How can we keep Christ at the center of our lives?
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SERMON NOTES:
John 12:37-50
How can we keep Christ at the center of our lives?
Recognize many reject Christ no matter how convincing the evidence. (37)
Remember God has the perfect plan. (38-41)
Accept that many who believe struggle to be all-in because of their “fear of man”. (42-43)
Embrace the reality that Jesus deserves our unwavering devotion. (44-50)
study questions:
1. Read verse 37. John talks of “many signs” in verse 37, but only records seven of them in the Gospel of John (in addition to Jesus’ resurrection). Look back over John 2-11 and see if you can list the seven signs. Why do you think these signs failed to convince people in Jesus’ time to believe in Jesus? Do you see any similarities with a failure to believe in Jesus by many in our culture today?
2. Read verses 38-41. In verse 38, what is the point of the quote from Isaiah 53:1? How does it relate to how the nation of Israel is responding to Jesus? What point is John making in verses 39-40 by quoting Isaiah 6:10? Do you think John’s point in verses 39-40 is similar to the idea in Romans 1:28? Why or why not?
3. Read verses 42-43. What do you think John means by “believed” versus “confess” in verse 42? Why does this matter? What does “glory” mean in verse 43? What point is John making in this verse? Do you ever struggle with who you want to please most, man or God? How so?
4. Read verses 44-46. What is the main point Jesus is communicating in these verses? How is this idea similar to what is said in John 1:14 and Colossians 1:15?
5. Read verses 47-50. According to these verses, what will be the basis for judgment on the final day (see verse 47)? What is the “word” Jesus has spoken (see John 3:16, Romans 6:23; 5:8; 8:1, Ephesians 2:8-9)? How does this concept of judgment motivate us to tell others about Jesus?
6. So what? Go back and review verse 43. In what ways can you grow in how you seek glory from God rather than glory and approval from man? If you grew in this area how would your life change?