Faith in Jesus: The Path to Eternal Life

 

Summary

In reflecting on the life and works of Jesus Christ, it becomes evident that His brief public ministry, though spanning only a few years, was profoundly impactful. The Gospel of John emphasizes that while many of Jesus' deeds were not recorded, those that were serve a crucial purpose: to inspire belief in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, and to offer life through His name. This belief is not merely an intellectual assent but a transformative faith that brings eternal life.

The life of Jesus was not just a series of events but a continuous revelation of divine wisdom, grace, and power. Each act and word of Jesus was a sign pointing beyond itself, revealing the fullness of God. The Gospels, particularly John's, were written with a singular focus: to lead readers to faith in Jesus. This faith is not about adhering to creeds or doctrines but about a personal relationship with Jesus, recognizing Him as the Messiah and the Son of God.

The Scriptures were not intended to satisfy curiosity or provide a complete biography of Jesus. Instead, they aim to foster faith that leads to life. This life is both judicial, as believers are acquitted and justified through Christ, and imparted, as the Holy Spirit breathes new life into them. This life grows and is eternal, beginning now and continuing into eternity.

Belief in Jesus is grounded in the written Word of God, not in personal feelings or experiences. The truth of Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God stands firm, regardless of our emotional state. This faith is the foundation of spiritual life, and it is through this faith that believers are transformed and assured of eternal life.

Key Takeaways:

- The Purpose of Scripture: The Scriptures are written to inspire faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. This faith is not about intellectual agreement but a transformative belief that brings eternal life. The Gospels focus on leading readers to this faith, not on providing a complete biography of Jesus. [04:50]

- The Nature of Jesus' Life: Jesus' life was a continuous revelation of divine wisdom, grace, and power. Each act and word was a sign pointing to the fullness of God. His life was not just a series of events but a profound revelation of God's character and purpose. [02:13]

- Faith and Eternal Life: True faith in Jesus involves recognizing Him as the Messiah and the Son of God. This faith brings judicial life, as believers are justified through Christ, and imparted life, as the Holy Spirit breathes new life into them. This life is eternal and begins now. [36:00]

- Grounded in the Word: Belief in Jesus is grounded in the written Word of God, not in personal feelings or experiences. The truth of Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God stands firm, regardless of our emotional state. This faith is the foundation of spiritual life. [33:26]

- The Transformative Power of Faith: Faith in Jesus is not static but dynamic, leading to a life that grows and flourishes. This faith is the source of spiritual vitality and strength, enabling believers to overcome challenges and live in the fullness of God's promises. [46:27]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:09] - Introduction to the Purpose of John's Gospel
[00:23] - The Brief but Full Life of Jesus
[01:15] - The Abundance of Jesus' Works
[02:13] - Signs and Wonders of Jesus
[03:27] - The Purpose of the Written Record
[04:50] - The Design of Scripture: Faith
[06:17] - Unity of the Scriptures
[07:16] - Selflessness of the Gospel Writers
[10:04] - John's Unique Perspective
[13:06] - The Aim of Scripture: Belief in Christ
[16:00] - Different Perspectives of the Evangelists
[19:14] - The Gospels and Faith
[25:34] - Testimonies of Faith in John's Gospel
[28:11] - The Object of True Faith: Jesus
[36:00] - The True Life of the Soul
[39:52] - Life Through Believing
[46:27] - The Power of Jesus' Name
[49:13] - Conclusion and Call to Faith

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- John 20:30-31
- John 1:14
- John 3:16-17

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Observation Questions:

1. According to John 20:30-31, what is the purpose of the signs and wonders performed by Jesus? How does this relate to the overall message of the Gospel of John? [00:09]

2. In the sermon, it is mentioned that Jesus' life was a continuous revelation of divine wisdom, grace, and power. Can you identify specific examples from the Gospels that illustrate this? [02:13]

3. The sermon emphasizes that the Scriptures were not written to satisfy curiosity but to inspire faith. How does this perspective influence the way we read and interpret the Bible? [04:50]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of personal feelings and experiences in relation to faith in Jesus? [33:26]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. The sermon states that belief in Jesus is grounded in the written Word of God, not in personal feelings. How does this understanding affect the way believers approach their faith, especially during times of doubt or emotional turmoil? [33:26]

2. The sermon describes faith in Jesus as transformative, leading to eternal life. How does this transformation manifest in the life of a believer, both judicially and spiritually? [36:00]

3. The sermon highlights the selflessness of the Gospel writers, particularly John, in focusing on Jesus rather than themselves. How does this selflessness serve the purpose of the Gospels, and what can we learn from it in our own lives? [10:04]

4. The sermon mentions that the life of Jesus was not just a series of events but a profound revelation of God's character. How does this understanding deepen our appreciation of the Gospels and their message? [02:13]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when your faith was challenged by personal feelings or experiences. How can grounding your belief in the written Word of God help you navigate such challenges? [33:26]

2. The sermon emphasizes the transformative power of faith in Jesus. In what areas of your life do you desire transformation, and how can you actively seek it through your relationship with Jesus? [46:27]

3. Consider the selflessness of the Gospel writers in focusing on Jesus. How can you apply this principle of selflessness in your own life, particularly in your interactions with others? [10:04]

4. The sermon suggests that the Scriptures aim to inspire faith that leads to life. How can you cultivate a deeper faith that not only believes in Jesus intellectually but also transforms your daily life? [04:50]

5. The sermon describes the life of Jesus as a continuous revelation of divine wisdom, grace, and power. How can you seek to embody these qualities in your own life and interactions with others? [02:13]

6. Reflect on the idea that faith in Jesus is the foundation of spiritual life. What steps can you take to strengthen this foundation in your own life, especially in times of doubt or uncertainty? [33:26]

7. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God. How does this recognition impact your understanding of your identity and purpose as a believer? [36:00]

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformative Purpose of Scripture
The Scriptures are not merely historical records or theological treatises; they are divinely inspired texts with the purpose of leading individuals to a transformative faith in Jesus Christ. This faith is not about intellectual agreement with doctrines but about a deep, personal belief that brings eternal life. The Gospels, particularly the Gospel of John, were written to inspire this faith, focusing on the life and works of Jesus to reveal His identity as the Christ, the Son of God. This transformative belief is meant to change lives, offering a new way of living that begins now and continues into eternity. [04:50]

John 20:30-31 (ESV): "Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to deepen your personal relationship with Jesus, moving beyond intellectual understanding to a transformative faith?


Day 2: Jesus' Life as Divine Revelation
The life of Jesus was not just a series of historical events but a continuous revelation of divine wisdom, grace, and power. Each act and word of Jesus was a sign pointing beyond itself, revealing the fullness of God. His life was a profound revelation of God's character and purpose, demonstrating the divine nature through His actions and teachings. The Gospels capture these moments to help readers understand the depth of God's love and the purpose of Jesus' mission on earth. By reflecting on Jesus' life, believers are invited to see the world through the lens of divine revelation and to live in a way that reflects God's character. [02:13]

Colossians 2:9-10 (ESV): "For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority."

Reflection: How can you allow the life and teachings of Jesus to shape your understanding of God's character and influence your daily decisions?


Day 3: Faith and the Gift of Eternal Life
True faith in Jesus involves recognizing Him as the Messiah and the Son of God. This faith is not static but dynamic, bringing both judicial life, as believers are justified through Christ, and imparted life, as the Holy Spirit breathes new life into them. This life is eternal, beginning now and continuing into eternity. Believers are called to live in the reality of this eternal life, experiencing the fullness of God's promises and the transformative power of faith. This faith is the foundation of spiritual life, enabling believers to overcome challenges and live in the fullness of God's promises. [36:00]

1 John 5:11-12 (ESV): "And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively live out the eternal life you have received through faith in Jesus today?


Day 4: Grounded in the Word of God
Belief in Jesus is grounded in the written Word of God, not in personal feelings or experiences. The truth of Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God stands firm, regardless of our emotional state. This faith is the foundation of spiritual life, providing stability and assurance in the midst of life's uncertainties. By anchoring faith in the Scriptures, believers can find strength and guidance, knowing that God's Word is unchanging and reliable. This grounding in the Word enables believers to navigate life's challenges with confidence and hope. [33:26]

Psalm 119:105 (ESV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Reflection: How can you incorporate more of God's Word into your daily routine to ensure your faith remains grounded and steadfast?


Day 5: The Dynamic Power of Faith
Faith in Jesus is not static but dynamic, leading to a life that grows and flourishes. This faith is the source of spiritual vitality and strength, enabling believers to overcome challenges and live in the fullness of God's promises. As believers grow in their faith, they experience the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, who empowers them to live out their faith in practical ways. This dynamic faith is characterized by a deepening relationship with Jesus, a commitment to His teachings, and a willingness to be transformed by His love and grace. [46:27]

2 Peter 1:5-8 (ESV): "For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can actively apply your faith to see growth and transformation?

Quotes


The public life of our most blessed lord jesus christ was brief, few suppose it to have exceeded three and a half years, but yet what a full life it was. It had in it not only enough to compose the four gospels, each one of which contained sufficient to lead men to saving faith, but so much remained over and above that the apostle john makes this remarkable statement, and there are also many other things which jesus did, the which if they could be written everyone, i suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. [00:32:00]

Our lord's life was as ample as his own festivals it feeds thousands, and with the fragments that remain many baskets might be filled. A man may complete a great and fruitful life in two or three years, while another may have existed as long as an anti-diluvian, and yet his life may be poor and powerless. Not only did the lord jesus speak and do great things as to number, but there was a world of power in each word and work. [00:72:72]

The inspired record was written with a purpose, the facts were wisely culled and collected out of the entire mass on account of their bearing upon the desired object, and sufficient has been preserved to affect a design which above all others is most important to us these are written that you might believe that jesus is the christ the son of god and that believing he might have life through his name. [00:218:319]

The design of all scripture is to produce faith, there is no text in the whole book which was intended to create doubt. Doubt is a seed self sown or sown by the devil and it usually springs up with more than sufficient abundance without our care. The practice of reading skeptical works is a very dangerous one, we have enough tendency to sickness in our own constitutions, without going to fever hospitals to test the atmosphere. [00:294:72]

This one book has but one design, and every portion of it works to that one end, of the whole canon of inspiration we may say as we read every detail these are written that you might believe that jesus is the christ the son of god. Observe then no part of holy scripture was written with any wish to magnify the writer of it. [00:415:28]

The evangelists do not attempt merely to increase our knowledge, but they aim to win our understandings and to conquer our hearts for christ. Notice yet again dear friends that the gospels and the other books of scripture were not written for the gratification of the most godly and pious curiosity. Truly i would have liked to have acted to our lord as boswell did to his friend dr johnson. [00:1025:439]

It is not to gratify curiosity, but to beget faith within the soul, that the memoirs of our lord are written by the evangelists. Again the scriptures are not even written with the view of setting before us a complete example, i want you to notice that, it is true that the gospel set before us a perfect character and we are bound to imitate it. [00:1146:96]

The faith which receives christ as he is revealed as the messiah and as the son of god is the faith which hath eternal life and the scriptures are written that you may have this faith. I want you to notice one thing more and that is we are to receive jesus of nazareth as being the christ and the son of god on the ground of the written word. [00:1977:12]

From this it is clear that the ground of acceptable faith is the written word of god and it is vain to look for any other. Oh says one brother i could believe but i do not feel as i ought, what of your feelings to do with the truth of the statement that jesus is the messiah the son of god. [00:2005:039]

Whatever becomes of our changeable feelings facts are stubborn things and all to not, experience cannot make a thing true, and frames and feelings cannot make a thing to be a lie, which is in itself true. Over the head then of all the storms and turmoils and changes of my poor weak silly nature, there rises a rock that is higher than i, higher than all things a rock which cannot be moved. [00:2072:8]

The life of christ is infused into them by the spirit of the living god, even as the lord jesus hath testified, verily verily i say unto you, he that heareth my word and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life. Observe that this life grows, it continues to gather strength and as it increases it is spoken of by john as life more abundantly. [00:2260:72]

Faith in jesus begets life, and this life will flourish or decay very much in proportion to our faith, believe firmly and your life shall be vigorous, believe tremblingly and your life will be faint, yet all depends upon the name, is not that a blessed word, that believing you might have life through his name. [00:2782:24]

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Transcript
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