Encountering Jesus: The Heart of Christian Faith

 

Summary

In the Gospel of John, chapter 1, verses 45 and 46, we find a profound narrative about the calling of the first disciples, particularly focusing on Nathanael. This passage is not just a historical account but a vivid reminder of the essence of Christian preaching and the purpose of the Church. The story of Nathanael is unique because it provides more details about his journey to faith than the other disciples. It highlights the importance of encountering Jesus Christ personally, which is the core of the Christian message.

The Christian faith is often misunderstood as merely a set of moral guidelines, philosophical teachings, or a means to personal happiness. However, the true essence of Christianity is found in a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Philip's approach to Nathanael is a model for us: he doesn't present Christianity as a philosophy or a moral code but as a relationship with a person—Jesus of Nazareth. This encounter is the starting point for all Christian experience and transformation.

The Old Testament, as Philip explains to Nathanael, is filled with prophecies and types that point to Jesus. From Moses to the prophets, the Scriptures testify about Him. This fulfillment of prophecy is not just a historical curiosity but a foundational truth that demands our attention and response. The challenge is to move beyond intellectual objections or preconceived notions and to come and see Jesus for who He truly is.

Nathanael's initial skepticism about Jesus being from Nazareth is a common human reaction to the unexpected ways God works. Yet, his willingness to come and see, despite his doubts, is a testament to his sincerity and openness to truth. This openness is crucial for anyone seeking to understand and experience the transformative power of Christ.

Ultimately, the call is to come and see Jesus, to encounter Him personally, and to allow that encounter to transform our lives. This is the heart of the Christian message: Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, offers us forgiveness, new life, and a relationship with God.

Key Takeaways:

- The essence of Christianity is a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, not merely a set of teachings or moral guidelines. This encounter is the starting point for true Christian experience and transformation. [09:10]

- The Old Testament prophecies and types point to Jesus, affirming His identity and mission. Understanding these fulfillments is crucial for a deeper appreciation of the Christian faith. [18:55]

- Nathanael's skepticism about Jesus being from Nazareth highlights the unexpected ways God works. His willingness to come and see, despite doubts, is a model of sincere seeking. [32:31]

- True seekers of Christ are characterized by sincerity and openness to truth. This involves moving beyond intellectual objections and being willing to encounter Jesus personally. [39:33]

- Jesus, the Lamb of God, offers forgiveness and new life. This transformative relationship with Him is the heart of the Christian message, inviting us to come and see. [45:47]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to the Disciples' Calling
- [01:16] - Purpose of Preaching and the Church
- [02:10] - Nathanael's Unique Story
- [03:32] - Philip's Approach to Nathanael
- [04:44] - The Joy of Christian Living
- [06:26] - The Cost of Discipleship
- [08:32] - Misconceptions About Christianity
- [09:10] - Encountering Jesus Personally
- [13:26] - The Centrality of Christ
- [18:55] - Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies
- [32:31] - Nathanael's Skepticism and Openness
- [39:33] - Characteristics of True Seekers
- [45:47] - Jesus, the Lamb of God
- [47:12] - Conclusion and Invitation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- John 1:45-46
- Isaiah 53:2-3
- Genesis 3:15

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Observation Questions:

1. What was Nathanael's initial reaction to hearing about Jesus from Nazareth, and what does this reveal about his understanding of the Scriptures? [32:31]

2. How does Philip's approach to Nathanael differ from presenting Christianity as a set of teachings or moral guidelines? [13:41]

3. What role do Old Testament prophecies play in affirming Jesus' identity according to the sermon? [18:55]

4. How does the sermon describe the transformation experienced by those who encounter Jesus personally? [06:56]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why is a personal encounter with Jesus emphasized as the starting point for true Christian experience and transformation? How does this differ from other religious or philosophical approaches? [09:10]

2. In what ways do Old Testament prophecies and types point to Jesus, and why is understanding these fulfillments crucial for a deeper appreciation of the Christian faith? [18:55]

3. Nathanael's skepticism about Jesus being from Nazareth highlights the unexpected ways God works. How can this skepticism be seen as a model for sincere seeking? [32:31]

4. What characteristics define true seekers of Christ, and how do these characteristics help them move beyond intellectual objections? [39:33]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own journey of faith. Have you had a personal encounter with Jesus, or has your understanding of Christianity been more about teachings and moral guidelines? How can you seek a deeper personal relationship with Him? [09:10]

2. Consider the Old Testament prophecies mentioned in the sermon. How can studying these prophecies deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jesus' identity and mission? [18:55]

3. Nathanael was initially skeptical about Jesus. Have you ever had doubts or skepticism about aspects of your faith? How can you approach these doubts with sincerity and openness to truth? [32:31]

4. True seekers of Christ are characterized by sincerity and openness. How can you cultivate these qualities in your own spiritual journey, especially when faced with intellectual objections or preconceived notions? [39:33]

5. Jesus offers forgiveness and new life. How can you embrace this transformative relationship with Him in your daily life, and what changes might you need to make to fully experience this new life? [45:47]

6. Think about a time when you encountered an unexpected way God worked in your life. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? How can this help you be more open to God's unexpected plans in the future? [32:31]

7. Identify one area of your life where you feel distant from God. What steps can you take this week to "come and see" Jesus in that area, allowing His presence to transform it? [45:47]

Devotional

Day 1: Encountering Jesus Personally
The essence of Christianity is not found in a set of teachings or moral guidelines but in a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. This encounter is the starting point for true Christian experience and transformation. Philip's approach to Nathanael in the Gospel of John exemplifies this truth. He invites Nathanael not to a philosophy or a moral code but to meet a person—Jesus of Nazareth. This personal encounter is what transforms lives and is the heart of the Christian message. It is an invitation to experience Jesus personally and allow that encounter to change us from the inside out. [09:10]

John 14:21 (ESV): "Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him."

Reflection: Think about a time when you felt distant from God. What steps can you take today to seek a personal encounter with Jesus, allowing Him to transform your life?


Day 2: Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies
The Old Testament is filled with prophecies and types that point to Jesus, affirming His identity and mission. From Moses to the prophets, the Scriptures testify about Him. Understanding these fulfillments is crucial for a deeper appreciation of the Christian faith. This is not just a historical curiosity but a foundational truth that demands our attention and response. It challenges us to move beyond intellectual objections or preconceived notions and to come and see Jesus for who He truly is. [18:55]

Luke 24:27 (ESV): "And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself."

Reflection: Consider a prophecy or type from the Old Testament that points to Jesus. How does understanding this fulfillment deepen your appreciation of who Jesus is and what He has done for you?


Day 3: Nathanael's Skepticism and Openness
Nathanael's initial skepticism about Jesus being from Nazareth highlights the unexpected ways God works. His willingness to come and see, despite his doubts, is a testament to his sincerity and openness to truth. This openness is crucial for anyone seeking to understand and experience the transformative power of Christ. Nathanael's story encourages us to approach Jesus with an open heart, ready to be surprised by the ways God might reveal Himself to us. [32:31]

John 7:52 (ESV): "They replied, 'Are you from Galilee too? Search and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.'"

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you were skeptical about something God was doing in your life. How can you cultivate a heart of openness and willingness to see God at work in unexpected ways today?


Day 4: Characteristics of True Seekers
True seekers of Christ are characterized by sincerity and openness to truth. This involves moving beyond intellectual objections and being willing to encounter Jesus personally. Nathanael's story is a model of sincere seeking, as he moves past his initial skepticism to meet Jesus. This sincerity and openness are essential for anyone who desires to truly know Christ and experience His transformative power. It is an invitation to lay aside our doubts and come to Jesus with a heart ready to receive. [39:33]

Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV): "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."

Reflection: Identify an area of your life where you have been holding back from seeking Jesus fully. What steps can you take today to seek Him with all your heart?


Day 5: Jesus, the Lamb of God
Jesus, the Lamb of God, offers forgiveness and new life. This transformative relationship with Him is the heart of the Christian message, inviting us to come and see. Jesus takes away the sins of the world and offers us a relationship with God that is marked by forgiveness and new life. This is the core of the Christian faith, and it is an invitation to experience the fullness of life that Jesus offers. [45:47]

1 Peter 1:18-19 (ESV): "Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot."

Reflection: Reflect on the forgiveness and new life that Jesus offers. How can you embrace this transformative relationship with Him more fully in your daily life?

Quotes


Now the only thing to do therefore is I say to go back to the Scriptures themselves and there we have shown this in a particularly clear manner now this particular case of Nathanael is one in which we have given more details than in the case of the others about the others we are virtually told very little except that either our Lord called them himself are they at the instigation of John went after him and that they continued with him and that they believed but we are not given the details we are not shown very much about the process we are not told what they felt what they may have passed through before they came to belief but here in the case of Nathaniel we are given further details and they are invaluable for us because they show us how this men himself who afterwards became the disciple the Apostles sometimes referred to as Bartholomew doesn't matter which you call him whether Nathaniel or Bartholomew it's the same men we are shown how he actually came to this particular point [00:02:15]

Well I suggest to you that my task my business as it is the business of the whole church is to do the very thing that this man Philip did for Nathaniel Philip himself you see had come to the Lord the day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee and findeth Philip and said unto him follow me then Philip findeth Nathanael and makes his statement unto him so in exactly the same way as Philip went to Nathaniel and presented the position to him it is my business it is my duty this evening to do precisely the same thing to you and for you now here I say we are reminded exactly of what this message is what it's all about and then at the same time we are shown in this amazing manner what it is that hinders so many people what it is that comes between them and this blessing and this realization [00:03:35]

Philip said to Nathaniel we have found him of whom Moses in the law and the prophets did write Jesus the son of Joseph of Nazareth what does that mean well that first and foremost we come face to face with the person of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ now we've got to start there I'm starting at the very beginning there is nothing further back than this this is the very essence of the Christian preaching it's the first thing we've got to consider let me emphasize it therefore by putting negatives is it not true to say that there are so many people who when they begin to consider Christianity think that it's a question primarily on considering various views of life and that this is one of the views concerning life that there are many teachings offering themselves to men and that this is a teaching amongst teachings [00:09:18]

Christianity tells you that you can only get all these things if you start with him but that if you start with any one of them and don't start with in what you get is not the true thing Ferranti and let me make this plain again in the midst of the modern confusion there are many many teachings that seem to be able to give people happiness that's why the cults are thriving we recognize that they claim it and they can do it there are people who are prepared to believe anything and by believing it they feel better spiritual crazy every day and in every way I'm feeling better or better and no doubt you will live to a point unless you've got an organic disease and even then you may feel a bit better for a while yes we recognize all that I say this is the differentiating point Christianity comes to you and says this in the first instance look here we are not going to discuss you nor your needs here once your desires not anything else for a moment here's the question have you confronted him have you considered him have you stood face to face with these facts you see Christian preaching is that which presents facts to people facts about this person [00:15:25]

Now these men were Jews you see and they've got their Old Testament the Old Testament Scriptures and they have these scriptures read Sunday by Sunday and expounded by their teachers and by the authorities and Philip sister Nathanael we have found him of whom Moses spoken the law how did he speak of him in the law what did he say go back jirô testament now this is Christianity you see we're not discussing what the Christian attitude is towards war whether it's right for the Christian to go into the army or not no no you don't start with that sort of thing that comes very much later you stop with this person there is no Christianity apart from him very well I say I must go back to my old testament them because I'm told that Moses who wrote the first five books in the Bible spoke about this person where does he do so well he does so everywhere and you remember that our Lord Himself said this after his resurrection his own disciples hadn't quite understood his death they were amazed at the great and wonderful fact of the resurrection and our Lord met them and he said look here let me take you through the scriptures so he took them through the books of Moses the law he took them through the Book of Psalms he took them through the prophets and he says can't you see that all writing about me the very thing that Philip said to Nathanael right at the beginning [00:19:57]

Nathaniel said unto Him can there any good thing come out of Nazareth what does he mean well he makes a very good point Nathaniel in effect said to Philip Philip I hear what you're saying but I can't follow this you say that the one of whom was wrote in the Lord of them the prophets wrote he is Jesus the son of Joseph out of Nazareth now Phil if he said that's impossible because there is nothing in the Old Testament Scriptures that associate the Messiah with Nazareth if you said Bethlehem it would have been alright but you're saying Nazareth can any good thing come out of Nazareth is this possible now that's what he meant you know sometimes we tend to think that he's just speaking in these terms of Nazareth as a place to be despised I believe that's absolutely wrong he was speaking as a man who knew his scriptures he was a man who knew his scriptures he was reading them under that fig tree when our Lord had seen him before Philip ever went to him he was a devout user delight as I'm going to show you and he knew that there was no association between Christ and Nazareth he said how can it be from Nazareth [00:32:31]

Nathaniel said Philip we found him of whom not only noses wrote in the law but of whom the prophets wrote you know the prophets Nathaniel said Philip you've read them you've heard them read to you do you realize that the one that they're speaking of us already comment that we found him and I've been speaking to him I want you to come and see him what have they said about him well you know I could keep you for hours on this let me give you one or two and two details which show you how marvelous it is you turn at once to your prophecy of Isaiah and there you will find that it's prophesied that a virgin shall bear a child and they shall call his name wonderful etc the virgin shall bear a child shall give birth to a child yes the word according to the latest researches is virgin still virgin not a young woman a virgin there it is in your Old Testament now my friend I say before you begin to consider the Christian attitude towards this and that you've got to start with a fact like that and with this fulfillment here is something facing us as a concrete issue [00:38:44]

You see what this means for us no man has ever become a Christian no man has ever enjoyed the blessings of Christianity unless at some point or another he's been a seeker are you seeking salvation are you really looking for it would you like to know the Lord Jesus Christ would you like to experience his grant and salvation would you like to be like the Apostle Paul and the other people to whom I referred at the beginning my dear friend here's the vital thing are you a true seeker you'll never find him you'll never know him until you truly seeking if with all your heart you truly seek Him you shall surely find him but if you're not a true seeker well then I hold out no hope for you and until you become I say you'll never know him because you don't know your need of him you're not desperate but here was a man who was longing for him he'd been waiting for him and he hears the report there's a difficulty he says it doesn't matter I'm coming yes he's an Israelite in truth and he's also an Israelite without guile [00:39:33]

Well of course it means that he was absolutely sincere he was in Sierre seeker without guile means this there was no cunning there was no deception there was no concern about personal advantage there was no employment of trickery for selfish advantage that's the meaning of guile and our Lord saw as Nathanael was approaching him that he was a man without guile you see it means this doesn't it he could see that Nathaniel was coming not in order to have an argument with him not to say now I've got him after all I've got him of course Philips excited he doesn't much intelligence he's easily carried away and he's always moved by Saab stuff he's gone soft of course he's psychological but now I'm coming to this great Authority of use and I've got him I've got him absolutely taped and tricked this question of Nazareth now then for not at all he's without guile he's not coming to show his cleverness he's not coming to win an argument or to show we can confirm the authorities he's not coming just to display himself or some personal advantage no no he's a sincere seeker he wants to know he has this report in respects Philopator is this problem about Nessa how can it be resolved oh let's go and find out he says that's the secret you see have you ever sought him without guile are you really serious do you mean business [00:41:02]

I say do what Nathaniel did come come to him common thing what does that mean says someone well i summarized it like this it means I say that you don't reject him and the truth about him simply because of certain difficulties that you have but it does mean that you come to him just as you are with all your doubts and all your difficulties you don't stay away and hide in a corner and say no no I can't I it's impossible my mind want this and that you say well I'm going to him come to him it means this that you come to him as you can find him and see him in these Gospels read the stories again look at him he explained him if you can he explained the impact he said upon the whole world ever since his coming look at him as you see him teaching listen to his teaching though he had no training just a carpenter born in poverty brought up in poverty look at him can you explain it out as he confound these doctors of the law where's this insight into the law of God why these claims for himself he's either a madman a lunatic or else he is what he says son of God listen to him go back and meet him forget all your cleverness all your arguments Christian Christianity and Christian view of this and that leave it all I said come back and on Sidney look at this Christ meet him in the Gospels and then ask him in simple prayer to reveal himself to you by the Holy Spirit [00:42:36]

He is the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth the great antitype the Messiah long-expected God's own lamb the Lamb that God has provided as a sacrifice for sins his own son in whom alone can forgiveness be found in whom alone can God be know in whom alone can we receive the new life in the new birth that changes everything life and death and opens for us the gateway into the Bliss of eternity my friend I ask you but one question have you come to see him and the facing have you considered him the crisp come and see [00:45:47]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?