Overcoming Unbelief: The Power of Testimony and Grace

 

Summary

In John 9, we explore the profound story of Jesus healing a man born blind, a miracle that should have brought joy but instead sparked controversy and legal inquiry. This narrative reveals the tactics of unbelief employed by the Pharisees: denial, intimidation, and exclusion. These tactics are not just historical but are still used today to suppress faith in Jesus Christ. The Pharisees, locked in their rigid worldview, denied the miracle, intimidated the witnesses, and ultimately excluded the man who had been healed. They were so entrenched in their traditions and self-constructed beliefs that they could not see the truth standing before them.

Jesus, who perfectly fulfilled the law, used the Sabbath to bring God's blessing to the blind man, challenging the Pharisees' legalistic traditions. The Pharisees' denial of the miracle was rooted in their preconceived notions about Jesus, and their intimidation tactics were designed to instill fear and suppress any acknowledgment of Jesus as the Messiah. The parents of the healed man, fearing exclusion from the synagogue, distanced themselves from their son's testimony. This fear-driven unbelief highlights the cost of following Jesus, as the synagogue was central to community life.

The story also illustrates that unbelief is often a decision rooted in deeds and desires. People love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil, and this shapes their desires and decisions. Yet, unbelief need not be final. Saul of Tarsus, once a fierce opponent of Christ, received mercy and became a great apostle. This transformation underscores the power of God's grace to overcome unbelief.

As we minister in a world of unbelief, we must remember the power of an authentic testimony, the role of fear in unbelief, and the need for repentance. Unbelief is not just an intellectual stance but a moral and spiritual decision. We are called to turn from unbelief, embrace faith in Jesus, and experience the overflowing grace and love that He offers.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of an Authentic Testimony: In the face of confident unbelief, the simple testimony of a changed life can be profoundly powerful. The healed man's declaration, "Once I was blind, now I see," confounded the Pharisees, showing that personal transformation speaks volumes against skepticism. Never underestimate the impact of sharing your personal encounter with Christ. [29:38]

2. Fear as a Root of Unbelief: Unbelief is often fueled by fear of the implications of faith. The Pharisees feared losing their status and control, while the healed man's parents feared exclusion from the community. Understanding this fear can help us minister grace and assurance to those hesitant to believe. [30:28]

3. Unbelief as a Decision: Unbelief is not merely intellectual but a decision rooted in desires shaped by deeds. People often reject faith because they prefer the darkness of their current lifestyle. Recognizing this can guide us in addressing the heart issues behind unbelief. [34:09]

4. The Necessity of Repentance and Faith: Repentance and faith are intertwined; one cannot truly exist without the other. Jesus calls us to repent and believe, highlighting that turning from self-centeredness is essential for genuine faith. This dual call is crucial in leading others to Christ. [37:25]

5. Unbelief Need Not Be Final: The story of Saul of Tarsus reminds us that even the most ardent unbelievers can be transformed by God's grace. Unbelief may be a starting point, but it doesn't have to be the end. God's mercy is available to all who turn to Him in faith. [38:12]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Introduction to John 9
- [00:30] - The Miracle and Controversy
- [01:19] - Legal Inquiry Begins
- [02:03] - The Pharisees' Court
- [03:06] - Tactics of Unbelief
- [04:11] - Denial of the Miracle
- [05:14] - Jesus and the Sabbath
- [06:56] - Pharisees' Worldview
- [08:21] - Division Among Pharisees
- [10:36] - Intimidation Tactics
- [12:28] - Parents' Testimony
- [14:20] - Fear of Exclusion
- [16:59] - Exclusion from the Community
- [19:26] - Damage Limitation
- [22:20] - The Healed Man's Testimony
- [25:12] - Pilate's Tactics
- [27:36] - Insights on Unbelief
- [29:38] - Power of Testimony
- [30:28] - Fear and Unbelief
- [34:09] - Unbelief as a Decision
- [37:25] - Repentance and Faith
- [38:12] - Unbelief Need Not Be Final
- [40:31] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- John 9:1-41
- John 3:19-21
- 1 Timothy 1:12-16

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Observation Questions:

1. What were the initial reactions of the neighbors and the Pharisees to the healing of the blind man? How did these reactions differ? [00:30]

2. How did the Pharisees attempt to discredit the miracle performed by Jesus? What tactics did they use? [03:40]

3. What was the response of the healed man's parents when questioned by the Pharisees, and why did they respond this way? [14:20]

4. How did the healed man describe his experience when questioned by the Pharisees, and what was the significance of his testimony? [22:20]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the story of the blind man's healing illustrate the conflict between Jesus' actions and the Pharisees' legalistic traditions? [05:14]

2. In what ways does fear play a role in the unbelief of the Pharisees and the healed man's parents? How does this fear manifest in their actions? [15:05]

3. How does the narrative of John 9 demonstrate that unbelief is not just an intellectual stance but a moral and spiritual decision? [34:09]

4. What does the transformation of Saul of Tarsus into the Apostle Paul teach us about the potential for change in those who initially reject faith in Jesus? [38:12]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt intimidated or excluded because of your faith. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future? [16:59]

2. The healed man's simple testimony was powerful against skepticism. How can you share your personal encounter with Christ in a way that is authentic and impactful? [29:38]

3. Consider the role of fear in your own life. Are there areas where fear is holding you back from fully embracing faith in Jesus? How can you address these fears? [30:28]

4. Unbelief is described as a decision rooted in desires shaped by deeds. Are there aspects of your lifestyle that might be hindering your faith? What changes can you make to align your desires with your faith? [34:09]

5. Repentance and faith are intertwined. Is there an area of your life where you need to repent in order to strengthen your faith? How can you take steps toward repentance this week? [37:25]

6. The story of Saul's transformation reminds us that unbelief need not be final. Is there someone in your life who seems far from faith? How can you pray for and support their journey toward belief? [38:12]

7. How can you cultivate a community that supports and encourages faith, rather than one that intimidates or excludes those who are exploring belief in Jesus? [16:21]

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformative Power of Personal Testimony
The story of the man born blind in John 9 highlights the profound impact of a personal testimony. Despite the Pharisees' skepticism and attempts to discredit the miracle, the healed man's simple declaration, "Once I was blind, now I see," stood as a powerful testament to the truth of Jesus' work. This narrative reminds us that personal transformation can speak volumes against doubt and unbelief. In a world often filled with skepticism, sharing your personal encounter with Christ can be a beacon of hope and truth. Your story of transformation is a testament to God's power and can inspire others to seek the light of Christ. [29:38]

John 4:39-42 (ESV): "Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, 'He told me all that I ever did.' So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, 'It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.'"

Reflection: Think of a moment when God transformed your life. How can you share this testimony with someone who might be struggling with unbelief today?


Day 2: Fear as a Barrier to Faith
Fear often underlies unbelief, as seen in the reactions of the Pharisees and the parents of the healed man. The Pharisees feared losing their status and control, while the parents feared exclusion from the synagogue. This fear-driven unbelief highlights the cost of following Jesus, as the synagogue was central to community life. Understanding the role of fear can help us minister grace and assurance to those hesitant to believe. By addressing these fears, we can help others find the courage to embrace faith in Jesus and experience the freedom He offers. [30:28]

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reflection: Identify a fear that holds you back from fully embracing your faith. How can you seek God's strength to overcome this fear today?


Day 3: Unbelief as a Choice Rooted in Desires
Unbelief is not merely an intellectual stance but a decision influenced by one's desires and deeds. People often reject faith because they prefer the darkness of their current lifestyle. This narrative in John 9 illustrates that unbelief is a moral and spiritual decision, shaped by what individuals love and desire. Recognizing this can guide us in addressing the heart issues behind unbelief, helping others to see the light of Christ and choose faith over darkness. [34:09]

Ephesians 4:17-19 (ESV): "Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity."

Reflection: Reflect on a desire or habit that might be keeping you in spiritual darkness. What steps can you take to align your desires with God's will today?


Day 4: The Interconnection of Repentance and Faith
Repentance and faith are intertwined, as one cannot truly exist without the other. Jesus calls us to repent and believe, highlighting that turning from self-centeredness is essential for genuine faith. This dual call is crucial in leading others to Christ, as it emphasizes the need for a heart transformation that aligns with God's will. Embracing both repentance and faith allows us to experience the fullness of God's grace and love, leading to a deeper relationship with Him. [37:25]

Acts 3:19-20 (ESV): "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus."

Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you need to repent. How can you actively turn back to God and strengthen your faith in this area today?


Day 5: The Hope of Transformation Through God's Grace
The story of Saul of Tarsus, who became the Apostle Paul, reminds us that even the most ardent unbelievers can be transformed by God's grace. Unbelief may be a starting point, but it doesn't have to be the end. God's mercy is available to all who turn to Him in faith, offering hope and transformation. This narrative encourages us to never give up on those who seem far from God, as His grace can reach and transform any heart. [38:12]

1 Timothy 1:15-16 (ESV): "The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life."

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who seems far from God. How can you pray for them and show them God's grace and love today?

Quotes


Now the pharisees used three tactics, and all of them are still in use today by those who want to suppress faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. And these tactics very simply are to deny, to intimidate, and then to exclude. We're going to look at these tactics together and then we're going to draw out four insights at the end that I hope will be helpful to us as we try and minister to those who do not yet believe. [00:03:33]

Jesus dignified the sabbath as a day where the blessing of God should be known in a very special way. Jesus used the sabbath day to bring the blessing of God to this man who had been born blind. The sabbath day was a day to seek the face of God. It was a day to draw near to him, to be refreshed by him, to be renewed, to be restored. All of these things wonderfully happened for the man who had been born blind on that sabbath day. [00:05:39]

Now do you see that these pharisees then had been determined to suppress faith in Jesus? Not only was it their policy, their decided policy, that anyone who confessed that Jesus is the Christ should be put out of the synagogue. People knew, ordinary people like these parents knew that this was the policy that was being operated by the pharisees. [00:15:14]

The pharisees' policy was making it perfectly clear: if you believe in Jesus, there's no place for you in this community. Now the parents see what's coming, and they've worked it out. We're going to have to be very, very, very careful here, and they remain silent for fear of what it will cost them. So they put it on their son, and they say, well, he's of age, you better ask him. [00:17:00]

Unbelief is an act of the will as well as of the mind. You know, there's an old story of a Christian who was out walking with his friend, and they came as they walked through the countryside on this old chapel, looking isolated in a remote area, and they decided they just have a look inside. So the two of them went inside, and at the front of this old chapel, on the wall on one side were the words of the creed, and on the other side the words of the ten commandments. [00:36:21]

Now you see this is why Jesus calls us to repent and believe the gospel. The two go together. You can't repent unless you believe, and you can't believe unless you repent. Jesus said, how can you believe? He said this to the pharisees, how can you believe when you receive glory from one another? You're just all about yourselves, and you make no effort to seek the praise that comes from the only God. [00:37:19]

Unbelief need not be final. A man by the name of Saul of Tarsus spent years in unbelief and in vicious antagonism towards everything associated with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and he writes these words: I received mercy because I acted in ignorance and in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. [00:38:07]

The greatest insult that any of us could offer to another person would be to stand face to face and to say, I don't believe you. The greatest insult you can offer, and that is what unbelief does to God. I'm asking you and calling on you from the scriptures today to turn from unbelief, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, humble yourself before him, turn yourself toward him, submit yourself to him. [00:39:36]

Unbelief is often fueled by fear. Now we've seen that the pharisees had put in place this policy of excluding from the synagogue anyone who confessed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, but it becomes very clear from John's gospel from here on that this policy really wasn't working. In chapter 10, for example, in verse 41, we read that many came to Jesus and verse 42 that many believed in Jesus. [00:30:28]

The story makes clear that unbelief sounds supremely confident. Did you notice that in the story? This man, the pharisees say, is not from God. Supremely confident. We know that this man is a sinner. We know. We know. Now you may have experienced this. You may have felt intimidated by the person at work or neighbor or someone even in your extended family circle who is quite sure that there is no God. [00:28:05]

The power of an authentic testimony. I mean, think about it. In this grand court, with all these pharisees no doubt dressed in the regalia, with all their power and with all of their wealth and their education and their status, and here's this man who would have had no education. He's been blind from birth. He's not been working. He's been a beggar on the street corner all these years and only has just received his sight. [00:29:38]

If you can show a person that they have nothing to fear in trusting themselves to Jesus, you will do a very great deal to help them in their unbelief. Remember that fear often lies at the root of unbelief, and you will help them by showing that the coming of Jesus is good news for every person that will receive him. [00:33:04]

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Transcript
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