1-24-2016 Vol. 13 Part 6 The Gospel of John (John 1:41-51)

To Print Out The Lesson Click On The Title Below.

1-24-2016Vol. 13 Part 6 The Gospel of John 

Proverbs 8:13-24

13  The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate.

14  Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength.

15  By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice.

16  By me princes rule, and nobles, All the judges of the earth.

17  I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me.

18  Riches and honor are with me, Enduring riches and righteousness.

19  My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, And my revenue than choice silver.

20  I traverse the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice,

21  That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, That I may fill their treasuries.

22  "The LORD possessed me at the beginning of His way, Before His works of old.

23  I have been established from everlasting, From the beginning, before there was ever an earth.

24  When there were no depths I was brought forth, When there were no fountains abounding with water.

Father God, bless and guide our loved ones and us in our daily walk. Open our hearts to your calling so that we can hear you voice. In Jesus name we pray, Amen!

Gospel of John 1:41-51 NKJV

This week’s lesson is about the gathering of the Apostles. The way they responded tells us that they were already followers of Jesus even before they found Jesus. They believed because the Word of God told them what to watch for, they were students of the scriptures. We are in the same situation today, we need to believe and be ready for the Rapture that could happen very soon with the turmoil that is in the Middle East.

41  He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated, the Christ).

He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him; He in this phrase is referring to Andrew. Did you notice another word that signifies something in Andrew’s revelation of the Messiah? What about the word “first”. It states Andrew first found his brother. I think it is safe to say that Andrew was so excited that he was telling everyone he saw that they had found the Messiah.

Andrew’s action here is replicated by every Born Again individual. When a person repents and accepts Jesus as their Saviour the Holy Spirit of God takes up residence within the saint’s heart and each person is filled with the excitement of telling people about their experience and what Jesus did for them. When a person finds Jesus they automatically want to share Jesus; they want their family, friends, and people around them to experience the truth, love, and saving grace of God that they are experiencing. It is something that is beyond anything here on earth, because it is spiritual and for eternity. I believe this is the zeal that Andrew had and was exhibiting for Christ.

"We have found the Messiah" (which is translated, the Christ); Messiah, Christ, Anointed are all synonyms and can be use interchangeably.

42  And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, "You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas" (which is translated, A Stone).

And he brought him to Jesus; This is in reference to Andrew bringing Peter to Jesus.

Now when Jesus looked at him He said, "You are Simon the son of Jonah; When Jesus looked at Peter what do you suppose He saw? Jesus looked past Peter’s outward appearance into his soul, who and what he was, and what he would become.

This is how Jesus looks at us and sees who and what we truly are. There is nothing we can hide from Jesus, He knows all that we have done and all that we will do before we do it, but He is also merciful and will forgive and forget our sins if we repent and ask Him into our lives.

You shall be called Cephas" (which is translated, A Stone); Jesus changed Peters name because He saw what Peter would become, a rock solid follower of Himself that would not waver. This solid rock didn’t come into effect until after Jesus ascended into Heaven and it was then and throughout the formation of the early church that Peter lived up to his new name.

Before Jesus death Peter was rebuked (Mark 8:33; Luke 22:34) by Jesus and we all know that Peter denied Jesus three times in the garden, but after Jesus ascension Peter stood up and spoke the Gospel boldly along with pointing out what the leaders of the Jews did. (Acts 2:37; Acts 3:12-15).

43  The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, "Follow Me."

The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee; Here is one example of the differences of Matthew, Mark, and Luke’s Gospels compared to John’s. This phrase states that “Jesus wanted to go to Galilee” without any mention of Him going into the wilderness and being tempted by the Devil right after His baptism. If you go back to Part One which is the introduction to the Book of John you will see why John left out the time spent in the wilderness. This phrase is a parallel phrase with Luke 4:14 with verse 13 telling us where Jesus was. Luke 4:13-14 Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.  14 Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region.

Did you realize the greater part of Jesus ministry was carried out in Galilee? This was also foretold in the OT by Isaiah some 800 years earlier. Isaiah 9:1-2  Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed, As when at first He lightly esteemed The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, And afterward more heavily oppressed her, By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, In Galilee of the Gentiles.  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.

And He found Philip and said to him, "Follow Me."; It is unknown where Jesus found Philip, but speculation is that it was in Galilee. He was the 5^th person to join the ranks of the Apostles.

The two words uttered by Jesus, “Follow Me” tell us how much influence the Holy Spirit had in these people following someone they didn’t or probably didn’t know. If you were sitting by a roadside and someone walked up to you or drove up and opened the vehicle door and said, Follow Me, what would you do? We would no doubt run the other way, but the Holy Spirit was in complete control of this encounter with Jesus and Philip.

44  Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

This town was located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee; it had been the home of these men before they moved to Capernaum, which was about six miles away. Bethsaida means literally a “house of hunting” or “a house of game,” and it was probably situated on the banks of the Sea of Galilee, and supported itself by hunting or fishing.

45  Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."

Philip found Nathanael; Nathanael is also called “Bartholomew.”

We have a domino effect of one person finding Jesus and then going and telling someone else. No doubt these individuals had a desire and were seeking the Messiah. They were obviously students of the scriptures by making quotes of what was in the OT scriptures. It is likely they met and studies the Scriptures together and were of like minds when it came to scripture. They no doubt believed in what the prophets and Scripture stated. Just by what John is writing here, you can tell they believed in what the OT stated and lived by it; they knew it was God’s Word and not just some history writings to read for enjoyment, which is how the majority of people view the Bible today. Most people today view the Bible as being obsolete so they pick and choose what they want to live by and not the complete Word of God.

And said to him, "We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote; Here Philip is referencing the OT and what Moses stated along with a statement from God. Philip also includes the prophets, which tells us that he did indeed know the Word of God. Deuteronomy 18:15 "The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear. Deuteronomy 18:18 I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him.

Here is a list of verses that can be looked up that came from the lips of prophets. Isaiah 53:1-12; Isaiah 9:6-7; Daniel 9:24-27; Jeremiah 23:5-6.

These individuals that became Apostles knew the Word of God much better than the educated Pharisees, because they could recognize Jesus the Messiah though scripture. The Pharisees were supposed to be the go to leaders of the Jewish people but they were blinded by their own interpretation, pride, arrogance, and greed. It is sad that we still have this mentality today with denominations and church leaders.

Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."; Jesus wasn’t the Son of Joseph, due to the Virgin Birth, but was referred to as his son for obvious reasons.

46  And Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see."

And Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?"; Places carried much weight with the Jews of Jesus’ time. Each famous place was linked with a great Biblical happening or person, which gave it fame. As an example, although small, Bethlehem was famous because it was the birthplace of David, the greatest King of Israel. Ramah was the birthplace of Samuel. Shiloh was where the Tabernacle once stood. However, “Nazareth” is not even mentioned in the Old Testament, much less being a place of some prominence. Nathanael, aware of this, would have been startled by the possibility of a carpenter’s Son, in a spot utterly undistinguished, being the Messiah of Whom their sacred writers spoke (Reynolds).

Philip said to him, "Come and see."; This was the best way to answer Nathanael. He did not sit down to reason with him, or speculate about the possibility that a good thing could come from Nazareth; but he asked him to go and examine for himself, to see the Lord Jesus, to hear him converse, to lay aside his prejudice, and to judge from a fair and candid personal inquiry.

So we should beseech sinners to lay aside their prejudices against religion, and “to be believers,” and therefore make trial for themselves. If men can be persuaded to come to Jesus, all their petty and foolish objections against God’s Word will vanish. They will be satisfied from their own experience that it is true, and in this way only, will they ever be satisfied.

47  Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!"

What is Jesus actually saying here? An Israelite; no deceit/guile?

An Israelite; One who is really an Israelite, not by birth only, but one who possesses the spirit, the piety, and the integrity which turns the heart of a man to fear God and obey his law? This is what Nathanael was, a Jew inside and out. He had the faith in what the scripture said and placed his faith in the deeper meaning of scripture. He went below the surface and lived by faith in the coming of the Messiah.  Paul makes similar statements in Romans 9:6 and Romans 2:28-29 pertaining to being a Jew and loving God with a heart knowledge. Many of the Jewish people focused on the law and not faith. Many times people display Christianity on the outside, but inside are full of guile.

No deceit or guile; meaning no deception, no fraud, no hypocrisy. He is really what he professes to be, a Jew, a descendant of the patriarch Jacob, fearing and serving God. He makes no profession which he does not live up to. He does not say that Nathanael was without guilt or sin, but that he had no disguise, no trick, no deceit, he was sincere and upright. Jesus saw Nathaniel’s heart when He looked at him.

48  Nathanael said to Him, "How do You know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you."

Nathanael said to Him, "How do You know me?"; Nathanael’s response to Jesus statement in the previous verse is one of curiosity, mystification, perplexity, etc. We can assume that Nathanael and Jesus did not personally know each other in a humanistic way.

Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you."; It is not improbable that Nathanael was accustomed to retire to the shade of a certain tree someplace for the purpose of meditation and prayer. Where this fig tree was is not recorded. The Jews were much in the habit of selecting quiet and peaceful places for private devotion. Our Saviour also worshipped in such places. This verse also tells us that Jesus knows our every move, and thought, and we can’t keep any secret from Him.

49  Nathanael answered and said to Him, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!"

Here is a bold claim by Nathanael that Jesus was the long awaited Messiah. This revelation was no doubt brought about by the Holy Spirit within Nathanael’s heart. This is just one of John’s many examples and proof that he is communicating that Jesus is the Son of God; King of Israel.

50  Jesus answered and said to him, "Because I said to you, 'I saw you under the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than these."

Greater things Nathanael did see in the next three years. This type of faith that Nathanael displayed is the type of faith we need to display.

51  And He said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."

This is a reference to Jacob's dream recorded in Gen_28:12. As the unique God-man, Jesus would be the ladder between heaven and earth. Jesus is not saying that this would be a physical experience (that they would see the ladder with their eyes) like the Transfiguration, but that they would have spiritual insight into Jesus' true nature and purpose for coming. Jesus opened the doors to Heaven and only through faith in what Jesus did for us can we obtain our Heavenly Fathers abode.

Next week we will learn about the beginning of Jesus ministry and the first miracle at the wedding feast in Cana.

Colossians 1:16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth,

visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.

All things were created through Him and for Him.

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, Most assuredly, I say to you,

unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

Bill Wiesbrock https://www.facebook.com/bill.wiesbrock?ref=tn_tnmn

The Lighthouse Full Gospel Church

Sinners Prayer; Pray this, and if you believe it with your heart, Jesus will save you!

“Lord Jesus I know I am a sinner.  I confess my sins to you; I am sorry for my sins; I repent (Meaning, desiring to turn from a sinful lifestyle.) of all my sins, and I am asking for your forgiveness.  I believe that only you can forgive sin.  I commit my life to you and ask you to come into my heart, direct, and take charge of my life.  I believe that you died to set me free from my sinful lifestyle and you rose from the dead to give me eternal life, and right now you are seated at the Right Hand of God Almighty. I believe you are the Son of God; the only Way, the only Truth, the only Life, and my Savior.”  I believe this and have faith you will make a new person out of me, by sending the Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart and lead me in a new life. In Jesus name I pray Amen.” 

(John 3:16,17; Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9-13; Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 John 5:11-14; 1:6-10) (Sin: Rom. 1:22-32; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:3-7)

1-17-2016 Vol. 13 Part 5 The Gospel of John (John 1:29-40)

To Print Out The Lesson Click On The Title Below.

1-17-2016Vol. 13 Part 5 The Gospel of John 

Proverbs 8:1-12

1  Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice?

2  She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, Beside the way, where the paths meet.

3  She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, At the entrance of the doors:

4  "To you, O men, I call, And my voice is to the sons of men.

5  O you simple ones, understand prudence, And you fools, be of an understanding heart.

6  Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, And from the opening of my lips will come right things;

7  For my mouth will speak truth; Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

8  All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; Nothing crooked or perverse is in them.

9  They are all plain to him who understands, And right to those who find knowledge.

10  Receive my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold;

11  For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.

12  "I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, And find out knowledge and discretion.

Father God, tis the season for illness and we ask that you restore people’s health quickly that are sick with respiratory and digestive tract ailments. Your are the great healer. In Jesus name we pray, Amen!

Gospel of John 1:29-40 NKJV

The lesson this week is the conclusion of John the Baptist ministry. John gives testimony of who Jesus is and points Him out of the crowd for people to follow. John’s ministry comes to a close with him fading out and Jesus being the bright and shining Star to follow!

29  The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him; This is referring to the day after John the Baptist was questioned by those from the Sanhedrin.

And said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world; Jesus is the lamb for the sacrifice of our sin nature. Every morning and evening, a lamb was sacrificed in the Temple for the sins of the people Exodus 29:38-42.  Isaiah the Prophet prophesied that the Messiah, God's servant, would be led to the slaughter like a lamb Isaiah 53:7. He opened not His mouth as a lamb, showing His patience, His sufferings, and readiness to die for man. A lamb, among the Jews, was also an emblem of patience, meekness, gentleness. On “all” these accounts, rather than on any one of them alone, Jesus was called “the Lamb.” To pay the penalty for sin a life had to be given and God chose to provide the sacrifice himself. The sins of the world were removed when Jesus died as the perfect sacrifice. This is the way our sins are forgiven 1Corinthians 5:7. The "sin of the world" means everyone's sin, the sin of each individual. Jesus paid the price of your sin by his death. You can receive forgiveness by repenting, confessing your sin to him, and asking for his forgiveness.

30 This is He of whom I said, 'After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.'

This is He of whom I said; Here John the Baptist is making a positive identification of Jesus.

After me comes a Man; What John is saying here is that Jesus came after him in birth and ministry because John was the forerunner to introduce the Messiah.

Who is preferred before me; Jesus was preferred over John because the Jewish people were looking for the Messiah as scripture predicted.

For He was before me; Even though Jesus birth and ministry was after John the Baptist, Jesus always was and always will be. This speaks of Jesus deity.

31  I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water."

I did not know Him; What John is saying here is that the Holy Spirit hadn’t revealed Jesus true identity to him yet. John and Jesus probably did know each other, but as distant cousins, John spent most of his life in the wilderness while Jesus labored along side of Joseph as a carpenter.

But that He should be revealed to Israel; Means that at a certain time, and not before, Jesus was to be introduced to Israel as the Messiah, which John carried out.

Therefore I came baptizing with water; What John is saying here in essence is that he was doing what the Holy Spirit had directed him to do. It wasn’t until Jesus came to him to be baptized that it was revealed to him that Jesus was the Messiah. Matthew 3:13-17

32  And John bore witness, saying, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him.

And John bore witness; Meaning that John did exactly what he had been told to do by the Holy Spirit.

Saying, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove; John no doubt saw something descending from Heaven which appear to him like a dove. It was the Holy Spirit; the third person of the Trinity; Luke also described it as a bodily shape like a dove. Why a dove? The dove, among the Jews, was the symbol of purity of heart, harmlessness, and gentleness, Matthew 10:16. The form chosen here was no doubt an emblem of the innocence, meekness, and tenderness of our Saviour.

And He remained upon Him; With the Holy Spirit remaining upon Jesus signifies the beginning of His ministry.

33  I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'

I did not know Him; John the Baptist uses this statement again signifying that he didn’t know that Jesus was the Messiah.

But He who sent me to baptize with water; John is referring to the Holy Spirit here that sent him to baptize with water.

Said to me, “Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him”; John had this message from the Holy Spirit and by this message he would know the Messiah.

This is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit; He, in this phrase is referring to Jesus that would baptize with the Holy Spirit. Jesus would send the Holy Spirit upon all believers, empowering them to live and to teach the message of salvation. This outpouring of the Spirit came after Jesus had risen from the dead and ascended into heaven.

34  And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God."

This verse has strong verbiage in it. First John states he has seen and then follows up that he testifies. That of an eye-witness is the greatest testimony possible and all of this was revealed to him by the Spirit of God and played out exactly as he was told.

35  Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples.

The next day is in reference to the day after John the Baptist gave his testimony of Jesus.

These two disciples were followers of John the Baptist. One of these was Andrew and most likely the other was the writer of this gospel, John. John 1:40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. With these two being followers of John the Baptist it shows us that they had a hunger for God already. They were probably being prepped by John through the power of the Holy Spirit. With this hunger it didn’t take any persuading to leave John and follow Jesus.

36  And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, "Behold the Lamb of God!"

I wonder what else John was thinking as he looked at Jesus walking. I wonder if John fully realized at that moment that his ministry was finished. John knew Jesus was the Messiah, so why didn’t John become a follower of Jesus or an apostle, after all he was Spirit filled. John fades out of the scriptures here, but continues spreading the news of the coming Messiah to those that did not see Jesus.

I think John was doing more than just looking at Jesus. I think his eyes were fixed intently on Jesus and contemplating, here is the long expected Messiah and deliverer of the world, praise God Almighty!

37  The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

These two disciples heard John and probably seen John staring at Jesus and knew Jesus was special, but probably didn’t know at that point how special and what effect Jesus would have on their lives. When they took their first step toward Jesus they became disciples.

This is how all ministers of the Gospel should act. There is a great lesson here for them. This shows that John was sincere; that he was not desirous of forming a party or of building up a sect; that he was willing that all those whom he had attracted to himself by his ministry should become followers of Christ.

The object of ministers should not be to build up their own interests or to extend their own fame. It is to point men to the Saviour. Ministers however popular or successful should be willing that their disciples should look to Christ rather than to them; they should forget them and look away from them and encourage them to tread in the footsteps of the Son of God. The conduct of these disciples shows us that we should forsake all and follow Jesus when he is pointed out to us as the Messiah. We should not delay nor debate the matter, but leave at once all our old teachers, guides, companions, practice of religious doctrine not supported by God’s Word, and follow the Lamb of God. Have you left all and followed him? Have you forsaken the guides of false dogma and deceit; of sin and infidelity; and committed yourself to the Lord Jesus Christ?

38  Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, "What do you seek?" They said to Him, "Rabbi" (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), "where are You staying?"

Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?”; This inquiry of Jesus was not a rebuking inquiry but one of respecting their desires; an opportunity for them to state their wishes. Jesus turned with an open ear just as He does to all that approach him for salvation.

Following Christ is not enough; we must follow him for the right reasons. To follow Christ for our own purposes would be asking Christ to follow us, to align with us to support, and advance our cause, not His. We must examine our motives for following Him. Are we seeking His glory or ours?

So many people claim to be Christians, but in prayer they seek answers for their will and not the will of God. Read the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 5:9-13) slowly and think about what each phrase it is saying. It is all about God and asking Him to help us to be more holy like Him. How do you pray? Do you pray for things to glorify yourself or for God to do things in your life so you can glorify Him?

They said to Him, "Rabbi" (which is to say, when translated, Teacher); The key word here in this phrase is “Rabbi”, but John gives us a definition of what is meant by the word. Without John’s translation we would think this is all directed to the Jewish people, but that is not what John is saying with his explanation. John is saying “teacher” that can be substituted in place of “Rabbi.” So what John is actually saying is this is for Jew and Gentile alike.

Where are You staying?; I find this question interesting and the response Jesus gave in the next verse. The disciples were asking about an earthly abode but why did they ask this question? Jesus didn’t really answer them because if He told them His abode was in Heaven they wouldn’t have understood at that time. Jesus was thinking eternally while the disciples were thinking earthly.

It is possible that whoever asked the question wanted to go get someone and tell them they found the long awaited Messiah, and they wanted to know where to take this person to introduce them to Jesus? It’s possible, because we see in the upcoming verses Andrew went to get his brother Peter.

As these two disciples followed Jesus daily they eventually came to the knowledge of where Jesus lived.

39  He said to them, "Come and see." They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour).

Little did these two disciples know that they would come and see for the next 3 years, and what they saw filled their hearts with everlasting peace and joy.

The tenth hour has been debate for centuries whether it was Jewish time or Roman time; Jewish time would have been 4 p.m., while Roman time would have been 10 a.m.

40  One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

This verse tells us who one of the two followers of John the Baptist was that heard John speak, "Behold the Lamb of God!"

A second point here is that Simon Peter was mentioned as Andrew’s brother. We know John wrote this book quite some time after Jesus death so John is recognizing Andrew was the brother of the great Apostle Peter.

Next week we will finish chapter one which is about Jesus gathering His Apostles.

Colossians 1:16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth,

visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.

All things were created through Him and for Him.

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, Most assuredly, I say to you,

unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

Bill Wiesbrock https://www.facebook.com/bill.wiesbrock?ref=tn_tnmn

The Lighthouse Full Gospel Church

Sinners Prayer; Pray this, and if you believe it with your heart, Jesus will save you!

“Lord Jesus I know I am a sinner.  I confess my sins to you; I am sorry for my sins; I repent (Meaning, desiring to turn from a sinful lifestyle.) of all my sins, and I am asking for your forgiveness.  I believe that only you can forgive sin.  I commit my life to you and ask you to come into my heart, direct, and take charge of my life.  I believe that you died to set me free from my sinful lifestyle and you rose from the dead to give me eternal life, and right now you are seated at the Right Hand of God Almighty. I believe you are the Son of God; the only Way, the only Truth, the only Life, and my Savior.”  I believe this and have faith you will make a new person out of me, by sending the Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart and lead me in a new life. In Jesus name I pray Amen.” 

(John 3:16,17; Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9-13; Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 John 5:11-14; 1:6-10) (Sin: Rom. 1:22-32; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:3-7)

2-3-2016 Vol. 13 Part 4 The Gospel of John (John 1:14-28)

To Print Out The Lesson Click On The Title Below.

2-3-2016Vol. 13 Part 4 The Gospel of John 

Proverbs 7:21-27

21  With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, With her flattering lips she seduced him.

22  Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks,

23  Till an arrow struck his liver. As a bird hastens to the snare, He did not know it would cost his life.

24  Now therefore, listen to me, my children; Pay attention to the words of my mouth:

25  Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, Do not stray into her paths;

26  For she has cast down many wounded, And all who were slain by her were strong men.

27  Her house is the way to hell, Descending to the chambers of death.

Father God, send your Holy Spirit to those that read this lesson and open their heart and mind to your wonderful gift of Grace, especially those that don’t know you with their heart. In Jesus name we pray, Amen!

Gospel of John 1:14-28 NKJV

This week’s lesson is mainly about John the Baptist’s ministry, why he was questioned by the Pharisees, and the answers that he gave. When you dig into what transpired it is quite interesting.

14  And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

And the Word became flesh; Here again we have written in scripture that the Bible is a living document. Jesus is the Word/Bible and going back to verse one Jesus is God; God is Jesus; and the Word is God. When the Word became flesh Jesus did three things for us; (1) He became the perfect teacher for us in human form; we see how God thinks and therefore how we should think (Philippians 2:5-11); (2) Jesus is the perfect example for us; a model of what we are to become, he shows us how to live and gives us the power to live that way (1Peter 2:21); (3) He is the perfect sacrifice to cover our sinful lifestyle with His blood; Jesus came as a sacrifice for all sins, and his death satisfied God's requirements for the removal of sin (Colossians 1:15-23).

In Revelation there is one verse that also points out that the Son of God is the Word. Revelation 19:13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.

And dwelt among us; Jesus dwelt among us in human flesh; perfect human flesh; He was God in the flesh; God became visible and tangible in Christ. Jesus was a common man that did not stand out among other men. He did not exalt himself like worldly people do, that have money, fame, power, etc. He was humble, soft spoken, loving, and polite for the most part unless people abused His Fathers temple. We can get to know God through Jesus; He is our example!

And we beheld His glory; Why does John use the word “we” in this phrase? The “we” represents the Apostles and it is for all of us that have never seen Jesus in human so that we can believe; it is a testimony.

The word “glory” signifies that they had seen him in his proper glory “as God and man united in one person.”

The glory as of the only begotten of the Father; This glory that John speaks of here is all about Jesus divinity. His glory or splendor that could belong to no other, that accurately expresses His rank and character. This glory was seen eminently on the mount of transfiguration. It was also seen in His miracles, His doctrine, His resurrection, His ascension; all of which were such as to illustrate the perfection and manifest the glory that belongs only to the Son of God.

Full of grace and truth; Jesus flesh proclaimed His Humanity and His “Grace and Truth” proclaimed His Deity.

15  John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, "This was He of whom I said, 'He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.' "

With this verse John the Apostle is using John the Baptist as a testimony that Jesus is who He says He is to convince his audience.

John bore witness of Him; John’s sole purpose or ministry was to prepare the Jews for the coming of Jesus. He was raised up by God for this purpose, and when this was done, his Ministry was finished, and the Lord took him home. While Herod was his executioner, even though Herod regretted his promise to his daughter, he carried out this terrible act, only with the permission of the Lord whether he realized it or not. Matthew 14:1-11

Here is a thought to ponder, “If Christians upheld the Bible like Herod upheld his promise to his daughter, would this world be different?”

And cried out, saying, "This was He of whom I said; This is what John’s ministry was all about, his introduction of the Son of God our Lord and Saviour.

He who comes after me is preferred before me; What John is saying here is that Jesus was born after him and Jesus comes to His ministry after John, but it is Jesus that is the true light. As we will see in some future verses, some of John the Baptist followers were put out that people were leaving John and following Jesus. That sin nature of pride and resistance to change was keeping some from following Jesus just as it is today.

For He was before me; This phrase proclaims the Holiness of Jesus and that He always was.

16  And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.

In last week’s lesson and the previous verses John the Apostle tells us of Jesus fullness and glory and this fullness is what a true believer receives when they accept Jesus as their Saviour. As a believer the grace of God is heaped upon a believer in abundance when they remain faithful and do work for the kingdom of God.

17  For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

For the law was given through Moses; This verse tells us about the Old Covenant (Law) vs. the New Covenant (Grace). The law was given through Moses from God that was all about laws, regulations, and rituals that revealed the nature and will of God for us. The law and justice is to teach us and show us how we are to live and that there are consequences for our actions.

But grace and truth came through Jesus Christ; Grace and truth came through Jesus in the form of mercy, love, faithfulness, and forgiveness which also reveals God’s nature and will. Jesus came to fulfill the law. Matthew 5:17 "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. It is through the New Covenant of God’s love for us that we can be assured of being forgiven when we turn from our sinful lifestyle, ask Jesus to forgive us of our sinful lifestyle that separated us from Him, and then ask Jesus to lead and guide you going forward in life.

18  No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

No one has seen God at any time; In the OT God communicated with various individuals, but was never seen. He communicated through the prophets to His people, but no one has seen the essence of God, or has fully known God.

The only begotten Son; Jesus had a knowledge of God which can be expressed by saying that he saw him. God revealed his nature and essence in a way that could be seen and touched. God became a man who lived on earth.

Who is in the bosom of the Father; Jesus knew God intimately and completely because Jesus is both God and the Father's unique Son.

He has declared Him; It is only fitting that Jesus would declare the Father because God the Father and God the Son are One.

19  Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?"

Have you ever wondered why the Pharisees sent priests and Levites to inquire who John was? First of all a great number of people were following John and his numbers were growing and this concerned the Pharisees. The Pharisees were a group that Jesus, John the Baptist, and Apostles denounce several times. Their hearts were filled with pride and greed. They greatly promoted their many Jewish laws resulting in their hearts being in laws and not God.

The Pharisees were also the guardians of the Jewish faith and they were in charge of investigating any new religious movement to ward off false doctrine. They also wanted to know if John was a prophet or the Messiah, and lastly and most probable they were jealous and worried they were going to loose monetary support.

20  He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ."

John puts it clear and bluntly that he was not the Christ so that there would be no misunderstanding even though some were claiming he was. John’s humanism could have step up and caused him to say he was the Messiah, but John knew who he was and what his purpose was because the Holy Spirit had filled him while he was still in his mother’s womb. Luke 1:15

21  And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" And he answered, "No."

These two questions being asked is the result of OT scripture. Are you Elijah pertains to; Malachi 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. Malachi predicted the return of Elijah before the second coming of Jesus which is still in the future. The question, “are you the prophet” pertains to Deuteronomy 18:15 "The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear. This verse does pertain to Jesus so John was asked a second time if he was the Messiah. John answers both questions with a “no”.

22  Then they said to him, "Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?"

Do you suppose those including the Pharisees were actually trying to trip John up into an answer that would condemn him? They were becoming concerned with the following that John had and how it was growing that maybe they wanted an answer that would go against their beliefs so as to lock John away? If this is the case then they got an answer that was quite revealing as we see in the next verse.

23  He said: "I am 'THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS: "MAKE STRAIGHT THE WAY OF THE LORD," ' as the prophet Isaiah said."

This statement from John is taken from Isaiah; Isaiah 40:3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the LORD; Make straight in the desert A highway for our God.

It was customary in this time era and familiar to the Jews that if armies would go on the march a messenger would be sent out to announce their coming to clear the path of obstructions. So John’s response was one that he was preparing the people for the coming if the Messiah.

24  Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees.

This is interesting that only the Pharisees were questioning John the Baptist. Why weren’t the Sadducees questioning John? The reason being is that the Sadducees were accepting John’s message and preaching. They were a little more lax in keeping the laws to the tee. In fact they were being baptized whereas the Pharisees were much more strict, in keeping the laws. The Pharisees held their rituals very high and here was something new John was introducing and it disturbed the Pharisees. They probably thought how dare this man introduce a new ritual and by what authority does he do it, and so division was starting in the Sanhedrin.

25  And they asked him, saying, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?"

They were indignant that John not only baptized without ecclesiastical authority, but baptized contrary to the practice of the Pharisees. In other words, he had not asked nor sought their permission, and it appeared that he didn’t cared. When Gentiles converted to Judaism they were baptized as a ritual of cleansing, but John was baptizing Jews also, which irritated the Pharisees.

26  John answered them, saying, "I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know.

There is three points one can harvest from this verse; first; Jesus would usher in the New Covenant of faith which would be a huge change for the Jewish people, and John was in a way introducing change to their beliefs. Second; Jesus their Messiah was standing among them and they didn’t even know it. The spirit of God is all around us nudging and prodding us, but we are oblivious to His presences and continue in our destructive ways. Third; John’s baptism was a temporary symbol of of the true, abiding, and effectual baptism of the One Who would baptize with the Holy Spirit.

27  It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose."

To unloose the strap of a sandal was the duty of a servant, and John is saying that he was unworthy to perform the lowest office for the Messiah. What humility this was since John was well known; he was highly honored; and thousands came to hear him. So we all should be willing to lay all that we have at the feet of Christ, and feel that we are unworthy to be his lowest servants.

28  These things were done in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Bethabara, was probably on the other side of the Jordan River, not too far from Jericho. The wilderness to which Jesus went after His Baptism, is believed by many to be that which is near Jericho.

Next week we will study more of John the Baptist and the baptism of Christ.

Colossians 1:16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth,

visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.

All things were created through Him and for Him.

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, Most assuredly, I say to you,

unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

Bill Wiesbrock https://www.facebook.com/bill.wiesbrock?ref=tn_tnmn

The Lighthouse Full Gospel Church

Sinners Prayer; Pray this, and if you believe it with your heart, Jesus will save you!

“Lord Jesus I know I am a sinner.  I confess my sins to you; I am sorry for my sins; I repent (Meaning, desiring to turn from a sinful lifestyle.) of all my sins, and I am asking for your forgiveness.  I believe that only you can forgive sin.  I commit my life to you and ask you to come into my heart, direct, and take charge of my life.  I believe that you died to set me free from my sinful lifestyle and you rose from the dead to give me eternal life, and right now you are seated at the Right Hand of God Almighty. I believe you are the Son of God; the only Way, the only Truth, the only Life, and my Savior.”  I believe this and have faith you will make a new person out of me, by sending the Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart and lead me in a new life. In Jesus name I pray Amen.” 

(John 3:16,17; Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9-13; Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 John 5:11-14; 1:6-10) (Sin: Rom. 1:22-32; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:3-7)