1 John 3-5 Eternal Life in Christ

TMS Acts 1:8 Holy Spirit Power

Acts 1:6 “Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" 7 And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.

8 But you shall receive power

when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;

and you shall be witnesses to Me

in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."

Observations: 1:8 The disciples had forsaken all to follow Jesus with the expectation of receiving power and glory. Jesus had promised them reward in the Sermon on the Mount, and in His calls to discipleship, and spoke of His kingdom which He would share with them, so they were anxious to receive His promised power/authority. Jesus said it wasn't the right time for the restoration of the OT kingdom promised to Israel, but if they wanted power, they would get it when the Holy Spirit came upon them. As a result (use of kai for a consecutive sequence), they would be witnesses to Christ. They should start where they were, with those most similar to themselves, and then branch out to the surrounding areas, and finally reach to the ends of the earth. This is what happened in the book of Acts (see additional comments on Acts 1:8). Believers in Jesus all have the Holy Spirit (Eph 1; 1Cor 12) and as a result should be witnesses to Christ, first to those around them, and then as they mature to others that are dissimilar. A witness is someone who has heard, seen, or experienced something. Every Christian should have an abiding relationship with God in which they are experiencing things about God which they can share with others.

Application: God works in our lives so we can be witnesses of Him to those around us.

Prayer: Lord, thanks for Your work in my life; please guide me in sharing You and Your work in my life with others. Amen.

1John 3-5 John continues to build the confidence of believers in the apostolic message against the false teaching of the anti-Messiahs. John gives a number of “tests” or validations that the experience of the believers is the real deal, so they won't fall for the devil's deceptions. Among those are victory over sin as a result of an abiding relationship with Christ, based upon obedience; a Christlike love for other believers; a vibrant prayer life; ministry to the sinning; inner conviction of the Holy Spirit that they are pleasing to God, validated by their love and obedience. John also affirms that God had given them eternal life in His Son, so they should continue to believe in Him, and not in any false gods the false teachers present.

1John 3 No Need to Sin

3:1 Behold, how great a love the Father has bestowed on us,

that we should be called children of God!

For this cause the world doesn’t know us,

because it didn’t know Him.

2 Beloved, now we are children of God,

and it is not yet revealed what we will be.

But we know that, when He is revealed,

we will be like Him;

for we will see Him

just as He is.

3 Everyone who has this hope

set on Him

purifies himself,

even as He is pure.

4 Everyone who sins also commits lawlessness.

Sin is lawlessness.

5 You know that He was manifested to take away our sins,

and in Him

is no sin.

6 Whoever remains in Him

doesn’t sin.

Whoever sins hasn’t seen Him,

neither knows Him.

7 Little children, let no one lead you astray.

He who does righteousness is righteous,

even as He is righteous.

8 He who sins is of the devil,

for the devil has been sinning from the beginning.

To this end the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

9 Whoever is born of God doesn’t commit sin,

because His seed remains in him; and he can’t sin,

because he is born of God.

10 In this the children of God are revealed,

and the children of the devil.

Whoever doesn’t do righteousness is not of God,

neither is he who doesn’t love his brother.

11 For this is the message which you heard from the beginning,

that we should love one another;

12 unlike Cain, who was of the evil one, and killed his brother.

Why did he kill him?

Because his works were evil,

and his brother’s righteous.

13 Don’t be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you.

14 We know that we have passed out of death

into life,

because we love the brothers.

He who doesn’t love his brother

remains in death.

15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer,

and you know that no murderer has eternal life remaining in him.

16 By this we know love,

because He laid down His life for us.

And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.

17 But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and closes his heart of compassion against him,

how does the love of God remain in him?

18 My little children, let’s not love in word

neither with the tongue only,

but in deed and truth.

19 And by this we know that we are of the truth,

and persuade our hearts before him,

20 because if our heart condemns us,

God is greater than our heart,

and knows all things.

21 Beloved, if our hearts don’t condemn us,

we have confidence toward God;

22 and whatever we ask, we receive from Him,

because we keep His commandments

and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.

23 This is His commandment,

that we should believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ,

and love one another, even as He commanded.

24 He who keeps His commandments

remains in Him,

and He in him.

By this we know that He remains in us,

by the Spirit which He gave us.

Observations: 3:1-6 Believers are children of God, but the future blessings they will have as a result of that status aren't yet seen. When Christ is revealed in His glory, those who are pure in heart will see Him (one of the beatitudes - Mt 5:8). Those who have this hope of glory, purify themselves so as not to be disqualified (1Pt 1:22; 1Tim 1:5; Heb 10:22). The purpose in Christ coming wasn't to die for our sins, but remove them from us so we could have a relationship with God. In Christ there is no sin, since He is holy. Those who abide/remain in union with Him (“in Him”) don't sin. If we are drawing our motivations and strength from the vine, there's no room to sin. Whoever sins hasn't “seen” (used in 1:1, 2, 3 to describe the fellowship the apostles had with Christ) nor “known” Christ. There are three lines of interpretation. No one who read chapter 1 would claim sinless perfection, since that is refuted there. The more common view is to translate the present tenses as “habitual” which means those who know Christ don't continue to habitually sin. That view has some merit, but misses John's point. The view closer to John's thinking is that those who abide or remain in Christ don't wander off into trouble. A child staying contentedly on a parent's lap isn't going to get themselves into all kinds of trouble that would displease the parent (see comments on abiding in John 15).

3:7-15 To prevent the false teachers from leading abiding believers astray John points out that the believer who does what is right in God's sight is righteous, but the one who sins is of the devil (drawing their motivation from him, and his world). The devil has been sinning since before the Garden, and the Son of God was manifested, as promised in Genesis 3, to destroy the devil and His works of deceiving people into being unfaithful to God. The atoning work, and the indwelling Spirit of Christ put the devil out of business in the lives of those who abide in Christ. Whoever is born of God doesn't sin, because the seed of the word of God, energized by the Holy Spirit (1Pt 1:23; John 3:6) remains/abides in the believer. Those whose actions are sourced in God, don't sin. Those who don't do what is right in the sight of God, have their actions sourced not in God, but the devil. This particularly applies to those who don't love their brother (like Cain). Those who don't love are akin to murderers (Mt 5:21-22), and do not have eternal life (dominion of the Age, reward in the Messianic Kingdom) remaining in him. This is not about losing forgiveness, which is a permanent possession of those who are justified/born again, but it is about losing reward in the the Messianic Kingdom as Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount.

3:16-24 Jesus sets the standard for the love glory-bound believers need to have for each other: self-sacrificial for the others' benefit. Those who love in word/truth and deed gain an assurance of their future reward, as well as confidence in praying. Those who keep God's commands, and do what is pleasing in His sight also have the assurance of answered prayer. This is because they are so in tune with God's will, that when they ask Him for help in doing what He wants them to do, He is more than happy to help them. John summarizes what God wants us to do: believe in the name/character/glory of His Son, Jesus the Messiah, and love one another as He commanded. The one who does this, abides/remains in Him, and He in them. Another source of confidence is the work of the Spirit (Phil 2:13).

John 14:21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him."

Application: Those who abide in Christ don't sin; if you find yourself sinning, you might want to move closer to God and do things His way.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks for Jesus, Your word, and Your Spirit, which make abiding in You possible, may I draw all my motivation and strength from You exclusively as I love others with a pure heart according to Your will. Amen.

1John 4 Victory

4:1 Beloved, don’t believe every spirit,

but test the spirits,

whether they are of God,

because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

2 By this you know the Spirit of God:

every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God,

3 and every spirit who doesn’t confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God, and this is the spirit of the Antichrist, of whom you have heard that it comes.

Now it is in the world already.

4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them;

because greater is He who is in you

than he who is in the world.

5 They are of the world.

Therefore they speak of the world, and the world hears them.

6 We are of God. He who knows God listens to us.

He who is not of God doesn’t listen to us.

By this we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

7 Beloved, let us love one another,

for love is of God;

and everyone who loves is born of God,

and knows God.

8 He who doesn’t love

doesn’t know God,

for God is love.

9 By this God’s love was revealed in us,

that God has sent His one and only Son into the world

that we might live through Him.

10 In this is love,

not that we loved God,

but that He loved us,

and sent His Son

as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

11 Beloved, if God loved us in this way,

we also ought to love one another.

12 No one has seen God at any time.

If we love one another,

God abides in us,

and His love has been perfected in us.

13 By this we know that we remain in Him and He in us,

because He has given us of his Spirit.

14 We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as the Savior of the world.

15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God,

God remains in Him, and He in God.

16 We know and have believed the love which God has for us.

God is love,

and he who abides in love

abides in God,

and God abides in him.

17 In this love has been made perfect among us,

that we may have confidence in the day of judgment,

because as He is, even so are we in this world.

18 There is no fear in love;

but perfect(ed) love casts out fear,

because fear has punishment.

He who fears is not made perfect in love.

19 We love Him,

because He first loved us.

20 If a man says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar;

for he who doesn’t love his brother whom he has seen,

how can he love God whom he has not seen?

21 This commandment we have from Him,

that he who loves God should also love his brother.

Observations: 4:1-6 God has given us His Spirit, but that doesn't mean that every prophetic spirit is from God, because there is a world of evil spirits around us. Therefore, believers should apply this simple test to those “spirits” speaking though prophets: every spirit who confesses/acknowledges that Jesus is the promised Messiah who has come into the world in the flesh, is of God. Those that don't are anti-Messiah, empowered by the Anti-Messiah/Christ, Satan's chief agent. He is already in the world, but believers have nothing to fear, because greater is the One who is in them: the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, the Spirit of Glory. Verse 4 is a good one to memorize and meditate upon. The false teachers draw their motivation and message from the world (and the evil one who runs this present age -Eph 2:1-3) therefore the worldlings listen to them, rather than to the apostolic teaching. Those who are sourced in God, listen to revealed truth. So one can discern the spirit of truth and the spirit of error based receptivity.

4:7-15 The one who is born of God not only listens to truth and doesn't sin, but loves as God has modeled and commanded. The one who doesn't love, doesn't know God, since God is the source and expression of love, as expressed in Jesus dying for our sins. God's love for us is the standard for us loving each other. If we do so, God abides in us, and His love is perfected (brought to fulfillment/completion). When we love like God intended, the inner witness of the Holy Spirit confirms to our conscience that we are abiding, and doing what pleases God. The apostles have seen/know and testify that the Father sent Jesus (His beloved Son in whom He is well pleased) to be the Savior of the world (as in everyone, not just a select few - John 3:16). Whoever acknowledges/confesses that Jesus is the Son of God has the abiding relationship with God, that is only possible through Jesus.

4:16-21 The one who abides in love (and thus maintains an intimate relationship with the God of love) has love perfected or brought to its intended purpose, so that the believer can have confidence on Judgment Day. That confidence comes about from loving as God loved, which is the standard to which we are held. The one who has loved “perfectly” or in whom love has been “perfected” has nothing to fear on judgment day, because hitting and maintaining the standard God requires (which is only possible through an abiding relationship with the Vine), eliminates any possible negative consequences. The one who fears judgment needs to work on perfecting their love. The one who loves God is loyal to God (Jn 14:15) in response to the love God has shown him/her (hesed). The love God wants us to have will overflow into a love for other children of God. The one who doesn't desire what is in another's best interest, doesn't love God.

Application: Love of truth and other believers (reflected in our ministry to them) are hallmarks of those who will do well on Judgment Day.

Prayer: God, thanks that Your Spirit dwells within me and is far greater than Satan or any of his minions; keep me from his deceptions, and guide me in loving others as You would. Amen.

1John 5 Life in the Son

5:1 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.

Whoever loves the Father also loves him who is born of Him.

2 By this we know that we love the children of God,

when we love God and keep His commandments.

3 For this is the love of God,

that we keep His commandments.

His commandments are not grievous.

4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.

This is the victory that has overcome the world: your faith.

5 Who is he who overcomes the world,

but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

6 This is He who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ;

not with the water only,

but with the water and the blood.

It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.

7 For there are three who testify: 8 the Spirit, the water, and the blood;

and the three agree as one.

9 If we receive the witness of men,

the witness of God is greater;

for this is God’s testimony which He has testified concerning his Son.

10 He who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself.

He who doesn’t believe God

has made Him a liar,

because he has not believed in the testimony

that God has given concerning His Son.

11 The testimony is this,

that God gave to us eternal life,

and this life is in His Son.

12 He who has the Son

has the life.

He who doesn’t have God’s Son

doesn’t have the life.

13 These things I have written to you who 
believe in the name of the Son of God,

that you may know that you have eternal life,

and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

14 This is the confidence which we have toward Him,

that, if we ask anything according to His will,

He listens to us.

15 And if we know that He listens to us,

whatever we ask,

we know that we have the petitions

which we have asked of Him.

16 If anyone sees his brother

sinning a sin not leading to death,

he shall ask,

and God will give him life for those who sin not leading to death.

There is a sin leading to death.

I don’t say that he should make a request concerning this.

17 All unrighteousness is sin,

and there is a sin not leading to death.

18 We know that whoever is born of God

doesn’t sin,

but he who was born of God

keeps himself,

and the evil one doesn’t touch him.

19 We know that we are of God,

and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

20 We know that the Son of God has come,

and has given us an understanding,

that we know Him who is true,

and we are in Him who is true,

in His Son Jesus Christ.

This is the true God,

and eternal life.

21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

Observations: 5:1-3 Belief in Jesus as the Messiah promised in the OT (especially as the provision for our sins, the atoning sacrifice of Isaiah 53) results in being born again (Jn 1:12 the chiastic center of the prologue). Whoever loves the Father loves His children. When we love God and keep His commandments, we will love others. When our values change so that the sacrifices of love are not burdensome, we know we are loving as God desires.

5:4-10 The one who is born of God overcomes the world because of their faith in God's revelation. That revelation tells us that Jesus is the Son of God (the heir) who gives the Spirit to those who believe in Him, which makes overcoming and victory possible. Jesus came or was testified to by water and blood. When He was baptized, the voice of the Father testified that He was well pleased with His Son (Mt 3:17). The blood or sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection also testified to His identity, as did the ministry of the Holy Spirit in authenticating His works and His spokesman (particularly on the Day of Pentecost). Verse 7 has additional words in some versions which are most likely added in the eighth century, and are omitted in the WEB text above. The point is that there is more than one witness to the Sonship of Jesus, given by both men (the apostles) and God (in the life of Jesus). The one who believes has the testimony in themselves (their own lives), but the one who doesn't believe is calling God a liar, who authenticated Jesus.

5:11-15 The testimony is that God gives believers eternal life (dominion in the Age of the Messiah). This life is in His Son, the ruler of the Millennial Kingdom. The one who has an abiding relationship with the Son, has the life God promised. The one who doesn't have the relationship John has been talking about in the letter, doesn't have the life. It's one or the other. John says he is writing to those who believe in the name of the Son of God (Jesus -Jn 1:12) so that they may know they have eternal life (dominion in the coming Age), and that they may continue to believe, (so they don't forfeit what God has given them, like Israel did).

A relationship with God isn't just about what happens in the future, but has benefits in the present, like a vibrant prayer life. If we are abiding and knowing and doing His will, then asking anything according to His will gets a sure positive response from God.

5:16-21 While on the subject of praying according to God's will, if someone sees their brother in Christ sinning, he/she should intercede for the sinning believer, and God will give him life for those who are not sinning in such as way that they are headed to the discipline of deprivation of life. All unrighteousness is sin, but some have greater consequences than others. The one who is born of God, and in whom God's seed/Spirit remains/abides, doesn't sin (or continue to sin in the weaker alternative view). The one born of God keeps/guards him/herself so the evil one doesn't influence him/her. Believers are sourced in God's power, while worldlings are subject to the power of the evil one. Believers know that the Son of God has come in the flesh, and given them understanding so that they know Him who is true, and abide in Him who is true, that is Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. This is the testimony of the true God, and the testimony of eternal life. John closes with an admonition to keep themselves from idols which are false gods, rather than the true God.

Application: Loving and obeying the Lord Jesus, the coming Messiah, is the best way to live happily ever after.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks for giving me life in Jesus, both now and in the future; may I be on my guard and abide in You so that I may have confidence and joy when You return. Amen.

Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: God gives us life in His Son when we believe, and gives us ample testimony to base our belief in Him.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus is the authenticated Son of God, in whom God gives us forgiveness and eternal life.

Us in a nutshell: We need to abide in Christ, obeying His commands, particularly loving other believers if we expect to live the victorious Christian life in this world, and the abundant life in the next.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

Romans 8 Holy Spirit Sanctification

Romans 8 Holy Spirit Sanctification © 2012 WF Cobb Truthbase.net DailyTruthbase.Blogspot.com

See sermon on Truthbase.net 

I. Righteous requirements must be fulfilled 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,

who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned/deposed sin in the flesh,

4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

II. Pleasing God 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

III. The Indwelling Spirit 9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His/of Him. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. (2Cor 4-5)

IV. Put to death the deeds of the flesh 12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors --- not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body (cf Gal 5 vs fruits of the HS), you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

V. Dual Heirship 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs --- heirs of God but joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we co-suffer with Him, that we may also be co-glorified together.

VI. Suffering for glory 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.

VII. Hope of Glory 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. 26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

VIII. Love of God 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written: " For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." 37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. Why do some think that all one has to do is believe in Jesus' atonement for them, and there is nothing more to the Christian life?

2. Why would God want the righteous requirements of the law fulfilled in believers? Didn't Christ's death do this?

3. What is the believer's hope and how does one get it? How does someone put to death the deeds of the flesh? What's the role of the HS?

4. What should be the proper faith response to suffering? Why are we tempted to doubt God's love and sovereignty?

5. How will you walk according to the Spirit this week? How will you know if you're doing it or deceiving yourself?

Summer Special TMS 1 Corinthians 3:16 and Romans 8c

TMS 1 Corinthians 3:16 The Indwelling Holy Spirit

1 Cor 3:16 Do you not know that

you are the temple of God

and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

1 Cor 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

Observations: 3:16 This verse describes the Holy Spirit indwelling the Body of Believers. See context in 1Corinthians 3 post. However, the Holy Spirit also indwells individual believers according to 6:19. The best verse for this truth is Philippians 2:13 (see post), but it doesn't use the same words. The truth of the matter is the Holy Spirit is in us, and is at work transforming us and sanctifying us (Rom 8:14; 12:1-2). We can deepen our relationship with God by being receptive to His Spirit, or grieve and quench the Spirit. Those correctly yielding to the Spirit will produce the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5).

Application: Walk by the control of the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh -Galatians 5:15.

Prayer: God, it's amazing that You want to dwell in me as Your temple to display Your glory to the world around me; help me be cooperative and yielded, so Your purposes are achieved. Amen.



Romans 8c Outline 8:26-39
26a Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses.
26b For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought,
26c but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us
26d with groanings
26e which cannot be uttered.

27a Now He who searches the hearts
27b knows what the mind of the Spirit is,
27c because He makes intercession for the saints
27d according to the will of God. 

28a And we know
28b that all things work together for good
28c to those who love God,
28d to those who are the called according to His purpose. 

29a For whom He foreknew, (1Pt 1:20; 2Pt 3:17; )
29b He also predestined
29c to be conformed to the image of His Son,
29d that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 

30a Moreover whom He predestined,
30b these He also called;
30c whom He called,
30d these He also justified;
30e and whom He justified,
30f these He also glorified.
 
31a What then shall we say to these things?
31b If God is for us,
31c who can be against us? 

32a He who did not spare His own Son,
32b but delivered Him up for us all,
32c how shall He not with Him
32d also freely give/forgive us all things? 

33a Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect?
33b It is God who justifies. 

34a Who is he who condemns?
34b It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 

35a What shall separate us from the love of Christ?
35b Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 

36a As it is written:
36b For Your sake
36c we are killed all day long;
36b   We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37a Yet in all these things
37b we are more than conquerors
37c through Him who loved us. 

38a For I am persuaded
38b that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,
39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing,
39a shall be able to separate us from the love of God
39b which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

L. 18-30 The Reason believers should suffer for the sake of sharing Christ’s glory is because Paul reasons that eternal gain (of being glorified with Christ) outweighs the temporal pain God helps us through to achieve His plan for us.

L3. 23-25 The 2^nd Reason eternal gain outweighs temporal pain is because believers also perseveringly groan (have pain) while eagerly awaiting our (future) adoption/redemption/glorification

L4. 26-27 The 3^rd Reason Paul reasons eternal gain outweighs temporal pain is because the Spirit intercedes for us according to God’s will

L4a. 29a The Spirit also helps in our weaknesses =vp
L4b. 26b-c The Reason the Spirit helps is because we don’t know what we need but the HS does and then so does God

L4b-1. 26b We do not know what we should pray for as we ought =svp#1

L4b-2. 26c The Spirit makes intercession for us =svp#2

L4b-3. 26d The Means by which the Spirit makes intercession is with unspoken groanings

26d The Spirit makes intercession with groanings =ssvp

26e The Manner of the groanings is that they cannot be spoken 

L4b-4. 27 The Result of the HS making intercession with unspoken groanings is that God knows our need

L4b-4a. 27a-b The One who knows the mind of the Spirit is He who searches the hearts

L4b-4a1. 27a The One who knows the mind of the Spirit is He who searches the hearts

L4b-4a2. 27b Someone knows what is the mind of the Spirit =svp

L4b-4b. 27c-d The Reason God knows the mind of the HS because the HS makes intercession for the saints acc to God’s will

L4b-4b1. 27c He makes intercession for the saints =ssvp

L4b-4b2. 27d The Manner of the intercession is according to the will of God. (HS knows the mind of the Father 1Cor 2:11)

L5. 28-30 The ^4th Reason Paul reasons eternal gain outweighs temporal pain is because God’s plan is that all things (including pain) work together for the glorification of those (being) conformed to the image of Christ. 

L5a. 28 The Content of what we know is that all things work together for good to those that love God and are “called”

L5a-1. 28a We know = vp

L5a-2. 28b-c The Content of what we know is that all things work together for good to those that love God and are “called”

L5a-2a. 28b All things work together for good =svp

L5a-2b. 28c The ones to whom all things work together for good are to those who love God,

L5a-2c. 28d The ones to whom all things work together for good are to those who are the called according to His purpose. 

L5b. 29-30 The Reason Paul can say all things work together for good to those that love God and are called according to God’s purpose is because God’s purpose is that the glorified Christ be the firstborn among many glorified sons. (cf Heb 2:10)

L5b-1. 29 The Purpose of God predestining the foreknown to be like Christ is so that Christ might be the firstborn among many brethren

L5b-1a. 29a The Ones who God predestined to be conformed the image of His Son are those whom He foreknew

L5b-1b. 29b God predestined folks =vp

L5b-1c. 29c The Thing to which God predestined is to be conformed to the image of His Son,

L5b-1d. 29d The Purpose of God predestining folks to be like Christ is so that Christ might be the firstborn among many brethren

L5b-2 30 The Result of God predestining the foreknown to be conformed to the image of the glorified Christ is that he called, justified & gloried them

L5b-2a 30a-b The Ones whom God called are the ones who He predestined,

L5b-2a1. 30a The Ones whom God called are the ones whom He predestined,

L5b-2a2. 30b God also called folks 

L5b-2b 30c-d The Ones whom God justified are the ones who He called

L5b-2ab1. 30c The Ones whom God justified are the ones whom He called

L5b-2ab2. 30d God also justified folks

L5b-2c 30e-f The Ones whom God glorified are the ones who He justified

L5b-2c1. 30e The Ones whom God glorified are the ones whom He justified

L5b-2c2. 30f God also glorified folks

M. 31-39 The Result of God’s plan to glorify believers through suffering like Christ is that nothing can prevent us from triumphing, since God is for us and loves us.

M1. 31 The Content of what we say to God’s plan is that because God is for us no one can be against us.

M1a. 31a The Content of what we say to God’s plan is that no one can be against us.

M1b. 31b The Reason no one can be against us is because God is for us

M1c. 31c No one/thing can be against us =vp 

M2. 32 The Reason Paul can say God is for us is because He gave us His Son and with Christ will freely give us all things.

M2a. 32a-b The One who shall freely give us all things is the one who already gave us His own Son

M2a-1 32a God did not spare His own Son,

M2a-2 32b God delivered Him up for us all

M2b. 32c The One with whom God shall freely give us all things is Christ

M2c. 32d God shall freely give us all things =vp

M3. 33-34 The Result of God and Christ freely giving us all things is that they will neither accuse or condemn the chosen ones whom Christ loves

M3a. The One will not bring a charge against God’s elect is God who justifies

M3a-1. 33a The One who accuses God’s elect is not God

M3a-2. 33b The Reason God doesn’t accuses is because God is the one who justifies us

M3b. The One will not condemn us is Christ who died and intercedes for us

M3b-1. 34a The One who condemns is not Christ

M3b-2. 34b The Reason Christ doesn’t condemn is because Christ is the one who died, rose, and is at the right hand of God praying for us (who gives Himself for us in love)

M4. 35-37 The Result of Christ loving us is that nothing can defeat us but instead we are triumphant in everything through Christ.

M4a. 35 The Things which shall not separate us from Christ’s love are difficulties and persecution

M4a-1. 35a Things shall separate not us from the love of Christ

M4a-2. 35b The Things which won’t separate us from Christ’s love are tribulation/distress/persecution/famine/nakedness/ peril/sword

M4b. 36 The Reason Paul can say difficulties and persecution can’t separate us from Christ’s love is because OT saints whom God loved endured ongoing persecution

M4b-1. 36a It is written

M4b-2. 36b-d The Content of Ps 44 indicates that believers suffer in the context of their relationship with God

M4b-2a. 36b The Reason believers suffer difficulty is because of (for the sake) of their relationship with God

M4b-2b. 36c Believers are killed all day long =vp
M4b-2c. 36c Manner in which believers suffer is as sheep destined for slaughter.

M4c. 37 The Result of is that Believers are triumphant in everything though Christ
M4c-1. 37a The Sphere in which believers are triumphant is in all difficult things

M4c-2. 37b Believers are more than conquerors =vp

M4c-3. 37c The Means by which Believers are triumphant is through Him who loved us. 

M5. 38-39 The Reason Paul can say believers are triumphant in everything through Christ is because Paul is persuaded that nothing can separate believers from God’s love expressed in Christ

M5a. 38a Paul is persuaded

M5b. 38b-39 The Thing about which Paul is persuaded is that nothing can separate believers from God’s love expressed in Christ

M5b-1. 39b-39b Nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God =vp

M5b-2. 39c The Manner of God’s love is that which is expressed in Christ Jesus our Lord

Romans 8c Reading Guide 
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Great verse worth memorizing. What is God’s purpose? Who is “called” and how does that work out practically? 

29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
This begins the famous “unbroken” but dangling chain. For some reason folks can appreciate the intra-verse context, but ignore the chapter beginning in verse one. What does it mean “to be conformed to the image”? How does that differ from forgiveness? What’s the point of being firstborn, and the many brethren? Heb 1:6 and 2:10 might shed some light.

30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
Define each word. Has Paul said anything about these concepts earlier in the chapter? Note the same verb tense (aorist active). A snapshot of action, just saying it happens. When it happens usually has to be determined from context.

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Sounds like a concluding thought to me. Flip around the second question into a statement for your outline.

32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

Another good verse to memorize. You have to do the same question flip, here and below.

33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.
“The One who…is not; because” might get you started.

34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
Was anyone else making intercession earlier?

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

Is this Christ’s love for us, or our love for Christ? How does this compare to the love in v28? Looking up these words isn’t necessary for your outline, but has some good applicational thoughts if you have time.

36 As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter."
OT quotes frequently give reason. What insights does this verse give us into the nature of the Christ-following life?

37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Yet/but might confuse you. Could be a new concluding point. There’s that love again. In what way is one a conqueror? Is true of everyone God loves?

38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,
39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Focus on the ending of these verses, rather than the rhetoric in the beginning. Understand love and “in Christ”. How does this verse serve as a transition to Chap 10.

Notes about Predestination, Election and Foreknowledge from What Love is This by Dave Hunt, pp 219-223 and 129. (thks Jill!) 

Predestination and election are used interchangeably in the NT They basically mean to mark out beforehand for a special purpose and blessing. The election and predestination of some never refers to salvation (justification) but always to particular benefits or blessings.
The sole reason always given is foreknowledge. 

To Calvin, predestination was his pivotal dogma. E. Hulme said, “His theology begins and ends with the supremacy of God.”
Calvin said, “ Everything depends upon the mere will of God; if some are damned and others saved it is because God has created some for death and others for life”. He also said, “I say with Augustine, that the Lord has created those who, as he certainly foreknew, were to go to destruction, and he did so because he so willed. Why he willed, it is not ours to ask…”
Boettner declares,”The doctrine of absolute Predestination of course logically holds that some are foreordained to death as truly as others are foreordained to life. The very terms “elect: and “election” imply the terms “non-elect” and “reprobation”. When some are chosen…others are left not chosen…We believe that from all eternity God has intended to leave some of Adam’s posterity in their sins and that the decisive factor in the life of each is to be found only in God’s will. “ 

About foreknowledge, Edwin H Palmer in his classic the Five points of Calvinism states, “ Although sin and unbelief are contrary to what God commands (His perceptive will), God has included them in His sovereign decree (ordained them, caused them to certainly come to pass),…How is it that a holy God who hates sin, not only passively permits sin but also certainly and efficaciously decrees that sin shall be? Our infinite God presents us with some astounding truths…”. (p.129)

BC: [See also "Unconditional Election" sermon on Truthbase.net]
The only verses which include Strong’s #4309 pre-destinate (decide beforehand) are:
Ro 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he <4309> also did predestinate <4309> to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Ro 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate <4309>, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

1Co 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained <4309> before the world unto our glory:

Eph 1:5 Having predestinated <4309> us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Eph 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated <4309> according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

John 1-3 Become A Child of God

John 1-3 Become A Child of God

Psalm 119:145-152 Calling for Help

Ps 119:145 KOPH “I have called with my whole heart. Answer me, Yahweh! I will keep your statutes. 146 I have called to you. Save me! I will obey your statutes.147 I rise before dawn and cry for help. I put my hope in your words. 148 My eyes stay open through the night watches, that I might meditate on your word.149 Hear my voice according to your hesed/loyal covenantal love. Revive me, Yahweh, according to your ordinances.

150 They draw near who follow after wickedness. They are far from your law. 151 You are near, Yahweh. All your commandments are truth/faithful. 152 Of old I have known from your testimonies, that you have founded them forever."

Observations: 119:145-149 Our psalmist is in trouble again; the wicked are getting closer to destroying him, so he calls “911” for help, repeatedly, and wholeheartedly. He gives God a few reasons to respond: his obedience, meditation, and hope/trust in God's revealed promises. He reminds God of His hesed and ordinances in which he trusts.

119:150-152 While the enemies are getting near, God is nearer, and His promises to loyally protect those who trust him are forever.

Application: Knowing God's everlasting promises gives us a basis for hope when enemies are near. Knowing God is near gives us confidence to trust Him to save us.

Prayer: Eternal God, thanks that I can know You, and call upon You, and know that You will loyally act according to Your promises. Help! Amen.

Proverbs 29:7-9 Justice Avoids God's Anger

Pr 29:7 “The righteous care about justice for the poor/weak. The wicked aren’t concerned about knowing. 8 Mockers inflame up a city, but wise men turn away anger. 9 If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man, the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.“

Observations: 29:7-8 Wise and righteous people are not only concerned about justice for those unable to obtain it on their own, they seek to rectify injustice so God's wrath will not consume the city. The wicked aren't concerned about justice and by their selfishness bring judgment upon themselves and their habitation.

29:9 In a court trying to establish justice, the fool isn't concerned about doing what is right and reaching a peaceful resolution, but rather just wants to vent.

Application: If we want God to be concerned about protecting us, we need to be concerned about protecting the rights of others.

Prayer: God, You are infinitely just and require justice among Your people. Guide me in doing Your will in blessing others, and protect me from the wicked fools. Amen.

John 1-3 John is the most unique Gospel, presenting over 90% unique material compared the synoptic gospels, because he's writing with a different purpose. The first half of the book, containing “Seven Signs” or miracles is the most “evangelistic” in the Bible, written to a universal audience (as opposed to Jewish, Roman, or Greek) so that they might believe and have life. The second half, is written to those who believe, so they may experience life abundantly. This is not only John's stated purpose (recorded at the end), but Jesus' purpose in coming to earth, stated in the prologue, and in the middle, where He also claims to be God).

John 10:10b I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

John 20:30 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

The prologue introduces a number of the themes John will emphasize throughout the book, chief among them being the offer of life, and reactions of belief and acceptance, versus refusal to believe and rejection. There are numerous approaches to understanding the structure of the book, the simple one is above, which we'll use. Chiasm abounds, and some see a chiastic center in Chapter 8 about the woman taken in adultery; others see the center in Chapter 6 where Jesus walks on water. There's even an approach which pairs the chiasm with the days of creation. John also wrote the Book of Revelation (as well as three epistles), so you know he's capable of some pretty amazing writing.

A common theme in John is the importance of believing (mentioned >90 times; the noun faith isn't mentioned once). The miracles have both a physical sense and a spiritual lesson for those who believe. Jesus will frequently elaborate on the spiritual significance of something, but His audience will understand it only in a physical sense (ie, born again).

Seven witness give their testimony about Jesus 1:34; 1:49; 6:69; 10:36; 11:27; 20:28; 20:31.

John presents the seven great "I AM" statements/sayings: 6:35 (Bread of Life); 8:12 (Light of the World); 10:9 (Gate); 10:11 (Good Shepherd); 11:25 (Resurrection and Life); 14:6 (Way, Truth, Life); 15:1 (True Vine). In 8:58 Jesus refers to Himself as “I am,” the name by which Yahweh revealed Himself in the OT.

There is a prepackaged exposition of John 3:16 “How to Get to Heaven in Ten Minutes” in the Sidebar. For those of you who want to take your Bible Study skill to the next level, the last section of the “Introduction to the 7PASSAGES” in the sidebar teaches you how to study the Bible like Sherlock 'Olmes, using John 3:15-18 as an example.

John 1 The Word Becomes Flesh

[Note the Chiastic structure of the Prologue]

A (Word=God) 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God.

 B (Word=Creator) 3 All things were made through Him. Without Him was not anything made that has been made.

  C (Word gives Life/Light) 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness didn't overcome it.

    D (John Witness) 6 There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came as a witness, that he might testify about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but was sent that he might testify about the light.

     E (Light Enters) 9 The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world didn't recognize Him.

      F (Own Reject) 11 He came to His own, and those who were His own didn't receive Him.

       G(Receive) 12 But as many as received Him,

         H (God's Children) to them He gave 
            the right to become God's children,

        g'(Believe) to those who believe in His name:

     f'(Own Born) 13 who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man but of God.

    e'(Glory Seen) 14 The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us. We saw His glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.

  d'(John Witness) 15 John testified about Him. He cried out, saying, "This was He of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me, for He was before me.'"

 c'(Son gives Grace) 16 From His fullness/abundance we all received grace upon grace.

b'(Son gives Truth) 17 For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

a'(Son Exegetes) 18 No one has seen God at any time. The one and only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared Him.

19 This is John's testimony, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" 20 He declared, and didn't deny, but he declared, "I am not the Christ." 21 They asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the prophet?" He answered, "No." 22 They said therefore to him, "Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" 23 He said, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord,' as Isaiah the prophet said." 24 The ones who had been sent were from the Pharisees. 25 They asked him, "Why then do you baptize, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?" 26 John answered them, "I baptize in water, but among you stands one whom you don't know. 27 He is the one who comes after me, who is preferred before me, Whose sandal strap I'm not worthy to loosen." 28 These things were done in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. 29 The next day, he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is He of whom I said, 'After me comes a man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.' 31 I didn't know Him, but for this reason I came baptizing in water: that He would be revealed to Israel." 32 John testified, saying, "I have seen the Spirit descending like a dove out of heaven, and it remained on Him. 33 I didn't recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water, He said to me, 'On whomever you will see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, the same is He who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.' 34 I have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God."

35 Again, the next day, John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God!" 37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to Him, "Rabbi" (which is to say, being interpreted, Teacher), "where are You staying?" 39 He said to them, "Come, and see." They came and saw where He was staying, and they stayed with Him that day. It was about the tenth hour. 40 One of the two who heard John, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first found his own brother, Simon, and said to him, "We have found the Messiah!" (which is, being interpreted, Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him, and said, "You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas" (which is by interpretation, Peter). 43 On the next day, He was determined to go out into Galilee, and he found Philip. Jesus said to him, "Follow Me." 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael, and said to him, "We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, wrote: Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." 46 Nathanael said to him, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said about him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!" 48 Nathanael said to Him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." 49 Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are King of Israel!" 50 Jesus answered him, "Because I told you, 'I saw you underneath the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than these!" 51 He said to him, "Most certainly, I tell you, hereafter you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

Observations: 1:1-18 Books have been written about the prologue which contains the major themes of the book. We'll just scratch the surface. Note its chiastic structure above, emphasizing the center of 12, equating receiving with believing. Many of the points are chiastic within themselves (especially verses 1-2 above in Greek word order).

a In the beginning

 b was

  c the Word

   d and the Word

    e was

      f with God

      f' and God

    e' was

   d' the Word.

  c ' This one

 b' was

a' in the beginning with God.:

(Speaking of Greek, there are some who know just enough Greek to harm themselves, yet not enough to know the truth. Some erroneously think that because “the Word was God” lacks the definite article “the” before God, that the end of verse 1 should be translated “the word was a god”. In 1807 Granville Sharp proved that when two proper nouns refer to the same person only one has the article; this is done to emphasize that the two are the same. See this link for more than you want to know.)

1:1-13 John starts out parallel to Genesis 1 where in the beginning God creates with a word. “Word” (“logos”) is both a concept, and the expression of that concept. The Word is eternal, God, Creator (1Cor 8:6; Col 1:16); the source of light and life.

The Life and Light Giver (note the “quasi Granville Sharp contruction” {no second “the”} in English) is accepted by some and rejected by some. The verb at end of verse 5 is sometimes translated “comprehend”, but John (and Mark) use it to indicate a conflict (“overcome”). The amazing thing about light, is that the smallest quantity can overcome darkness, by dispelling it, but darkness can never overcome or extinguish light. John uses the present tense to indicate the light is now shining in the dark world (Luke 1:79)

To those who accept/believe Him, He gives the power (grace) to becomes children of God. Note that acceptance or belief (clearly equated by the chiastic structure in verse 12) precede reception of the power. The result of receiving God's power is that one is born of God. One is not a child of God by virtue of bloodline or ancestry (bloods is plural), nor of natural birth, nor of deciding as in exercising human will or effort (perhaps adoption is in view), but only by God's working, which is something received/accepted (by faith). It's a spiritual, not human dynamic.

1:14-18 Verse 14 is a most significant verse, referring to the Incarnation. The Eternal Word, God, took on human form/flesh (Phil 2) and dwelt (same word used of dwelling in a tabernacle) among us. Jesus is/was God in the flesh. John testifies he saw His glory (miracles, Mount of Transfiguration, Resurrection, Ascension, bestowal of the Holy Spirit). Seeing is believing in John. Blind faith, nor trusting hearsay is not called for. Like people received the law through Moses, grace and truth come through Christ (this does not mean that grace and truth don't exist in the OT but as we'll see in the first miracle, in chapter 2, the abundance of grace is in view here). Grace upon grace, emphasizes the abundance. The last verse of the prologue ties back to the 1:1, the invisible God is made visible in the form of Jesus. Isaiah and Moses saw the image and glory of God, and Israel could see the cloud and pillar of fire, but the essence of God, His love and purpose, are only expressed in Christ. He's the concept/idea, and the expression of the concept/idea. The word “declare” means to lead out or explain (the truth) from which we get the English exegesis. Jesus explains the Father, because He is one and the same with the Father.

1:19-51 John the Baptist (not the author) points people to Jesus the Lamb of God. Some follow, and some don't. The Savior of the world is in view; the sacrifice on the Day of Atonement was a goat; there was no lamb sin offering except in Isaiah 53. Note that John squarely places the Baptizer in the context of Isaiah 40 herald of the Kingdom, as do the other gospels. John was the last gospel to be written and demonstrates an awareness of the other gospels. Here he reveals that the Father who sent the Baptizer had revealed to him that the One who would baptize with the Holy Spirit (New Covenant promise -Ezek 36:27) would be recognized by the descent of the Dove. John testifies to this and that Jesus is the Son of God (not a child of God, two different words in Greek huios=son; teknon=child -1:12).

The disciples were looking for the Messiah promised in the OT, and when John the herald of the Messiah and His kingdom, points Him out, those who were following John, switched to following Jesus. They note that He is the son of Joseph, as well. Jesus reveals to guileless Nathanael that He saw him under the fig tree. Whatever he was doing isn't revealed, but it was so significant to Nat that He overcomes his initial reluctance, and professes Jesus as the Son of God and King of Israel. Jesus promises far greater things will be seen by those who respond to His invitation to “come and see.” He alludes to Jacob's dream in Genesis 28:12-14, in which God reiterated the universal blessing of the Abrahamic covenant and Daniel's vision in 7:13, in which the Son of Man is given authority and a kingdom that will never end.

Application: Everyone has faith, or the ability to trust in something (like you have trust the chair you sit in will hold your weight). The issue is the object of one's faith. “That things will turn out well” is not a good object of one's faith, for it's based upon sheer speculation; that Jesus is the Author and Sustainer of life, is a far better choice, because it is based upon solid, authenticated revelation, and results in spiritual life.

Prayer: Jesus, I believe that You are not only the Creator of my life, but the Lamb of God who takes away my sins, so I can have eternal life. Thanks for leaving the comfort of heaven to save me; may I leave my comforts to follow You. Amen.

John 2 There's Joy in Following Jesus

2:1 The third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee. Jesus' mother was there. 2 Jesus also was invited, with his disciples, to the marriage. 3 When the wine ran out, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no wine." 4 Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does that have to do with you and me? My hour has not yet come." 5 His mother said to the servants, "Whatever he says to you, do it." 6 Now there were six water pots of stone set there after the Jews' manner of purifying, containing two or three metretes apiece. 7 Jesus said to them, "Fill the water pots with water." They filled them up to the brim. 8 He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the ruler of the feast." So they took it. 9 When the ruler of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and didn't know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the ruler of the feast called the bridegroom, 10 and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and when the guests have drunk freely, then that which is worse. You have kept the good wine until now!" 11 This beginning of his signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

12 After this, he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they stayed there a few days. 13 The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 He found in the temple those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, and the changers of money sitting. 15 He made a whip of cords, and threw all out of the temple, both the sheep and the oxen; and he poured out the changers' money, and overthrew their tables. 16 To those who sold the doves, he said, "Take these things out of here! Don't make my Father's house a marketplace!" 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will eat me up." 18 The Jews therefore answered him, "What sign do you show us, seeing that you do these things?" 19 Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." 20 The Jews therefore said, "It took forty-six years to build this temple! Will you raise it up in three days?" 21 But he spoke of the temple of his body. 22 When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he said this, and they believed the Scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. 23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in his name, observing his signs which he did. 24 But Jesus didn't trust himself to them, because he knew everyone, 25 and because he didn't need for anyone to testify concerning man; for he himself knew what was in man.

Observations: 2:1-11 John records Jesus' first miracle, an interesting choice for someone who could have done anything. With all the needs in the world, why change water into wine? There are lots of implications one could draw from the miracle, and Jesus doesn't give us an explanation of its meaning, as He does with some other miracles. Maybe that's because He had previously given us some explanation in chapter one. There are a few observations in the narrative which stand out. The point of Jesus' ministry at this juncture is not to solve the world's problems, but announce the Kingdom promised in the OT. One of the promised blessings is that Israel would be restored to the land, plant vineyards and drink their wine. Wine was a symbol of joy and abundance in the Messianic age. The Millennial Kingdom kicks off with a wedding feast (Marriage Supper of the Lamb) and this miracle foreshadows it. In John 15, where Jesus reveals Himself as the vine to those who believe in Him, He speaks of abiding, so that one's joy would be full. Water was necessary for mere survival. But Jesus came to bring abundant life, so wine is appropriate. The law with its ritual came through Moses but abundant grace came though Jesus, better than anything before it. The water was used for Jewish ritual washings; Jesus changed that into feasting. However, it takes effort to make wine. John emphasizes that His mother says “do whatever He tells you,” which is what we need to do to experience the fine wine, better than anything before it. Interestingly, Jesus said in John 15 that obedient abiding is a prerequisite to joy.

This is when Jesus' disciples have a basis for belief beyond the testimony of John (and Nathanael). They saw and experienced Jesus' work, because they were willing to follow Him. Many miss out because of their unwillingness to “come and see.”

2:12-25 Jesus leaves Nazareth (Luke 4 tells us they kicked him out of town), and moves to Capernaum. He goes to Jerusalem at the Passover and cleans house. The other gospels have the trip to the temple after His triumphal entry just before He was crucified, so most posit two trips. When Jesus is challenged and asked for a sign, He gives them the sign of Jonah, even though the next verses record Him doing other miracles. This is a great example of the aorist tense in Greek referring to an event, taking a snapshot of the action, but not describing the duration of it. Some erroneously say the aorist tense refers to a point of action in the past, and it can do that. But here it refers to a process that took 46 years. The context always determines the type of action. John links the comment about the Temple to Jesus' resurrection, as the basis of the disciples believing not just in Him, but in His word.

Jesus does more miracles (not the “Seven Signs”), but the specifics are not given. The result of people “coming and seeing” is that they believe, although the establishment people in the temple (His own) rejected Him.

Application: Those who follow Jesus, and do what He says, experience joy. Those who don't, don't.

Prayer: Jesus, thanks for inviting me to “come and see” You at work, and showing Yourself true to Your promises. May I experience not only life, but the abundant life You came to give. Amen.

John 3 You Must Be Born Again

3:1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 The same came to him by night, and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do, unless God is with him." 3 Jesus answered him, "Most certainly, I tell you, unless one is born anew, he can't see the Kingdom of God." 4 Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb, and be born?" 5 Jesus answered, "Most certainly I tell you, unless one is born of water and spirit, he can't enter into the Kingdom of God! 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Don't marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born anew.' 8 The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear its sound, but don't know where it comes from and where it is going. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit." 9 Nicodemus answered him, "How can these things be?" 10 Jesus answered him, "Are you the teacher of Israel, and don't understand these things? 11 Most certainly I tell you, we speak that which we know, and testify of that which we have seen, and you don't receive our witness. 12 If I told you earthly things and you don't believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven, but he who descended out of heaven, the Son of Man, who is in heaven. 

14 As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God didn't send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him. 18 He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn't believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God. 19 This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does evil hates the light, and doesn't come to the light, lest his works would be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his works may be revealed, that they have been done in/by God."

22 After these things, Jesus came with his disciples into the land of Judea. He stayed there with them, and baptized. 23 John also was baptizing in Enon near Salim, because there was much water there. They came, and were baptized. 24 For John was not yet thrown into prison. 25 There arose therefore a questioning on the part of John's disciples with some Jews about purification. 26 They came to John, and said to him, "Rabbi, he who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified, behold, the same baptizes, and everyone is coming to him." 27 John answered, "A man can receive nothing, unless it has been given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ,' but, 'I have been sent before him.' 29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. This, my joy, therefore is made full. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease. 31 He who comes from above is above all. He who is from the Earth belongs to the Earth, and speaks of the Earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 What he has seen and heard, of that he testifies; and no one receives his witness. 33 He who has received his witness has set his seal to this, that God is true. 34 For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for God gives the Spirit without measure. 35 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into his hand. 36 One who believes in the Son has eternal life, but one who disobeys the Son won't see life, but the wrath of God remains on him."

Observations: 3:1-21 See exposition of this most famous passage in the sidebar under Introduction to the 7PASSAGES and How to Study the Bible like Sherlock 'Olmes (last section). Nicodemus eventually becomes a disciple of Jesus, but the beginning is a little difficult for him. Like the rich young ruler, he wants to have a possession in the Kingdom of God, as Jesus answer reveals. But for that to occur, he needs to be born again/anew. Jesus is referring to spiritual rebirth, but Nic takes it literally and physically. Born of water is physical birth, as verse 6 indicates. Born of Spirit has to be the spiritual rebirth of the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31 see comment on a new heart there), because Nic was suppose to know this as an OT teacher. We see the effects of the wind, but we can't see wind. Similarly with the Spirit, one sees the effects, but not the Spirit. Jesus picks up the prologue themes of being the author of life and spokesman/exegete to present Himself as God's source of spiritual life.

In Numbers 21 the people spoke against God and doubted His goodness, so He sent fiery serpents to afflict and kill them. When they cried out in repentance, He told Moses to make a bronze serpent, put it on a pole and lift it up. All people had to do was look to God's provision for their sin, and the pain and death stopped. In the same way, the Son of Man was God's provision for the sin of the world. When they realize they need a solution for the consequences of their sin, they need to look to or believe in God's provision, which is the Lamb of God. John 3:16 also defines God's agape love as self-sacrifice in the cause of another's highest interest/benefit (it's not the word for fond feelings). The person who accepts/believes in God's provision gets eternal life (more on this in future passages). The one who believes escapes condemnation/judgment. The one who doesn't believe/accept Jesus as God's provision for their sin, has already been condemned, because sin and evil have already been judged as such. The ones who don't come to the light are those whose deeds are evil, so they hide in the dark, which results in death. The light is what gives life. The one who does the truth doesn't have to hide, but that person comes to the light is so that their deeds are seen to be produced in/by God.

3:22-36 John 4:1-2 tells us that Jesus baptized more disciples than John (although His disciples did the dunking). John's disciples express a concern, or perhaps a jealousy. John affirms Jesus' mission and His own role in it. The Baptizer recognizes that Jesus is the Bridegroom, and he is just a friend who rejoices in Him. There is no jealousy, because it's not about JB, but about Jesus. The great ministry principle of developing others comes out of JB's words “He must increase, but I must decrease.” JB's job was to testify to Jesus who would testify to heavenly things. The only way a finite being can know infinite truth is if an Infinite Being reveals it to him/her. Jesus is the exegete/explainer, who gives the world the words of God. The last verse 3:36 should be as famous as John 3:16, because more people are motivated by fear than desire. God not only offers eternal life, but those who don't accept the Son will not only miss out, but will reap the wrath of God for their sins.

Application: If you haven't already done so, decide to trust/accept Jesus as the provision for your sin. See the sidebar, “How to Get to Heaven in Ten Minutes” or the Bridge to Life on Truthbase.net. There's no need to reap wrath.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks for sending the Lord Jesus to die for my sins; thanks for forgiving me on the basis of His death; may I experience the abundant life You desire for me, walking in the light instead of the dark. Amen.

Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: God sends and authenticates Jesus so people can experience the abundant life He designed for them as His children.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus is the light and life of the world, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, so all can become children of God.

Us in a nutshell: Those who accept Jesus and believe in Him have life, and those who continue to believe have it abundantly. Those who don't will stumble in the dark until they experience the wrath they've earned.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

John complete text

John 1

1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him. Without him was not anything made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn't overcome it. 6 There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came as a witness, that he might testify about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but was sent that he might testify about the light. 9 The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world didn't recognize him. 11 He came to his own, and those who were his own didn't receive him. 12 But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God's children, to those who believe in his name: 13 who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John testified about him. He cried out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me, for he was before me.'" 16 From his fullness we all received grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time. The one and only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared him. 19 This is John's testimony, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" 20 He declared, and didn't deny, but he declared, "I am not the Christ." 21 They asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the prophet?" He answered, "No." 22 They said therefore to him, "Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" 23 He said, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord,' as Isaiah the prophet said." 24 The ones who had been sent were from the Pharisees. 25 They asked him, "Why then do you baptize, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?" 26 John answered them, "I baptize in water, but among you stands one whom you don't know. 27 He is the one who comes after me, who is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I'm not worthy to loosen." 28 These things were done in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. 29 The next day, he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, 'After me comes a man who is preferred before me, for he was before me.' 31 I didn't know him, but for this reason I came baptizing in water: that he would be revealed to Israel." 32 John testified, saying, "I have seen the Spirit descending like a dove out of heaven, and it remained on him. 33 I didn't recognize him, but he who sent me to baptize in water, he said to me, 'On whomever you will see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.' 34 I have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God." 35 Again, the next day, John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God!" 37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which is to say, being interpreted, Teacher), "where are you staying?" 39 He said to them, "Come, and see." They came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about the tenth hour. 40 One of the two who heard John, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first found his own brother, Simon, and said to him, "We have found the Messiah!" (which is, being interpreted, Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him, and said, "You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas" (which is by interpretation, Peter). 43 On the next day, he was determined to go out into Galilee, and he found Philip. Jesus said to him, "Follow me." 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael, and said to him, "We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, wrote: Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." 46 Nathanael said to him, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said about him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!" 48 Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." 49 Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are King of Israel!" 50 Jesus answered him, "Because I told you, 'I saw you underneath the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than these!" 51 He said to him, "Most certainly, I tell you, hereafter you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

John 2

2:1 The third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee. Jesus' mother was there. 2 Jesus also was invited, with his disciples, to the marriage. 3 When the wine ran out, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no wine." 4 Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does that have to do with you and me? My hour has not yet come." 5 His mother said to the servants, "Whatever he says to you, do it." 6 Now there were six water pots of stone set there after the Jews' manner of purifying, containing two or three metretes apiece. 7 Jesus said to them, "Fill the water pots with water." They filled them up to the brim. 8 He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the ruler of the feast." So they took it. 9 When the ruler of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and didn't know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the ruler of the feast called the bridegroom, 10 and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and when the guests have drunk freely, then that which is worse. You have kept the good wine until now!" 11 This beginning of his signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. 12 After this, he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they stayed there a few days. 13 The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 He found in the temple those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, and the changers of money sitting. 15 He made a whip of cords, and threw all out of the temple, both the sheep and the oxen; and he poured out the changers' money, and overthrew their tables. 16 To those who sold the doves, he said, "Take these things out of here! Don't make my Father's house a marketplace!" 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will eat me up." 18 The Jews therefore answered him, "What sign do you show us, seeing that you do these things?" 19 Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." 20 The Jews therefore said, "It took forty-six years to build this temple! Will you raise it up in three days?" 21 But he spoke of the temple of his body. 22 When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he said this, and they believed the Scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. 23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in his name, observing his signs which he did. 24 But Jesus didn't trust himself to them, because he knew everyone, 25 and because he didn't need for anyone to testify concerning man; for he himself knew what was in man.

John 3

3:1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 The same came to him by night, and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do, unless God is with him." 3 Jesus answered him, "Most certainly, I tell you, unless one is born anew, he can't see the Kingdom of God." 4 Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb, and be born?" 5 Jesus answered, "Most certainly I tell you, unless one is born of water and spirit, he can't enter into the Kingdom of God! 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Don't marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born anew.' 8 The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear its sound, but don't know where it comes from and where it is going. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit." 9 Nicodemus answered him, "How can these things be?" 10 Jesus answered him, "Are you the teacher of Israel, and don't understand these things? 11 Most certainly I tell you, we speak that which we know, and testify of that which we have seen, and you don't receive our witness. 12 If I told you earthly things and you don't believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven, but he who descended out of heaven, the Son of Man, who is in heaven. 14 As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God didn't send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him. 18 He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn't believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God. 19 This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does evil hates the light, and doesn't come to the light, lest his works would be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his works may be revealed, that they have been done in God." 22 After these things, Jesus came with his disciples into the land of Judea. He stayed there with them, and baptized. 23 John also was baptizing in Enon near Salim, because there was much water there. They came, and were baptized. 24 For John was not yet thrown into prison. 25 There arose therefore a questioning on the part of John's disciples with some Jews about purification. 26 They came to John, and said to him, "Rabbi, he who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified, behold, the same baptizes, and everyone is coming to him." 27 John answered, "A man can receive nothing, unless it has been given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ,' but, 'I have been sent before him.' 29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. This, my joy, therefore is made full. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease. 31 He who comes from above is above all. He who is from the Earth belongs to the Earth, and speaks of the Earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 What he has seen and heard, of that he testifies; and no one receives his witness. 33 He who has received his witness has set his seal to this, that God is true. 34 For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for God gives the Spirit without measure. 35 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into his hand. 36 One who believes in the Son has eternal life, but one who disobeys the Son won't see life, but the wrath of God remains on him."