants to do in your life? Does the lifestyle you want to have…or maybe the one

you already have conflict with God’s will for your life?

o God’s will like a stream…or water coming in at the beach

- Part 2 of the title: What will you do with what you’ve seen?

o You can try to justify unbelief by saying “I didn’t see any miracles with my own eyes”

 Sure you have!

 Do you have a mirror? You’re made in His image.

Genesis 1:27

So God created mankind in his own image,

    in the image of God he created them;

    male and female he created them.

Life itself is a miracle.

 Ever been outside?

Romans 1:20

20  For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine

nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are

without excuse.

Can you see me?

- 5 year celebration of surviving a cardiac arrest.

The same God that raised Lazarus from the dead, and was murdered by the religious leaders for every

sin we commit, and was raised from the dead himself 3 days later still performs miracles today. This all

points to Jesus…every story in this room points to Jesus…or at least should.

What will you do with what you’ve seen?

You can’t unsee it now…You can’t unhear what you’ve heard…so you have to make a choice

Do You Really Believe in the Resurrection? | John 11:1-44 | Mikey Brannon

Dying for Glory

Grace Christian Fellowship

John 11:1-44

Introduction

If you have your Bible I would ask you to go ahead and turn with me to John

chapter 11 as we will be looking at verses 1-44.

Let us pray

This morning we are going to be talking a lot about a dead man. And in many

ways, I think we have a lot in common with Lazarous. Ephesians 2:1 tells us, that

“you were dead in trespasses and sin”.

So while we talk about this physical death and physical resurrection here in John

chapter 11, I also want us to be thinking of our own spiritual death. The Bible

teaches that before we come to faith we are Spiritually dead. We have no means to

come to life except that Jesus intervenes. Just how dead are we? We are very very

dead.

Francis Chan puts it this way. Imagine this morning that we wheel a casket to the

front of the church. And during the service it is our job as the worship team, as the

preacher, as the congregation to bring this dead body to life.

So we sing our hearts out. We say wonderful things. We read Scripture. The

preacher preaches the most compelling service that has ever been preached. And at

the end of the service we all gather around the body and look down and find what.

The person is still dead. This is our condition before we come to know the Lord.

There is only one way that this body can be resurrected. Jesus will teach in this

text today that he is the only resurrection. And Jesus calls out to this dead man,

and instantly he lives.

2

Location and Characters

[Jhn 11:1-3 ESV] 1 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of

Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment

and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. 3 So the sisters

sent to him, saying, "Lord, he whom you love is ill."

We are introduced to Lazarus. This is not the Lazarus from the Luke who Jesus

told about in a parable. This is a close friend. Lazarus is the brother of Mary and

Martha. This is a family that Jesus knew well.

We remember the story of Mary and Martha. When Jesus visited the house, it was

Mary who poured the expensive oil on Jesus feet and washed his feet with her

hair. It is Martha who was not happy about the situation, who confronted Jesus

about her sister’s unwillingness to make a fuss around the house. And remember

Jesus told Martha he was not going to tell Mary to do that because Mary had

chosen something greater.

The personalities that we learned about Mary and Martha play out even in Johns

account of this text. We will se it. Martha, the high strung one. The one who is

busy and quick to speak her mind. Mary, the one who is reserved and quite. This is

the family.

In Chapter 10 Jesus has fled Jerusalem since chapter 10 because the Pharisees had

just tried to stone him to death. While Mary, Martha, and Lazarus situations

unfolds just East of Jerusalem in a village called Bethany.

[3] So the sisters send word to Jesus who is probably at least a day’s travel away

that Lazarus is sick.

So What?

We all have faced, and likely are facing difficult trials in our lives. And wouldn’t

it be nice sometimes if God just came out and said, “well the reason that I’m

having you go thru this is because...”. Well this is exactly what he does in verse 4.

3

[4] Word reaches Jesus and the disciples and he tells them exactly what this ordeal

is all about. We can underline in verse 4 where it says “It is for the glory of God,

so that the Son of God may be gloried through it”. These are believers, who are

suffering, but God has a greater purpose for their suffering.

It goes directly to the thesis of the entire book of John, that Jesus is the Christ, the

son of God, and that believing in him, we can have eternal life.

[6] It is very interesting what happens in verse 6. Jesus doesn’t say, quick guys

pack your bags we are heading back to Jerusalem. What does he do? “He stayed

two days longer”. And over the course of these two days what would happen. The

suffering would intensify. In fact in would go from panic to despair and even to

hopelessness.

The old country preacher said it this way, “there is no hole so deep that God is not

deeper.” Jesus was preparing a deep hole.

Jesus Returns to Jerusalem

Lazarus must have died the day that the messenger was sent to Jesus. We have 1

day for the messenger to get to Jesus. Jesus delays for 2 days. And then it takes

him 1 day to return. That comes to 4 days.

[7] In verse 7 Jesus breaks the news to his disciples that they are going to return to

the place where they were nearly killed. Verse 8.

[8] The disciples said to him, "Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you,

and are you going there again?"

Jesus answers this concern with a simple proverb that is very interesting.

9 Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the

day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if anyone

walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him."

God is in control. How easy it is for his disciples, even having witnessed Jesus

power on so many occasions, how easy it is to forget who is in control! Are you

walking in the light? Are you walking with God? Then there is not one thing to be

afraid of. How easy is it for us to do the same thing?

4

Jesus says men, we walk in the power and the promise of God, and no man, no

sickness, no stone, has the power to stop that!

Jesus Breaks It Down for the Disciples

[11]-[13] There is this interesting exchange where Jesus uses some figurative

language that Lazarus is asleep. Alluding to the fact that his death situation is

temporary like a nap. The disciples completely miss it. Listen, I struggle in high

school literature when we were studying poetry so I’m not going to make fun of

these guys. So just like my English teacher, Jesus spells it out plainly, [14] he is

dead.

Don’t miss [15] for your sake, I am glad that I was not there!

Why?

[15] So that you may believe.

I must break this down a little.

Notice the reasons that Jesus does not give.

• He doesn’t say so that he can spend time with Lazarus again

• He doesn’t say so that the Pharasees or non-believers will see this miracle

and believe

• He doesn’t say so that other people will see this miracle and become my

follower, although that may be true too

Jesus says the reason is, so you guys who already believe in me, will believe. How

many of us in this room believe, but today we need to really believe. Mark 9:24,

Lord I believe help my unbelief. If you think you believe now, just wait to see how

much your about to believe.

Mary, Martha, family friends, other disciples are about to believe on a whole knew

level. My prayer this morning is that we all have that same reaction to this

powerful story.

5

[16] Now Thomas, he gets a bad rap. But I want to talk about him in a positive

light here. "Let us also go, that we may die with him." They know it’s a death wish

to return to Jerusalem, but it is Thomas who says, he guys let’s go. At least we die

with him.

In some ways it is a picture of what we as the church are called today. We are

called to what “pick up our cross, and follow Jesus”. That is exactly what Thomas

proposes here.

We are called to follow, and we are promised suffering. Who is willing to go?

Thomas is.

I was reminded of a book I read a long time ago on one of the first missionaries,

Adoniram Judson who served his entire life in Burma. He met his wife, in the

states, and when he wanted to ask her father for his daughters hand in marriage he

wrote this.

“I have now to ask whether you can consent to part with your daughter early next

spring, to see her no more in this world ? Whether you can consent to her

departure to a heathen land, and her subjection to the hardships and sufferings of

a missionary life? Whether you can consent to her exposure to the dangers of the

ocean; to the fatal influence of the southern climate of India; to every kind of want

and distress; to degradation, insult, persecution, and perhaps a violent death?

Can you consent to all this, for the sake of Him who left His heavenly home and

died for her and for you; for the sake of perishing, immortal souls; for the sake of

Zion and the glory of God? Can you consent to all this, in hope of soon meeting

your daughter in the world of glory, with a crown of righteousness brightened by

the acclamations of praise which shall resound to her Saviour from heathens

saved, through her means, from eternal woe and despair?”

Who is willing to follow Jesus into that kind of storm? Thomas was.

6

Ann had 3 pregnancies while in Burma. The first ended in miscarriage, the second

died at 8 months, and the third only lived 6 moths. In fact Adoniram would even

lose his wife Ann to small pox. His trials continue even beyond that.

Why would anyone do that? Today there are 2.5 million evangelical Christians in

Burma who can trace roots back to Judson.

Jesus Returns to Bethany (Funeral Scene)

In verses 17-20 we again see that Lazarus is dead and has been dead for 4 days.

Lazarus is very dead. And remember what I said about the personalities of Mary

and Martha showing up in the story? One of the sisters, can’t even wait for Jesus

to arrive at the house before she unloads her disappointment on him. Which one

do you think it was? That’s right Martha.

[20] So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but

Mary remained seated in the house.

It was Martha who tends toward anxiousness (from the other story). She can’t

even wait for Jesus to arrive because it says she goes to meet him. And Mary, the

more calm and reserved sister waits at the house.

The Disappointment In Jesus

Let’s look at what Martha says:

[21-22] 21 Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not

have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give

you."

Have you ever been disappointed in God like this. I think what we see here is it is

okay to approach God and be REAL. We don’t have to put on a front. I remember

when I was a kid and I would hear people at my church start to pray (talk to God)

and all of the sudden they would start speaking in King James. I thought that is

how you had to pray.

And maybe sometimes we don’t do much better because we don’t pray our heart.

We don’t express ourselves, we don’t pour out our emotions to God the way that

Martha did here. It’s okay to be real with God. He already knows how we feel

anyway. Take a look at Psalm 13. Sometime you might feel like praying this Psalm

in a situation in your life. It’s okay to do that.

7

[Psa 13:1-6 ESV] 1 To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. How long, O LORD?

Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2 How

long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How

long shall my enemy be exalted over me? 3 Consider and answer me, O LORD my

God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, 4 lest my enemy say, "I have

prevailed over him," lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken. 5 But I have trusted

in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. 6 I will sing to the

LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me.

We give credit to Martha she still has a glimmer of hope in vs 22. She says even

now I know you can do anything.

Martha’s Theology

Jesus says something interesting in vs [23] as he says “Your brother will rise

again”. And Martha says I know Lord, 24 Martha said to him, "I know that he will

rise again in the resurrection on the last day." Now remember, this is obviously

before the cross. Jesus has not been resurrected yet. The NT has not been written.

But Martha knows all about the resurrection because it is in the OT. But like Jesus

does, he is about to take her resurrection understanding to a new level. Don’t’ miss

this...

[25] “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet

shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.”

This is one of the seven I am statements. Why is Jesus the resurrection and the life?

Because he is the source of both. By him and thru him all things were made. And

the power for our resurrection comes through Jesus’ resurrection.

To be a disciple of Jesus, ou must believe these two things, Jesus is life, Jesus is

the resurrection. Martha believed it

27 She said to him, "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God,

who is coming into the world."

8

Mary’s Reaction

So Jesus calls for Mary to come now.

We still see Mary’s personality play out in these passages. The reserved one. The

one who was probably equally disappointed in Jesus, but maybe less eager to share

her disappointment.

32 Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet,

saying to him, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."

Mary is a true worshiper. It is Mary who washed Jesus feet with her hair. She falls

at the feet of the Lord. But she echoes exactly what Martha said. They probably

had conversations about this together. I’m sure the regret was so great in the family

that all of this was unnecessary and if only Jesus wouldn’t have left it wouldn’t

have happened.

Jesus Reacts

[33] When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also

weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. 34 And he said,

"Where have you laid him?" They said to him, "Lord, come and see." 35 Jesus

wept.

Jesus is greatly troubled. [33]. The verb here is to groan with outrage. He is

troubled I think because they are acting like there is no hope. It’s kind of like a

funeral of non-believers who believe death is the final chapter. Not like believers

who have hope in a resurrection. It points to the motivation of why this miracle

needed to be done. Not so that Lazarus could live, or so they stop grieving that is

not the issue. The issue is that their faith needs to be strengthen so that they can see

beyond this life into the next.

After arriving at the tomb we get to verse 35. Jesus Wept.

9

There is something very unique about Jesus, 100% man, 100% God. In his

humanness he is able to relate to us. He is the man of sorrows. Because he knows

what it is to experience hurt, abandonment, disappointment.

2. Hebrews 2:17–18

Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might

become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make

propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when

tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

I think Jesus has more than Lazarus in mind when be begins to burst out into tears.

Listen, death is not a natural thing. It was never supposed to be that way. If we go

back to the Garden of Eden in the beginning there was no death. But then sin

entered into the world and so did death.

I think Jesus has all of creation in his mind. Not just this death, but all the death.

And the pain that sin has brought into the world and he is overcome with emotion.

The Resurrection

[Jhn 11:38-44 ESV] 38 Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was

a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the

sister of the dead man, said to him, "Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he

has been dead four days."

The KJV says that the body would “stinketh”. I am not making that up, you can

look it up! The point here in the delay, in the four day waiting period was a matter

of degree.

Listen Jesus has already raised people from the dead. But in those other cases it

was soon after the death had occurred. In this case the body is severely

decomposing. It physically and visibly beyond repair.

Jesus is in the business of resurrections, and he is up for the hard cases. Some of

us if we are honest our lives kind of stinketh. And we even think somewhere down

deep that sure Jesus can help so folks, but not me. I’m just too far gone. Jesus takes

joy in the hard cases. And I have no doubt whatever your situation if you call on

10

Jesus he will answer. And he will regenerate you into something new. And you

will live forever with him.

41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, "Father, I

thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said

this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent

me." 43 When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus,

come out." 44 The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with

linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him,

and let him go."

Can you imagine this scene? Lazarus comes out of that grave looking like a

mummy. Completely healed, but I bet still in need of a shower. Now scripture

doesn’t say, but what do you think you would have seen if you looked around at

what everyone else was doing.

I’ll bet you there was a great great and new understanding. For those who didn’t

believe, perhaps they now believe. But mainly for those who already believe, I

think they believe unlike they have ever done before.

May this story have the same effect on us. It is good to reminded of the power of

the Lord that we serve. I think in our struggles, in our grief, we often turn to worry.

And the reason is not because we stop believing in Jesus, but because we need to

believe more. Let’s pray for God to increase our beliefe in this same way.

What Do You Do With Rejection of Evidence? | John 10:22-42 | Ken Dorrity

What Do You Do With Rejection of Evidence? | John 10:22-42

Ken Dorrity

What Do You Do with Rejection of Evidence?     

John 10:22-42             

John states the purpose in John 20:30-31.  30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

A.   The Ministry of the Pre-incarnate King (1:1-18)

B.    The Ministry of the Incarnate King (1:19-19:42)

C.   The Ministry of the Risen King (20:1-21:25)

 I.         Jesus Uncovers the Reasons for Their Rejection   John 10:22-26

II.         Jesus Uncovers the Ramifications of Their Rejection John 10:27-31

 III.         Jesus Uncovers the Foolishness of Their Rejection John 10:32-42         

The debate is now on with the gathered Jews, centering around 2 titles:  1.    Messiah (24-30) & 2.  Son of God (31-39)     

Blessing & Privileges of followers

1.    Summoned people – hear the voice v27

2.    Gifted people – eternal life v28

3.    Secured people – v29

Whose Voice Do You Trust in the Chaos? | John 10:1-21 | Darien Gabriel

Whose Voice Do You Trust in the Chaos? | John 10:1-21

Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: “Whose Voice Do You Trust in the Chaos?”

Scripture: John 10:1-21

Numbers 27:15-16

Ezekiel 34:1-16

Bottom line: Jesus, as the good shepherd, is the voice we should listen to and follow because he loves us personally, practically, and sacrificially.

1. INTRODUCTION

2. CONTEXT

3. SERMON OUTLINE

4. CONCLUSION

5. NOTES

6. OUTLINES

7. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

8. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

Our world is chaotic.

Not only are there things happening beyond our control but seemingly beyond anyone's control.

Where were you on 9/11? Talk about a day when we felt out of control.

`   

Opening Story (recognizing a voice that brings calm in the noise)

During 9/11, amid the smoke and confusion inside one of the Twin Towers, a group of people huddled together trying to figure out where to go. Some were frozen. Some were frantic. But one man—blind from birth—knew exactly what to do. His guide dog, Roselle, led him down 78 floors through darkness, crowds, and debris.

Michael Hingson couldn’t see a thing, but he listened intently to Roselle’s steady movement. Later he said, “I had to trust the one who had always guided me before.” And that trust saved his life.

In a world filled with competing voices—some loud, some deceptive—we need to know who to trust. In John 10, Jesus says there’s a voice that can cut through all the noise. A voice that calls your name. A Shepherd who knows you and will lead you to life. But not all voices are safe. Not all gates lead to life. So how do we know which voice is worth following?

Bottom line: Jesus, as the good shepherd, is the voice we should listen to and follow because he loves us personally, practically, and sacrificially.

OUTLINE

Therefore, as his weak, vulnerable, needy, high-maintenance and wandering people, we listen to and follow the Good Shepherd by:

I. Resting in his personal love, despite what he knows about us. (1-6)

• This knowledge is complete including our darkest secrets.

• This knoweldge is familiar. He calls us sheep because like sheep we are

• Defenseless

• Dumb

• Needy for help

• Prone to wander

• High maintenance

II. Resting in his practical provision and protection. (7-10)

• He protects us in the day, when we stay near to him.

• He protects us in the night by guarding the door/gate.

• He abundantly provides for us as we stay near to him.

• All this in contrast to the shepherds in his day.

III. Resting in his sacrificial love where he lays down his life for his people. (11-21)

• We see this in the cross as the ultimate expression of his love. cf. Romans 5:8

• We see this validated by the Father in the resurrection.

• We see this in contrast to the way of the world's leaders.

• We see this in contrast to how they treated the blind man healed.

• We do this for the world to see and respond by following us as we listen to and follow the good shepherd.

CONCLUSION

Bottom line: Jesus, as the good shepherd, is the voice we should listen to and follow because he loves us personally, practically, and sacrificially.

“The Shepherd Who Stayed” (trust rooted in sacrificial love)

In war zones, shepherds often flee with the threat of danger. But there’s a story from Syria of a man who was both a literal shepherd and a village pastor. When ISIS forces were approaching, his friends begged him to flee. But he refused, saying, “If I leave, who will guide the people? If I run, what will they think of Christ?” He stayed—caring for the flock, sharing food, praying with them in secret. He was eventually killed. But his witness and courage led many to follow Christ. They said, “He was the one who showed us what God must be like.”

That’s what Jesus does in John 10—only greater.

He’s not a hired hand. He doesn’t flee in danger. He runs toward it. And He lays down His life not just to protect His sheep, but to save them.

So the question isn’t just, “Do you believe He’s the Good Shepherd?”

The real question is: “Will you follow His voice for the rest of your life?”

INVITATION

As we prepare to come to the Lord’s table, we’ve just heard the story of a shepherd who refused to flee—who stayed with his people even when it cost him everything.

That’s powerful. But Jesus, our Good Shepherd, goes even further. He didn’t just risk His life—He gave it. He laid it down willingly so we could be saved, forgiven, and brought home.

When we take the bread and the cup, we remember the Shepherd who stayed. The one who didn’t abandon us in our weakness but met us in it. The one who didn’t just die for the sheep but with us in mind, by name.

So if you’ve heard His voice today—if you’re trusting in Him—come. Rest in His personal, practical, and sacrificial love. Feed on His grace. And commit again to listen to his voice and follow Him… not just for a moment, but for a lifetime.

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

1. What is God saying to me right now?

2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

OUTLINE

See above

NOTES

Modern-Day Shepherding Parallel

• Talk about how a shepherd today still knows sheep individually—calls them, corrects them, protects them.

• Sheep were kept in pens usually made of stone walls with one opening where a gatekeeper or shepherd would sleep in as the gate or door.

• Some pens were communal meaning that sheep from multiple shepherds would rest there in the night. This would create a problem in the morning of sorting out the sheep unless there were shepherds that the sheep recognized (their voice). He would then walk among them, calling them by name, and then leading them out into pasture the next day.

• Compare it to a good parent or mentor who sacrifices and leads with love.

Voice Recognition

• A baby knows her mother's voice.

• A dog knows it's master's voice and tone.

C. The Hireling

• Someone who’s just doing a job vs. someone who’s deeply invested. A substitute teacher vs. a lifelong educator who builds relationships.

• A hireling shepherd will run when the wolf shows up vs. a good shepherd that will defend the sheep even if it costs him his life.

The Fence, door or the Gate?

The gatekeeper is the one who sleeps in the opening to the pen so that no one can get in unless they go through him.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

1. What do I want them to know?

2. Why do I want them to know it?

3. What do I want them to do?

4. Why do I want them to do it?

5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

1. Read the passage together.

2. Retell the story in your own words.

3. Discovery the story

1. What does this story tell me about God?

2. What does this story tell me about people?

3. If this is really true, what should I do?

4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

1. Who is God?

2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

• What is God saying to you right now?

• What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity.ai

Google Gemini AI

Can You See What Jesus Is Doing? | John 9 | Darien Gabriel

Can You See What Jesus Is Doing? | John 9

Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: “Can you see what Jesus is doing?"

Subtitle: "From Blindness to Belief”

Scripture: John 9

🎯 Bottom line: True sight doesn’t come from your eyes—it comes from humbling yourself & believing that Jesus is who he says he is and that he's doing all he promised to do.

Or put another way: Jesus gives sight to the blind—but those who think they see without Him remain blind.

This chapter isn’t ultimately about physical healing—it’s about spiritual vision. The man born blind receives both physical sight and spiritual insight as he responds to Jesus in faith. In contrast, the Pharisees, though physically able to see, are exposed as spiritually blind because of their pride and refusal to believe.

1. INTRODUCTION

2. CONTEXT

3. SERMON OUTLINE

4. CONCLUSION

5. NOTES

6. OUTLINES

7. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

8. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

Mammoth Cave

We're all born in a spiritual Mammoth Cave. Pitch dark...

How to Avoid Spiritual Infections

Joseph Lister, the nineteenth-century medic, is known as ‘the father of antiseptic surgery’. Lister was disturbed by the high proportion of patients who died from post-operative infections. He became convinced that infinitesimal microbes, invisible to the naked eye, were causing the infections. He began to develop a number of antiseptic solutions with which to treat the wounds. Sure enough, the proportion of patients dying from infections decreased.

In a similar way, there are evil spiritual forces at work in our world today. They cannot be seen, but they wreak havoc in people’s lives, causing them to fall into temptation, moving evil people into positions of national power, manipulating people’s emotions, tearing them apart and destroying them.

But just as Lister’s contemporaries dismissed his theory of destructive microbes, many people today are ignorant or dismissive of spiritual realities. Yet you have the powerful spiritual ‘antiseptic’ to use against these destructive forces. It is vital that you learn to do so.

Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel: Day 335 • Devotional

🎯 Bottom line: True sight doesn’t come from your eyes—it comes from humbling yourself & believing that Jesus is who he says he is and that he's doing all he promised to do.

Man with the world's highest IQ: 'Jesus Christ is God'

By Ryan Foley, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, June 19, 2025

The man with the world’s highest IQ has proclaimed that “Jesus Christ is God,” building on his previous contention that belief in the afterlife is consistent with science. 

YoungHoon Kim, who identifies himself on his X profile as “the World’s Highest IQ Record Holder” and lists his intelligence quotient as 276, proclaimed his Christian faith in a statement posted to X on Tuesday. “As the world’s highest IQ record holder, I believe that Jesus Christ is God, the way and the truth and the life,” he wrote. 

In replies to posts reacting favorably to his embrace of Christianity, Kim vowed to “use this opportunity to lead many souls to God and declared, “Christ is my logic.” In a March 18 post, Kim wrote, “One of the best things I have ever done in my life is earning a BA degree in Christian Theology (nondenominational) from Yonsei University, # 1 private university in Asia.”

He referred to theology as “the ultimate discipline of all fields of study.”

🧱 Outline

1. A Setup, Not a Screw-Up (John 9:1–7)

Truth: Suffering isn’t always punishment—it can be a platform for God’s glory.

Takeaway: God uses our pain as a stage for His purpose. The man’s blindness was not a result of sin, but a setup for a miracle.

Illustration: "Amy Carmichael, the quiet, but greatly used missionary to India, was impelled into service by a disturbing dream. In the dream she saw hundreds of unreached people plunging over a cliff to their deaths, while Christians sat and made daisy chains!" -Mark Johnston, p. 133

2. Opposition from the Religious (John 9:8–34)

Truth: Religious people often resist what they can’t control or explain.

Takeaway: True sight threatens false religion. The Pharisees were more concerned with rules than rejoicing in restoration.

3. Revelation and Response (John 9:35–41)

Truth: Spiritual sight begins with recognizing Jesus and responding in faith.

Takeaway: The once-blind man worships Jesus; meanwhile, the seeing remain blind. Belief opens our eyes, but pride keeps us in the dark.

✅ Primary Applications (Direct, Universal, and Central to the Text)

1. ` purpose in your suffering.

• Application: Don’t assume hardship means punishment. Sometimes suffering is a stage for God’s glory (v. 3).

2. Let Jesus heal your deepest need—even if it’s uncomfortable or unconventional.

• Application: Respond in obedience even when the method (mud and spit!) doesn’t make sense (v. 6–7).

3. Bear witness to what Jesus has done, even when you’re pressured to back down.

• Application: Like the healed man, speak simply and boldly: “I was blind, but now I see” (v. 25).

4. Reject fear of people and stand firm in your testimony.

• Application: The man’s parents feared the Pharisees, but he did not (v. 18–23 vs. v. 24–34). Be like the son, not the parents.

5. Move from physical sight to spiritual sight—through belief in Jesus.

• Application: Jesus invites personal faith (v. 35–38). Salvation is not just about healing but about believing and worshiping.

6. Recognize that spiritual pride leads to blindness.

• Application: The Pharisees’ refusal to admit their need kept them blind (v. 39–41). Humility opens the eyes of the heart.

🔁 Secondary Applications (Contextual, Indirect, and Supportive)

1. Be cautious of religious systems that prioritize rules over restoration.

• Application: Systems that suppress God’s work in people often mask spiritual blindness (v. 16, 28–29).

2. Don’t expect everyone to celebrate your healing or growth.

• Application: Spiritual transformation invites both opposition and misunderstanding (v. 8–12, 26).

3. God works in people before they can fully articulate faith.

• Application: The blind man obeyed before he knew who Jesus really was (v. 11, 35–38). Obedience can precede understanding.

4. Your personal story is powerful. Use it.

• Application: You may not have theological credentials, but your testimony is undeniable (v. 25).

5. Faith grows as we respond to increasing light.

• Application: The man moved from calling Jesus “the man” → “a prophet” → “from God” → “Lord” and worshiped (v. 11, 17, 33, 38).

6. Isolation for Jesus’ sake is a refining fire.

• Application: When he was cast out (v. 34), Jesus found him again (v. 35). Rejection for Christ often leads to deeper revelation.

CONCLUSION

Illustration:

“For a moment, imagine your inner life as having a window.

Windows accomplish two things.

First, a window allows light from the outside to enter a room. This would have been especially important in the ancient world before the age of electricity. Without any windows, a person would live in relative darkness.

But secondly, a window also allows someone in the room to look through it to see outside of the house.

Thus, a window allows us to see both inside and outside.

But if the window is never cleaned, and grime is allowed to accumulate to the point that it eventually becomes caked over with filth, it will no longer serve any useful function. One will live in darkness and will be unable to see through to the outside. What we learn from Jesus' interaction with these religious experts is that the grime that accumulates on the window of the soul is not just any particular sin. It is the joint sins of hypocrisy, judgmentalism, and religious pride that keep us in spiritual blindness.

One of these confrontations occurs after an amazing miracle of Jesus healing a man who was blind from birth.

In that culture, it was commonly assumed that one who is blind must be bearing God's judgment for some grievous sin. When some of the Pharisees learn of this man's healing, they attempt to discredit Jesus and even call him as a sinner. In response, Jesus declares, "I came into this world for judgment so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind."

This entire incident illustrates Jesus' point. The man who was born blind now has new sight, both physically and spiritually.

Yet, the Pharisees who claim to have pristine spiritual perception, cannot identify the very Son of God who stands right in front of them.

Once the virus of religious hypocrisy takes root in one's heart, it has the potential to thoroughly destroy that person's ability to perceive and cooperate with the work of God on earth. What makes this virus particularly insidious is that as it grows within one's inner life, everything may look exactly right on the outside. Yet all along, the incongruence between the interior and exterior life only continues to worsen.”

Jesus People, pp. 149-151

🎯 Bottom line: True sight doesn’t come from your eyes—it comes from humbling yourself & believing that Jesus is who he says he is and that he's doing all he promised to do.`

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

1. What is God saying to me right now?

2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

I saw a tweet last week that showed me both sides of this pride/humility dynamic.

The first picture is of a line of 900 people hiking along a ridge to summit Mt. Everest. Most paying $50k to have a Sherpa (a Himalayan with exceptional mountaineering expertise and skill often hired to help others summit Mt Everest) personally help them succeed. Many doing this for personal glory (competition/pride). The comment by the tweeter was that the huge numbers put more people at risk to death than ever before.

The second picture is of Gelje Sherpa leading his client towards the top when he comes across someone laying on the ground dying. He’s only 500 yards from the summit. This Sherpa, on a job helping his client survive the same climb, runs over, wraps the man in a sleeping mattress, gives him oxygen (of which his client might need), put him on his back, and then hiked him down the mountain, a trip that took 6 hours.

The first picture is one of pride. The second, one of humility. We don’t know how many people walked past the guy on the ground. And I’m guessing few of those people could have carried anyone down with the incredible challenge that it is just to summit and descend Mt Everest without dying yourself. But to add the weight of a full grown man to your load…

I think of the parable of the Good Samaritan. Who didn’t walk past the dying man on the road but instead, at great personal cost and risk of life, helped this man recover. He saw this man and humbly saw his neighbor in need and helped him.

OUTLINE

See above

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

1. What do I want them to know?

2. Why do I want them to know it?

3. What do I want them to do?

4. Why do I want them to do it?

5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

1. Read the passage together.

2. Retell the story in your own words.

3. Discovery the story

1. What does this story tell me about God?

2. What does this story tell me about people?

3. If this is really true, what should I do?

4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

1. Who is God?

2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

• What is God saying to you right now?

• What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity AI

Google Gemini AI

Are You Shackled and Don't Know It? | John 8:31-47 | Ken Dorrity

Purpose of Gospel of John

John states the purpose in John 20:30-31.  30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God,[a] and that by believing you may have life in his name.

John builds his Gospel on 7 key miracles and is more thematic in arrangement. 

A.   The Ministry of the Pre-incarnate King (1:1-18)

B.    The Ministry of the Incarnate King (1:19-19:42)

C.   The Ministry of the Risen King (20:1-21:25)

§  The Incarnation of the Son of God (John 1:1-18)

§  The Presentation of the Son of God (John 1:19-4:54)

§  The Confrontation with the Son of God (John 5-12)

§  The Instruction of the Son of God (John 13-16)

§  The Intercession of the Son of God (John 17)

§  The Execution of the Son of God (John 18-19)

§  The Resurrection of the Son of God (John 20-21)        The Bible From 30,000 Feet

The Jews thought their ancestry would save them.  Jesus said man is bound by sin.

Freedom is found in Jesus. 

Would Jesus Cancel Me? | John 7:53-8:11 | Darien Gabriel

Would Jesus Cancel Me? | John 7:53-8:11

Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: “Would Jesus Cancel Me?"

Subtitle:

Scripture: John 7:53-8:11

John 3:16-18; Matt 7:3-5

Bottom line: Jesus meets us in our guilt not to condemn us, but to restore us to a new way of life.

1. INTRODUCTION

2. CONTEXT

3. SERMON OUTLINE

4. CONCLUSION

5. NOTES

6. OUTLINES

7. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

8. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

"Cancel culture is a modern social phenomenon where individuals, organizations, or public figures are called out, boycotted, or publicly shamed—often on social media—for actions, statements, or behaviors that are considered offensive, harmful, or morally wrong.

Here’s a clear definition:

Cancel culture refers to the practice of withdrawing support from someone—often publicly and collectively—due to something they’ve said or done that is viewed as objectionable or offensive, often without a process of forgiveness, dialogue, or restoration."

-ChatGPT

"(JK Rowling, author of Harry Potter) is a notable example of cancel culture targeting an individual recently:

1. J.K. Rowling (Ongoing, Intensified 2020–2023)
, the author of the Harry Potter series, has faced sustained backlash for her comments on transgender issues, particularly since 2020. Her tweets and essays expressing concerns about the implications of transgender rights on women’s spaces were labeled transphobic by critics, leading to widespread calls for boycotts of her books, films, and related media. Fans and organizations publicly distanced themselves, and some Harry Potter actors, like Daniel Radcliffe, openly opposed her views..." -Grok AI

Black Dot Analogy

"The black dot analogy is a powerful metaphor often used to illustrate how people tend to focus on negative aspects or flaws—represented by a small black dot—while overlooking the broader, positive context--symbolized by a large white space surrounding it.

It’s frequently applied in discussions about judgment, perspective, and human behavior, particularly in the context of not judging others based on their worst moments or traits.

Origins and Core Concept

The black dot analogy often appears in motivational, psychological, and educational contexts. One common version...involves a classroom exercise where a professor presents students with a blank sheet of paper featuring a single black dot in the center. Students are asked to write about what they see, and invariably, they focus on the dot, ignoring the vast white space around it.

The professor then explains that this mirrors how people fixate on small negatives in life—such as health issues, financial struggles, or personal failures—while neglecting the abundance of positive aspects, like relationships, opportunities, or blessings." -Grok AI

The Security Camera Moment

"Imagine a moment you wouldn’t want anyone to see—maybe you lost your temper, told a lie, or clicked on something you knew you shouldn’t have. Now imagine that moment being played on a giant screen in the middle of your church, with everyone watching.

That’s what the woman caught in adultery was living. Her worst moment was dragged into the light, not in private, but publicly—before religious leaders, before a crowd, and before Jesus.

But instead of condemnation, she encountered something completely unexpected: mercy." -Grok AI

For our purposes today, cancel = condemn. When Jesus meets us in our guilt, he doesn't cancel or condemn us; he restores us to a new way to live.

OUTLINE (input from ChatGPT)

Bottom line: Jesus meets us in our guilt not to condemn us, but to restore us to a new way of life.

Transition:

If you look at John 8:1-11 in your bible, you may notice that it is in brackets, italics, or footnoted. In my bible, it's all in italics.

I have wrestled all week with whether to preach this passage today or not. The reason is that this portion of John (8:1-11) is not in the earliest manuscripts. (that we have so far) It is in many manuscripts, however, it's not in the same place in those manuscripts. It's found in different places throughout the book of John. It's sometimes found in Luke as well. From this I draw 3 conclusions:

1. It's probably not in the original book of John, meaning that I cannot consider it scripture for certain. Many of my commentaries just skip this passage with no comment. Others address it even though they do not see it as scripture. Other commentaries see value in it and address leaving this decision up to the reader.

2. It very well could be a true event in the life of Jesus. I think this is a true account and that some who copied this down felt it was worthy of scripture. And maybe it is. But it doesn't meet the standard of what qualifies as scripture and not just history. (Add qualification of NT scripture here)

3. It's worth our time to preach/teach it because it includes biblical principles and applications relevant to us and aligns with the rest of scripture. In other words, it's not going to take us somewhere we wouldn't otherwise go.

4. The Bible Knowledge Commentary states, "It is probably a part of true oral tradition which was added to later Greek manuscripts by copyists." Blum, E. A. (1985). John. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 303). Victor Books.

1. The Setup: Grace Confronts a Trap (vv. 1–6a)

• The scribes and Pharisees bring a woman caught in adultery—not out of love for the law, but to trap Jesus.

• The law said such a sin was punishable by death (Lev. 20:10; Deut. 22:22), but this was clearly a setup:

• Where is the man?

• Why is this happening publicly in the temple?

• They use the woman’s shame as a tool to undermine Jesus.

Application: People still weaponize sin and shame to feel superior or to discredit others. But Jesus won’t participate in that game.

2. The Silence: Grace Slows the Fury (vv. 6b–8)

• Jesus bends down and writes on the ground. It’s an intentional pause.

• It shifts attention away from the woman, lowers the emotional temperature, and gives space for reflection.

• His challenge—“Let him who is without sin cast the first stone”—puts judgment back where it belongs: in the hands of the truly holy.

• Matthew 7:3–5 (NIV)

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

Application: Jesus slows the mob mentality. When we want to throw stones (even mental ones), Jesus reminds us to examine ourselves first.

3. The Departure: Grace Exposes Everyone (vv. 9)

• One by one, they drop their stones and leave—starting with the oldest, perhaps because they had lived long enough to know their sin more clearly.

• Jesus’ words don’t just defend the woman—they shine a light on everyone present.

Application: In the presence of Jesus, no one gets to act like they’re righteous on their own.

4. The Restoration: Grace Speaks a Better Word (vv. 10–11)

• “Where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, Lord.”

• “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on sin no more.”

• He doesn’t ignore her sin—He lifts her from it. Grace first, then transformation.

Application: Jesus is not soft on sin—He’s strong on mercy. Grace doesn’t excuse sin; it empowers change.

Pastoral Notes/transition:

• This woman doesn’t ask for forgiveness—Jesus simply gives it.

• The grace of Jesus doesn’t depend on the eloquence of our repentance but on the fullness of His mercy.

CONCLUSION

"(Jesus) doesn't give her a license to keep sinning. He gives her a reason to stop." -M Carter

"Is Jesus reversing the Mosaic system? No. He is placing His cross between that woman and her sin." -J. Vernon McGee

Applications:

1. Jesus came to show us the way out from under our condemnation to mercy. Let God forgive you--and you yourself.

2. Jesus is not soft on sin—He’s strong on mercy. Let God find us quick to forgive instead of condemn or cancel.

3. Grace doesn’t excuse sin; it empowers change. Let God find us moving towards holy, pure living instead of compromised living.

The Torn Report Card

A student hides his report card from his parents—he’s failed multiple classes and is ashamed. When the truth finally comes out, he expects anger, punishment, maybe rejection. But instead, his father gently says, “This doesn’t change that you’re my son. We’re going to face this together. But we are going to face it.”

That’s the heart of Jesus in this story. He doesn’t pretend our sin doesn’t matter—but He makes sure we know: we don’t face it alone, and we don’t face it condemned.

The Courtroom Surprise

Imagine standing in court, guilty, and the judge reads the list of charges. The evidence is overwhelming. Then the judge steps down from the bench, walks toward you, and says, “I’ll take your sentence.”

That’s what Jesus did—not just for the woman, but for each of us. He didn’t just defend her; He bore her shame. He doesn’t say, “You’re not guilty.” He says, “I’ll take the guilt.”

Bottom line: Jesus meets us in our guilt not to condemn us, but to restore us to a new way of life.

INVITATION

The Dropped Stones

Picture the sound that must’ve filled the temple courtyard that day—not just silence, but the clink and thud of stones hitting the ground one by one. That was the sound of people walking away from condemnation.

And maybe today, that sound is what needs to happen in your own heart—not just dropping the stones you’ve been ready to throw at others, but dropping the ones you’ve been throwing at yourself.

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

1. What is God saying to me right now?

2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

"She's been disgraced. Then Jesus covers her disgrace with his grace. He levels the playing field by quietly, making each man admit his own sin, and then instead of condemning her, he forgives her. Not only does he forgive her, but he also transforms her future. He doesn't give her a license to keep sinning. He gives her a reason to stop."

-M Carter

"Is Jesus reversing the Mosaic system? No. He is placing His cross between that woman and her sin. This One who is the Son of the virgin, who Himself was under a cloud all of His life, is going to the cross to pay the penalty for even the sin of this woman. He did not come into the world to condemn the wold. (John 3:17) He did not come to judge this woman. He came into the world to be a Savior!"

-J. Vernon McGee

"We must not misinterpret this event to mean that Jesus was 'easy on sin' or that he contradicted the law. For Jesus to forgive this woman meant that he had to one day die for her sins. Forgiveness is free, but it is not cheap. Furthermore, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the law so that no one could just accuse him of opposing his teachings or weakening its power by applying the law to the woman, and not to themselves. The Jewish leaders were violating both the letter and the spirit of the law--and they thought they were defending Moses!

The law was given to reveal sin (Romans 3:20), and we must be condemned by the law before we can be cleansed by God's grace. Law and grace do not compete with each other; they complement each other. Nobody was ever saved by keeping the law, but nobody was ever saved by grace, who was not first convicted by the law. There must be conviction before they can be conversion.

Nor is Christ's gracious forgiveness an excuse to sin. "Go, and sin, no more!" was our Lord's counsel... Certainly the experience of gracious forgiveness would motivate the penitent sinner to live a holy and obedient life to the glory of God."

-W Wiersbe

Black Dot Analogy

"The black dot analogy is a powerful metaphor often used to illustrate how people tend to focus on negative aspects or flaws—represented by a small black dot—while overlooking the broader, positive context, symbolized by a large white space surrounding it. It’s frequently applied in discussions about judgment, perspective, and human behavior, particularly in the context of not judging others based on their worst moments or traits. Below, I’ll explore the analogy’s origins, its applications, and its relevance to your original query about a post on X regarding not judging people by their worst moments.

Origins and Core Concept

The black dot analogy often appears in motivational, psychological, and educational contexts. One common version, as described in sources like the Rotary e-Club of Houston and Medium, involves a classroom exercise where a professor presents students with a blank sheet of paper featuring a single black dot in the center. Students are asked to write about what they see, and invariably, they focus on the dot, ignoring the vast white space around it. The professor then explains that this mirrors how people fixate on small negatives in life—such as health issues, financial struggles, or personal failures—while neglecting the abundance of positive aspects, like relationships, opportunities, or blessings." -Grok AI

NT Canon - who decided what books?

The process of recognizing the New Testament canon unfolded gradually over several centuries. Here’s a brief timeline of how and when this happened:

1st Century (c. 45–100 AD)

• The New Testament books were being written (e.g., Paul’s letters, the Gospels, Acts, Revelation).

• Some letters were already being shared and read in various churches (e.g., see 2 Peter 3:15–16, where Paul’s letters are referred to as Scripture).

2nd Century (100–200 AD)

• Many churches were using core texts like the four Gospels, Acts, and Paul’s letters.

• Early church leaders (like Irenaeus, c. 180 AD) affirmed the authority of these writings.

• Heretical movements (e.g., Marcionism, which rejected the Old Testament and some NT books) forced the church to clarify which writings were truly apostolic and orthodox.

3rd Century (200–300 AD)

• More consensus was forming, especially around most of the current New Testament books.

• Disputed books included Hebrews, James, 2 Peter, 2–3 John, Jude, and Revelation.

• Church fathers like Origen and Cyprian used most of the New Testament books but noted which were disputed.

4th Century (300–400 AD)

• Athanasius’ Easter Letter (367 AD): This was the first known list to include exactly the 27 books of the New Testament as we have today.

• Councils of Hippo (393 AD) and Carthage (397 AD): These regional church councils affirmed the same list.

• While these councils didn’t “create” the canon, they recognized and confirmed what many churches were already using.

By the 5th Century

• The 27-book New Testament was widely accepted across the Christian world.

• The canon was functionally closed, and later councils reaffirmed the same set of writings.

So, while the New Testament canon wasn’t decided at one single moment, by the end of the 4th century, the list of 27 books was largely settled and universally recognized in the church.  -ChatGPT

From me to ChatGPT: Would you say then that they were decided using an “open source” or “wiki” method?

That’s a great analogy—and yes, to an extent, the formation of the New Testament canon functioned somewhat like an “open source” or “wiki” process, though with important differences.

Here’s how the comparison fits:

✅ Collaborative Process (like open source/wiki)

• The canon wasn’t determined by a single person or moment.

• Churches across different regions contributed to the process by using, preserving, copying, and teaching from certain texts.

• Early church leaders and communities evaluated writings based on shared criteria, and over time a consensus emerged.

✅ Organic Development

• Books were recognized as authoritative because they were already functioning as such in Christian worship and teaching—not simply declared authoritative from above.

• The canon grew from usage and recognition rather than being imposed arbitrarily.

• Books were recognized as authoritative because they were already functioning as such in Christian worship and teaching—not simply declared authoritative from above.

• The canon grew from usage and recognition rather than being imposed arbitrarily.

✅ Community Discernment

• Just like open-source projects evolve through community review and refinement, the canon evolved through careful theological reflection, discussion, and testing against apostolic truth.

-ChatGPT

But here’s where the analogy has limits:

❌ Not Unlimited or Constantly Editable

• Unlike a true wiki, the canon wasn’t meant to be open-ended or perpetually editable. Once consensus was reached, it was closed and considered authoritative and complete.

• The church believed that God’s revelation in Christ—and through the apostles—was once for all (cf. Jude 1:3), not ongoing in the way an open-source codebase might be.

❌ Guided by Theology, Not Just Consensus

• Theological and spiritual discernment—especially about apostolicity and inspiration—played a key role. It wasn’t just a democratic vote or popularity contest.

-ChatGPT

Summary:

"Yes, the canonization process had a lot in common with an “open source” or “wiki-style” model—distributed, collaborative, community-tested—but it was also guided by deep convictions about divine revelation and was ultimately closed to preserve the apostolic foundation of the faith.

The Councils of Hippo (393) and Carthage (397) were the most decisive early church gatherings to affirm the full 27-book New Testament canon. They didn’t invent the canon but codified what had already become widespread consensus in the life of the church." -ChatGPT

OUTLINE

See above

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

1. What do I want them to know?

2. Why do I want them to know it?

3. What do I want them to do?

4. Why do I want them to do it?

5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

1. Read the passage together.

2. Retell the story in your own words.

3. Discovery the story

1. What does this story tell me about God?

2. What does this story tell me about people?

3. If this is really true, what should I do?

4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

1. Who is God?

2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

• What is God saying to you right now?

• What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity AI

Google Gemini AI

The 4th Man Always Finds His People | Daniel 3:1-30

The 4th Man Always Finds His People - Daniel 3:1-30   

Babylonian records indicate there was a revolt against the king at his 10-year mark of rule, so it is possible Ch 3 may have been a loyalty test.

Gold Statue (image) 90 feet tall, 9 feet wide.  Could have been of false gods Marduk or Nabu or maybe even the king himself.

Officials summoned to the plain of Dura, ordered by rank.

Commanded to worship at the sound of the music.

Music to persuade, furnace to enforce compliance.

Possible jealous rivals, accused the Jews of not bowing in worship to the image.

Following God will not always be popular.  Decide ahead of time who we will follow.

The question, "Who is the god who will save you from my power?"

God will answer him by miraculously saving the three, who were not willing to break the 1st Commandment and worship the image.

King was alarmed by the 4th man in the furnace.  Angel or pre-incarnate Jesus?  Don't know for certain but I believe it was Jesus.

God rewards faith.