Sermon Listening Guide
Speaker: Dr. Condy Richardson
Scripture: John 12:23-26
Sermon Title: “A Kernel of Wheat”
Date: October 11, 2026
John 12:23-26 (NIV)
23 Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25 Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
First Thoughts
Is our church more like a cruise ship or a battleship?
Are you a consumer or a contributor at FIFBC?
In John 12:23-26, Jesus uses his impending crucifixion as a teachable moment.
Hold On
We are tempted to “hold on” to many things in life that do not help us.
In Luke 12:13-21, the rich man in this parable is seen as a fool who “holds on” to many things.
How does it look in a family context when we are a “me first” people?
What does it look like in church when we are living for ourselves?
How do these attitudes damage the church or our homes?
Falling and Dying
In his agricultural illustration, Jesus says a seed that dies and is buried produces a treasure.
In verse 26, Jesus says that those who love him will serve and follow him.
How do we “die to self?”
What is God asking you to release in your life?
The Inspiration
Jesus spoke in such a way (John 12:23-26) because his death and burial were very close.
As Jesus gave all, we should ask ourselves if we are giving him everything we have.
Conclusion
Many see prayer as an opportunity to empty ourselves before God.
If we empty our hand/lives for Him, God will fill our hands/lives.
We cannot receive the good stuff if we are already full of the worldly stuff.
What do you need to let go of to follow Jesus?
Is our church more like a cruise ship or a battleship?
Are you a consumer or a contributor at FIFBC?
In John 12:23-26, Jesus uses his impending crucifixion as a teachable moment.
Hold On
We are tempted to “hold on” to many things in life that do not help us.
In Luke 12:13-21, the rich man in this parable is seen as a fool who “holds on” to many things.
How does it look in a family context when we are a “me first” people?
What does it look like in church when we are living for ourselves?
How do these attitudes damage the church or our homes?
Falling and Dying
In his agricultural illustration, Jesus says a seed that dies and is buried produces a treasure.
In verse 26, Jesus says that those who love him will serve and follow him.
How do we “die to self?”
What is God asking you to release in your life?
The Inspiration
Jesus spoke in such a way (John 12:23-26) because his death and burial were very close.
As Jesus gave all, we should ask ourselves if we are giving him everything we have.
Conclusion
Many see prayer as an opportunity to empty ourselves before God.
If we empty our hand/lives for Him, God will fill our hands/lives.
We cannot receive the good stuff if we are already full of the worldly stuff.
What do you need to let go of to follow Jesus?