Embracing Christ: The Path to True Faith

 

Summary

In the passage from John 5:17-23, we encounter a profound revelation of Jesus Christ's divine nature and His essential role in our relationship with God. The narrative begins with the healing of a man at the pool of Bethesda, an act that incites the anger of the Jews because it was performed on the Sabbath. This incident sets the stage for a deeper theological discourse where Jesus declares His unity with the Father, emphasizing that His works are not in opposition to God's will but are a fulfillment of it. This unity is not merely in action but in essence, will, and purpose, underscoring the doctrine of the Trinity.

The Jews' reaction to Jesus' claim of being equal with God highlights a common misconception: the belief that one can honor God while rejecting Christ. This is a fallacy, as Jesus makes it clear that honoring the Son is integral to honoring the Father. The passage challenges us to recognize that belief in Jesus is not optional but essential for a true relationship with God. Jesus is the revelation of the Father, the giver of life, and the judge of all humanity. His mission was to reveal God, provide spiritual life, and ultimately, to judge the world.

The sermon calls us to examine our own beliefs and relationship with Christ. Are we like the Jews, zealous for God yet blind to the necessity of Christ? Or do we recognize Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life, the only path to the Father? This passage invites us to embrace the mystery of the Trinity, to acknowledge our need for spiritual rebirth, and to live in the light of Christ's redemptive work.

Key Takeaways:

- Unity with the Father: Jesus' works are not separate from God's will but are a direct expression of it. This unity in action, will, and purpose is a profound mystery that underscores the doctrine of the Trinity. Understanding this unity is crucial for recognizing Jesus' divine authority and role in our salvation. [07:46]

- Essential Belief in Christ: The belief that one can honor God without acknowledging Christ is a misconception. Jesus makes it clear that honoring the Son is integral to honoring the Father. This challenges us to examine our faith and ensure that it is centered on Christ. [13:37]

- Revelation of God: Jesus came to reveal the Father to us. Without Christ, our understanding of God is incomplete. He is the visible image of the invisible God, and through Him, we gain a true knowledge of the Father. [32:55]

- Giver of Life: Jesus is the source of spiritual life. Just as He has the power to raise the physically dead, He also quickens those who are spiritually dead. This new life is essential for knowing and honoring God. [36:11]

- Judge of All: Jesus is not only the Savior but also the judge of the world. Our relationship with Him determines our eternal destiny. Recognizing His authority and submitting to His judgment is crucial for our spiritual well-being. [40:44]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to John 5:17-23
- [02:08] - Honoring the Son and the Father
- [03:19] - The Miracle at Bethesda
- [05:17] - Reaction of the Jews
- [07:10] - Jesus' Profound Statement
- [08:05] - The Doctrine of the Trinity
- [09:19] - Misconceptions About Belief
- [11:15] - The Necessity of Christ
- [13:37] - Jesus' Essential Role
- [15:32] - Unity in Work and Will
- [17:39] - The Importance of Jesus' Identity
- [19:00] - The Revelation of God
- [21:10] - Jesus' Unique Claim
- [23:39] - One in Knowledge and Purpose
- [30:41] - Jesus as Judge and Savior
- [35:16] - The Gift of Life
- [40:44] - The Final Judgment
- [45:16] - Conclusion and Call to Faith

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- John 5:17-23

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the reaction of the Jews to Jesus healing on the Sabbath, and why did it escalate their anger? ([00:30])

2. How does Jesus describe His relationship with the Father in John 5:19-20, and what does this imply about His actions? ([01:06])

3. What does Jesus claim about His authority in relation to judgment, and how does this relate to His unity with the Father? ([01:26])

4. According to the sermon, what misconception did the Jews have about honoring God and Jesus? ([13:37])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Jesus' claim of unity with the Father challenge the belief that one can honor God without acknowledging Christ? What implications does this have for understanding the Trinity? ([13:37])

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus' role as the "giver of life" is both physical and spiritual? How does this dual role impact our understanding of salvation? ([36:11])

3. How does the sermon explain the significance of Jesus being the judge of all humanity? What does this mean for our relationship with Him? ([40:44])

4. What does the sermon suggest about the necessity of spiritual rebirth in knowing and honoring God? How does this connect to Jesus' mission? ([37:56])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own beliefs: Do you find yourself trying to honor God without fully embracing Christ? How can you ensure that your faith is centered on Jesus? ([13:37])

2. The sermon challenges us to embrace the mystery of the Trinity. How comfortable are you with the mysteries of faith, and how can you grow in your understanding of the Trinity? ([08:05])

3. Jesus is described as the "giver of life." In what areas of your life do you feel spiritually dead, and how can you invite Jesus to bring new life into those areas? ([36:11])

4. Considering Jesus' role as judge, how does this influence your daily decisions and actions? Are there areas in your life where you need to submit more fully to His authority? ([40:44])

5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual rebirth. Have you experienced this rebirth, and if so, how has it transformed your relationship with God? If not, what steps can you take to seek this transformation? ([37:56])

6. How can you actively honor both the Father and the Son in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to ensure that your actions reflect this honor? ([13:37])

7. Reflect on the concept of Jesus as the revelation of God. How does this understanding affect your view of God, and how can it deepen your relationship with Him? ([32:55])

Devotional

Day 1: Unity in Divine Purpose
Jesus' unity with the Father is a profound mystery that reveals His divine authority and role in our salvation. This unity is not just in action but in essence, will, and purpose, underscoring the doctrine of the Trinity. Jesus' works are a direct expression of God's will, and understanding this unity is crucial for recognizing His divine nature. The healing at the pool of Bethesda, performed on the Sabbath, was not an act of defiance but a fulfillment of God's will, demonstrating that Jesus' actions are in perfect harmony with the Father. This unity challenges us to see Jesus not as a separate entity but as one with God, integral to our understanding of the divine. [07:46]

John 10:30-33 (ESV): "I and the Father are one.” The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?” The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.”

Reflection: In what ways can you align your actions and will with God's purpose today, recognizing the unity between Jesus and the Father?


Day 2: Honoring the Son to Honor the Father
The belief that one can honor God without acknowledging Christ is a misconception. Jesus makes it clear that honoring the Son is integral to honoring the Father. This challenges us to examine our faith and ensure that it is centered on Christ. The Jews' reaction to Jesus' claim of being equal with God highlights this common misunderstanding. To truly honor God, we must recognize Jesus' essential role in our relationship with Him. This understanding calls us to a deeper faith, one that acknowledges Jesus as the way to the Father and the embodiment of divine truth. [13:37]

1 John 2:23 (ESV): "No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also."

Reflection: How can you actively honor Jesus in your daily life, ensuring that your faith is centered on Him?


Day 3: Jesus as the Revelation of God
Jesus came to reveal the Father to us. Without Christ, our understanding of God is incomplete. He is the visible image of the invisible God, and through Him, we gain a true knowledge of the Father. This revelation is not just about knowing God intellectually but experiencing His presence and love through Jesus. By embracing Jesus, we embrace the fullness of God's character and His plan for humanity. This understanding invites us to deepen our relationship with God, seeing Jesus as the bridge that connects us to the divine. [32:55]

Colossians 1:15-16 (ESV): "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him."

Reflection: In what ways can you seek to know God more fully through Jesus today, allowing His revelation to transform your understanding of the divine?


Day 4: Jesus, the Giver of Spiritual Life
Jesus is the source of spiritual life. Just as He has the power to raise the physically dead, He also quickens those who are spiritually dead. This new life is essential for knowing and honoring God. Through Jesus, we receive the gift of spiritual rebirth, enabling us to live in the light of His redemptive work. This transformation is not just a one-time event but a continual process of renewal and growth in our relationship with God. Embracing this new life means allowing Jesus to guide and shape our spiritual journey. [36:11]

Ephesians 2:4-5 (ESV): "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved."

Reflection: How can you embrace the new spiritual life Jesus offers, allowing Him to renew and guide you daily?


Day 5: Jesus as Judge and Savior
Jesus is not only the Savior but also the judge of the world. Our relationship with Him determines our eternal destiny. Recognizing His authority and submitting to His judgment is crucial for our spiritual well-being. This dual role of Jesus as both Savior and Judge calls us to a life of accountability and faithfulness. It challenges us to live in a way that reflects His teachings and honors His sacrifice. By acknowledging Jesus' authority, we align ourselves with His will and prepare for the final judgment with confidence in His grace. [40:44]

2 Corinthians 5:10 (ESV): "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to submit to Jesus' authority, recognizing Him as both your Savior and Judge?

Quotes


But Jesus answered them, my father worketh hitherto and I work. Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him because he not only had broken the Sabbath but said also that God was his father making himself equal with God. Then answered Jesus and said unto them, verily verily I say unto you the son can do nothing of himself but what he seeth the father do. [00:00:25]

For what things soever he doeth these also doeth the son likewise for the Father loveth the Son and showeth him all things that himself doeth and he will show him Greater Works than these that you may Marvel for as the father raiseth up the dead and quickeneth them even so the son quickeneth whom he will. [00:01:00]

For the father judgeth no men but hath committed all judgment unto the son that all men should honor the son even as they honor the father he that honoreth not the son honoreth not the Father which hath sent him. Well now I've read those verses to you because they obviously convey one great message and the most important and vital message. [00:01:30]

These Jews it seems to me represent a type of person that is common amongst us at the present time and may very well be represented in this congregation this evening. What is their attitude? Well, putting it briefly, we can put it like this: here are men you see who think can believe that they are believers in God that they are serving God that they're jealous about the honor of God. [00:08:42]

And yet at the same time they reject, they even hate the Lord Jesus Christ, the son of God. That's the position I think you'll agree. They say it is their interest in the law of God and in the honor of God that makes them speak to the men and to the Lord Jesus Christ. They see this man carrying his mat on the Sunday and they said look here don't you realize that this is the Sabbath day. [00:09:21]

And that God's law says that you should not carry a thing like not do any work on the Sabbath day and you're doing work by carrying that mat you're dishonoring God. They were the Guardians of the honor of God they not only claimed to be Believers in God but that they were unusually zealous for the name of God and yet you see at the same time as I'm pointing out they do not believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:10:00]

They reject him and they hate him and they feel that he is someone who is breaking the law of God and therefore bringing dishonor upon the name of God. That's the position now I say that this is a type which is not at all uncommon at the present time. I am referring to the sort of person who says yes I I'm a Believer in God I've always believed in God. [00:10:40]

I was taught as a child to say my prayers and I've continued the practice ever since I believe in God I try to worship God I'm trying to live a life that is pleasing in God's sight I hope to go to heaven when I die they say that they're Believers in God God-fearing that they are religious people and yet as you talk to them you will often find that they never mentioned the name of the Lord Jesus Christ at all. [00:11:20]

They claim to be Christians they may be members of Christian churches they may even be zealous not only in their attendance they may work actively in the Christian church and yet as you talk to them about Christianity this is what you get from them this talk about God about pleasing God about living a good and a moral life because God calls for them that and demands that. [00:12:00]

And then you say to them well you say you desire to go to heaven on what are you relying in order that you may go to heaven and they say well I've always tried to live a good life I've tried to do my best I've tried to give a helping hand but you say we say you're not perfect you don't claim you no no they say we're not perfect well then we ask well what about your sins the sins you've committed what's going to happen to them. [00:12:40]

Oh they say we believe God is a god of love and we believe that in his love he'll be he'll be ready to forgive us if we repent and acknowledge our sins and ask him to Pardon us and to receive us and on the conversation goes and the name of the Lord Jesus Christ is literally not mentioned at all that's the kind of person I'm dealing with men and women who feel that you can believe in God without Christ. [00:13:20]

That he doesn't come in the who believe they're even Christians and yet some of or another never mention his name at all now that's the very kind of person it seems to me that is being dealt with In this passage that we are looking at this evening for you see its message is this that the Lord Jesus Christ is absolutely essential and that there is nothing that is more useless and Vain and futile than to think that you can believe in God and please him without the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:14:00]

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Transcript
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