#218 Jesus teaches about using his name in prayer (John 16:16-33) - Life of Christ = Week 44 - Tuesday

Jesus teaches about using his name in prayer

John 16:16-33

¹⁶“A little while and you will no longer see Me; again a little while and you will see Me.”

¹⁷Therefore some of His disciples said to one another, “What is this He tells us: ‘A little while and you will not see Me; again a little while and you will see Me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?” ¹⁸They said, “What is this He is saying, ‘A little while’? We don’t know what He’s talking about!”

¹⁹Jesus knew they wanted to question Him, so He said to them, “Are you asking one another about what I said, ‘A little while and you will not see Me; again a little while and you will see Me’?

²⁰“I assure you: You will weep and wail, but the world will rejoice. You will become sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy. ²¹When a woman is in labor she has pain because her time has come. But when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the suffering because of the joy that a person has been born into the world. ²²So you also have sorrow now. But I will see you again. Your hearts will rejoice, and no one will rob you of your joy. ^23aIn that day you will not ask Me anything.

^23b“I assure you: Anything you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. ²⁴Until now you have asked for nothing in My name. Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be complete.

²⁵“I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. A time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures, but I will tell you plainly about the Father. ²⁶In that day you will ask in My name. I am not telling you that I will make requests to the Father on your behalf. ²⁷For the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came from God. ²⁸I came from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”

²⁹“Ah!” His disciples said. “Now You’re speaking plainly and not using any figurative language. ³⁰Now we know that You know everything and don’t need anyone to question You. By this we believe that You came from God.”

³¹Jesus responded to them, “Do you now believe? ³²Look: An hour is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered each to his own home, and you will leave Me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. ³³I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have suffering. But take courage! I have conquered the world.”^[1]

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^[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp. 217–218). Holman Bible Publishers.

Intro Questions

Text Graphic

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• 
  
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
• 
  
• You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

OPEN:

• Did your parents ever tell you about your birth experience? What was it like for them? 

DIG:

• What tones of voice do you hear in John 16:17-18? If you were there, would Jesus' answer encourage you, or confuse you more? 
• What event is Jesus referring to in John 16:20-22? In what ways does the world's "joy" (v. 20) contrast with the joy the disciples will experience (John 16:22)? How is this similar to what Jesus said about dying (John 12:24)? About peace (John 14:27)? 
• What characterizes the relationship we can have with the Father because of Jesus (John 16:23-27)? 
• Do you think the disciples truly grasp what Jesus says in John 16:28? Why?

REFLECT:

• Both Jesus and the world offer a form of peace (John 14:27; 16:33), joy (John 15:11; 16:22-24) and love (John 13:34-35; 15:9-19). How have you experienced each of these? What is different between them? 
• How do you deal with change? Moves? Job transfers? Transitions from one stage of your life to another? How has pain helped you to grow? 
• From your experience, how could you comfort someone going through change? 
• How do you desire joy? How do you experience it?

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

https://groups.google.com/g/magnify-jesus

JOY

“Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:24

The Bible doesn’t tell us how long the lame man in Acts chapter 3 had sat begging at the Temple gate, but it was a daily occurrence. When he saw Peter and John, the odds are he wasn’t expecting anything—it was just another day, trying to survive.

Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” (Acts 3:6) Here’s what happened next: “He, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.” (Acts 3:8)

There’s an important lesson here for us. God has set times for doing certain things. He has a calendar and your name is on it: “For the time to favor her [or him]… the set time, has come.” (Psalm 102:13) If we’re not spiritually attuned we can miss our set time and forfeit what God has for us.

This means we must learn to live in expectation, because God’s blessings are either coming towards us or passing us by. Miracles happen to those who believe in them, ask for them, expect them, and receive them. The enemy will try to keep us so preoccupied, cynical, and hopeless that when God sends the answer we prayed for, you won’t recognize it, reach for it, or receive it.

Jesus said, “Whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” (John 16:23–24)

Thought of the Day: Be ready to receive.

 

I CAN HARDLY IMAGINE

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace." John 16:33

In His farewell conversation, Jesus is preparing His disciples for His imminent departure through death’s door. He speaks words of comfort to them.

But the journey is worthwhile, for it has a glorious destination. The goal toward which we are striving is not anything in this world. It is not what man’s hands can build – the kind of houses people want today and already wanted in the time of Amos 3:15: “winter house,” “summer house,” “houses adorned with ivory,” “mansions.” The destination is the Father’s house of many mansions. To come face to face with our Father in heaven – that is our goal.

But it would be purposeless for Jesus to point to the destination if He didn’t also give us the direction for getting there. What road must His disciples follow to reach their destination? Jesus is specific: “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life.’ John 14:6 This is one of many “I am” passages in John’s Gospel, showing that Jesus equated Himself with the Lord who revealed Himself to Moses as “I am who I am.” Exodus 3:14

Jesus is the Way, the only road leading to the Father, and all who believe in Him have found the way. He is the Life, the Giver of eternal life beginning here and now and reaching its fullness in heaven.

Thought of the Day: Have you thought recently about what Heaven will be like? A few years here. Eternity there. It’s going to be unbelievable.

 

PUTTING JOY ON TRIAL

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. — John 16:33

Adam and Eve lost both of their children in a single day — one was murdered, the other banished. Can you imagine the horror and pain they must have felt? How can a couple deal with that kind of deep sorrow and guilt?

Suffering has a way of putting our joy on trial. We can train our hearts to trust the character of God before we are faced with a tragedy. We can have confidence in the truth of God’s Word even when we don’t understand what He’s doing. “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out!” (Romans 11:33).

Adam and Eve may have thought their sin had thwarted any chance for future joy, but God redeemed the situation in His perfect time. He blessed the couple with another son in the wake of their bereavement and brought them comfort, graciously allowing Eve to conceive again. And this experience would be different.

When she had given birth to her firstborn, Cain, Eve had said, “With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man” (Genesis 4:1). Notice that she takes credit for herself — “I have brought forth a man” (emphasis added). However, after suffering loss — the tragedy in the garden, the death of Abel, the banishment of Cain — Eve was humble and grateful. After Seth’s birth, she was thankful: “God has granted me another child in place of Abel, since Cain killed him” (Genesis 4:25). This time, Eve gave all the credit to the Lord. After enduring failure and the inability to control or repair life on her own, Eve acknowledged God’s kindness and mercy.

As a parent, you will face difficulties you cannot understand. You can prepare now by spending time in His presence and learning to trust His goodness, grace, and wisdom for whatever lies ahead.

Father in heaven, You are the God of creation. You form children in their mothers’ wombs. You planned every day of their lives before the foundation of the world. Today, let us, along with our children, sense the miracle of Your design. Let them know the presence of Your Spirit guiding them in the direction You have chosen. Make clear the path of preparation we need to follow. Give us wisdom and strength to trust You. In the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.

Other Resources:

https://youtu.be/LSV0auHzjrs

https://youtu.be/iS84WFGCLGQ

#217 Jesus teaches about the Holy Spirit (John 16:5-15) - Life of Christ = Week 44 - Tuesday

Jesus teaches about the Holy Spirit

John 16:5-15

The Counselor’s Ministry

⁵“But now I am going away to Him who sent Me, and not one of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ ⁶Yet, because I have spoken these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. ⁷Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send Him to you. ⁸When He comes, He will convict the world about sin^†, righteousness, and judgment: ⁹about sin, because they do not believe in Me; ¹⁰about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see Me; ¹¹and about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.

¹²“I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now. ¹³When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak whatever He hears. He will also declare to you what is to come. ¹⁴He will glorify Me, because He will take from what is Mine and declare it to you. ¹⁵Everything the Father has is Mine. This is why I told you that He takes from what is Mine and will declare it to you.^[1]

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^[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp. 216–217). Holman Bible Publishers.

Intro Questions

Text Graphic

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• 
  
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
• 
  
• You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

OPEN:

• How are you at saying "good-bye"? Is it harder for you to be the one leaving home, or the one left behind? Explain.

DIG:

• What are the disciples feeling now? What is their grief keeping them from understanding (John 16:17)? 
• How would you paraphrase the three goals of the Spirit's work (John 16:8-11)? Therefore, why is it good that Jesus goes away? 
• If you were a disciple, how would you feel after hearing John 16:16?

REFLECT:

• Of the various roles of the Holy Spirit described here, which one have you come to appreciate recently? 
• Has Jesus ever said things to you that you could hardly bear (John 16:12)? What happened?

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

https://groups.google.com/g/magnify-jesus

 

“Finding Truth”

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. (John 16:13)

The speed of and access to information have now accelerated to unprecedented levels. Daily, there are decisions that require action and opportunities requiring wisdom (truth), and a endless source of wisdom to draw from to make these decisions and shape these actions.

God calls you to be dependent upon His direction and guidance. Romans 6:19 reminds us, “I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness.”

Despite God’s command to allow Him to be Lord of our lives, we tend to be gunslingers who are “quick on the draw” ready to meet any challenge or decision with little thought for God’s role or His will concerning the situation.

There are many reasons for this, but a big one and one that can reveal a spiritual need in you is a lack of familiarity with the word of God as well as a lack of experience in walking in the Spirit.

Like anything in life, the more you know and understand something, the more comfortable you are in using it.

The same is true in your walk with God. Greater time and reflection on the word of God will provide the truth you need to make decisions. God’s wisdom and His word will give shape to your life.

The more you grow in intimacy with God, the more you will understand the Spirit’s desire to “guide you into all truth” so that you will experience the fruit of walking in truth.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 – “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing

glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

God created you to experience His promises, but this happens as you cultivate your relationship with the Holy Spirit and learn to walk with Him in full power and truth.

Spend time in the word of God and be faithful in allowing His Spirit to lead and guide you so that you can live in truth and live at the center of God’s will.

“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:37-38)

 

#167 Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead (John 11:38-44) - Life of Christ = Week 34 - Tuesday

Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead
John 11:38-44

³⁸Then Jesus, angry in Himself again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. ^39a“Remove the stone,” Jesus said.

^39bMartha, the dead man’s sister, told Him, “Lord, he already stinks. It’s been four days.”

⁴⁰Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”

⁴¹So they removed the stone. Then Jesus raised His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You heard Me. ⁴²I know that You always hear Me, but because of the crowd standing here I said this, so they may believe You sent Me.” ⁴³After He said this, He shouted with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” ⁴⁴The dead man came out bound hand and foot with linen strips and with his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him and let him go.”^[1]

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^[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp. 167–168). Holman Bible Publishers.

Text Graphic

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• 
  
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
• 
  
• You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

OPEN:

DIG:

REFLECT:

Outline

THE WONDROUS WORK BY JESUS (11:1–44): Many believe this event is the greatest of all Jesus’ miracles!

    A.      The sickness of Lazarus (11:1–3)

    B.      The summary concerning Lazarus (11:4–16): Jesus uses this sad event to overview the purpose for his earthly ministry.

    C.      The sorrow over Lazarus (11:17–37)

    D.      The summons to Lazarus (11:38–44)

      1.      The preparation by Jesus (11:38–40)

         a.      The Savior’s request (11:38–39a): He tells some men to remove the stone covering the cave where Lazarus is buried.

         b.      The sister’s reluctance (11:39b): Martha is hesitant, telling Jesus her brother’s body had been in there four days already!

         c.      The Savior’s reminder (11:40): “Didn’t I tell you that you will see God’s glory if you believe?”

      2.      The prayer of Jesus (11:41–42): He thanks his Father for what is about to happen!

      3.      The power from Jesus (11:43–44)

         a.      The order (11:43): “Lazarus, come out!”

         b.      The obedience (11:44): Lazarus comes out!

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Tombs at this time were usually caves carved in the limestone rock of a hillside. A tomb was often large enough for people to walk inside. Several bodies would be placed in one tomb. After burial, a large stone would be rolled across the entrance to the tomb.

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Tragedies into Triumphs

Lazarus came back to life, but he would die again physically. Yet, because he believed in Jesus, he would be raised again to eternal life. We know this because Jesus Christ came back to life. All Christians, including those living when Christ returns, will live with Christ forever. Therefore, we need not despair when loved ones die or world events take a tragic turn. God will turn our tragedies to triumphs, our poverty to riches, our pain to glory, and our defeat to victory. All believers throughout history will stand reunited in God’s very presence, safe and secure. Comfort and reassure each other with this great hope.

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The Raising of Lazarus and the Resurrection of Jesus

It is natural to seek some link between the raising of Lazarus and the resurrection of Jesus. But it is important to recognize the distinct differences between the two. Lazarus was resuscitated, or restored to life, only to experience death a second time as human frailty returned him to the grave. Jesus was resurrected, brought back from the dead to die no more, thus becoming “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Cor. 15:20). Lazarus was only a sign of the resurrection, but Jesus was the reality itself. Lazarus was released from the tomb with the help of others. Jesus needed no such human help (John 20:1). Lazarus appeared bound in graveclothes, but Jesus left these behind (John 20:6–7). Lazarus was restored to his family, while Jesus ascended to His Father (John 20:17).

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The details surrounding death may vary, but the reality is universal. Scenes like Lazarus’s funeral in Bethany are repeated many times around the world each day. A grieving family gathers at a graveside. Friends agonize over what to say. Their helpless silence, downcast eyes, and shuffling feet provide more distraction than comfort. When death is unexpected, the whys hang in the air like choking smog.

Drawn by grief and duty, people came from Jerusalem and the surrounding area to pay their last respects to a citizen of Bethany. Jesus’ friend Lazarus was dead. His brief sickness proved stronger than any available medicine. Jesus had been sent for, but had failed to arrive in time. Death didn’t wait. Following the wisdom of hot countries, the body was soon wrapped and buried. Four days later, Jesus arrived.

Lazarus’s sisters Mary and Martha reacted in shock. Grief-stricken, they struggled to understand why Jesus had delayed in coming. We have no idea how Lazarus reacted to his own death. In fact, we don’t have a record of a single word he said. We do know that he listened to Jesus. Even when the curtain of death was between them, Lazarus responded to Jesus’ voice. He came hobbling out of his cave-tomb, still wrapped in the grave clothes. Jesus raised him from the dead!

When all is said and done, only what God accomplished through us will really matter. We will take little credit. Jesus worked in and around Lazarus just as he does with us. We have Christ’s invitation to participate in his work, but we must not forget that he will do much more than we will know. Meanwhile, we delight in what Christ does with the little we have to offer him.

Lazarus’s resurrection poses an important question: When you die, do you fully expect that your next conscious experience will be hearing the voice of Jesus call you by name?

Strengths and accomplishments

      •      Regularly hosted Jesus in his home

      •      Raised from the dead by Jesus after four days in the grave

Lessons from his life

      •      Once we have given God ownership of our lives, we can’t predict what he will do with them

      •      Jesus’ circle of relationships went beyond the 12 disciples

      •      Jesus declared that the events surrounding Lazarus’s sickness and death would glorify God

Vital statistics

      •      Where: Bethany

      •      Relatives: Sisters: Mary and Martha

Key verse

“But when Jesus heard about it he said, ‘Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this’ ” (John 11:4).

Lazarus’s role as an “active spectator” is recorded in John 11:1–12:11.

https://youtu.be/MZLfvSv9KJM

https://youtu.be/Oa4SMKvO5o4?list=PLFcO2Quu62KLWLVlxkB0OuOWSLiTAxz4n

https://youtu.be/G64jA7Jnmzo

 Jesus Comforts Mary and Martha
John 11:17-37

Intro Questions

Text Graphic

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• 
  
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
• 
  
• You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

More Resources:

Faith in Jesus - John 11

https://youtu.be/qD9bWOLLfbc

#152 Religious Leaders Surround Jesus at the Temple John 10:22-42 - Life of Christ = Week 31 - Tuesday

Religious Leaders Surround Jesus at the Temple

John 10:22-42

Intro Questions

Text Graphic

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• 
  
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
• 
  
• You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

OPEN:

• What is the big annual "feast day" for your family? Who usually comes? What is served? What is the big pastime? 
• What family traditions are you going to preserve for your children?

DIG:

• Given the meaning of the Feast of Hanukkah (when Jews remember their deliverance during the Maccabean revolt, 168-165 В.С.), what feelings about Rome's authority might, surface among the crowds? How would Roman authorities prepare for this feast? What might be the real intent of the Pharisees' question in John 10:24? 
• How do the leaders interpret Jesus' claim to be one with God? How does Jesus sidetrack them (John 10:34; Psalm 82:6)? 
• What could account for the difference in reception Jesus received across the Jordan (John 10:40-42)?

REFLECT:

• What has convinced you that Jesus is the Messiah? What "old ways" of looking at Jesus must you overcome by faith? 
• What difference does it make that Jesus is God and not just a man? Would the promise of John 10:28 mean much otherwise?

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

https://groups.google.com/g/magnify-jesus

Other Resources:

Jesus is The Good Shepherd - John 10 https://virtualbiblestudy.com/lessons/john/10/

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One Step At A Time

            A century ago, the record industry was in a sales slump. The records that were being sold were symphonic and operatic works, as well as popular show tunes—songs that New York audiences would love. Yet many people were not interested in having New York culture as their only option. And the upstart radio stations were broadcasting popular local musicians. So, the recording executives began to produce platters of popular music: country music, blues, jazz, ethnic offerings and folk music. This exposed the businessmen to types of music they’d never heard and did not really appreciate.

            Very quickly, the companies recorded great numbers of Southern country string bands and willingly sold the records although the Northern execs didn’t understand the appeal of the music. One New York official, Ralph Peer of OKeh Records, described a 1923 recording by “Fiddlin’” John Carson as “pluperfectly awful.” That “awful” record of “Little Old Log Cabin In The Lane” was the label’s first country hit. In 1927, at Bristol, Tennessee, Peer recorded the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers in the same session, launching country music. Peer formed his own company and spent the next 30 years recording and marketing artists in country, blues, jazz and early rock and roll. If he didn’t appreciate the music, he at least appreciated the profits! And music became the background to daily life.

            “Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does. But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father” (John 10:37-38 NIV).

            Jesus was perpetually baffled that people could listen to His teachings and not understand His relationship to the Father. Even more amazing, they could see a miracle take place directly in front of them yet not realize that His words were backed up by supernatural power. In this case, the opponents admitted that He worked miracles, yet they were willing to kill Him because He violated their sense of propriety.  Some were willing to accept the miracles—the healings, the feedings, the raising from the dead—as evidence that Jesus had power. And since He had power, His teachings were of interest, too. So although they didn’t quite accept the idea that Jesus truly is the Son of God, they were willing to accept His words and benefit from them.

            Today, some have little interest in determining Jesus’ identity. However, they’re willing to listen to His words and benefit from the astonishing wisdom He displays. In fact, the teachings of the Lord fill our world even for those who do not acknowledge Him. Our laws reflect a desire for peace and mercy and equal treatment that traces directly back to the commands of Jesus. The words of Jesus Christ have become the background to our lives, the unthinking attitudes that determine right and wrong. Many who wish to see fairness operating everywhere don’t realize that they are reflecting the good teachings of Jesus. They might not appreciate the theology, but they appreciate the benefits that shape their lives! And maybe one day, a step at a time, they’ll know the whole truth and it will set them free.

 

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#128 Jesus speaks about God's true children John 8:31-47 - Life of Christ = Week 26 - Wednesday

 Jesus speaks about God's true children

John 8:32-47

Intro Questions

Text Graphic

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• 
  
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
• 
  
• You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

OPEN

• Where did your ancestors come from? How did they get to this country?  
• Who is one of the more colorful characters in your family tree?  
• Who, in your family tree, do you look to as a spiritual patriarch or matriarch?

DIG

• What does Jesus want to emphasize to the people who believed him? What does he mean by disciples? Truth? Freedom?  
• What false assumptions confuse the issue of spiritual freedom for Abraham's descendants? How does Jesus undermine their base of confidence? What issues does he force them to confront (John 8:34-41)?  
• How does Jesus undermine their claim in John 8:41? What does he say is the ultimate test to show who "belongs to God" (John 8:42-47)? How does he account for their misunderstanding of him (John 8:37, 43, 45, 47)?  
• Why does Jesus continue to address his relationship with the Father?  
• What is the critical question raised by his claim in John 8:51 (also John 8:24)? How is this issue central to the whole argument in John 7:4-8:58? How does Jesus use their loyalty to Abraham against them? Why does Jesus' final claim cause such outrage (see Exodus 3:14)? 

REFLECT

• What are you proud of in your religious heritage? In what ways has it been a handicap?  
• What has knowing the truth set you free to do? How can you be sure that there is room in your life for his Word? What needs to be cleaned out so there is room?  
• Of the four claims Jesus makes in this chapter (John 8:12, 32, 51, 58), which means the most to you? Why?  
• What does Jesus' association between the devil and telling lies mean to you? From this passage, what can you do for someone who is honestly seeking God? What in your spiritual journey might help? 

Devotionals:

Knowing The Truth by Chris Stinnett

In 1892, in Ashburn, Virginia, a one-room schoolhouse opened for the education of black students, who were denied education at the local school. Over a hundred years later, the shuttered building was being restored to serve as a museum. From 2014 to 2016, volunteers raised money and labored on the structure. Then in October 2016, five rowdy teens spray-painted racist slogans over the little building. The five were soon identified, arrested, charged and convicted of the vandalism—but the judge decided to take a different approach to sentencing.
Judge Alejandra Rueda decided that this kind of activity was the result of ignorance, so she hit upon a unique “punishment” for the youths. She provided them a list of 35 authors and their works that dealt with racism and class hatred. She sentenced them to read one book per month for a year and to write a 3,500 word essay over the book’s contents. She also ordered them to visit the Holocaust Museum and a historical exhibit on Japanese-American internment during World War 2. And apparently it worked. The teen essays indicated genuine remorse for their actions and attitudes, and none of them have reoffended. Exposure to the truth opened their minds and made them different and better people.
“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free’” (John 8:31-32 NIV).
Over a generation, we’ve watched as fewer and fewer people are taught about God. The Holy Scriptures have been neglected and character education is now the product of entertainment and a few socially enforced rules. Since people don’t know the subject matter of the Bible, they think they can dismiss God as a fairy tale and Jesus as an irrelevant character from ancient history. And they are left without fixed morals and no way to determine what is truly right or wrong. As society shifts, redefining good and evil, they are swept along in a fog, accepting what the loudest voices proclaim is true.
Yet there actually is unchanging right and wrong woven into the very fabric of the universe. Truth will remain true forever, even if millions call it a lie and dash themselves to pieces against the rock of reality. On all sides we see the aftermath of rejecting the eternal righteousness of God; again and again we hear stories of redeemed lives when people turn to His will once more. Nobody could possibly accept God’s Word if he or she never read any of it. And when people open and read and hear the stories of God’s actions with human beings, they begin to see what is truly good and what is truly evil and why it truly matters, forever. The truth cuts through the fog of unknowing and charts a course to a meaningful life. God’s people are then set free from the tyranny of ever-changing human opinion and live genuinely good lives.

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Who’s Right?

I like to be right. Who doesn’t? The alternative is not a good one. Getting the right answer on a test or making the correct choice at a fork in the road is a good thing. Making the wrong choice is an inconvenience and an irritation. As good as it is to be right, there is more to being right than being right. What? Let’s look closer.
Being right demands being in possession of truth. Despite modern philosophical debates, the Bible affirms that truth can and must be known (John 8:32; 2 John 1). As Christians it must abide in us and we must walk in it (2 John 2, 4). Can a person be right apart from the truth? Hardly, but there’s more to being right than just that.
Being right demands a right attitude. Wisdom teaches that truth must always be accompanied by kindness (Prov. 3:3-4). Truth is always to be spoken in a spirit and attitude of love (Eph. 4:15). I can be right and still be wrong if I fail to be kind and caring with others.
Being right demands a right heart. Peter condemned Simon, a recent convert to Christ, because, Peter said, “your heart is not right before God.” (Acts 8:21). Simon had been right in his appropriate response to the gospel (Acts 8:13). But it was what resided in the heart of the man that determined if he was right.
Being right demands being in a right relationship with God. Simply put, our relationship with God is measured in terms of Jesus. We are either in Christ or outside of Christ. I can’t really be right is this most crucial relationship isn’t right.
The old hymn asks, “Is thy heart right with God, washed in the crimson flood, cleansed and made holy, humble and lowly, right in the sight of God?” (Elisha A. Hoffman). An excellent question.

—David Deffenbaugh

 

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Like Father . . .

            Ann Stephens was at work in her office last month when she got a phone call from somebody claiming to be a law enforcement officer with the Social Security Administration. Her office is in Apex, North Carolina, a suburb in the Raleigh-Durham metropolitan area. The caller identified himself as “John Black,” and claimed there were a number of bank accounts fraudulently opened in her name, using her Social Security number. He began pressing her for personal information “to verify her identity.” When she balked, he got even more aggressive, threatening to send a sheriff’s deputy to arrest her within 45 minutes for “drug trafficking and money laundering.”
            Of course, it was all a scam—and Ann Stephens knew it instantly. And she should; she’s a police captain with the Apex Police Department. So, when the scammer demanded her current address, she calmly repeated the street address of the police department. The scammer “transferred” her to his “superior officer,” another scammer claiming to be “Jason Brown.” This one realized quickly that she was not cooperating, so he hung up. Captain Stephens had recorded the exchange on video and uploaded it for public viewing. She reminded viewers never, ever to offer or to verify any personal information over the phone since some details can be found on the internet. It was a lie from end to end in attempt to frighten her into handing over her money. And we are reminded again that evil people will say anything for their own benefit.
            “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44 NIV).
            When Jesus was teaching in the Temple, Jewish leaders sent representatives to oppose Him. They argued with Him and accused Him of wrongdoing but it was clear to all that He had done nothing wrong. In their determination to get rid of Him, the opponents began to accuse Him of being demon-possessed and not actually Jewish at all. They never seemed to reflect on the fact that they were deliberately violating God’s law by their lies. Of course, the only thing that mattered to them was getting rid of Jesus and His annoying insistence on truth, righteousness and obedience to God.
            It is obvious that if a person has to lie to advance his interests, his cause is not right. Jesus always told the truth and acted truthfully. He calls His people also to tell the truth and act in truthful ways. We don’t have to listen to lies and “give the benefit of the doubt” to those who deliberately try to deceive us. They are acting in the service of the devil and we want nothing to do with him or his servants. However, we must always tell the truth and be people of truth. We want our actions to reflect well on our Father! He is good and calls all of His children to be the good people He created us to be!

 

Document for DBS

Series: Our Struggle “Engaging in Spiritual Warfare”

We are in a battle. Not a battle of politics or militaries or nations. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood; it is against the powers of darkness that confront us daily. You don’t need to feel defeated or discouraged. God has made a way to redeem your struggle and give you victory!

Title: “The Evil One” (John 8:31-47)

Bookmark: Click Here

Opening Thoughts: Our struggle is often a battle between truth and lies. Satan, known in scripture as the father of lies, employs and arsenal of lies, deception and falsehoods against us. But victory is found in the Truth that sets us free.

v  What do you picture or think about when you think about the devil?

o   Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

o   1 Peter 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

v  Is it possible we are losing because we don’t know we are in a fight?

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Text: John 8:31-47

Dispute Over Whose Children Jesus’ Opponents Are

³¹ To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. ³² Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

³³ They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”

³⁴ Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. ³⁵ Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. ³⁶ So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. ³⁷ I know that you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word. ³⁸ I am telling you what I have seen in the Father’s presence, and you are doing what you have heard from your father.”

³⁹ “Abraham is our father,” they answered.

“If you were Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then you would do what Abraham did. ⁴⁰ As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. ⁴¹ You are doing the works of your own father.”

“We are not illegitimate children,” they protested. “The only Father we have is God himself.”

⁴² Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me. ⁴³ Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. ⁴⁴ You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. ⁴⁵ Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! ⁴⁶ Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? ⁴⁷ Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”

 

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Summarize the main story: Describe the events of the story in your own words.

v  Review and retell the story.

Reflections for applications:

v  If you know Jesus, you know TRUTH

v  John 1:14; John 14:6; John 18:38 “What is truth?”

v  “Our fight with the devil is first and foremost a fight to take back control of our minds from their captivity to lies, and liberate them with the weapon of truth.” John Mark Comer

v  Three Realities:

o   DEVIL = The evil one is real

o   DEATH = The devil’s end goal is destruction

o   DECEPTION = The devil uses lies

v  Jesus said:

o   “You have no room for my word.”

o   “You are unable to hear what I say.”

o   “You don’t believe me.”

v  What lies is the evil one telling you?

o   It doesn’t matter what I believe

o   I’m better than other people

o   I need other people’s approval

o   If I don't do it right I will lose my salvation

o   I am defined by my past struggles

o   Short-term pleasure is worth it

o   I've tried and I've tried I'm just not good enough

o   There would be no suffering in this world if God were real

o   Nobody cares

o   All paths lead to God

o   That person doesn't deserve to be forgiven I don't deserve to be forgiven

o   The Bible is outdated and not relevant for my life

o   Everything has to be perfect

o   I am only as good as I am successful

o   I am defined by what I do or what I have or what others think of me

o   Everyone and everything exists for my happiness

o   It's not sinful Behavior if I was born this way

o   These people don't care

v  Truth will defend you against Satan’s lies

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Digging Questions:

·         How will you respond to God’s “In Our Struggle”? What transformative move needs to be made?

·         What do these biblical texts tell you about God and His nature?

·         What is God calling us (me and you individually) to do?

Take Away Challenges

·         What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?

·         Whom do you know who needs to hear this?

·         What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts or actions need to be addressed or changed?

Hashtags #Struggle#Truth#Devil

Sunday sermon link  https://youtu.be/NDNVkQeD4S0

Kevin’s Blog Link to more resources:         Click here for Kevin’s Blog Notes

Comments and resources with some more resources:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+8%3A31-47&version=NIV

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

https://groups.google.com/g/magnify-jesus

Other Resources: 

Mercy and Compassion John 8 https://virtualbiblestudy.com/lessons/john/8/

https://youtu.be/lAd6e3J_FT0