Sermon Listening Guide
Speaker: Dr. Condy Richardson
Scripture: John 5:37-47
Sermon Title: “The Power of the Word”
John 5:37-47 (NIV)
37 And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, 38 nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. 39 You study[a] the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life.
41 “I do not accept glory from human beings, 42 but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. 43 I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. 44 How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God[b]?
45 “But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. 46 If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. 47 But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?”
41 “I do not accept glory from human beings, 42 but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. 43 I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. 44 How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God[b]?
45 “But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. 46 If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. 47 But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?”
First Thoughts
What do you think it means to have “a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures?” (Acts 18:24)
In John 5, Jesus spars with critics who cannot acknowledge his deity or power.
Misusing Scripture
In verse 39, Jesus admits his critics have studied Scripture diligently.
Ancient Jewish scribes and Pharisees believed a love of Scripture would bring eternal life.
While they loved Scripture, they overlooked the fact that it pointed to Jesus.
The Bible is more than a “Family Book” and not a weapon to beat others up with.
Scripture is valuable in that it points to Jesus Christ.
Love of God
The Jewish religious leaders loved to draw attention to themselves.
For that reason, they needed to downgrade Jesus.
Thinking Jesus is a good man or great healer is an insufficient view of Christ.
Those that cannot confess the deity of Jesus are lost.
Belief
In verses 45-47, Jesus reminds his critics that he will be their final judge.
Their lack of belief in him was going to doom them to Hell.
In Luke 24, Jesus opened Scripture and the eyes and minds of some disciples.
How often do you open Scripture?
How has it changed your life?
Final Thoughts
Those that are honest in their need for a Savior are saved.
The Bible points to Jesus in each book and story.
As you read the Bible, are you surrendering to Jesus?
What do you think it means to have “a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures?” (Acts 18:24)
In John 5, Jesus spars with critics who cannot acknowledge his deity or power.
Misusing Scripture
In verse 39, Jesus admits his critics have studied Scripture diligently.
Ancient Jewish scribes and Pharisees believed a love of Scripture would bring eternal life.
While they loved Scripture, they overlooked the fact that it pointed to Jesus.
The Bible is more than a “Family Book” and not a weapon to beat others up with.
Scripture is valuable in that it points to Jesus Christ.
Love of God
The Jewish religious leaders loved to draw attention to themselves.
For that reason, they needed to downgrade Jesus.
Thinking Jesus is a good man or great healer is an insufficient view of Christ.
Those that cannot confess the deity of Jesus are lost.
Belief
In verses 45-47, Jesus reminds his critics that he will be their final judge.
Their lack of belief in him was going to doom them to Hell.
In Luke 24, Jesus opened Scripture and the eyes and minds of some disciples.
How often do you open Scripture?
How has it changed your life?
Final Thoughts
Those that are honest in their need for a Savior are saved.
The Bible points to Jesus in each book and story.
As you read the Bible, are you surrendering to Jesus?