| Back to Home Page | Back to
Book Index |
John Chapter
Seven
John 7
In chapter 7 His brethren after the flesh
still sunk in
unbelief
would have Him shew Himself to the world
if He did these great
things; but the time for this was not yet come. At the fulfilment of the type
of the feast of tabernacles He will do so. The passover had its antitype at the
cross
pentecost at the descent of the Holy Ghost. The feast of tabernacles
as
yet
has had no fulfilment. It was celebrated after the harvest and the
vintage
and Israel joyfully commemorated
in the land
their pilgrimage before
entering on the rest which God had given them in Canaan. Thus the fulfilment of
this type will be when
after the execution of judgment (whether in discerning
between the wicked and the good
or simply in vengeance [1]
Israel
restored to their land
shall be in
possession of all their promised blessing. At that time Jesus will shew Himself
to the world; but at the time of which we are speaking His hour was not yet
come. Meanwhile
having gone away (v. 33
34)
He gives the Holy Ghost to
believers (v. 38
39).
Remark here
there is no pentecost brought in. We pass from the
passover in chapter 6 to the tabernacles in chapter 7
in lieu of which
believers would receive the Holy Ghost. As I have remarked
this Gospel treats
of a divine Person on earth
not of the man in heaven. The coming of the Holy
Ghost is spoken of as substituted for the last or eighth day of the feast of
tabernacles. Pentecost supposes Jesus on high.
But He presents the Holy Ghost in such a way as to make
Him the hope of faith at the time in which He spoke
if God created a sense of
need in the soul. If any one thirsted
let him come to Jesus and drink. Not
only should his thirst be quenched
but from the inner man of his soul should
flow forth streams of living water. So that coming to Him by faith to satisfy
the need of their soul
not only should the Holy Ghost be in them a well of
water springing up into everlasting life
but living water should also flow
forth from them in abundance to refresh all those who thirsted. Observe here
that Israel drank water in the wilderness before they could keep the feast of
tabernacles. But they only drank. There was no well in them. The water flowed
from the rock. Under grace every believer is not doubtless a source in himself;
but the full stream flows from him. This however would only take place when
Jesus was glorified
and in those who were already believers
previous to their
receiving it. What is spoken of here is not a work that quickens. It is a gift
to those who believe. Moreover at the feast of tabernacles Jesus will shew
Himself to the world; but this is not the subject of which the Holy Ghost thus
received is especially the witness. He is given in connection with the glory of
Jesus
while He is hidden from the world. It was also on the eighth day of the
feast
the sign of a portion beyond the sabbath rest of this world
and which
began another period-a new scene of glory.
Observe also that
practically
although the Holy Ghost
is presented here as power acting in blessing outside the one in whom He
dwells
His presence in the believer is the fruit of a personal thirst
of need
felt in the soul-need for which the soul had sought an answer in Christ. He who
thirsts
thirsts for himself. The Holy Ghost in us
revealing Christ
becomes
by dwelling in us when we have believed
a river in us
and thus for others.
The spirit of the Jews plainly shewed itself. They sought
to kill the Lord; and He tells them that His relationship with them on earth
would soon be ended (v. 33). They need not hasten so much to get rid of Him:
soon they would seek Him and not be able to find Him. He was going away to His
Father.
We see clearly the difference here between the multitude and the
Jews-two parties always distinguished from each other in this Gospel. The
former did not understand why He spoke of the desire to kill Him. Those of
Judea were astonished at His boldness
knowing that at Jerusalem they were
conspiring against His life. His time was not yet come. They send officers to
take Him; and these return
struck with His discourse
without laying hands on
Him. The Pharisees are angry
and express their contempt for the people.
Nicodemus hazards a word of justice according to the law
and brings their
contempt on himself But each one goes away to his home. Jesus
who had no home
until He went back to heaven whence He came
goes to the Mount of Olives
the
witness of His agony
His ascension
and His return-a place which He habitually
frequented
when at Jerusalem
during the time of His ministry on earth.
The contrast of this chapter with Judaism
even with its
best hopes in the future that God has prepared for His earthly people
is too
evident to be dwelt upon. This Gospel
throughout
reveals Jesus outside all
that belonged to that earthly system. In chapter 6 it was death here below on
the cross. Here it is glory in heaven
the Jews being rejected
and the Holy
Ghost given to the believer. In chapter 5 He gives life
as the Son of God; in
chapter 6 He is the same Son
but not as divinely quickening and judging as
being Son of man
but as come down from heaven
the Son in humiliation here
but the true bread from heaven which the Father gave. But in that lowly One
they must see the Son
to live. Then
as so come
and having taken the form of
a servant
and being found in fashion as a man
He (v. 53) humbles Himself
and
suffers on the cross
as Son of man; in chapter 7 He
when glorified
sends the
Holy Ghost. Chapter 5 displays His titles of personal glory; chapters 6
7
His
work and the giving of the Spirit to believers consequent on His present glory
in heaven
[2] to which the presence of the Holy Ghost
answers on earth. In chapters 8
9 [3] we shall find His testimony and His works
rejected
and the question decided between Him and the Jews. It will be
observed also
that chapters 5 and 6 treat of the life. In chapter 5 it is
given sovereignly and divinely by Him who possesses it; in chapter 6
the soul
receiving and being occupied with Jesus by faith
finds life
and feeds upon
Him by the grace of the Father: two things distinct in their nature-God gives;
man
by grace
feeds. On the other hand
chapter 7 is Christ's going to Him
that sent Him
and meanwhile the Holy Ghost
who unfolds the glory He is gone
into
in us and by us
in its heavenly character. In chapter 5 Christ is the
Son of God
who quickens in abstract divine power and will
what He is
not the
place He is in
but alone judges
being Son of man; in chapter 6
the same Son
but come down from heaven
the object of faith in His humiliation
then the Son
of man
dying
and returning again; in chapter 7
not yet revealed to the
world. The Holy Ghost is given instead when He is glorified above
the Son of
man in heaven-at least contemplating His going there.
[1] The
harvest is discriminating judgment
there are tares and wheat. The winepress is
the destructive judgment of vengeance. In the former there will be two in one
bed
one taken and another left
but the winepress is simple wrath
as Isaiah
63. So in Revelation 14.
[2] This
glory
however
is only supposed
not taught. He cannot be at the feast of
tabernacles
Israel's rest
nor shew Himself
as He will then
to the world;
but gives the Holy Ghost instead. This we know supposes His present position
just referred to in chapter 6.
[3] The
doctrine of chapter 9 continues to the 30th verse of chapter 10.
── John Darby《Synopsis of John》
John 7
Chapter Contents
Christ goes to the feast of tabernacles. (1-13) His
discourse at the feast. (14-39) The people dispute concerning Christ. (40-53)
Commentary on John 7:1-13
(Read John 7:1-13)
The brethren or kinsmen of Jesus were disgusted
when
they found there was no prospect of worldly advantages from him. Ungodly men
sometimes undertake to counsel those employed in the work of God; but they only
advise what appears likely to promote present advantages. The people differed
about his doctrine and miracles
while those who favoured him
dared not openly
to avow their sentiments. Those who count the preachers of the gospel to be
deceivers
speak out
while many who favour them
fear to get reproach by
avowing regard for them.
Commentary on John 7:14-24
(Read John 7:14-24)
Every faithful minister may humbly adopt Christ's words.
His doctrine is not his own finding out
but is from God's word
through the
teaching of his Spirit. And amidst the disputes which disturb the world
if any
man
of any nation
seeks to do the will of God
he shall know whether the
doctrine is of God
or whether men speak of themselves. Only those who hate the
truth shall be given up to errors which will be fatal. Surely it was as
agreeable to the design of the sabbath to restore health to the afflicted
as
to administer an outward rite. Jesus told them to decide on his conduct
according to the spiritual import of the Divine law. We must not judge
concerning any by their outward appearance
but by their worth
and by the
gifts and graces of God's Spirit in them.
Commentary on John 7:25-30
(Read John 7:25-30)
Christ proclaimed aloud
that they were in error in their
thoughts about his origin. He was sent of God
who showed himself true to his
promises. This declaration
that they knew not God
with his claim to peculiar
knowledge
provoked the hearers; and they sought to take him
but God can tie
men's hands
though he does not turn their hearts.
Commentary on John 7:31-36
(Read John 7:31-36)
The discourses of Jesus convinced many that he was the
Messiah; but they had not courage to own it. It is comfort to those who are in
the world
but not of it
and therefore are hated by it and weary of it
that
they shall not be in it always
that they shall not be in it long. Our days
being evil
it is well they are few. The days of life and of grace do not last
long; and sinners
when in misery
will be glad of the help they now despise.
Men dispute about such sayings
but the event will explain them.
Commentary on John 7:37-39
(Read John 7:37-39)
On the last day of the feast of tabernacles
the Jews
drew water and poured it out before the Lord. It is supposed that Christ
alluded to this. If any man desires to be truly and for ever happy
let him
apply to Christ
and be ruled by him. This thirst means strong desires after
spiritual blessings
which nothing else can satisfy; so the sanctifying and
comforting influences of the Holy Spirit
were intended by the waters which
Jesus called on them to come to Him and drink. The comfort flows plentifully
and constantly as a river; strong as a stream to bear down the opposition of
doubts and fears. There is a fulness in Christ
of grace for grace. The Spirit
dwelling and working in believers
is as a fountain of living
running water
out of which plentiful streams flow
cooling and cleansing as water. The
miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit we do not expect
but for his more common
and more valuable influences we may apply. These streams have flowed from our
glorified Redeemer
down to this age
and to the remote corners of the earth.
May we be anxious to make them known to others.
Commentary on John 7:40-53
(Read John 7:40-53)
The malice of Christ's enemies is always against reason
and sometimes the staying of it cannot be accounted for. Never any man spake
with that wisdom
and power
and grace
that convincing clearness
and that
sweetness
wherewith Christ spake. Alas
that many
who are for a time
restrained
and who speak highly of the word of Jesus
speedily lose their
convictions
and go on in their sins! People are foolishly swayed by outward
motives in matters of eternal moment
are willing even to be damned for
fashion's sake. As the wisdom of God often chooses things which men despise
so
the folly of men commonly despises those whom God has chosen. The Lord brings
forward his weak and timid disciples
and sometimes uses them to defeat the
designs of his enemies.
── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on John》
John 7
Verse 2
[2] Now
the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand.
The feast of tabernacles — The time
manner
and reason of this feast may be seen
Leviticus 23:34
etc.
Verse 3
[3] His brethren therefore said unto him
Depart hence
and go into Judaea
that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.
His brethren — So
called according to the Jewish way of speaking. They were his cousins
the sons
of his mother's sister.
Depart hence —
From this obscure place.
Verse 4
[4] For
there is no man that doeth any thing in secret
and he himself seeketh to be known
openly. If thou do these things
shew thyself to the world.
For no man doth any thing — Of this kind
in secret; but rather desireth to be of public use.
If thou really dost these things — These miracles which are reported; show thyself to the world - To all
men.
Verse 6
[6] Then
Jesus said unto them
My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.
Jesus saith
Your time is always ready — This or any time will suit you.
Verse 7
[7] The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth
because I testify of it
that
the works thereof are evil.
The world cannot hate you — Because ye are of the world.
But me it hateth —
And all that bear the same testimony.
Verse 10
[10] But
when his brethren were gone up
then went he also up unto the feast
not
openly
but as it were in secret.
He also went up to the feast — This was his last journey but one to Jerusalem. The next time he went up
he suffered.
Verse 11
[11] Then
the Jews sought him at the feast
and said
Where is he?
The Jews —
The men of Judea
particularly of Jerusalem.
Verse 12
[12] And
there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said
He is
a good man: others said
Nay; but he deceiveth the people.
There was much murmuring among the multitude — Much whispering; many private debates with each other
among those who
were come from distant parts.
Verse 13
[13]
Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.
However no man spake openly of him — Not in favour of him: for fear of the Jews - Those that were in
authority.
Verse 14
[14] Now
about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple
and taught.
Now at the middle of the feast — Which lasted eight days. It is probable this was on the Sabbath day.
Jesus went up into the temple — Directly
without stopping any where else.
Verse 15
[15] And
the Jews marvelled
saying
How knoweth this man letters
having never learned?
How does this man know letters
having never
learned? — How comes he to be so well acquainted with
sacred literature as to be able thus to expound the Scripture
with such
propriety and gracefulness
seeing he has never learned this
at any place of
education?
Verse 16
[16]
Jesus answered them
and said
My doctrine is not mine
but his that sent me.
My doctrine is not mine — Acquired by any labour of learning; but his that sent me - Immediately
infused by him.
Verse 17
[17] If
any man will do his will
he shall know of the doctrine
whether it be of God
or whether I speak of myself.
If any man be willing to do his will
he
shall know of the doctrine
whether it be of God —
This is a universal rule
with regard to all persons and doctrines. He that is
thoroughly willing to do it
shall certainly know what the will of God is.
Verse 18
[18] He
that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory
that sent him
the same is true
and no unrighteousness is in him.
There is no unrighteousness in him — No deceit or falsehood.
Verse 19
[19] Did
not Moses give you the law
and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye
about to kill me?
But ye are unrighteous; for ye violate the
very law which ye profess so much zeal for.
Verse 20
[20] The
people answered and said
Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee?
The people answered
Thou hast a devil — A lying spirit.
Who seeketh to kill thee? — These
coming from distant parts
probably did not know the design of
the priests and rulers.
Verse 21
[21]
Jesus answered and said unto them
I have done one work
and ye all marvel.
I did — At
the pool of Bethesda: one work - Out of many: and ye all marvelled at it - Are
amazed
because I did it on the Sabbath day.
Verse 22
[22]
Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses
but of
the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.
Moses gave you circumcision — The sense is
because Moses enjoined you circumcision (though indeed it
was far more ancient than him) you think it no harm to circumcise a man on the
Sabbath: and are ye angry at me (which anger had now continued sixteen months)
for doing so much greater a good
for healing a man
body and soul
on the
Sabbath?
Verse 27
[27]
Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh
no man knoweth
whence he is.
When Christ cometh
none knoweth whence he is — This Jewish tradition was true
with regard to his Divine nature: in
that respect none could declare his generation. But it was not true with regard
to his human nature
for both his family and the place of his birth were
plainly foretold.
Verse 28
[28] Then
cried Jesus in the temple as he taught
saying
Ye both know me
and ye know
whence I am: and I am not come of myself
but he that sent me is true
whom ye
know not.
Then cried Jesus —
With a loud and earnest voice.
Do ye both know me
and know whence I am ? — Ye do indeed know whence I am as a man. But ye know not my Divine
nature
nor that I am sent from God.
Verse 29
[29] But
I know him: for I am from him
and he hath sent me.
l am from him — By
eternal generation: and he hath sent me - His mission follows from his
generation. These two points answer those: Do ye know me? Do ye know whence I
am?
Verse 30
[30] Then
they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him
because his hour was not
yet come.
His hour —
The time of his suffering.
Verse 33
[33] Then
said Jesus unto them
Yet a little while am I with you
and then I go unto him
that sent me.
Then said Jesus —
Continuing his discourse (from John 7:29) which they had interrupted.
Verse 34
[34] Ye
shall seek me
and shall not find me: and where I am
thither ye cannot come.
Ye shall seek me —
Whom ye now despise. These words are
as it were
the text which is commented
upon in this and the following chapter.
Where I am —
Christ's so frequently saying while on earth
where I am
when he spake of his
being in heaven
intimates his perpetual presence there in his Divine nature:
though his going thither was a future thing
with regard to his human nature.
Verse 35
[35] Then
said the Jews among themselves
Whither will he go
that we shall not find him?
will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles
and teach the Gentiles?
Will he go to the dispersed among the Greeks — The Jews scattered abroad in heathen nations
Greece particularly. Or
Will he teach the Greeks? - The heathens themselves.
Verse 37
[37] In
the last day
that great day of the feast
Jesus stood and cried
saying
If
any man thirst
let him come unto me
and drink.
On the last
the great day of the feast — On this day there was the greatest concourse of people
and they were
then wont to fetch water from the fountain of Siloam
which the priests poured
out on the great altar
singing one to an other
With joy shall ye draw water
from the wells of salvation. On this day likewise they commemorated God's
miraculously giving water out of the rock
and offered up solemn prayers for
seasonable rains.
Verse 38
[38] He
that believeth on me
as the scripture hath said
out of his belly shall flow
rivers of living water.
He that believeth —
This answers to let him come to me. And whosoever doth come to him by faith
his inmost soul shall be filled with living water
with abundance of peace
joy
and love
which shall likewise flow from him to others.
As the Scripture hath said — Not expressly in any one particular place. But here is a general
reference to all those scriptures which speak of the effusion of the Spirit by
the Messiah
under the similitude of pouring out water. Zechariah 14:8.
Verse 39
[39] (But
this spake he of the Spirit
which they that believe on him should receive: for
the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
The Holy Ghost was not yet given — That is
those fruits of the Spirit were not yet given even to true believers
in that full measure.
Verse 40
[40] Many
of the people therefore
when they heard this saying
said
Of a truth this is
the Prophet.
The prophet —
Whom we expect to be the forerunner of the Messiah.
Verse 42
[42] Hath
not the scripture said
That Christ cometh of the seed of David
and out of the
town of Bethlehem
where David was?
From Bethlehem —
And how could they forget that Jesus was born there? Had not Herod given them
terrible reason to remember it? Micah 5:2.
Verse 48
[48] Have
any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?
Hath any of the rulers — Men of rank or eminence
or of the Pharisees - Men of learning or
religion
believed on him?
Verse 49
[49] But
this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.
But this populace
who know not the law — This ignorant rabble; are accursed - Are by that ignorance exposed to
the curse of being thus seduced.
Verse 50
[50]
Nicodemus saith unto them
(he that came to Jesus by night
being one of them
)
Nicodemus
he that came to him by night — Having now a little more courage
being one of them - Being present as a
member of the great council
saith to them - Do not we ourselves act as if we
knew not the law
if we pass sentence on a man before we hear him?
Verse 52
[52] They
answered and said unto him
Art thou also of Galilee? Search
and look: for out
of Galilee ariseth no prophet.
They answered — By
personal reflection; the argument they could not answer
and therefore did not
attempt it.
Art thou also a Galilean? — One of his party? Out of Galilee ariseth no prophet - They could not but
know the contrary. They knew Jonah arose out of Gethhepher; and Nahum from
another village in Galilee. Yea
and Thisbe
the town of Elijah
the Tishbite
was in Galilee also. They might likewise have known that Jesus was not born in
Galilee
but at Bethlehem
even from the public register there
and from the
genealogies of the family of David. They were conscious this poor answer would
not bear examination
and so took care to prevent a reply.
Verse 53
[53] And
every man went unto his own house.
And every man went to his own house — So that short plain question of Nicodemus spoiled all their measures
and broke up the council! A word spoken in season
how good it is! Especially
when God gives it his blessing.
── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on John》
Chapter 7. The Feast of Tabernacles
Out of Egypt:
Life as a Traveler
Into Canaan: Life in the Church
I. Live to the
Time of God
II. Many
Whispers Among the People
III. Flow
Rivers of Living Water
── Chih-Hsin Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》
Even His Brothers Did Not Believe (7:1-9)
INTRODUCTION
1. In a gospel designed to create faith in Jesus
John tells of those who lacked faith... a. Those in His own nation - Jn 1:11 b. Those among His disciples - Jn 6:66 2. For a time
even His own brothers (named in Mt 13:55) did not believe... a. As recorded in Jn 7:5 b. As implied in Mk 3:21 c. As foretold in Psa 69:8 -- Though they eventually came to believe in Jesus - Ac 1:14 3. Why did Jesus' brothers not believe in Him from the very beginning...? a. Had they not seen the miracles? b. Did they not know Him as well as anyone? [Reasons why they did not believe at first
and the reason they came tobelieve at last can provide some valuable lessons for us today...]
I. WHY THEY DID NOT BELIEVE
A. POSSIBLE REASONS FOR THEIR UNBELIEF... 1. Perhaps they were blinded by familiarity a. As is often said
"Familiarity breeds contempt" b. This hindered many who knew Jesus from childhood - Mt 13:54-58
c. A problem common among prophets - Mt 13:57; Jn 4:44 2. Perhaps they were blinded by envy a. Large crowds had been following Jesus everywhere b. Making it difficult for His family to speak to Him at times - Mt 12:46-47 c. Jealousy can be a powerful hindrance to seeing things clearly 3. Perhaps they were blinded by preconceptions a. Many Jews had wrong conceptions concerning the kingdom - cf. Jn 6:15 b. His brothers had their ideas as to what He should do - Jn 7:2-4
c. It is easy to reject someone if they do not live up to your expectations -- For one reason or another
Jesus' brothers did not believe inHim
B. A WARNING FOR US TODAY... 1. Do we let familiarity blind us to the truth? a. Do we reject what a close friend or relative may tell us? b. Especially since they have their own faults of which we are well aware? -- Truth can be communicated by imperfect messengers - cf. Ph1:15-18
2. Do we let envy get in the way of truth? a. Are we jealous that we might be wrong and others may be right? b. Do we think that by admitting others are right
it somehow makes them better? -- Truth (and salvation!) is too precious to let envy orjealousy keep us from it
3. Do we let preconceived notions obstruct a clear evaluation of the truth? a. Refusing to reexamine our cherished beliefs? b. Rejecting a view or teaching simply because we have never heard it before? -- Truth requires a willingness to hear
and has nothing tofear from investigation - Ac 17:11
[Don't discount the potential impact of familiarity
envy
orpreconceptions. Such blinded the brothers of Jesus so that even Hismiracles did not convince them! What finally prompted them to believeis worthy of note...] II. HOW THEY CAME TO BELIEVE
A. THE REASON FOR THEIR FAITH... 1. As noted previously
Jesus' brothers eventually became disciples a. They were with the apostles after the Ascension - Ac 1:12-14 b. James
the Lord's brother
became a key figure in the church at Jerusalem c. James and Judas wrote their respective epistles - Ja 1:1;Ju 1
d. According to secular history
James was martyred for his faith 2. What changed them? The resurrection of Jesus from the dead! a. Jesus appeared to James - 1 Co 15:7 b. The others may have seen Him on other occasions - cf. 1 Co15:6
3. The significance of Jesus' resurrection a. Miracles can be faked b. Rising from the dead cannot! -- The resurrection shattered any blinders of familiarity
envy
preconceptions
B. A BLESSING FOR US TODAY... 1. It is understandable that one might find the gospel story incredible a. A man born of a virgin? b. A man who was the Son of God? c. A man who supposedly... 1) Walked on water? 2) Calmed the seas? 3) Fed thousands with five loaves and two fish? 4) Healed the sick and lame
gave sight to the blind
raised the dead? 5) Was Himself raised from the dead? 2. Yet there is a good reason to believe the incredible story! a. That is
the conversion of those like Jesus' brothers 1) Who at first did not believe (for whatever reason) 2) Who were persuaded by overwhelming empirical evidence - cf. Ac 1:3; 10:39-41 3) Who never recanted their testimony
despite hardship and persecution b. What else can explain the transformation of Jesus' brothers? 1) It was the same thing that transformed the disciples of Jesus! 2) "If the disciples were totally disappointed and on the verge of desperate flight because of the very real reason of the crucifixion
it took another very real reason in order to transform them from a band of disheartened and dejected Jews into the most self-confident missionarysociety in world history." - Pinchas Lapide former
Chairman of the Applied Linguistics Department at Israel 's Bar-Iland University 3) This Orthodox Jewish scholar concluded that a bodily resurrection could possibly have been that reason! -- The conversion of His brothers and others who first doubtedshould strengthen our faith in Jesus!
CONCLUSION
1. The unbelief of Jesus' brothers serves as a warning... a. How easily one can be blinded by such things as familiarity
envy
and preconceptions b. How carefully we must give others a fair hearing 2. The unbelief of Jesus' brothers also serves as a blessing... a. Their eventual conversion implies overwhelming evidence of Jesus' resurrection b. Since we believe in Jesus through the words of such men
the foundation of our faith is stronger With the help of their own example
we can heed the exhortation given byone of Jesus' brothers: "But you
beloved
BUILDING YOURSELVES UP ON YOUR MOST HOLY FAITH
praying in the Holy Spirit
keep yourselves in the love of God
looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."(Jude 20-21)
The Proof Is In The Pudding (7:17)
INTRODUCTION
1. The evidence for Jesus as the Christ
the Son of God
is manifold... a. The testimony of John the Baptist - Jn 5:33; e.g.
1:29
34 b. The works (miracles) that Jesus did - Jn 5:36; e.g.
2:11; 20:30-31
c. The testimony of God Himself - Jn 5:37; e.g.
Mt 3:16-17; 17:5 d. The testimony of the OT scriptures - Jn 5:39; e.g.
Isa 9:6-7 e. His resurrection from the dead
attested to by eyewitnesses - Ro1:4; e.g. Jn 20:24-29
2. Jesus offered another proof that He is from God... a. It came at a time when many questioned who He was - Jn 7:12-15 b. If you are willing to do God's will
you will know His doctrine is from God - Jn 7:16-17 3. Jesus' claim is akin to well-known proverb... a. "The proof of the pudding is in the eating" b. As stated more often
"The proof is in the pudding" [This is a remarkable claim by Jesus
certainly worthy of closerexamination...] I. FACETS OF JESUS' CLAIM
A. ONE MUST BE WILLING TO DO THE FATHER'S WILL... 1. There must first be a willing heart a. A good and noble heart - cf. Lk 8:15 b. A heart willing to hear and examine carefully - cf. Ac 17:11 c. A humble heart
one that fears God - cf. Psa 25:9
12 2. There must then be obedience from the heart a. Such as found in the Christians at Rome b. The kind of obedience that must be in all aspects of our service - Ep 6:6; Co 3:23 -- "Those who would test the divinity of the doctrine of Christ can not do so by rendering a mere mechanical obedience to his teaching. A willing
heartfelt obedience is essential to a true knowledge of his doctrine. Such a disposition makes a good and honest heart in which the seeds of his kingdom must inevitablygrow." - J. W. McGarvey
B. ONE WILL KNOW HIS DOCTRINE IS OF GOD... 1. They will know that Jesus' teaching comes from above - cf. Jn12:49
2. They will know that His teaching is everlasting life - cf. Jn12:50
-- "He shall have evidence
in the very attempt to do the will ofGod of the truth of the doctrine." - Barnes
[What kind of evidence does one receive? The answer may be put in thewords of Isaiah
"The work of righteousness will be peace
And theeffect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever." (Isa 32:17)
Consider therefore the...] II. EVIDENCE OF JESUS' CLAIM
A. PEACE THAT SURPASSES UNDERSTANDING... 1. Jesus offered such peace to His disciples - Jn 14:27; 16:33 2. As we do the Father's will as taught by Jesus
we experience such peace: a. As the result of our justification in Christ - Ro 5:1 b. As the prayer for faithful Christians - Ro 15:13; 2 Th 3:16 c. As the fruit of the Spirit in the lives of Christians - Ga5:22
d. As the response to prayer - Ph 4:6-7 -- Such peace
when experienced
confirms Jesus' doctrine as beingfrom God
B. ASSURANCE THAT CALMS THE HEART... 1. Jesus offered assurance to His disciples - Jn 14:27b; 16:33 2. As we do the Father's will as taught by Jesus
we experience such assurance: a. As when we love the brethren in deed and truth - cf. 1 Jn 3:18-19
b. As expressed by Paul - cf. 2 Ti 1:12; also Ro 8:38-39 -- Such assurance
when experienced
confirms Jesus' doctrine asbeing from God
[B. W. Johnson expressed it this way: "He who in his heart says
"Thywill be done
give me light and I will walk in it
" will find thatChrist is just the teacher demanded by his soul
and that the gospelmeets his soul's want. Jesus will so meet the wants of his soul that hewill be satisfied and will know the doctrine
that it comes from him whomade the soul." (People's New Testament) Yet we should note...]
III. CAUTION REGARDING JESUS' CLAIM
A. WHEN THERE IS NO PEACE OR ASSURANCE... 1. It is not evidence that Jesus' doctrine is not from God a. We may have not done the Father's will yet b. We may have not done the Father's will from the heart 2. It may not be evidence that we failed to truly do the Father's will at one time a. Our faith may yet be weak
needing to grow b. Our faith may have become hardened by the deceitfulness of sin - He 3:12-14 B. WHERE THERE IS PEACE AND ASSURANCE... 1. We should not trust in that evidence alone a. Many believed they are saved because of their feelings b. They might construe such as the ultimate proof of salvation 2. The heart can easily be deceived a. There are ways that seem right
but may lead to death - Pro16:25
b. It is not in man to direct his footsteps - Jer 10:23 3. We must always be open to the Word of God a. Let the Word of God produce the feelings (faith
thenfeelings)
b. Don't let one's feelings reject the Word of God (notfeelings then faith)
CONCLUSION
1. The proof that is in the pudding is somewhat subjective
but it is proof... a. Proof that can further confirm a faith based upon more objective evidence b. Proof that if lacking should be a sign our faith needs work (i.e.
diligence) 2. It is a diligent faith willing to do the will of God that produces a full assurance... "And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to thefull assurance of hope until the end " (He 6:11)
Are you willing to do the Father's will from the heart? The blessingsof peace
assurance
and confirmation that Jesus' doctrine is truly fromGod
awaits those who obey His will...!
The Promise Of The Spirit (7:37-39)
INTRODUCTION
1. During the Feast Of Tabernacles
there was a daily ceremony involving water... a. Each day
the priests and the people would joyfully make their way to the pool of Siloam b. Using a golden pitcher
water was drawn
taken back to the temple
and poured on the altar of burnt offering c. The words of Isa 12:3 were then sung: "Therefore with joy youwill draw water from the wells of salvation."
2. On such an occasion Jesus used the opportunity to extend a wonderful promise... a. Inviting those who thirst to come to Him and drink - Jn 7:37 b. Those who believe in Him will have "rivers of living water" flow from their hearts - Jn 7:38 3. The apostle John explains that this promise concerns the Holy Spirit... - Jn 7:39 a. Whom those who believe would receive b. Who had not yet been given
because Jesus was not yet glorified [What else might we glean from the Scriptures concerning this promise ofthe Spirit? Let's first take a closer look at...] I. THE NATURE OF THE PROMISE
A. FROM THE TEXT... 1. A promise foretold by the Scriptures - Jn 7:38; cf. Isa 44:3;58:11
a. "The reference is not to any single passage
but to the spirit of the Scripture
notably such passages as Isa 55:1; 58:11; Psa 36:8-9." - B. W. Johnson b. "...referring not to any particular passage
but to such as Isa 58:11; Joel 3:18; Zec 14:8; Ezek 47:1-12; in most of which the idea is that of waters issuing from beneath the temple
to which our Lord compares Himself and those who believe in Him." - Jamieson
Fausset
and Brown 2. A promise that makes one a blessing to others - Jn 7:38 a. "out of his heart will flow rivers of living water" b. "When a man turns himself to the Lord
he shall be as a fountain filled with living water
and his streams shall flow to all the nations and tribes of men" - Kuinoel c. "...those who are Christians shall diffuse large
and liberal
and constant blessings on their fellowmen" - Barnes 3. A promise offered to believers - Jn 7:39 a. Not to those who have yet to believe b. Which is why I do not believe it refers to the ministry of the Spirit through the Word alone
for such occurs even on those who do not believe - e.g.
Jn 16:8 c. Note this observation by Robert Milligan: 1) "He manifestly refers in this passage to something which had hitherto been enjoyed by no one
and which could be enjoyed by none until after that he himself was glorified." - Robert Milligan
Scheme of Redemption
p.283
2) "This
it would seem
could not have reference to the mediate agency of the Spirit
through the written word and the ordinary workings of God's providence; for through these media the Spirit had always operated on the minds of both Jews and Patriarchs." - ibid. 3) "Christ is speaking here of what is peculiar to his own personal reign and administration." - ibid. 4. A promise extended to all believers - Jn 7:39 a. Not just to select disciples with special tasks
such as apostles and prophets b. Which is why I do not believe it refers to miraculous manifestations of the Spirit
such as the gifts of the Spirit
for not all Christians had such; note also: 1) This promise of the Spirit had not yet been given 2) Yet miraculous manifestations of the Spirit had been experienced prior to the glorification of Jesus - e.g.
Lk 1:41
67 5. A promise given after Jesus was "glorified" - Jn 7:39 a. I.e.
after His resurrection and ascension to heaven b. "The first and second chapters of the Book of Acts is the best comment upon this passage. When Jesus ascended to the right hand of the Father and was glorified
he sent forth the Spirit upon his apostles on the day of Pentecost
and the apostles in turn promised the gift of the Spirit to all who would believe
repent
and be baptized." - J. W.McGarvey (Fourfold Gospel)
B. FROM OTHER TEXTS... 1. We conclude that it refers to the gift of the Holy Spirit a. Promised to all who repent and are baptized - cf. Ac 2:38-39 b. Given to all who obey - cf. Ac 5:32 c. Imbibed by all who are baptized - cf. 1 Co 12:13 d. Sent into our hearts because we are God's children - cf. Ga4:6
2. We conclude that it refers to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit a. Who indwells all that belong to Christ - cf. Ro 8:9-10 b. Making their bodies a temple of the Spirit - cf. 1 Co 6:19 [That this promise refers to the gift or indwelling of the Spirit givento all Christians becomes more apparent as we now focus our attentionon...] II. THE BLESSINGS OF THE PROMISE
A. THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT... 1. Remember what Jesus said of those who receive the Spirit - Jn7:38
a. "out of his heart will flow rivers of living water" b. I.e.
they will become a blessing to others; note again: 1) "When a man turns himself to the Lord
he shall be as a fountain filled with living water
and his streams shall flow to all the nations and tribes of men" - Kuinoel 2) "...those who are Christians shall diffuse large
and liberal
and constant blessings on their fellowmen" - Barnes 2. Especially when they bear the fruit of the Spirit in their lives- Ga 5:22-23 a. Such as love
joy
peace b. Such as longsuffering
kindness
goodness c. Such as gentleness
faithfulness
self-control -- Bearing such fruit of the Spirit
they bless the lives ofothers!
B. THE AID OF THE SPIRIT... 1. The fruit of the Spirit becomes possible with the aid of the Spirit a. Who helps us to put to death the deeds of the body - Ro 8:12-13; cf. Co 3:5-8
b. Who enables us to be filled with joy and peace
abounding in hope - Ro 15:13 2. For the Spirit is God's instrumental agent to strengthen the Christian a. Strengthening with might through the Spirit in the inner man - Ep 3:16 b. With a power working in us - Ep 3:20 -- We are able to be a blessing to others
with the aid of the Spiritworking in us!
[Jesus therefore offers us the opportunity to be blessed by the Spirit'sindwelling
so we can be useful in blessing the lives of those aroundus. But to ensure that we receive this blessing of the Spirit
let's becareful to consider...] III. THE RECEPTION OF THE PROMISE
A. GIVEN TO THOSE WHO OBEY... 1. By believing in Jesus Christ a. The need to believe emphasized twice in our text - Jn 7:38-39
b. For faith is necessary to receive "life in His name" - cf. Jn 20:31 2. By repenting of our sins a. The gift of the Spirit promised to those who repent - Ac 2:38-39
b. Those who repent will experience "times of refreshing" (what could be more refreshing than "rivers of living water"?) - cf. Ac 3:19 3. By being baptized for the remission of our sins a. Those baptized are promised the gift of the Spirit - Ac 2:38-39
b. They are made to drink into one Spirit - cf. 1 Co 12:13 -- As Peter put it
God gives the Holy Spirit to those who obeyHim - Ac 5:32
B. EXPERIENCED BY THOSE WHO GROW... 1. By singing psalms
hymns
spiritual songs a. We are to be filled with the Spirit - Ep 5:18 b. Which we can do by singing - Ep 5:19 2. By studying the Word of God a. Which is the sword of the Spirit - Ep 6:17 b. The means by which the Spirit teaches and instructs the Christian
for it contains the revelation of God given by the Spirit to inspired men who wrote it for our benefit- cf. 1 Co 2:9-13; Ep 3:5-7 3. By praying
making requests regarding the Spirit a. That God would fill one with all joy and peace in believing
abounding in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit - Ro 15:13 b. That God would strengthen one with might through His Spirit in the inner man - Ep 3:16 4. By turning away from sin a. Lest they grieve the Spirit - cf. Ep 4:29-31 b. Lest they quench the Spirit - cf. 1 Th 5:19 CONCLUSION
1. What a wonderful promise Jesus offers in our text... a. The Holy Spirit to those who believe in Him b. A refreshing drink that can become rivers of living water 1) First refreshing our souls 2) Then refreshing the souls around us by His impact on our lives 2. How sad if we quench the Spirit Who is intended to quench our thirst... a. By failing to obey the Lord b. By failing to grow in the Lord May our attitude and heart's felt desire be similar to that of theSamaritan woman
when Jesus spoke to her at Jacob's well... "Jesus answered and said to her
'Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again
but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.' The woman said to Him
'Sir
give me thiswater that I may not thirst nor come here to draw.'" (Jn 4:13-15)
Are you willing to say to Jesus
"Sir
give me this water
that I maynot thirst" by coming to Him in faithful obedience...?
－－《Executable
Outlines》