John 1:11
"He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him."
The first "His own" (in red) refers to the world of mankind.
The second "His own" (in blue) refers to the Jewish Nation.
As Creator, the world belongs to the Word as His property, but the world did not even recognize Him due to spiritual blindness.
John used the second occurrence of "His own" in a narrower sense to refer to Jesus' own physical lineage, the Jews.
Although they possessed the Scriptures that testified of His person and coming, they still did not accept Him.
Isaiah 65:2-3
"I have stretched out My hands all day long to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, according to their own thoughts: A people who provoke Me to anger continually to My face; who sacrifice in gardens, and burn incense on altars of brick;"
God had continually taken the initiative in inviting His people Israel to walk in His ways, but time after time they rebuffed Him. Using this verse, Paul concurred in citing the rebelliousness of his fellow Jews.
Romans 10:21
"But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people."
Isaiah 53:3
"He is despised and rejected by men, A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him."
Luke 19:14
"But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him, saying, 'We will not have this man to reign over us.'"
Jeremiah 7:23-27
"But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you. But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels [and] in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward. Since the day that your fathers came forth out of the land of Egypt unto this day I have even sent unto you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending [them]: Yet they hearkened not unto me, nor inclined their ear, but hardened their neck: they did worse than their fathers. Therefore thou shalt speak all these words unto them; but they will not hearken to thee: thou shalt also call unto them; but they will not answer thee."
He came not only to the world, which was His own, but to the people of Israel. It was the people of Israel that He came, lived amongst them, and to them He was first sent.
The Jews at this time were a mean and despicable people; the crown was fallen from their head; yet, in remembrance of the ancient covenant, bad as they were, and poor as they were, Christ was not ashamed to look upon them as His own.
Ta idia - His own "things"
not
Tous idious - His own persons, as true believers are called
John 13:1
"...having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end."
Matthew 23:37
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, [thou] that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under [her] wings, and ye would not!"
Luke 19:14
"But His citizens hated Him, and sent a delegation after saying,'We will not have this man to reign over us.'"
He had reason to believe that those who were His own should have bid Him welcome, considering how great the obligations were which lay under Him, and how fair the opportunities were which they had coming to the knowledge of Him.
They had the "oracles" of God, which told them beforehand "when" and "where" to expect Him, and what tribe and family He should arise from. He came among them Himself, introduced with signs and wonders, and Him the greatest; and therefore, it is not said of them, as it was of the world (v.10), that they knew Him not; but His own, though they could not but know Him, yet received Him not; did not receive His doctrine, did not welcome Him as the Messiah, but fortified themselves against Him.
The Chief Priests, that were in a particular manner His own (for the Levites were God's tribe), were ring-leaders in this contempt put upon Him. Now this was very unjust, because they were His own, and therefore, He might command their respect.
Note: Many who in profession are Christ's own, yet do not receive Him, becausae they will not part with their sins, nor have Him to reign over them.
John 12:37-41
"But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with [their] eyes, nor understand with [their] heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him."
We know of Jesus because of the written Word. We know that God is True because of His wonderful Creation. Don't be one who claims to be a Christian, all the while, never truly putting your faith and trust in Him to save you. Don't be one who claims to follow Jesus and yet does not do what He says we are to do. Repent of your sins. Believe in His Word as being True and then obey what you read. Have you rejected what He says about all liars having their part in the Lake of Fire? Have you rejected what He says about all thieves, adulterers, homosexuals, covetous people and all idol worshippers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Without repentance there is no salvation.
John 1:11
"He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him."
Micah 6:8
"He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
John 1:10 Bible Study
John 1:10 (English Standard Version)
10He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.
Jesus was here, the One whom the world was made, and nobody recognized Him!
1 John 3
1See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
People don't believe us about Christ because they don't recognize Him at all.
John 16:3
3And they will do these things(A) because they have not known the Father, nor me.
People act the way they act because they have no clue who Jesus is and they can only naturally act the way they act.
John 8:39-40
They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.
The One who is the Word, the Life, and the Light
The Creator, the Redeemer and the Way...
had come into the world.
God came down to earth and dwelt among us.
Jesus said in John 16:28,
I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.
He shined His light into the dark, sinful (sin-filled) world and remained sinless and Holy.
John 8:42-59
Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. Why do ye not understand my speech? [even] because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell [you] the truth, ye believe me not. Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear [them] not, because ye are not of God. Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me. And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth. Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw [it], and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.
Jesus was in the world, but they did not know Him. Jesus was showing the Jews that they did not truly worship God, because if they did, they would recognize Jesus as having come from God.
Why did Jesus come down to our level?
John 12:44-50
Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
John 3:16-21
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. What a wonderful God we serve!
Jesus was in the world and overcame the world. His light exposed the dark sinful world.
The world was made through Him and the world was made by Him. Both ideas express the same idea of creation here.
Creation was effected by the Word, or the Son of God in Genesis 1:1, it is said that the Being who created the heavens and the earth was God.
Psalm 102:25-28
Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens [are] the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou [art] the same, and thy years shall have no end. The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee.
This work is ascribed to Jehovah. The Word or the Son of god, is therefore, appropriately called God. The work of creation is uniformly ascribed in the Scriptures to the second person of the Trinity.
Colossians 1:16
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Hebrews 1:2, 10
Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:
He was the agent( or cause) by which the universe was made.
Hebrews 11:3
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
It is through faith that we understand!
And the world knew Him not...
think about it...
While Jesus was in the world -- down here at our level -- He performed miracles, spoke as one having authority and the world did not know Him.
So, does the word "knew" mean they did not actually "know" Jesus? NO! They saw Him, they heard Him. The word "knew" is used in the sense of "approving" or "loving."
Psalm 1:6
For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Matthew 7:21-23
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Jesus said, Depart from me, ye that work iniquity... I never knew you!
The world did not love or approve Him, but rejected Him and put Him to death. They did not understand or know that He was the Messiah; for had they "known and believed" that He was the Messiah, they would not have put Him to death.
1 Corinthians 2:8
Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
1 John 3:1
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Let us remember that the lesson today is not speaking of Him just as the Word -- who created everything there is. This is speaking of His actual "being in the world when He took our nature upon Him, and dwelt among us."
The Son of the Highest was here in this lower world. That light was in this dark world, that Holy One was in this sinful polluted world. He left a world of bliss and glory, and was here in this melancholy miserable world.
Why did He come to this world?
He undertook to reconcile the world to God, and therefore was in the world, to treat about it, and settle that affair, to satisfy God's justice for the world, and discover God's favour to the world.
He was in the world but was not of the world. He is able to speak triumphantly when He says in John 17:11
And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we [are].
The greatest honor we can know is that the Son of God, the God of the Universe was once "in the world." He was in the world that He made. We are currently in this world but we look forward to the day when we may be where Christ is!
The Great Maker, Ruler, and Redeemer of the world was in it, and yet, most of the inhabitants of the world were not aware of it. the ox knows his owner, but the world did not.
They did not own Him, did not bid Him welcome, because they did not know Him, and they did not know Him because He did not make Himself known in a way that they expected in external glory and majesty.
When Jesus shall come as a Judge -- THE WORLD WILL KNOW HIM!
10He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.
Jesus was here, the One whom the world was made, and nobody recognized Him!
1 John 3
1See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
People don't believe us about Christ because they don't recognize Him at all.
John 16:3
3And they will do these things(A) because they have not known the Father, nor me.
People act the way they act because they have no clue who Jesus is and they can only naturally act the way they act.
John 8:39-40
They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.
The One who is the Word, the Life, and the Light
The Creator, the Redeemer and the Way...
had come into the world.
God came down to earth and dwelt among us.
Jesus said in John 16:28,
I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.
He shined His light into the dark, sinful (sin-filled) world and remained sinless and Holy.
John 8:42-59
Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. Why do ye not understand my speech? [even] because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell [you] the truth, ye believe me not. Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear [them] not, because ye are not of God. Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me. And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth. Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw [it], and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.
Jesus was in the world, but they did not know Him. Jesus was showing the Jews that they did not truly worship God, because if they did, they would recognize Jesus as having come from God.
Why did Jesus come down to our level?
John 12:44-50
Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
John 3:16-21
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. What a wonderful God we serve!
Jesus was in the world and overcame the world. His light exposed the dark sinful world.
The world was made through Him and the world was made by Him. Both ideas express the same idea of creation here.
Creation was effected by the Word, or the Son of God in Genesis 1:1, it is said that the Being who created the heavens and the earth was God.
Psalm 102:25-28
Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens [are] the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou [art] the same, and thy years shall have no end. The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee.
This work is ascribed to Jehovah. The Word or the Son of god, is therefore, appropriately called God. The work of creation is uniformly ascribed in the Scriptures to the second person of the Trinity.
Colossians 1:16
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Hebrews 1:2, 10
Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:
He was the agent( or cause) by which the universe was made.
Hebrews 11:3
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
It is through faith that we understand!
And the world knew Him not...
think about it...
While Jesus was in the world -- down here at our level -- He performed miracles, spoke as one having authority and the world did not know Him.
So, does the word "knew" mean they did not actually "know" Jesus? NO! They saw Him, they heard Him. The word "knew" is used in the sense of "approving" or "loving."
Psalm 1:6
For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Matthew 7:21-23
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Jesus said, Depart from me, ye that work iniquity... I never knew you!
The world did not love or approve Him, but rejected Him and put Him to death. They did not understand or know that He was the Messiah; for had they "known and believed" that He was the Messiah, they would not have put Him to death.
1 Corinthians 2:8
Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
1 John 3:1
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Let us remember that the lesson today is not speaking of Him just as the Word -- who created everything there is. This is speaking of His actual "being in the world when He took our nature upon Him, and dwelt among us."
The Son of the Highest was here in this lower world. That light was in this dark world, that Holy One was in this sinful polluted world. He left a world of bliss and glory, and was here in this melancholy miserable world.
Why did He come to this world?
He undertook to reconcile the world to God, and therefore was in the world, to treat about it, and settle that affair, to satisfy God's justice for the world, and discover God's favour to the world.
He was in the world but was not of the world. He is able to speak triumphantly when He says in John 17:11
And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we [are].
The greatest honor we can know is that the Son of God, the God of the Universe was once "in the world." He was in the world that He made. We are currently in this world but we look forward to the day when we may be where Christ is!
The Great Maker, Ruler, and Redeemer of the world was in it, and yet, most of the inhabitants of the world were not aware of it. the ox knows his owner, but the world did not.
They did not own Him, did not bid Him welcome, because they did not know Him, and they did not know Him because He did not make Himself known in a way that they expected in external glory and majesty.
When Jesus shall come as a Judge -- THE WORLD WILL KNOW HIM!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
John 1:9 Bible Study
Before moving on to our study today, I wanted to do a little recap of what we have studied so far to help it sink in for the readers.
Who wrote the book of John?
it was John the Apostle, not John the Baptist and not even Johnny Carson.
When was it written?
30 A.D.
85-90 A.D.
200 A.D.
the answer is 85-90 A.D.
To whom is it written to?
it is written to both Christians and non-christians (Gentiles)
Why did John write it?
To prove conclusively that Jesus is the Son of God and that all who believe in Him will have eternal life.
Who are the key people so far?
John the Baptist and Jesus
The first five verses talk about the eternal existance of God. He already existed in the beginning, He created everything there is. He is the Word, He was with God and He was God.
Now, life is found in Jesus. It is eternal life that is found by Him and through Him.
When you have the promise of eternal life in Jesus -- by repenting and putting your faith and trust in Jesus, the light will shine to everyone. The light of God's Word exposes sin -- not just outward sin, but even the inward sin within our minds and within our hearts.
The darkness, the world, can never extinguish the light. God's Word will never fail or fall away (which Joseph Smith said happened!)
Verses 6-8 teaches us that John was a man, a mere man -- and yet, he was God's messenger. Prophecy spoke about him more than 500 years prior to him coming onto the scene.
What was John's job?
To prepare the way before Jesus, to point to the coming Messiah.
John came to tell everyone, he was a witness.
here's a question for you?
how could John be a witness to someone or something he had not seen yet?
it was through his testimony that everyone might believe.
What witness has God given prior to Jesus?
His Word and through Creation.
John had taught men to look through him to Jesus by repentance of sins and to faith in Jesus.
Because of the words he spoke many questioned whether he was the Messiah -- he was not the light, he was only a witness of the light.
When you honor God, you will be used by God for His glory!
We are to bear witness which is to affirm that one has seen or heard (or experienced) something or that he knows it because taught by divine revelation or inspiration.
This brings us to John 1:9
"The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was going to come into the world."
1 John 2:7-8
"Dear friends, I am not writing a new commandment, for it is an old one you have always had, right from the beginning. This commandment -- to love one another -- is the same message you heard before. Yet, it is also new. This commandment is true in Christ and is true among you, because the darkness is disappearing and the true light is already shining."
We must remember that the Commandments are fulfilled "through" Christ -- to love one another.
As we go "through" John the Baptist to Jesus, we hear and believe because of his testimony. We are able to love one another by going "through" Christ. The Law points us to Christ and Christ points us back to the Law.
Jesus is the true light.
Romans 13:8-14
Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not bear false witness," "You shall not covet," and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Love does not harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
Ephesians 5:1-13
Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for the saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thankis. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. therefore do not be partakers with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manisfest is light.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And the shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
You see, Jesus is much more than just a lightbulb! It is through Jesus that sin is exposed. It is a light that exposes the darkness of sin. Believers will not experience the Day of Wrath, but unbelievers will. People who "profess" to be Christians will also fall into this judgment. If they profess Jesus and yet still live in their sinsm they are considered to be living in the darkness, engulfed in mental, moral, and spiritual darkness because of sin and unbelief. All these people are children of Satan who is called "the power of darkness" luke 22:53. The Day of the Lord will overtake them suddenly and with deadly results.
Salvation is Through Jesus Christ!
How does Christ enlighten every man?
1. by the light of reason -- everything created is His, all discoveries and directions of reason, all the comfort it gives us, are from Christ.
2. by the Word being spread to all nations -- John enlightened only Jerusalem and Judea and the region around Jordan (much like a candle lights one room). Christ is the True Light for He enlightens the Gentiles too.
As a light to the darkened world, we are to preach the proper message.
Revelation 14:6-7
Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlastint gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth -- to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people -- saying with a loud voice, "Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.
Psalm 19 (the Perfect Revelation of the Lord)
The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. there is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoices like a strong man to run its race. Its rising is from one end of heaven, and its circuit to the other end; and there is nothing hidden from its heat.
The Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
the statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward. Who can understan his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not havfe dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
3. he enlightens all those that are enlightened to salvation. Those not enlightened will perish in darkness. Whatever light any man has, he is indebted to Christ for it, whether it be natural or supernatural!
Joh 1:9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the
world.
So John, a man testified of in scripture as he who will make way for
the Lord, is not the light. But this light, which John witnesses of, is
not only the light, but the true light.
Now, what does this light do? It enlightens everyone, and was coming
into the world. So this light teaches us the things of God, and He
does so by coming to us, being in the world but not of the world. (17:14-16)
Indeed He came into the world so that we might believe in Him, and thus
in the Father, and by this not remain in darkness. (12:46)
Friday, April 4, 2008
Bible Study John 1:8 Who do you follow? Part 2 with audio sermon
John 1:8
He was not that Light, but [was sent] to bear witness of that Light. (click on link to listen to audio sermon)
John 1:20
And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.
John 3:28
Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.
Acts 19:4
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
We are here cautioned not to mistake him for the light who only came to bear witness to it (v. 8): He was not that light that was expected and promised, but only was sent to bear witness of that great and ruling light. He was a star, like that which guided the wise men to Christ, a morning star; but he was not the Sun; not the Bridegroom, but a friend of the Bridegroom; not the Prince, but his harbinger.
There were those who rested in John’s baptism, and looked no further, as those Ephesians, Acts 19:3. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
To rectify this mistake, the evangelist here, when he speaks very honourably of him, yet shows that he must give place to Christ. He was great as the prophet of the Highest, but not the Highest himself. Note, We must take heed of over-valuing ministers, as well as of under-valuing them; they are not our lords, nor have they dominion over our faith, but ministers by whom we believe, stewards of our Lord’s house. We must not give up ourselves by an implicit faith to their conduct, for they are not that light; but we must attend to, and receive, their testimony; for they are sent to bear witness of that light; so then let us esteem them, and not otherwise. Had John pretended to be that light he had not been so much as a faithful witness of that light. Those who usurp the honour of Christ forfeit the honour of being the servants of Christ; yet John was very serviceable as a witness to the light, though he was not that light. Those may be of great use to us who yet shine with a borrowed light.
Before he goes on with John’s testimony, he returns to give us a further account of this Jesus to whom John bore record. Having shown in the beginning of the chapter the glories of his Godhead, he here comes to show the graces of his incarnation, and his favours to man as Mediator. (Matthew Henry commentary)
Are you following your pastor? Or are you following Jesus?
John was not the Light, but he came to bear witness of the Light!
When was the last time you came to bear witness of the Light? Think about it!
When was the last time you came to bear witness of the Light?
Make today the day that you start! Start by pointing the way to Christ.
When pointing the way to Christ be sure to point them to the cross, the blood stained cross of Jesus. For He came to save a lost and dying world. And those who put their faith and trust in Him and repent of their sins will share in His glory!
Will people be able to look through you to see Christ? What needs to change?
If sin is still an acceptable part of your life, then Christ will not be seen through you!
Repent and be cleansed by the blood of Jesus so that you can bear witness of the Light that shines within you!
He was not that Light, but [was sent] to bear witness of that Light. (click on link to listen to audio sermon)
John 1:20
And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.
John 3:28
Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.
Acts 19:4
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
We are here cautioned not to mistake him for the light who only came to bear witness to it (v. 8): He was not that light that was expected and promised, but only was sent to bear witness of that great and ruling light. He was a star, like that which guided the wise men to Christ, a morning star; but he was not the Sun; not the Bridegroom, but a friend of the Bridegroom; not the Prince, but his harbinger.
There were those who rested in John’s baptism, and looked no further, as those Ephesians, Acts 19:3. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
To rectify this mistake, the evangelist here, when he speaks very honourably of him, yet shows that he must give place to Christ. He was great as the prophet of the Highest, but not the Highest himself. Note, We must take heed of over-valuing ministers, as well as of under-valuing them; they are not our lords, nor have they dominion over our faith, but ministers by whom we believe, stewards of our Lord’s house. We must not give up ourselves by an implicit faith to their conduct, for they are not that light; but we must attend to, and receive, their testimony; for they are sent to bear witness of that light; so then let us esteem them, and not otherwise. Had John pretended to be that light he had not been so much as a faithful witness of that light. Those who usurp the honour of Christ forfeit the honour of being the servants of Christ; yet John was very serviceable as a witness to the light, though he was not that light. Those may be of great use to us who yet shine with a borrowed light.
Before he goes on with John’s testimony, he returns to give us a further account of this Jesus to whom John bore record. Having shown in the beginning of the chapter the glories of his Godhead, he here comes to show the graces of his incarnation, and his favours to man as Mediator. (Matthew Henry commentary)
Are you following your pastor? Or are you following Jesus?
John was not the Light, but he came to bear witness of the Light!
When was the last time you came to bear witness of the Light? Think about it!
When was the last time you came to bear witness of the Light?
Make today the day that you start! Start by pointing the way to Christ.
When pointing the way to Christ be sure to point them to the cross, the blood stained cross of Jesus. For He came to save a lost and dying world. And those who put their faith and trust in Him and repent of their sins will share in His glory!
Will people be able to look through you to see Christ? What needs to change?
If sin is still an acceptable part of your life, then Christ will not be seen through you!
Repent and be cleansed by the blood of Jesus so that you can bear witness of the Light that shines within you!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Bible Study John 1:7 audio sermon combined with John 1:6
John 1:7 (English Standard Version) right click to listen to sermon in new window!
7He came as a(A) witness, to bear witness about the light,(B) that all might believe through him.
John the Baptist came to be the witness to and of Jesus Christ that people might believe what he was witnessing.
John 3:26
26And they came to John and said to him,(A) "Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan,(B) to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and(C) all are going to him."
John did a good job because now the people he witnessed to were going to Jesus the way they should be going.!
John 5:33
33(A) You sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth.
John was the witness to the truth... Jesus is the truth...
How can I apply this scripture to my life? I can be a witness to the light that others might believe through me :-)
This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. John 1:7
John was a man sent by God.
Now we know that Jesus was "with" God and that Jesus "was" and "is" God!
John was a man -- a mere man like ourselves.
John was a great man -- but -- just a man.
John was the son of a man -- but he was sent by God.
John was God's messenger
Malachi 3:1 says
Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me.
How do we know that John is the messenger spoken of?
Matthew 11:10 tells us what Jesus said...
John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say, Look! I am sending my messenger before you and he will prepare your way before you.
Mark 1:2 says
In the book of tghe prophet Isaiah, God said...
The same came for a witness -- an eye witness, a leading witness.
he came "eis martyrian" for a testimony.
The legal institutions had been long a testimony for God in the Jewish Church. by them, revealed religion was kept up; hence, we read of the "tabernacle of the testimony," "the ark of the testimony," the "law and the testimony:" but now divine revelation is to be turned into another channel; now the testimony of Christ is the "Testimony of God."
1 Corinthians 1:6 says
This shows that what I told you about Christ is true.
Among the Gentiles, God had not left himself without witness.
Acts 14:17 says
"...but he never left himself without a witness. There were always his reminders, such as sending you rain and good crops and giving you food and joyful hearts."
But the Redeemer had no testimonies borne him amonth them. There was a profound silence concerning him, "till" John the Baptist came for a witness to Him.
1.) Look at the matter of John's testimony:
he came to bear witness to the light.
Light is a thing which witnesses for itself, and carries its own evidence along with it; but to those who shut their eyes against the light, it is necessary there should be those that bear witness to it.
Christ's light does not need man's testimony -- but the world's darkness does. John was sent of God to tell the world that the long looked for Messiah was now come, who should be a light to enlighten the Gentiles and the glory of His people Israel; and to proclaim the dispensation at hand which would bring life and immortality to light.
2.) Look at the design of John's testimony:
That all men through him might believe; not in him, but in Christ, whose way he was sent to prepare.
He taught men to look "through" him, and pass through him to Christ; through the doctrine of repentance for sin to that of faith in Christ.
He prepared men for the reception of Christ and his gospel by awakening them to a sight and sense of sin: and that, their eyes being thereby opened, they might be ready to admit those beams of divine light which, in the person and doctrine of the Messiah, were now ready to shine in their faces.
If they will receive the witness of a man, they will soon find that the witness of God is greater.
1 John 5:9-10
Since we believe human testimony, surely we can believe the testimony that comes from God. And God has testified about His Son.
All who believe in the Son of God know that this is true.
7He came as a(A) witness, to bear witness about the light,(B) that all might believe through him.
John the Baptist came to be the witness to and of Jesus Christ that people might believe what he was witnessing.
John 3:26
26And they came to John and said to him,(A) "Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan,(B) to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and(C) all are going to him."
John did a good job because now the people he witnessed to were going to Jesus the way they should be going.!
John 5:33
33(A) You sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth.
John was the witness to the truth... Jesus is the truth...
How can I apply this scripture to my life? I can be a witness to the light that others might believe through me :-)
This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. John 1:7
John was a man sent by God.
Now we know that Jesus was "with" God and that Jesus "was" and "is" God!
John was a man -- a mere man like ourselves.
John was a great man -- but -- just a man.
John was the son of a man -- but he was sent by God.
John was God's messenger
Malachi 3:1 says
Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me.
How do we know that John is the messenger spoken of?
Matthew 11:10 tells us what Jesus said...
John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say, Look! I am sending my messenger before you and he will prepare your way before you.
Mark 1:2 says
In the book of tghe prophet Isaiah, God said...
The same came for a witness -- an eye witness, a leading witness.
he came "eis martyrian" for a testimony.
The legal institutions had been long a testimony for God in the Jewish Church. by them, revealed religion was kept up; hence, we read of the "tabernacle of the testimony," "the ark of the testimony," the "law and the testimony:" but now divine revelation is to be turned into another channel; now the testimony of Christ is the "Testimony of God."
1 Corinthians 1:6 says
This shows that what I told you about Christ is true.
Among the Gentiles, God had not left himself without witness.
Acts 14:17 says
"...but he never left himself without a witness. There were always his reminders, such as sending you rain and good crops and giving you food and joyful hearts."
But the Redeemer had no testimonies borne him amonth them. There was a profound silence concerning him, "till" John the Baptist came for a witness to Him.
1.) Look at the matter of John's testimony:
he came to bear witness to the light.
Light is a thing which witnesses for itself, and carries its own evidence along with it; but to those who shut their eyes against the light, it is necessary there should be those that bear witness to it.
Christ's light does not need man's testimony -- but the world's darkness does. John was sent of God to tell the world that the long looked for Messiah was now come, who should be a light to enlighten the Gentiles and the glory of His people Israel; and to proclaim the dispensation at hand which would bring life and immortality to light.
2.) Look at the design of John's testimony:
That all men through him might believe; not in him, but in Christ, whose way he was sent to prepare.
He taught men to look "through" him, and pass through him to Christ; through the doctrine of repentance for sin to that of faith in Christ.
He prepared men for the reception of Christ and his gospel by awakening them to a sight and sense of sin: and that, their eyes being thereby opened, they might be ready to admit those beams of divine light which, in the person and doctrine of the Messiah, were now ready to shine in their faces.
If they will receive the witness of a man, they will soon find that the witness of God is greater.
1 John 5:9-10
Since we believe human testimony, surely we can believe the testimony that comes from God. And God has testified about His Son.
All who believe in the Son of God know that this is true.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
John 1:6 Bible Study with audio Sermon (coming tuesday or wednesday!)
John 1:6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
A man, sent from God. Where else in scripture do you see such a thing? And this man, he is sent by GOD.
In Gen 45:7, you see that Joseph was sent by God. In Exodus 3:12, God sent Moses. He sent the prophets, who if they spoke a false word, were to be killed. He sent Saul, later known as Paul, to the gentiles in order to preach the gospel. And He sent Jesus, the Christ, His very Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
And God sent this man, John. When God sends a man, He sends him for a reason. This John, which you see from the context is the Baptist, and not the namesake of this gospel, what was He sent for? What will he do? What will God do for His great name through this lowly man?
John 1:6
6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
He is the baptist (one who baptizes people to repentance of sin)
John 1:33
33I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'
He didn't know who the Christ was but God told him when he saw the One on whom the Spirit descended, that would be Him
John 3:28
28You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.'
He wanted to make it perfectly clear that he wasn't the Christ, but the one sent to prepare them for Him
Malachi 3
1 "Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts.
Malachi prophesied about John the baptist being the messenger that would prepare the way for the coming of the Lord
Luke 3:2
2during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.
The word of the Lord came to John in the wilderness
Matthew 3
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
1 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea,
John was clearly the one to make way for the Lord
Mark 1:4
4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
He baptized for the forgiveness of sins and repentance
Mark 1:2
2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, "Behold, I send my messenger before your face,who will prepare your way,
he is the messenger
Luke 7:27
27This is he of whom it is written, "'Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.'
Malachi 4:5
5 "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes.
some also referred to him as Elijah... he was like Elijah the prophet
Luke 1:76
76And you, child, will be called(A) the prophet of(B) the Most High;for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
He was the prophet of the Most High, preparing His way... He is clearly who he was prophesied to be...
John was a man sent by God.
Jesus was with God and Jesus is God.
John was a man -- a mere man like ourselves.
He was a great man -- but -- a still, just a man.
Jesus is the Son of God
John is a son of man who was sent by God.
How do we know that John is the messenger spoken of in Scripture?
Matthew 11:10 says,
John is the man to whom Scriptures refer when they say, "Look! I am sending my messenger before you and he will prepare your way before you."
Don't forget that the John spoken of here is not the same John as the author of the Book of John. We are talking about John the Baptist here. He was the one sent by God. He answered the call fromg God! Have you answered the call from God yet?
It is important to take time to understand who John is as we continue to learn about his important role as a messenger.
You have been given an important role as a messenger for God. You have been called to go into all the world preaching the gospel to every creature!
A man, sent from God. Where else in scripture do you see such a thing? And this man, he is sent by GOD.
In Gen 45:7, you see that Joseph was sent by God. In Exodus 3:12, God sent Moses. He sent the prophets, who if they spoke a false word, were to be killed. He sent Saul, later known as Paul, to the gentiles in order to preach the gospel. And He sent Jesus, the Christ, His very Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
And God sent this man, John. When God sends a man, He sends him for a reason. This John, which you see from the context is the Baptist, and not the namesake of this gospel, what was He sent for? What will he do? What will God do for His great name through this lowly man?
John 1:6
6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
He is the baptist (one who baptizes people to repentance of sin)
John 1:33
33I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'
He didn't know who the Christ was but God told him when he saw the One on whom the Spirit descended, that would be Him
John 3:28
28You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.'
He wanted to make it perfectly clear that he wasn't the Christ, but the one sent to prepare them for Him
Malachi 3
1 "Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts.
Malachi prophesied about John the baptist being the messenger that would prepare the way for the coming of the Lord
Luke 3:2
2during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.
The word of the Lord came to John in the wilderness
Matthew 3
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
1 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea,
John was clearly the one to make way for the Lord
Mark 1:4
4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
He baptized for the forgiveness of sins and repentance
Mark 1:2
2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, "Behold, I send my messenger before your face,who will prepare your way,
he is the messenger
Luke 7:27
27This is he of whom it is written, "'Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.'
Malachi 4:5
5 "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes.
some also referred to him as Elijah... he was like Elijah the prophet
Luke 1:76
76And you, child, will be called(A) the prophet of(B) the Most High;for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
He was the prophet of the Most High, preparing His way... He is clearly who he was prophesied to be...
John was a man sent by God.
Jesus was with God and Jesus is God.
John was a man -- a mere man like ourselves.
He was a great man -- but -- a still, just a man.
Jesus is the Son of God
John is a son of man who was sent by God.
How do we know that John is the messenger spoken of in Scripture?
Matthew 11:10 says,
John is the man to whom Scriptures refer when they say, "Look! I am sending my messenger before you and he will prepare your way before you."
Don't forget that the John spoken of here is not the same John as the author of the Book of John. We are talking about John the Baptist here. He was the one sent by God. He answered the call fromg God! Have you answered the call from God yet?
It is important to take time to understand who John is as we continue to learn about his important role as a messenger.
You have been given an important role as a messenger for God. You have been called to go into all the world preaching the gospel to every creature!
Friday, March 14, 2008
John 1:5 Bible Study with audio sermon
John 1:55 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend[a] it.
Audio sermon is available. Click on this link or email me for an email attachment.
Jesus is the light and men are the darkness who do not understand the light...
Jesus is able to shine despite the darkness
Psalm 139:12 Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You. The darkness cannot hide from Jesus because He has authority over the darkness and the light
Luke 17:24 For as the lightning that flashes out of one part under heaven shines to the other part under heaven, so also the Son of Man will be in His day. When Jesus returns, He will shine so bright under the heavens we will have no doubt He is the light
2 Samuel 22:29"For You are my lamp, O LORD;The LORD shall enlighten my darkness. Jesus is our lamp who enlightens the darkness
Job 34:22 There is no darkness nor shadow of death Where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves. Even darkness isn't dark enough to hide from the light of Jesus
Isaiah 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Isaiah 9:2 The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined.prophecy?
Isaiah 42:16 I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them.Jesus lets us see by His light
Isaiah 50:10 Who among you fears the LORD? Who obeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness And has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD And rely upon his God.Trust in Jesus and He will bring you from darkness into light
Daniel 2:22 He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwells with Him.there is nothing in darness He doesn't know
Micah 7:8 [ Israel's Confession and Comfort ] Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; When I fall, I will arise; When I sit in darkness, The LORD will be a light to me.Jesus is our light even when we are in darkest despair
John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.men loved evil more than good and were condemned
John 8:12Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."Jesus is the light of the world!
John 1:5 *The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not
overcome it.*
Who is this light? Notice /who/ , not what. From the last verse you
see that Christ is life and that this eternal life was the light of
men. So Christ is the light, and He shines in the darkness. Also,
this shining is ongoing as the verb is in the present tense.
What is the darkness? It's not merely a dark room, but you see that it
has a will from the fact that this darkness cannot overcome Christ.
So what? Well, this means that the darkness is trying to overcome the
Lord of Glory. It means that the darkness is a real and prevalent
force that is trying to oppose God. And it means that the darkness cannot,
ever, overcome God.
Now that you have finished the paragraph, what does the context mean?
This logos, that you have a fuzzy image of, is was and always will be.
It is God, and He is life, and nothing can overcome Him.
John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
John 12:37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.
From whom may we better expect the light of divine revelation than from him who gave us the light of human reason? And if, when God gave us natural life, that life was in his Son, how readily should we receive the gospel-record, that he hath given us eternal life, and that life too is in his Son!
The manifestation of him to the children of men. It might be objected, If this eternal Word was all in all thus in the creation of the world, whence is it that he has been so little taken notice of and regarded? To this he answers (v. 5), The light shines, but the darkness comprehends it not. Observe,
The discovery of the eternal Word to the lapsed world, even before he was manifested in the flesh: The light shineth in darkness. Light is self-evidencing, and will make itself known; this light, whence the light of men comes, hath shone, and doth shine. [1.] The eternal Word, as God, shines in the darkness of natural conscience. Though men by the fall are become darkness, yet that which may be known of God is manifested in them; see Rom. 1:19, 20. The light of nature is this light shining in darkness. Something of the power of the divine Word, both as creating and as commanding, all mankind have an innate sense of; were it not for this, earth would be a hell, a place of utter darkness; blessed be God, it is not so yet. [2.] The eternal Word, as Mediator, shone in the darkness of the Old-Testament types and figures, and the prophecies and promises which were of the Messiah from the beginning. He that had commanded the light of this world to shine out of darkness was himself long a light shining in darkness; there was a veil upon this light, 2 Co. 3:13.
The disability of the degenerate world to receive this discovery: The darkness comprehended it not; the most of men received the grace of God in these discoveries in vain. [1.] The world of mankind comprehended not the natural light that was in their understandings, but became vain in their imaginations concerning the eternal God and the eternal Word, Rom. 1:21, 28. The darkness of error and sin overpowered and quite eclipsed this light. God spoke once, yea twice, but man perceived it not, Job 33:14. [2.] The Jews, who had the light of the Old Testament, yet comprehended not Christ in it. As there was a veil upon Moses’s face, so there was upon the people’s hearts. In the darkness of the types and shadows the light shone; but such as the darkness of their understandings that they could not see it. It was therefore requisite that Christ should come, both to rectify the errors of the Gentile world and to improve the truths of the Jewish church.
Audio sermon is available. Click on this link or email me for an email attachment.
Jesus is the light and men are the darkness who do not understand the light...
Jesus is able to shine despite the darkness
Psalm 139:12 Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You. The darkness cannot hide from Jesus because He has authority over the darkness and the light
Luke 17:24 For as the lightning that flashes out of one part under heaven shines to the other part under heaven, so also the Son of Man will be in His day. When Jesus returns, He will shine so bright under the heavens we will have no doubt He is the light
2 Samuel 22:29"For You are my lamp, O LORD;The LORD shall enlighten my darkness. Jesus is our lamp who enlightens the darkness
Job 34:22 There is no darkness nor shadow of death Where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves. Even darkness isn't dark enough to hide from the light of Jesus
Isaiah 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Isaiah 9:2 The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined.prophecy?
Isaiah 42:16 I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them.Jesus lets us see by His light
Isaiah 50:10 Who among you fears the LORD? Who obeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness And has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD And rely upon his God.Trust in Jesus and He will bring you from darkness into light
Daniel 2:22 He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwells with Him.there is nothing in darness He doesn't know
Micah 7:8 [ Israel's Confession and Comfort ] Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; When I fall, I will arise; When I sit in darkness, The LORD will be a light to me.Jesus is our light even when we are in darkest despair
John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.men loved evil more than good and were condemned
John 8:12Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."Jesus is the light of the world!
John 1:5 *The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not
overcome it.*
Who is this light? Notice /who/ , not what. From the last verse you
see that Christ is life and that this eternal life was the light of
men. So Christ is the light, and He shines in the darkness. Also,
this shining is ongoing as the verb is in the present tense.
What is the darkness? It's not merely a dark room, but you see that it
has a will from the fact that this darkness cannot overcome Christ.
So what? Well, this means that the darkness is trying to overcome the
Lord of Glory. It means that the darkness is a real and prevalent
force that is trying to oppose God. And it means that the darkness cannot,
ever, overcome God.
Now that you have finished the paragraph, what does the context mean?
This logos, that you have a fuzzy image of, is was and always will be.
It is God, and He is life, and nothing can overcome Him.
John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
John 12:37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.
From whom may we better expect the light of divine revelation than from him who gave us the light of human reason? And if, when God gave us natural life, that life was in his Son, how readily should we receive the gospel-record, that he hath given us eternal life, and that life too is in his Son!
The manifestation of him to the children of men. It might be objected, If this eternal Word was all in all thus in the creation of the world, whence is it that he has been so little taken notice of and regarded? To this he answers (v. 5), The light shines, but the darkness comprehends it not. Observe,
The discovery of the eternal Word to the lapsed world, even before he was manifested in the flesh: The light shineth in darkness. Light is self-evidencing, and will make itself known; this light, whence the light of men comes, hath shone, and doth shine. [1.] The eternal Word, as God, shines in the darkness of natural conscience. Though men by the fall are become darkness, yet that which may be known of God is manifested in them; see Rom. 1:19, 20. The light of nature is this light shining in darkness. Something of the power of the divine Word, both as creating and as commanding, all mankind have an innate sense of; were it not for this, earth would be a hell, a place of utter darkness; blessed be God, it is not so yet. [2.] The eternal Word, as Mediator, shone in the darkness of the Old-Testament types and figures, and the prophecies and promises which were of the Messiah from the beginning. He that had commanded the light of this world to shine out of darkness was himself long a light shining in darkness; there was a veil upon this light, 2 Co. 3:13.
The disability of the degenerate world to receive this discovery: The darkness comprehended it not; the most of men received the grace of God in these discoveries in vain. [1.] The world of mankind comprehended not the natural light that was in their understandings, but became vain in their imaginations concerning the eternal God and the eternal Word, Rom. 1:21, 28. The darkness of error and sin overpowered and quite eclipsed this light. God spoke once, yea twice, but man perceived it not, Job 33:14. [2.] The Jews, who had the light of the Old Testament, yet comprehended not Christ in it. As there was a veil upon Moses’s face, so there was upon the people’s hearts. In the darkness of the types and shadows the light shone; but such as the darkness of their understandings that they could not see it. It was therefore requisite that Christ should come, both to rectify the errors of the Gentile world and to improve the truths of the Jewish church.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
John 1:4 Bible Study with audio sermon
AUDIO SERMON (right click to open in new window -- if you have problems opening it, please email me and I will email it directly to you!)
John 1:4
"In him was life, and the life was the light of men."
John continues to teach more about the character and nature of the Word.
This verse states that in Him was life.
What kind of life is it?
John uses (zwh) 37 times: 17 times it occurs with (aiwnios), and in the remaining occurrences outside the prologue it is clear from context that “eternal” life is meant. The two uses in 1:4 <," target=_blank>http://net.bible.org/verse.php?book=Joh&chapter=1&verse=4>, if they do not refer to “eternal” life, would be the only exceptions. (Also 1 John uses zoe 13 times, always of “eternal” life.) -NET bible translation notes
Psa 36:9
"For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light."
You see, in Christ is life, and only in Him do you have that life. As this life is in Him, it must be eternal because He is God. And only through Jesus can you hope to see that light.
Psa 36:10-12
"Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you, and your righteousness to the upright of heart! Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away. There the evildoers lie fallen; they are thrust down, unable to rise."
This life is in Christ and through Christ. You cannot demand it, take it, or decide for it.
John 1:12-13
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Col 1:17
"And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
You must have Christ Jesus, or you do not have Life.
John 14:6
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
In Him is life, the only life, the only way to life.
He is your only light, your only truth.
John 1:4
"In him was life, and the life was the light of men."
In order for there to be light, there must also be darkness. Throughout the Bible, the term "darkness" refers to something that is bad, evil, wickedness, blindness, etc.
Prov 4:19
"But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble"
Eccl 2:13
"wisdom is better than folly just as light is better than darkness"
Isaiah 5:20
"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness..."
John 3:19-20 says,
"the light has come into the world, and men love darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed"
We practice evil when we break God's holy law, the Ten Commandments. The Bible says that we all sin,
"For no one is without sin..." (I Kings 8:46),
"there's certainly no righteous man on earth who does good and never sins" (Ecclesiastes 7:20),
"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
How do we come out of darkness into light?
In the Bible, "light" refers to something that is good or righteous, not evil or wicked or corrupt. We first saw that light was good when God created it in Genesis 1:3-4 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
John 8:12
Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life"
We are commanded to live in the light.
Ephesians 5:8-11
"walk as children of the light... finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness..."
And to live in the light, we must turn away from our darkness (repent of our sins) and walk in the light.
Romans 13:12-14
"The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts"
Furthermore the Bible states in 1 John 1:7
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin"
Once we repent (turn from our darkness (sins)) and put our trust in Jesus Christ, we become a light for the dark world.
The Bible says in Matthew 5:14
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden"
Matthew 5:16 says,
"...let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven"
1 Thess 5:5 says,
"You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness"
In Jesus Christ is everlasting life. That everlasting life is a light for those living in darkness (living in sin) and condemned to Hell (further darkness and eternal separation from God). We are called to turn away from our darkness (repent from our sins) and walk in the light (live in righteousness). When we truly repent of our sins and trust in Christ to save us and give us eternal life, we become a light to the world by living a righteous life in contrast with the darkness we once loved.
John 1:4
"In him was life, and the life was the light of men."
John continues to teach more about the character and nature of the Word.
This verse states that in Him was life.
What kind of life is it?
John uses (zwh) 37 times: 17 times it occurs with (aiwnios), and in the remaining occurrences outside the prologue it is clear from context that “eternal” life is meant. The two uses in 1:4 <," target=_blank>http://net.bible.org/verse.php?book=Joh&chapter=1&verse=4>, if they do not refer to “eternal” life, would be the only exceptions. (Also 1 John uses zoe 13 times, always of “eternal” life.) -NET bible translation notes
Psa 36:9
"For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light."
You see, in Christ is life, and only in Him do you have that life. As this life is in Him, it must be eternal because He is God. And only through Jesus can you hope to see that light.
Psa 36:10-12
"Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you, and your righteousness to the upright of heart! Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away. There the evildoers lie fallen; they are thrust down, unable to rise."
This life is in Christ and through Christ. You cannot demand it, take it, or decide for it.
John 1:12-13
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Col 1:17
"And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
You must have Christ Jesus, or you do not have Life.
John 14:6
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
In Him is life, the only life, the only way to life.
He is your only light, your only truth.
John 1:4
"In him was life, and the life was the light of men."
In order for there to be light, there must also be darkness. Throughout the Bible, the term "darkness" refers to something that is bad, evil, wickedness, blindness, etc.
Prov 4:19
"But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble"
Eccl 2:13
"wisdom is better than folly just as light is better than darkness"
Isaiah 5:20
"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness..."
John 3:19-20 says,
"the light has come into the world, and men love darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed"
We practice evil when we break God's holy law, the Ten Commandments. The Bible says that we all sin,
"For no one is without sin..." (I Kings 8:46),
"there's certainly no righteous man on earth who does good and never sins" (Ecclesiastes 7:20),
"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
How do we come out of darkness into light?
In the Bible, "light" refers to something that is good or righteous, not evil or wicked or corrupt. We first saw that light was good when God created it in Genesis 1:3-4 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
John 8:12
Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life"
We are commanded to live in the light.
Ephesians 5:8-11
"walk as children of the light... finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness..."
And to live in the light, we must turn away from our darkness (repent of our sins) and walk in the light.
Romans 13:12-14
"The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts"
Furthermore the Bible states in 1 John 1:7
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin"
Once we repent (turn from our darkness (sins)) and put our trust in Jesus Christ, we become a light for the dark world.
The Bible says in Matthew 5:14
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden"
Matthew 5:16 says,
"...let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven"
1 Thess 5:5 says,
"You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness"
In Jesus Christ is everlasting life. That everlasting life is a light for those living in darkness (living in sin) and condemned to Hell (further darkness and eternal separation from God). We are called to turn away from our darkness (repent from our sins) and walk in the light (live in righteousness). When we truly repent of our sins and trust in Christ to save us and give us eternal life, we become a light to the world by living a righteous life in contrast with the darkness we once loved.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
John 1:3 Bible Study with audio sermon! fixed!
John 1:3
All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. (link to audio sermon!) (right click to open in new window so you can continue reading post)
Please bear with me as I get back into the practice of preaching a sermon! My audience while speaking here was a table lamp!! He was the "light" of the room, but not the same as the Light of the World! Some people were not able to listen to the sermon. It had a broken link. I think I have fixed it now!
If the link opens and says it is broken, then copy and paste this into your browser.
http://www.esnips.com/doc/4090be00-b4f0-4b16-80f4-6a2ef18b62a1/John-1-Bible-Study
John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.everything was made through Christ and nothing was made without Him
Hebrews 1:1-3
God's Supreme Revelation
1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,
2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;
3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself[a] purged our[b] sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, this one says it very clearly...
everything is made through Jesus...
All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
When were all things, made?
In the beginning. (Gen 1)
Who is him?
In context he is the Word. From the previous verse you know that the Word was with God in the beginning. Now you are told that without the Word nothing was made. So, everything that is made is made through him. And again, he is the Word, the Word is Jesus Christ (v 14 , 29-36), and Jesus is God.(v1)
The difficult part of this comes from the greek text, which has 'that was made' as part of verse 4. If you look at the NET translation notes, they are online, you will see that, according to Aland, this phrase may have been attached to v4 by the gnostics and the Eastern church, then attached to v3 at the time of the Arian heresy, but this was only in the Eastern church. This change was unknown in the Western or Roman church. Yet, the phrase reads better in context in v3, and follows more closely to John's style of writing than if it is in v4, as most texts show it to be. This other construction would read "That which came into being — in it the Word was life"; "That which came into being — in the Word was its life." Though either construction carries the meaning, the prior allows better flow in english and fewer mental pretzels.
All {f} things were made by him; and {g} without him {h} was not any thing made that was made.
The Son of God declares that his everlasting Godhead is the same as the Father's, both by the creating of all things, and also by preserving them, and especially by the excellent gifts of reason and understanding with which he has beautified man above all other creatures.
{f}Paul expounds on this in Col 1:15-16.
Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
{g}That is, as the Father did work, so did the Son work with him: for the Son was a fellow worker with him.
{h} Of all those things which were made, nothing was made without him.
John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.
1 Corinthians 8:6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.
Colossians 1:16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-- all things have been created through Him and for Him.
Hebrews 1:2 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.
*************************************************************************
John 1:1-3
{1}In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
{2}The same was in the beginning with God.
{3}All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. (link to audio sermon!) (right click to open in new window so you can continue reading post)
Please bear with me as I get back into the practice of preaching a sermon! My audience while speaking here was a table lamp!! He was the "light" of the room, but not the same as the Light of the World! Some people were not able to listen to the sermon. It had a broken link. I think I have fixed it now!
If the link opens and says it is broken, then copy and paste this into your browser.
http://www.esnips.com/doc/4090be00-b4f0-4b16-80f4-6a2ef18b62a1/John-1-Bible-Study
John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.everything was made through Christ and nothing was made without Him
Hebrews 1:1-3
God's Supreme Revelation
1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,
2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;
3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself[a] purged our[b] sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, this one says it very clearly...
everything is made through Jesus...
All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
When were all things, made?
In the beginning. (Gen 1)
Who is him?
In context he is the Word. From the previous verse you know that the Word was with God in the beginning. Now you are told that without the Word nothing was made. So, everything that is made is made through him. And again, he is the Word, the Word is Jesus Christ (v 14 , 29-36), and Jesus is God.(v1)
The difficult part of this comes from the greek text, which has 'that was made' as part of verse 4. If you look at the NET translation notes, they are online, you will see that, according to Aland, this phrase may have been attached to v4 by the gnostics and the Eastern church, then attached to v3 at the time of the Arian heresy, but this was only in the Eastern church. This change was unknown in the Western or Roman church. Yet, the phrase reads better in context in v3, and follows more closely to John's style of writing than if it is in v4, as most texts show it to be. This other construction would read "That which came into being — in it the Word was life"; "That which came into being — in the Word was its life." Though either construction carries the meaning, the prior allows better flow in english and fewer mental pretzels.
All {f} things were made by him; and {g} without him {h} was not any thing made that was made.
The Son of God declares that his everlasting Godhead is the same as the Father's, both by the creating of all things, and also by preserving them, and especially by the excellent gifts of reason and understanding with which he has beautified man above all other creatures.
{f}Paul expounds on this in Col 1:15-16.
Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
{g}That is, as the Father did work, so did the Son work with him: for the Son was a fellow worker with him.
{h} Of all those things which were made, nothing was made without him.
John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.
1 Corinthians 8:6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.
Colossians 1:16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-- all things have been created through Him and for Him.
Hebrews 1:2 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.
*************************************************************************
John 1:1-3
{1}In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
{2}The same was in the beginning with God.
{3}All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Monday, February 25, 2008
John 1:2 Bible Study -- revised!
John 1:2"He was in the beginning with God."
Last week, we discussed John 1:1. We discussed the concept of the Word and touched on to areas dealing with the Word as the expression of God. Specifically, we discovered that the scriptures say that the Word is instructive and effective. Psalm 19 further describes God's word. Of course, because we cannot separate God's Word from Himself, all things that apply to the Word apply to God Himself, and thus, Christ as well. Furthermore, the Word was with God intimately in eternity past.Contrary to what many teach, Jesus Christ is God.
He was pros ton theon or face-to-face with God in eternity past. Jesus is therefore no mere man. This is part of the mystery of the trinity. That was verse one.
In verse two, John reinforces this intimacy by simply saying the same was in the beginning with God. Again, that is no benign statement, for again, it uses the phrase that implies face to face intimacy and equality. There can be no mistake that John's intent is to underscore the deity of Christ.
In verse 3, in the Modern King James version, John writes "All things came into being through Him, and without Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being." He thus establishes Jesus as the source of all things that have come into being, which is everything but God Himself, for Genesis 1:1 states that "In the beginning God created the heavens and the Earth." It was Jesus Christ Who brought everything into existence. It was in the beginning of the 20^th century that science discovered the five categories in which all things fall: Time, force, energy, space and matter. He created it all. This flies in the face of many contemporary so-called scientists who, in an effort to give credibility to evolution, attempt to claim that everything came from a simple piece of matter. Life cannot come from non-living things. Only life produces life. That would seem to be simple enough to believe. But so dedicated to the denial of God are so many so-called scientists that they make the non-scientific claim that matter can be eternal. this violates the second law of thermodynamics, or the law of entropy, which basically says that everything wears out. Either that is true, or it isn't. And while none of us could name one thing in our lives that doesn't break down, need maintenance or blow up, there are those who would say that at one time, before everything we see came into being, there was a piece of matter that floated around for eternity. Of course, that assumes that space even existed...which is contrary to what the Scriptures tell us.
And while I can't remember the precise argument that says this,time came into being with the creation of energy and matter. But such is the silliness of men who seek to rule out God and His sovereign rule. But remember, it is scripture that tells us that all things were created. It is the scriptures that tell us that matter isn't eternal...and that was written long before modern science. So, Jesus was the One who created energy, space, time and matter. It has been said that he created all things while standing on nothing. Try to get your mind around that. Imagine that in the beginning, there was only God. There was nothing else at all. There was no space. There was no energy, there was no matter and no time. He created all things. He even created the space to put it all in. He created it all from nothing.
Psalm 33:6 says that 6 By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
Psalm 102:25 says 25 Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.
Isaiah 45:12 says 12 I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.
Colossians 1:16: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him...
Kind of puts everything in perspective, doesn't it? To think that Jesus Christ has control of all things, for the one who made them certainly controls them. He even created anything in the spiritual realm.
Paul says in Colossians 1:16 and 17 that
...all things were created by Him, the things in the heavens, and the things on the earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers, all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. Did you get that?
...and by Him all things consist.It is by the word of His power that all things are held together (see Hebrews1:3...upholding all things by the word of His power...).
See, Jesus not only made everything, He holds it all together. Lee Chestnut, in an out of print book titled The Atom Speaks, discusses the impossibility of the universe's existence apart from God. His argument is that the scientific community cannot explain how anything continues to exist. This is because every atom everywhere shouldn't be able to hold together. It has to do with atomic particles having like charges. And this should result in universal nuclear fission. But it doesn't. They just can't explain this but they know that something somehow is holding or forcing everything to stay together. As those who believe God's Word, we know it is because Jesus holds all things together by the Word of His Power, just as the writer of Hebrews tells us. So Jesus was eternally with God in the beginning. He spoke everything into existence from absolutely nothing. Not only that, He put it together in a way that points to His Sovereign control. Not onlythat, He continues to hold it all together. But why does He do this?:
1. His mercy. It is his mercy. How many times have you heard someone say How is it that a loving God could send anyone to Hell? They say that as if love was the only attribute of God while there are many. The better statement is to say that man is sinful and God is just and there is no reason why God wouldn't be justified in sending everyone to Hell immediately. It is only His mercy that keeps him from doing that. But you know what? There is a time when his mercy will be exhausted.
We find this in 2 Peter 3: But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness...
This is an allusion to the reversal of God's restraining and upholding of the universe. Notice the phrase...the elements shall melt with fervent heat... If you read that to any nuclear scientist, he will tell you that is a reference to nuclear fission which is when an atom flies apart. Again, the scientific community is still trying to figure out why this isn't already happening on a literally universal scale.
2. His universal grace. It isn't just God's mercy. It is also his grace. Mercy is where God doesn't give us what we do deserve. Grace is where God gives us what we don't deserve. So, beyond his mercy which delays his immediate justice, he also gives us all things, of which we deserve none. He gave us a stewardship. But I did say this is just universal grace. In other words, he does this for all people everywhere, redeemed or not. Rain is a good thing and He gives it to the just and the unjust. He provides food for the inhabitants of the Earth, redeemed or not. He provides for everyone. Then of course is His redemptive grace which is shown to the elect, to whom He gives the gifts of repentance and faith.This is the God we worship. The Lord Jesus Christ, Who existed asco-equal with God in eternity past, Who created all things, Who instructs us and is effectual. By His Word, he was creator and is sustainer of all things visible and invisible. He continually upholds all things.
But one day that will all end. He will withhold his sustaining grace and let everything come to an end in judgment. Until then, he offers us repentance and faith in the finished work of his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.In verse one, it is established that the Word or Logos is eternal, with God,and indeed is God, verse 2 begins with houtos which means this one/man or he.The gender is masculine. This gives emphasis to the fact that it is not an it, but a He. Also that the Word is equal to God reinforces this. Then a restatement of verse one is made, In Hebrew literature, this is a device that emphasizes a point, much like that is Psalms or Proverbs. You restate a phrase, or even change it some, and that makes it like you shouted on paper. He was in the beginning with God. From the larger context, we know that this He is Christ Jesus.(v. 15, 29-34)(John 1:2 NKJV) He was in the beginning with God.Jesus was with God before time existed he is eternal and at no point in time did he come into existence. This also proves that Jesus was divine and the second person of the trinity. It is amazing how many times throughout Gods word the smallest verses speak volumes. For a Bible believing Christian this is one of those verses that we can use to prove the trinity as well as his divinity.
John 1:2"The Same was in the beginning with God.""Houtos en en arche pros theos"The very same that we believe in the same, the Word, or the Logos. It is said again, to guard the doctrine and to prevent the possibility of a mistake. John had said that he existed before creation, and that he was with God and that he was God; but he had not said in the first verse"that the union with God existed in the beginning." He now expresses that idea, and assures us that that union was not one which was commenced "in time," and which might be, therefore, a mere union of "feeling", or a compact,like that between other beings, but was one which existed in eternity, and which was therefore a union of nature in essence.It also shows His eternal distinctness, in unity, from God -- the Father.Genesis 1:1"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."Psalm 102:25"Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and thy heavens are the work of thy hands."Acts 17:24"God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands."Romans 1:20"For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse."Rev 4:11"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."This description of God creating heaven and earth is understood to be...1.) recent, i.e., thousands not millions of years ago.2.) ex nihilo, i.e., out of nothing; and3.) special, i.e., in 6 consecutive 24 hour periods called "days" and further distinguished as such by this phrase, "the evening and the morning."Scripture does not support a creation date earlier than about 10,000 years ago.- in the beginning -while God exists eternally (Psalm 90:2), this marked the beginning of the universe in time and space. In explaining Israels identity and purpose to her on the plains of Moab, God wanted His people to know about the origin of the world in which they found themselves.- the very same that we believe in -this is the Creator God who set out to redeem His creation -- this is the One whom we believe in.
The Same was in the beginning with God. John 1:2
But one day that will all end. He will withhold his sustaining grace and let everything come to an end in judgment. Until then, he offers us repentance and faith in the finished work of his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.In verse one, it is established that the Word or Logos is eternal, with God,and indeed is God, verse 2 begins with houtos which means this one/man or he.The gender is masculine. This gives emphasis to the fact that it is not an it, but a He. Also that the Word is equal to God reinforces this. Then a restatement of verse one is made, In Hebrew literature, this is a device that emphasizes a point, much like that is Psalms or Proverbs. You restate a phrase, or even change it some, and that makes it like you shouted on paper. He was in the beginning with God. From the larger context, we know that this He is Christ Jesus.(v. 15, 29-34)(John 1:2 NKJV) He was in the beginning with God.Jesus was with God before time existed he is eternal and at no point in time did he come into existence. This also proves that Jesus was divine and the second person of the trinity. It is amazing how many times throughout Gods word the smallest verses speak volumes. For a Bible believing Christian this is one of those verses that we can use to prove the trinity as well as his divinity.
John 1:2"The Same was in the beginning with God.""Houtos en en arche pros theos"The very same that we believe in the same, the Word, or the Logos. It is said again, to guard the doctrine and to prevent the possibility of a mistake. John had said that he existed before creation, and that he was with God and that he was God; but he had not said in the first verse"that the union with God existed in the beginning." He now expresses that idea, and assures us that that union was not one which was commenced "in time," and which might be, therefore, a mere union of "feeling", or a compact,like that between other beings, but was one which existed in eternity, and which was therefore a union of nature in essence.It also shows His eternal distinctness, in unity, from God -- the Father.Genesis 1:1"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."Psalm 102:25"Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and thy heavens are the work of thy hands."Acts 17:24"God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands."Romans 1:20"For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse."Rev 4:11"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."This description of God creating heaven and earth is understood to be...1.) recent, i.e., thousands not millions of years ago.2.) ex nihilo, i.e., out of nothing; and3.) special, i.e., in 6 consecutive 24 hour periods called "days" and further distinguished as such by this phrase, "the evening and the morning."Scripture does not support a creation date earlier than about 10,000 years ago.- in the beginning -while God exists eternally (Psalm 90:2), this marked the beginning of the universe in time and space. In explaining Israels identity and purpose to her on the plains of Moab, God wanted His people to know about the origin of the world in which they found themselves.- the very same that we believe in -this is the Creator God who set out to redeem His creation -- this is the One whom we believe in.
The Same was in the beginning with God. John 1:2
Sunday, February 24, 2008
John 1:2 Bible Study
John 1:2
"He was in the beginning with God."
"He was in the beginning with God."
Last week, we discussed John 1:1. We discussed the concept of
the Word and touched on to areas dealing with the Word as the
expression of God. Specifically, we discovered that the scriptures say that the
Word is instructive and effective. Psalm 19 further describes God's
Word. Of course, because we cannot separate God's Word from Himself, all
things that apply to the Word apply to God Himself, and thus, Christ as well.
Furthermore, the Word was with God intimately in eternity past.
Contrary to what many teach, Jesus Christ is God. He was pros ton
theon or face-to-face with God in eternity past. Jesus is
therefore no mere man. This is part of the mystery of the trinity.
That was verse one.
In verse two, John reinforces this intimacy by simply saying
the same was in the beginning with God. Again, that is no benign
statement, for again, it uses the phrase that implies face to face intimacy and
equality. There can be no mistake that John's intent is to
underscore the deity of Christ.
In verse 3, in the Modern King James version, John writes
All things came into being through Him, and without Him not even one thing
came into being that has come into being. He thus establishes
Jesus as the source of all things that have come into being, which is
everything but God Himself, for Genesis 1:1 states that In the beginning
God created the heavens and the Earth.
It was Jesus Christ Who brought everything into existence. It was
in the beginning of the 20^th century that science discovered the five
categories in which all things fall: Time, force, energy, space
and matter. He created it all.
This flies in the face of many contemporary so-called scientists
who, in an effort to give credibility to evolution, attempt to claim that
everything came from a simple piece of matter. Life cannot come from non-living things. Only life produces
life. That would seem to be simple enough to believe. But so dedicated
to the denial of God are so many so-called scientists that they make the
non-scientific claim that matter can be eternal. this violates
the second law of thermodynamics, or the law of entropy, which
basically says that everything wears out. Either that is true, or it isn't.
And while none of us could name one thing in our lives that doesn't
break down, need maintenance or blow up, there are those who would say
that at one time, before everything we see came into being, there was a
piece of matter that floated around for eternity. Of course, that assumes that
space even existed...which is contrary to what the Scriptures
tell us.
And while I can't remember the precise argument that says this,
time came into being with the creation of energy and matter.
But such is the silliness of men who seek to rule out God and His
sovereign rule. But remember, it is scripture that tells us that
all things were created. It is the scriptures that tell us that
matter isn't eternal...and that was written long before modern science.
So, Jesus was the One who created energy, space, time and matter.
It has been said that he created all things while standing on nothing.
Try to get your mind around that. Imagine that in the beginning, there
was only God. There was nothing else at all. There was no space. There was
no energy, there was no matter and no time. He created all things.
He even created the space to put it all in. He created it all from
nothing.
Psalm 33:6 says that 6 By the word of the Lord were the
heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
Psalm 102:25 says 25 Of old hast thou laid the foundation
of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.
Isaiah 45:12 says 12 I have made the earth, and created man
upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host
have I commanded.
Colossians 1:16: For by him were all things created, that
are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether
they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things
were created by him, and for him...
Kind of puts everything in perspective, doesn't it? To think that
Jesus Christ has control of all things, for the one who made them
certainly controls them. He even created anything in the spiritual realm.
Paul says in Colossians 1:16 and 17 that ...all things were
created by Him, the things in the heavens, and the things on the earth, the
visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities
or powers, all things were created through Him and for Him. And He
is before all things, and by Him all things consist.
Did you get that?
...and by Him all things consist.
It is by the word of His power that all things are held together (see Hebrews
1:3
...upholding all things by the word of his
power...).
See, Jesus not only made everything, He holds it all together.
Lee Chestnut, in an out of print book titled The Atom
Speaks, discusses the impossibility of the universe's existence apart
from God.
His argument is that the scientific community cannot explain how
anything continues to exist. This is because every atom
everywhere shouldn't be able to hold together. It has to do with atomic
particles having like charges. And this should result in universal nuclear
fission. But it doesn't. They just can't explain this but
they know that something somehow is holding or forcing
everything to stay together. As those who believe God's Word, we know it is because
Jesus holds all things together by the Word of His Power, just as the
writer of Hebrews tells us.
So Jesus was eternally with God in the beginning. He spoke
everything into existence from absolutely nothing. Not only that, He put it
together in a way that points to His Sovereign control. Not only
that, He continues to hold it all together.
But why does He do this?:
1. His mercy. It is his mercy. How many times have you heard someone
say How is it that a loving God could send anyone to
Hell? They say that as if love was the only attribute of God
while there are many. The better statement is to say that man is sinful and
God is just and there is no reason why God wouldn't be justified
in sending everyone to Hell immediately. It is only His mercy
that keeps him from doing that. But you know what? There is a time
when his mercy will be exhausted. We find this in 2 Peter 3: But
the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which
the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements
shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that
are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these
things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be
in all holy conversation and godliness... This is an
allusion to the reversal of God's restraining and upholding of the universe.
Notice the phrase...the elements shall melt with fervent
heat... If you read that to any nuclear scientist, he will
tell you that is a reference to nuclear fission which is when an atom
flies apart. Again, the scientific community is still trying to
figure out why this isn't already happening on a literally
universal scale.
2. His universal grace. It isn't just God's mercy. It is also his
grace. Mercy is where God doesn't give us what we do deserve.
Grace is where God gives us what we don't deserve. So, beyond his
mercy which delays his immediate justice, he also gives us all
things, of which we deserve none. He gave us a stewardship. But I
did say this is just universal grace. In other words,
he does this for all people everywhere, redeemed or not. Rain is a good
thing and He gives it to the just and the unjust. He provides
food for the inhabitants of the Earth, redeemed or not. He provides
for everyone. Then of course is His redemptive grace which is shown
to the elect, to whom He gives the gifts of repentance and faith.
This is the God we worship. The Lord Jesus Christ, Who existed as
co-equal with God in eternity past, Who created all things, Who
instructs us and is effectual. By His Word, he was creator and is
sustainer of all things visible and invisible. He continually
upholds all things.
But one day that will all end. He will withhold his sustaining
grace and let everything come to an end in judgment. Until then, he offers
us repentance and faith in the finished work of his Son, the Lord
Jesus Christ.
In verse one, it is established that the Word or Logos is eternal, with God,
and indeed is God, verse 2 begins with houtos which means this one/man or he.
The gender is masculine. This gives emphasis to the fact that it is not an it, but a He.
Also that the Word is equal to God reinforces this. Then a restatement of verse one is nade,
In Hebrew literature, this is a device that emphasizes a point, much like that is Psalms
or Proverbs. You restate a phrase, or even change it some, and that makes
it like you shouted on paper. He was in the beginning with God.
From the larger context, we know that this He is Christ Jesus.
(v. 15, 29-34)
(John 1:2 NKJV) He was in the beginning with God.
Jesus was with God before time existed he is eternal and at no
point in time did he come into existence. This also proves that Jesus
was divine and the second person of the trinity. It is amazing how many
times throughout Gods word the smallest verses speak volumes. For a
Bible believing Christian this is one of those verses that we can use
to prove the trinity as well as his divinity.
John 1:2
"The Same was in the beginning with God."
"Houtos en en arche pros theos"
The very same that we believe in
the same, the Word, or the Logos
It is said again, to guard the doctrine and to prevent the possibility of
a mistake. John had said that he existed before creation, and that he was
with God and that he was God; but he had not said in the first verse
"that the union with God existed in the beginning." He now expresses that
idea, and assures us that that union was not one which was commenced "in
time," and which might be, therefore, a mere union of "feeling", or a compact,
like that between other beings, but was one which existed in eternity, and
which was therefore a union of nature in essence.
It also shows His eternal distinctness, in unity, from God -- the Father.
Genesis 1:1
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
Psalm 102:25
"Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and thy heavens are
the work of thy hands."
Acts 17:24
"God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of
heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands."
Romans 1:20
"For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly
seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power
and Godhead; so that they are without excuse."
Rev 4:11
"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honour and power: for Thou
hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."
This description of God creating heaven and earth is understood to be...
1.) recent, i.e., thousands not millions of years ago.
2.) ex nihilo, i.e., out of nothing; and
3.) special, i.e., in 6 consecutive 24 hour periods called "days" and further
distinguished as such by this phrase, "the evening and the morning."
Scripture does not support a creation date earlier than about 10,000 years
ago.
- in the beginning -
while God exists eternally (Psalm 90:2), this marked the beginning of the
universe in time and space. In explaining Israels identity and purpose to
her on the plains of Moab, God wanted His people to know about the origin
of the world in which they found themselves.
- the very same that we believe in -
this is the Creator God who set out to redeem His creation -- this is the
One whom we believe in.
The Same was in the beginning with God. John 1:2
Sunday, February 17, 2008
John 1:1 Bible Study Audio Sermon included!
John 1:1 Bible Study
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1
UPDATED, AUDIO SERMON IS NOW ONLINE, CLICK ON LINK OR EMAIL ME FOR A COPY OF SERMON.
1 John 5:7-8
"in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit...
three that bear witness on earth."
These words are a direct reference to the Trinity and what they say is accurate. External manuscript
evidence, however, is against them being in the original epistle. They do not appear in any Greek
manuscripts dated before circa tenth century A.D. Only eight very late Greek manuscripts contain
the reading, and these contain the passage in what appears to be a translation from a late recension of the
Latin Vulgate. Furthermore, four of the eight manuscripts contain the passage as a variant reading written
in the margin as a later addition to the manuscript. No Greek or Latin Father, even those involved in
Trinitarian controversies, quotes them; no ancient version except the Latin records them (not the old Latin
in its early form or the Vulgate). Internal evidence also militates against their presence, since they
disrupt the sense of the writer's thoughts. Most likely, the words were added much later to the text. There
is no verse in Scripture which so explicitly states the obvious reality of the Trinity, although many
passages imply it strongly, such as 2 Corinthians 13:14 which says, "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1
UPDATED, AUDIO SERMON IS NOW ONLINE, CLICK ON LINK OR EMAIL ME FOR A COPY OF SERMON.
God and the Word are together and the same and have existed from the beginning of everything.
John 1:1 - In the beginning of everything, there was the word.
This word, logos in the greek, was a force or knowledge that was intertwined with either nature or God, depending on whom you read about. So, we start in the evident with the fact that there is this logos. Then this logos was with God. This establishes where the logos was in the beginning. Then the logos is God. So it was in the beginning with God and it is God. In the greek theos is before logos, and that gives emphasis to God. Logos is the subject of the sentence and with this construction it takes on the character of theos or God. Also the greek definition of logos is not only a word, but more the intentions of thoughts, and or reasoning. So here something that greeks know is related to and then is shown to be with God, and not only to be with Him, but to be Him. That thing you cannot describe, but know exists, that is God. Let me tell you about Him.
What does the Bible define as "the Word"? Notice the capitalized "Word".
In John 1:14 we see the following:
"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."
Revelation 19:13 states:
"And He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and His name is called the Word of God." (referring to Christ on the white horse)
I John 5:7 states:
"For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."
While we can also say the Bible talks about the Word of God being the spoken and revealed Word of God (the Bible) in the context of the verses aforementioned, we can conclude that "the Word" is Jesus Christ. And every verse spoke directly about Christ. Jesus was there during Creation (thus proving that He existed before time), He has had an eternal, intimate relationship with the Father, and then He became God in the flesh.
Here are some notes from John MacArthur:
"the Word. John borrowed the use of the term 'Word' not only from the vocabulary of the OT, but also from Gr. philosophy, in which the term was essentially impersonal, signifying the rational principle of 'divine reason', 'mind,' or even 'wisdom.' John, however, imbued the term entirely with OT and Christian meaning (e.g., Gen. 1:3 where God's Word brought the world into being; Pss. 33:6; 107:20; Prov. 8:27 where God's Word is His powerful self-expression in creation, wisdom, revelation, and salvation) and made it refer to a person, i.e., Jesus Christ. Greek philosophical usage, therefore, is not the exclusive background of John's thought. Strategically, the term "Word" serves as a bridge-word to reach not only the Jews but also the unsaved Greeks. John chose this concept because both Jews and Greeks were familiar with it."
[WORD]
wurd: The commonest term in the Old Testament for "word" is dabhar (also "matter" "thing"); in the New Testament logos ("reason," "discourse," "speech"); but also frequently rhema. Rhema is a "word" in itself considered; logos is a spoken word, with reference generally to that which is in the speaker's mind. Some of the chief applications of the terms may thus be exhibited: (1) We have the word of Yahweh (or God; see below) (a) as the revelation to the patriarch, prophet, or inspired person (Ge 15:1; Ex 20:1; Nu 22:38, etc.); (b) as spoken forth by the prophet (Ex 4:30; 34:1; 2Ki 7:1; Isa 1:10, etc.). (2) The word is often a commandment, sometimes equivalent to "the Law" (Ex 32:28; Nu 20:24; De 6:6; Ps 105:8; 119:11,17; Isa 66:2, etc.). (3) As a promise and ground of hope (Ps 119:25,28,38, etc.; 130:5, etc.). (4) As creative, upholding, and preserving (Ps 33:6; compare Ge 1:3; Ps 147:15,18; Heb 1:3; 11:3; 2Pe 3:5,7). (5) As personified (in Apocrypha, The Wisdom of Solomon 18:15; Ecclesiasticus 1:5, the Revised Version margin "omitted by the best authorities"). (6) As personal (Joh 1:1). Logos in Philo and Greek-Jewish philosophy meant both reason or thought and its utterance, "the whole contents of the divine world of thought resting in the Nous of God, synonymous with the inner life of God Himself and corresponding to the logos endiathetos of the human soul; on the other hand, it is the externalizing of this as revelation corresponding to the logos prophorikos in which man's thought finds expression (Schultz). Compare also the references to Creation by "the word of God" and its personifications; see LOGOS; incarnated in Jesus Christ (Joh 1:14; 1 Joh 1:1,2; Re 19:13, "His name is called, The Word of God," Ho Logos tou Theou). See PERSON OF CHRIST. (7) Cannot be broken, endureth forever (2Ki 10:10; Ps 119:89; Isa 40:8, etc.). (8) A designation of the gospel of Christ: sometimes simply "the word"; with Jesus "the word of the Kingdom" (Mt 13:19; Mr 2:2; Ac 4:4,29,31, etc.). In John's Gospel Jesus frequently speaks of His "word" and "works" as containing the divine revelation and requirements made through Him, which men are asked to believe in, cherish and obey (Joh 5:24; 6:63,68, etc.); "the words of God" (Joh 3:34; 8:47; 14:10; 17:8,14, etc.); His "word" (logos and rhema) is to be distinguished from lalia, speech (compare Mt 26:73; Mr 14:70), translated "saying," Joh 4:42 (4:41, "Many more believed because of his own word" (logos); 4:42, "not because of thy saying" (lalia), the Revised Version (British and American) "speaking"); in the only other occurrence of lalia in this Gospel (Joh 8:43) Jesus uses it to distinguish the outward expression from the inner meaning, "Why do ye not understand my speech?" (lalia), "Even because ye cannot hear my word" (logos). (9) "Words" are distinguished from "power" (1Co 4:20; 1Th 1:5); are contrasted with "deed" (Mal 2:17; 1Co 4:20; 1 Joh 3:18). (10) Paul refers to "unspeakable words" (arrheta rhemata) which he heard in Paradise (2Co 12:4), and to "words (logoi) .... which the Spirit teacheth" (1Co 2:13). For "word" the Revised Version (British and American) has "commandment" (Nu 4:45, etc.); for "words," "things" (Joh 7:9; 8:30; 9:22,40; 17:1), "sayings" (Joh 10:21; 12:47,48); for "enticing words," "persuasiveness of speech" (Col 2:4); conversely, "word" for "commandment" (Nu 24:13; 27:14; Jos 8:8, etc.), with numerous other changes. W. L. Walker
Lesson --
Contemporary Christianity has lost the meaning of worship. You don't have to listen very long to hear worship described as singing, for example, and while singing can be a part of worship, there is nothing intrinsically worshipful in singing, for a person can sing lyrics which are full of error.
The Apostle John, in the first verse of his gospel, returns us to the heart of worship, for worship involves the realization of who God is. Contemporary Christianity does not accomplish this, because it has surrendered theology, and theology will be at the center of true worship. We see this in the Gospels.
Matt 9:18 "While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshiped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live."
Matt 15:25 "Then came she and worshiped him, saying, Lord, help me."
Matt 18:26 "The servant therefore fell down, and worshiped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all."
Matt 28:17 "And when they saw him, they worshiped him: but some doubted."
Jesus was approached by those who worshiped Him -- were they singing? No! The gospels tells us that they recited Truths about Christ -- who He is and what He has done.
So true worship involves theology -- more precisely, it involves truthful theology, for false theology is, by definition, idolatry.
So John starts his Gospel with worship -- a recounting of who Christ is, in truth, as God has revealed Himself to be. So we begin with John's description of Christ as the Word. He begins by saying the Word was -- the verb points to His eternal preexistence, for in the Beginning (a parallel of Genesis 1:1). He already was . Before time and space were created by Him, He already exists. In fact, He spoke them into existence.
This in itself runs contrary to modern thinking. People will use scientific Law in an effort to deny this. For example, the Second Law of Thermodynamics states that everything wears down. It's called entropy. And it basically means that nothing lasts -- things go down hill and wear out. This means that matter cannot be eternal, but must have had a point of creation. For the Christian, this is no problem at all, for we realize that matter is not eternal, but was created. It was created by God, who is the maker of all things, who Himself is eternal, spirit (John 4). And God who is spirit, seeks those who will worship Him in spirit and truth.
So, God is the eternal God who made all things out of nothing. Who is this God? John says he is "the Word." A "word" is the expression of something. In this case, the Word is God (was = eternal state), and was "with" God. The phrase "with God" is "pros theos" and has been translated as "face to face with God," which implies equality with God as was expressed by John when He says, "the Word was God."
We see references to "the Word" throughout Scripture. For example, take a look at Isaiah 55:11, "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper [in the thing] whereto I sent it." The whole chapter revolves around a call to know God. We know Him by His Word, in fact, it is His Word that calls people. Isaiah 55 begins with a call in verse one. In verse two, there is a call to listen carefully. In verse eleven, we are told His Word will accomplish everything God desires. So, God's Word is powerful and effectual, able to accomplish it's purpose.
Psalm 119:105 tells us His Word is an instructive Word. You recall verse 105 says, "Thy word [is] a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." So, the Word is an instructive Word. In all these things, the Word is effectual and instructive -- or perhaps it is better to say "instructive and effectual," for one must hear the Word before they can respond to its effectual calling. Romans 10:14-15 says, "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" The Word must be heard, which means it must be expressed.
And so, we return to John 1, and we see that God and the Word are inseparable.
But do we worship the Scriptures? No, while we cannot separate God from His Word, we worship Christ, not the Scriptures. The Pharisees did that -- Jesus rebuked them and told them "you search the Scriptures, thinking that in them you have life, but they are that which speak of me..." John 5:39
It is Christ whom we worship as the Word (the expression) of God. For as you can see in verse 14, "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us."
Philippians 2:6-8 says, "Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
So, like the Scriptures, Christ, the Word Incarnate, is instructive and effectual. Just like Isaiah 55, there the written Word calls us, so Christ calls men to himself, and His Word is effectual, for all who He calls will come to Him, and He will raise them up on the last day.
So, we don't gather in church to sing praise choruses about how we are there to worship -- that is self worship. We are there to proclaim the truth about Christ -- his nature, character and attributes.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1
UPDATE!
The quote of 1John 5:7. If you look to most, if not all commentaries, such as Barnes, Gill and Calvin, you will see that the Greek ends at the bear record or witness or testify part. The rest is just not there. Yes, this is in the KJV. It is not warranted, nor needed to defend the doctrine of the Trinity. Nor is it needed to defend that the Word in John is indeed the Lord Jesus Christ, all that is needed for that is context. (thank you for pointing this out Joseph, I will expand on it a little bit more here)1 John 5:7-8
"in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit...
three that bear witness on earth."
These words are a direct reference to the Trinity and what they say is accurate. External manuscript
evidence, however, is against them being in the original epistle. They do not appear in any Greek
manuscripts dated before circa tenth century A.D. Only eight very late Greek manuscripts contain
the reading, and these contain the passage in what appears to be a translation from a late recension of the
Latin Vulgate. Furthermore, four of the eight manuscripts contain the passage as a variant reading written
in the margin as a later addition to the manuscript. No Greek or Latin Father, even those involved in
Trinitarian controversies, quotes them; no ancient version except the Latin records them (not the old Latin
in its early form or the Vulgate). Internal evidence also militates against their presence, since they
disrupt the sense of the writer's thoughts. Most likely, the words were added much later to the text. There
is no verse in Scripture which so explicitly states the obvious reality of the Trinity, although many
passages imply it strongly, such as 2 Corinthians 13:14 which says, "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.)
(next week we will be on John 1:2. Please email me your study by Friday, Feb 22 if you would like your comments included in the study. thanks to all the contributors who helped out!)
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