John 8:21-30 – The life and death message of Christ.

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My sermon notes for Sunday, Nov. 5th as we continue our study through The Gospel of John. Remember, these are my study notes and not a manuscript of the sermon.  To see the sermon each week or subscribe to the weekly sermon podcast please visit http://www.fbcap.net

 

The life and death message of Christ

John 8:21-30

(The testimony of Jesus produces unbelief or belief)

 

Introduction:

2 Corinthians 2:14-17 – [14] But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. [15] For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, [16] to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? [17] For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ. (ESV)

 

The Gospel is a message of life to some, to others the message is one of death.  Jesus’ final discourse in the temple demonstrates this truth.  The Gospel is the aroma of Christ to God among those that will believe and among those that will not.

 

vv. 21-29 – the unbelieving

 

  1. Fail to recognize the need for the cross
  • Sin is the issue. Their sin is the issue.
  • Sin is the violation of the perfect holiness of God. It is missing the mark of God’s perfection.
  • Wayne Grudem defines sin – Any failure to conform to the moral law of God in act, attitude, or nature.
  • The issue with them and their They needed redemption, but failed to recognize that only Christ can accomplish and provide it.

 

  1. Fail to recognize the person on the cross
  • They asked… WHO ARE YOU?
  • Repeatedly they have asked Christ this during the feast. Ironic that during a religious feast that celebrated God’s provision that they could not recognize Jesus Christ.

 

  1. Fail to recognize the work of the cross
  • “When I am lifted up”
  • Then you will know who I am and who sent me.
  • Jesus earlthy mission was a journey to the cross.
  • “Then you will know that I am He.”
    • The will know Spiritually, but also God would be showing them in a physical way. (proving the spiritual)
      • Matthew 27:32-61
    • Darkness – the suffering of our Lord
    • Temple veil torn – access to the Father. Redemption
    • Tombs opened – power through the resurrection

 

v. 30 – the believing

 

The words of Christ at the feast depict the message and the fruits of receiving His Word.

 

7:16,28-29 – I am from the Father and I have been sent from the Father.

  • Who He is and what He was sent to do
  • Jesus is Lord and was sent to redeem mankind.

 

7:37 – If anyone thirsts, then let him come and drink.

  • Repentance and Faith.
  • Come to Christ and receive newness of life.
  • 2 Cor. 5 – New Creations!

 

8:12 – I am the light of the World.

  • Hope in the midst of darkness.
  • Light = truth, hope, direction, purpose, holiness, and etc.

 

 

The what now…applying the Word

  1. THE GOSPEL IS ENOUGH. There is nothing else we need.  Jesus and His life, death, and resurrection is sufficient.
    1. The only thing that will bring change is Jesus. In our life and in the life of others.

 

  1. Man’s issue is and will always be sin. Our problem is nothing more than a relationship problem with God.  He is holy and just and we are not.  The only hope is to come to Christ and ask for forgiveness of sin and receive the God news of Jesus Christ.

 

  1. Today we must come to God on His terms. And when we do we will have light in the dark work and taste of His living water.  Today as then, we must respond to Jesus.  Either in belief or unbelief.
    1. Believe on
    2. Come to
    3. Trust in
    4. Live for
    5. Follow after

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