Sermons on John 10:27-28
The various sermons below interpret John 10:27-28 with a shared emphasis on the themes of eternal security and the intimate relationship between Jesus and His followers. They collectively highlight the assurance that believers are secure in Jesus' care, using vivid analogies such as sheep recognizing their shepherd's voice, an anchor holding a ship, and a believer being invulnerable like one dipped in the river Styx. These sermons underscore the continuous nature of the relationship between Jesus and His followers, as suggested by the original Greek text, which implies ongoing action in the verbs "hear" and "follow." Additionally, they emphasize that eternal life is a present possession, a divine gift that cannot be earned or lost, providing believers with a profound sense of security and assurance.
While the sermons share common themes, they also present distinct nuances in their interpretations. One sermon focuses on the lifestyle of discipleship, portraying it as a continuous journey of active service and sacrifice, challenging the notion of passive Christianity. Another sermon delves into the role of the Holy Spirit as a seal and guarantee of salvation, providing believers with assurance and hope. A different sermon explores the relationship between faith and assurance, suggesting that while faith is the act of believing, assurance is the peace and joy of knowing one is truly secure in Christ. This sermon also encourages believers to actively seek a deeper understanding of their security in Christ.
John 10:27-28 Interpretation:
Active Discipleship: Assurance and Perseverance in Faith (Star Baptist Church) interprets John 10:27-28 by emphasizing the eternal security of believers. The sermon highlights the assurance that once someone is in Jesus' care, they cannot be snatched away. The pastor uses the analogy of sheep recognizing their shepherd's voice to illustrate the intimate relationship between Jesus and his followers. The sermon also references the original Greek text, focusing on the continuous action implied in the verbs "hear" and "follow," suggesting an ongoing relationship rather than a one-time event.
Living Sacrifices: Embracing Our Call to Discipleship (The Flame Church) interprets John 10:27-28 by focusing on the lifestyle of following Jesus. The sermon emphasizes that Christianity is not just about a one-time decision but about a continuous lifestyle of discipleship. The pastor uses the metaphor of a "Living Sacrifice" to illustrate the commitment required to truly follow Jesus, suggesting that hearing Jesus' voice leads to a life of active service and sacrifice.
Embracing the Gift of Eternal Life (Spurgeon Sermon Series) interprets John 10:27-28 by emphasizing the eternal security of believers. The sermon uses the analogy of a believer being dipped in the river Styx, making them invulnerable to the arrows of the enemy, to illustrate the protection and eternal life given by God. The sermon highlights that eternal life is a present possession and a divine gift that cannot be earned or lost, aligning with the assurance that no one can snatch believers out of God's hand.
Assurance in Christ: The Promise of Eternal Security (Open the Bible) interprets John 10:27-28 by emphasizing the assurance of salvation and eternal security for believers. The sermon uses the analogy of an anchor to describe how Jesus holds believers securely, much like an anchor holds a ship. This interpretation highlights the distinction between faith and assurance, suggesting that while faith is the act of believing in Jesus as the Good Shepherd, assurance is the peace and joy of knowing one is truly one of His sheep. The sermon also discusses the Greek term for "perish" to emphasize the permanence of Jesus' promise that His sheep will never be lost.
John 10:27-28 Theological Themes:
Active Discipleship: Assurance and Perseverance in Faith (Star Baptist Church) presents the theme of eternal security, emphasizing that believers are secure in Jesus' hands and cannot be taken away. This theme is expanded by discussing the role of the Holy Spirit as a seal and guarantee of salvation, providing believers with assurance and hope.
Living Sacrifices: Embracing Our Call to Discipleship (The Flame Church) introduces the theme of active discipleship, highlighting that following Jesus involves a lifestyle of sacrifice and service. The sermon challenges the notion of passive Christianity and calls for a deeper, more committed relationship with Jesus, where believers actively participate in God's mission.
Embracing the Gift of Eternal Life (Spurgeon Sermon Series) presents the theme of eternal security, emphasizing that eternal life is a divine gift that cannot be lost. The sermon underscores that this life is a present possession, not just a future promise, and it is a life that will never die, reflecting the assurance found in John 10:27-28.
Assurance in Christ: The Promise of Eternal Security (Open the Bible) presents the theme of assurance as a gift to be enjoyed by believers, not something to be feared or doubted. The sermon introduces the idea that assurance is not only a gift but also a goal to pursue, encouraging believers to actively seek a deeper understanding and experience of their security in Christ. It also explores the relationship between faith and assurance, suggesting that while they are closely related, they are distinct experiences in the Christian life.
John 10:27-28 Historical and Contextual Insights:
Active Discipleship: Assurance and Perseverance in Faith (Star Baptist Church) provides historical context by explaining the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) and its significance during Jesus' time. The sermon details the historical events leading to the celebration of Hanukkah, including the Maccabean Revolt and the miracle of the oil, which helps to situate Jesus' teachings within the cultural and historical backdrop of the time.
Assurance in Christ: The Promise of Eternal Security (Open the Bible) provides historical context by discussing the cultural practice of swearing oaths in biblical times. The sermon explains that God swore by Himself to assure believers of His unchanging purpose to bless them, highlighting the significance of oaths in ancient culture as a means of guaranteeing truth and commitment.
John 10:27-28 Cross-References in the Bible:
Active Discipleship: Assurance and Perseverance in Faith (Star Baptist Church) references several passages to support the interpretation of John 10:27-28. Ephesians 1:13-14 is cited to emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit as a seal and guarantee of salvation. Philippians 1:6 is used to highlight the assurance that God will complete the work He began in believers. Additionally, the sermon references various passages from the Gospel of John to show how Jesus consistently revealed His identity and mission.
Embracing the Gift of Eternal Life (Spurgeon Sermon Series) references 1 Timothy 6:12, which encourages believers to "lay hold on eternal life." This passage is used to support the idea that eternal life is something to be actively grasped and held onto, reinforcing the security and assurance of eternal life as described in John 10:27-28.
Assurance in Christ: The Promise of Eternal Security (Open the Bible) references several biblical passages to support the interpretation of John 10:27-28. Hebrews 6 is used to discuss the concept of assurance and perseverance, emphasizing that true faith lasts. The sermon also references Genesis 22, where God makes a promise to Abraham, to illustrate the unchanging nature of God's promises. Additionally, Romans 8:32 is cited to reinforce the idea that God, who did not spare His own Son, will graciously give believers all things, further assuring them of their eternal security.
John 10:27-28 Christian References outside the Bible:
Living Sacrifices: Embracing Our Call to Discipleship (The Flame Church) references Smith Wigglesworth, a prominent figure in the Pentecostal movement, to illustrate the power of living a life fully surrendered to God. The sermon highlights Wigglesworth's deep personal relationship with Jesus, his baptism in the Holy Spirit, and his practical life of faith as examples for believers to emulate.
Embracing the Gift of Eternal Life (Spurgeon Sermon Series) references Dr. Chalmers, who found comfort in viewing the gospel as a simple offer and acceptance. This perspective aligns with the sermon’s emphasis on the simplicity and assurance of receiving eternal life, as reflected in John 10:27-28.
Assurance in Christ: The Promise of Eternal Security (Open the Bible) references Charles Price, a Christian speaker, who shared an analogy about flying in an airplane to illustrate the difference between faith and assurance. The story describes three passengers with varying levels of comfort during a flight, yet all arriving safely, paralleling the idea that faith secures one's salvation while assurance affects one's experience of the Christian journey.
John 10:27-28 Illustrations from Secular Sources:
Listening: The Key to Effective Witnessing and Discipleship (The Centre Dural) uses a story about Franklin D. Roosevelt to illustrate the importance of listening. Roosevelt, tired of the usual pleasantries at functions, told people he had murdered his grandmother to see if they were paying attention. Most people responded with generic compliments, highlighting how often people fail to truly listen. This story is used to emphasize the sermon's point that effective witnessing involves listening to others and the Holy Spirit.
Embracing the Gift of Eternal Life (Spurgeon Sermon Series) uses the analogy of a person sinking in water and reaching for a life buoy or rope to illustrate the act of laying hold on eternal life. This vivid imagery helps convey the urgency and simplicity of accepting the gift of eternal life, akin to the security promised in John 10:27-28.
Assurance in Christ: The Promise of Eternal Security (Open the Bible) uses an analogy of passengers on an airplane to illustrate the difference between faith and assurance. The story describes three passengers: a confident businessman, a nervous old lady, and a first-time flyer, each experiencing the flight differently but all arriving safely. This analogy is used to explain that faith secures one's salvation, while assurance affects one's experience of the Christian journey.