True Faith: A Personal Relationship with Christ

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we delve into the profound insights from the Gospel of John, specifically focusing on the incident where many believed in Jesus due to the miracles He performed, yet He did not commit Himself to them. This passage highlights the critical distinction between superficial belief and a genuine, personal relationship with Christ. The essence of salvation is not merely about acknowledging miracles or adhering to doctrines but about entering into a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This relationship is not something we can decide upon at our convenience; it is a divine commitment from Christ to us, which is not based on our actions or decisions but on His sovereign will.

The danger lies in reducing Christianity to a set of doctrines or a series of actions we perform. True Christianity is about receiving from His fullness, living a life of grace upon grace, and being in a dynamic relationship with Christ. This relationship is characterized by a sense of unworthiness, gratitude, and a growing spiritual understanding. It is not about resting on past decisions or experiences but about being continually surprised and led by Christ in our daily lives.

Moreover, the passage warns against the misconception that we can take salvation or any part of it whenever we like. Salvation is not a commodity to be taken at will; it is a gift that Christ bestows upon those He chooses. This underscores the secret element in salvation, where Christ commits Himself to some and not to others, a mystery known only to those who have truly experienced His love.

Ultimately, the assurance of Christ's commitment to us is reflected in our spiritual growth, our increasing hunger for Him, and our desire to please Him. It is about being led by the Spirit, experiencing His surprises, and having the Spirit bear witness with our spirit that we are children of God.

Key Takeaways:

- Personal Relationship Over Doctrine: Salvation is fundamentally about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, not merely adherence to doctrines or creeds. This relationship is dynamic and transformative, leading to a life of grace and fullness in Christ. [06:14]

- The Danger of Superficial Belief: Merely believing in miracles or having a superficial interest in Christ is insufficient. True faith involves recognizing our sinfulness and helplessness, leading us to rely entirely on Christ as our Savior. [02:53]

- Salvation as a Divine Commitment: We cannot decide to take salvation at our convenience. It is a divine commitment from Christ, who chooses to reveal Himself to those He wills. This underscores the mystery and grace inherent in salvation. [11:18]

- Spiritual Growth and Understanding: A true relationship with Christ is marked by spiritual growth, an increasing understanding of spiritual truths, and a deep sense of gratitude for His grace and mercy. [37:20]

- The Assurance of His Commitment: The assurance of Christ's commitment to us is reflected in our spiritual rest, peace, and the Spirit's witness within us. This relationship is characterized by being led by the Spirit and experiencing His surprises in our lives. [39:51]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to the Gospel of John
- [01:05] - Jesus at the Passover Feast
- [02:01] - The Nature of True Belief
- [03:11] - The Call to Sinners
- [04:48] - Receiving His Fullness
- [06:14] - Salvation as a Relationship
- [07:23] - The Danger of Dead Orthodoxy
- [09:07] - The Two-Sided Nature of Salvation
- [10:56] - Misconceptions About Salvation
- [13:28] - The Secret Element in Salvation
- [17:29] - The Vital Question of Commitment
- [22:03] - How to Know His Commitment
- [33:39] - Signs of His Commitment
- [39:51] - The Assurance of Rest and Peace

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- John 2:23-25

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#### Observation Questions

1. What was the reaction of the people in Jerusalem to the miracles performed by Jesus during the Passover feast? How did Jesus respond to their belief? ([00:29])

2. According to the sermon, what was the primary reason Jesus did not commit Himself to those who believed in Him because of the miracles? ([02:01])

3. How does the sermon describe the difference between a superficial belief in Jesus and a genuine relationship with Him? ([06:14])

4. What does the sermon suggest is the danger of reducing Christianity to a set of doctrines or actions? ([07:23])

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#### Interpretation Questions

1. How does the sermon explain the concept of salvation as a divine commitment rather than a personal decision? What implications does this have for how one views their faith journey? ([11:18])

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that spiritual growth and understanding are indicators of a true relationship with Christ? How might this be evident in a believer's life? ([37:20])

3. The sermon mentions a "secret element" in salvation. What does this mean, and how does it relate to the assurance of Christ's commitment to believers? ([17:29])

4. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in confirming a believer's relationship with Christ? What are the signs of this confirmation? ([39:51])

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#### Application Questions

1. Reflect on your own faith journey. Have there been times when your belief in Jesus was more about the miracles or benefits rather than a personal relationship with Him? How can you deepen your relationship with Christ this week? ([02:53])

2. The sermon warns against a superficial belief in Christ. What steps can you take to ensure your faith is genuine and not just based on external signs or doctrines? ([02:53])

3. Consider the idea that salvation is a divine commitment. How does this perspective change the way you approach your daily walk with Christ? What practical steps can you take to align with this understanding? ([11:18])

4. Spiritual growth is a sign of a true relationship with Christ. Identify one area in your spiritual life where you desire growth. What specific actions can you take to pursue this growth? ([37:20])

5. The sermon speaks of being led by the Spirit and experiencing His surprises. Can you recall a time when you felt the Spirit leading you in an unexpected way? How can you remain open to the Spirit's guidance in your life? ([39:51])

6. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for Christ's grace and mercy in your life? What are some practical ways to express this gratitude daily? ([36:10])

7. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being in a dynamic relationship with Christ. What are some ways you can actively engage in this relationship and avoid spiritual stagnation? ([45:01])

Devotional

Day 1: Personal Relationship Over Doctrine
Salvation is not about merely following doctrines or creeds; it is about cultivating a personal, transformative relationship with Jesus Christ. This relationship is dynamic, characterized by receiving grace upon grace and living in the fullness of Christ. It is not a static adherence to rules but a vibrant, ongoing connection with Jesus that transforms our lives. This relationship requires us to move beyond superficial beliefs and engage deeply with Christ, allowing His presence to shape our thoughts, actions, and entire being. [06:14]

John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your personal relationship with Jesus today, moving beyond mere knowledge of Him to truly abiding in His presence?


Day 2: The Danger of Superficial Belief
Superficial belief, characterized by an interest in miracles or external signs, falls short of true faith. True faith involves recognizing our sinfulness and helplessness, leading us to rely entirely on Christ as our Savior. It is not enough to be fascinated by the miraculous; we must be transformed by the reality of who Jesus is and what He has done for us. This transformation requires a heart that is open to acknowledging its need for a Savior and a life that is surrendered to His lordship. [02:53]

James 2:19-20 (ESV): "You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?"

Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where your belief in Jesus might be more superficial than genuine. How can you invite Jesus to transform this area into one of true faith and reliance on Him?


Day 3: Salvation as a Divine Commitment
Salvation is not something we can take at our convenience; it is a divine commitment from Christ, who chooses to reveal Himself to those He wills. This underscores the mystery and grace inherent in salvation, reminding us that it is not based on our actions or decisions but on His sovereign will. We are called to respond to His invitation with humility and gratitude, recognizing that our salvation is a gift of grace, not a result of our own efforts. [11:18]

Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."

Reflection: How does understanding salvation as a divine commitment change your perspective on your relationship with Christ? What steps can you take to live in gratitude for this gift today?


Day 4: Spiritual Growth and Understanding
A true relationship with Christ is marked by spiritual growth, an increasing understanding of spiritual truths, and a deep sense of gratitude for His grace and mercy. This growth is not about resting on past decisions or experiences but about being continually surprised and led by Christ in our daily lives. As we grow in our relationship with Him, we develop a deeper understanding of His love and a greater desire to live in a way that pleases Him. [37:20]

Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV): "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."

Reflection: Identify one area of your spiritual life where you desire growth. What practical steps can you take this week to pursue a deeper understanding of God's will and wisdom in this area?


Day 5: The Assurance of His Commitment
The assurance of Christ's commitment to us is reflected in our spiritual rest, peace, and the Spirit's witness within us. This relationship is characterized by being led by the Spirit and experiencing His surprises in our lives. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, we find a deep sense of peace and rest, knowing that we are His children and that He is committed to us. This assurance allows us to live with confidence and joy, trusting in His guidance and provision. [39:51]

Romans 8:16-17 (ESV): "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him."

Reflection: In what ways have you experienced the Spirit's witness and assurance of Christ's commitment in your life? How can you cultivate a deeper sense of spiritual rest and peace in your daily walk with Him?

Quotes


The essence of salvation is personal relationship. He did not commit himself to them, so they've got nothing, though they've got a kind of belief in him on the basis of his miracles and signs. Very well, I say it is a relationship to a person and not a mere acceptance of a Creed or teaching. [00:08:02]

Salvation is not something material; it is always a matter of personal relationship between the believer and his Lord. There is nothing more fatal than to think of salvation as something one-sided, with the activity entirely on our side. The essence of salvation is that it is this two-sided personal relationship. [00:09:18]

We cannot decide to take salvation or any part of it whenever we like. Here are people, you see, they've seen the miracles and the signs, and they believe in him, and they approach him. They're going to take it. He doesn't commit himself unto them. They're not given it. [00:10:56]

The vital matter in connection with this whole subject is whether he commits himself to us and believes in us. That's the vital thing in salvation, and we are entirely dependent upon him and his attitude towards us. These people, in a sense, did everything they could. It availed them nothing. [00:16:09]

There is a kind of secret element in this whole matter. He commits himself to some; he doesn't commit himself to others. How do you know? Well, you know there's only one answer to that: the love of Jesus, what it is, none but his loved ones know. They know; nobody else does. [00:18:08]

The assurance of Christ's commitment to us is reflected in our spiritual rest, peace, and the Spirit's witness within us. This relationship is characterized by being led by the Spirit and experiencing His surprises in our lives. [00:39:51]

A man who feels that is a man to whom he's committed himself beyond any doubt. He's got nothing in himself, and he's amazed at the fact that he's in the Christian life at all and counted amongst the redeemed. [00:35:49]

The Spirit himself also beareth witness with our spirits that we are the children of God. What I've given to you hitherto are more or less deductions, inferences, and they're wonderful. Thank God for them. But you know it is possible beyond all that to know what it is to have the Holy Spirit himself directly and immediately bearing witness with your spirit. [00:47:04]

There is nothing that I know of that is so terrible as a self-contained and a self-controlled Christian. Life polite, nice, respectable. Sunday morning, you do your duty, you go back once a Sunday, quite enough, and so on, and you've got it all, you handle it all. Oh, God have mercy upon you. [00:44:03]

The element of surprise again in your life, not the original surprise, but the sense in which he surprises us. You know, you're having a hard time, the clouds have gathered over you, and everything is stagnant and stale, and you're unhappy, and you don't understand it. You feel you're spiritually sick. [00:42:25]

Have you got an increasing hunger and thirst for him? Have you got an increasing longing within you to know him? You see, look at this man Paul the Apostle, writing at the height of his great achievement, having turned out these amazing Epistles. This is what he says: that I may know him and the power of his resurrection. [00:45:10]

The assurance of Christ's commitment to us is reflected in our spiritual growth, our increasing hunger for Him, and our desire to please Him. It is about being led by the Spirit, experiencing His surprises, and having the Spirit bear witness with our spirit that we are children of God. [00:39:51]

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Transcript
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