2022-12-04 The Light of the World (2): Requires Response

 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD (2): REQUIRES RESPONSE (John 1:9-13) December 4, 2022 Read John 1:9-13 - Paul makes an amazing comment in II Cor 2: 15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?" Who indeed is sufficient for such things? Our gospel sends some to heaven; some to hell. Last week we saw that the only reason we have a message by which people might be saved at all is not because of us - it's because the light of the world entered the world stage in 4 BC in the person of Jesus Christ. We saw I. Light Revealed in Christ and II. Light Ratified by John the Baptist. As the light, Christ is the only answer to the moral and spiritual darkness that has engulfed mankind since Eden. His light both exposes us for who we are, and reveals God for who He is. Hi light shows us we are more sinful than we dare imagine, but we are more loved than we could ever dare hope. The light of Christ reveals those truths light a neon sign. It shows, on our own we are doomed; but in Christ we can have forgiveness and cleansing. It seems like a message that no one in their right mind would turn down. The light of Christ forces all to a decision. For most it's III. Light Rejected. For a few it is IV. Light Received. A fragrance of death to many; but a fragrance of life to some. Today's question is, have you come to the light? III. Light Rejected Greatest moment in world history? The discovery of fire; the invention of the wheel; the splitting of the atom. All are important. But none compares to the entry of Almighty God into human history in the person of Jesus Christ. That, and the life that followed, is the capstone of world events. Here it is in v. 9 which might be translated, "While coming into the world, the true light is giving light to everyone." A lot of false lights came before, and many more after - philosophies, religions and naturalistic worldviews. But here it is - the only true light came direct from God because He was God. Imagine the sacrifice represented in those simple words. The One who created all things: "and without him was not anything made that was made" chose to become part of His own creation in order to bring light into a deeply darkened world. Now, in v. 10, "world" is used 3 times - in emphatic position each time. It's a big point. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him." "World" can describe the physical world, or humanity in general, but most often, it refers to the anti-God system of thought that pervades human society since the fall. Here, physical creation is in view in the first 2 instances - Jesus created all things and then became part of His own creation. "He was (continuously, impf) in the world, and the world was made by him" - so you'd think He'd get a warm reception - like a hero. But it was not so. The Fall of mankind has resulted in a mindset that's not receptive to its own Creator and so, "the world did not know him." What? They overlooked Him. The Greek language has multiple words for "know"; the one John uses means to know in a relational sense - to welcome, enter into a relationship with. Failure to do so is a blatant act of rejection. The rejection was inexcusable. His miracles attested from the beginning His authority over every sphere of influence from nature, to demons and even death. His supremacy was on display in every sermon, every sign, every act of compassion. To reject Him was to deny clear and compelling evidence. But, the world system rejected Him. So, did His Jewish relatives. 11 He came to his own (neuter, creation), and his own people (masc) did not receive him." One of the saddest verses in the Bible. It wasn't just a failure to notice Him; it was a failure to receive Him for who He is. There is an example late in His ministry. He's just told His audience He must be lifted up - meaning His death. Jn 12:34 So the crowd answered him, "We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up?" They are referring to Dan 7:14b saying of the Son of Man: "his dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed." That's what they were looking for; what they desperately wanted. Messiah to come with His forever kingdom. They don't get the spiritual forgiveness and cleansing that must come first. Jn 12: 35 So Jesus said to them, "The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light." Of course, they refused. He wasn't who they thought He should be. "When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them. 37 Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him." They wanted Him on their terms; not His. They refused the light that was right in front of them. So it has ever been. People want the gifts, but not the Giver. Like the two thieves on the cross beside Jesus. One said, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" (Lu 23:39b). He wanted what Jesus might give Him. The other said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom" (Lu 23:43). One wanted bread for now; the other wanted the bread of life. So, what do you want? Him or what He gives you? Why do people reject Christ? Because they want His miracles, but not Him. But there is even a more devastating reason they reject. You'd think people would welcome light. Light is good. You enter a dark room, what do you do? You turn on the light. You want to see where you are going. But you know who does not want the light? Someone who doesn't want to be found out. Someone who has something to hide. And that's all of us, isn't it? There was a wonderful man in our church many years ago -- a rabid football fan. One Sunday, I'm preaching away when suddenly I hear Dick Enberg describing a play and shouting the score of the Rams game. This guy had his transistor radio, complete with earphones, listening to the game. But the earphones came out, and his ruse was foiled. He turned 15 shades of red before getting the game turned off; I was glad to know the score. But he avoided me for awhile. The light of my presence was too much. That's why people reject Jesus. Jn 3:19: "And this is the judgment; the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light, because their works were evil." People love their sin more than Jesus. So rather than repent they scurry for a dark corner. Maybe you're hiding out this morning? Paul Little, a Xn prof, once answered a student's questions about Christ to his complete satisfaction. So Paul asked, "So, wouldn't you like to accept Christ as your Savior?" The young man said, "No, I don't think so." Paul said, "Why ever not." The man answered, "Frankly, because it would mess up the way I'm living." He didn't want the light of the world poking around in his private life. C. S. Lewis, prior to conversion, called God the Great Interferer. He didn't want any interference. That's why most people reject Christ. It's a moral decision; not an intellectual one. They fear being exposed. But in so doing, they trade eternity for now. Looks good today. It won't look so good 100 years from today. "The world did not know Him." They chose not to know Him. But that is a self-condemning move because Jesus prays in Jn 17:3: "And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." See "know." Same word. To have eternal life, you have to "know" Him. So, as plain as I can say it: to choose not to know Him to choose temporary things over eternal; my way over His; sin over forgiveness; it is to choose hell over heaven. The stakes are that high. IV. Light Received (12-13) BUT, a few accept. Just a few. Mt 7:13-14: "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." Who are these few? They are the ones who have received the light, and then received Him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." Most refuse, but receivers become children of God. You say, "I thought everyone was a child of God." Then you have been misled, Beloved - perhaps even at some well-meaning, but horribly misguided church. We're God's offspring by creation. But to be a child of God is to be adopted into His family. That happens by grace through faith to those who believe into His name - His name being all that He is - God in the flesh, sacrifice for sin, risen Savior. When we deliberately receive Him, like a man or woman receives a marriage partner - then we become a child of God. By adoption. Adoption meaning you weren't before, but now you are! It's for those who finally acknowledge they are more sinful than they ever dared imagine, but more loved than they ever dared hope. It's personal. John further describes this transaction. 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." Not of blood - not because of ethnic background. The Jews thought they were in simply because they were Jews. John says No so! John Baptist said, Mt 3:9: "And do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father,' for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham." "Great that you're a child of Abe, but that doesn't make you a child of God." Neither does being born in America. That won't cut it. It's a gift that must be received. Nor of the will of the flesh - that is, not because of something you do to earn it. Titus 3:5: "He saved us, not because of words done by us in righteousness, but according to His mercy." Our good isn't good enough. Nor the will of man - not by some ritual or man-made philosophy or religion. That won't do it. What will suffice? The will of God. So the Bible teaches over and over. We must receive Him. But we will only receive Him because He has first chosen us. It is by the will of God that we become His and no other way! He gives the faith to believe in His name. Believe Him to be God in the flesh -- the perfect lamb who died for your sin. Believe God raised Him from the dead. That is who He is. To believe in His name is to repent your sin, and give Him your life. Oh that God would open your eyes to see this light! On the cross He took your darkness so you could live forever in His light. David and Jon were great friends, even after God chose David for the throne that was rightfully Jon's. Jon was killed in battle, and after David became king of Israel. He later found Jon had a crippled son, Mephibosheth. He was lying low bc we all know what kings do to the families of predecessors. But David had Mephib brought and told him: II Sam 9:7: "Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jon, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always." Then II Sam 9:11b: "So Mephib ate at David's table, like one of the king's sons." Now, our Father in heaven, the King, also has other sons. And the way through eternity, we're periodically going to sit down to eat with Paul and Peter and James and Calvin and Luther and our older brother Himself, Jesus. Imagine asking Peter to pass the potatoes please. And sometimes David will play the harp - and Mephib will be there - and the Father will look at little ole you - and say "Yes, you're mine. You're as important to me as all my other children. Enjoy the meal." Imagine that. All yours, if you'll come to the light. Conc - See, light forces a decision. He shows us for what we are; and He shows God for what He is. Now we have to decide. Come to the light, confess our sin and get new life -- or turn away in denial and rejection. William Pitt the Younger was the youngest PM in British history until his premature death at age 46 in 1806. He was a great friend of Wm Wilberforce, the pioneer in the abolition of slavery in England. Wilberforce became a committed believer at age 26 and longed for his friend to know Christ as well. Pitt was a formal Christian, went to church once in a while, knew the lingo. But he had no saving faith. Wilberforce got Pitt to go hear Richard Cecil, a gospel preacher whom Wilberforce loved. That day, Wilberforce felt he had never heard the Gospel with more clarity or power. He couldn't wait for Pitt's reaction. But when he asked, Pitt said, "You know, Wilberforce, I listened hard to what that man was saying, but I have not the slightest idea as to what he has been talking about." Two brilliant men - one seeking God with his whole heart; the other placating a friend to whom God was a sidelight. One who came to the light for cleansing; one who turned away in apathy. We are all in one camp or the other. To reject is to stay on the heavily populated wide road that leads to destruction. But to receive is to turn from the darkness to the light, to join the few who enter the narrow gate - the blessed few who have seen the light -- that they are more sinful than they ever dared imagine; but more loved than they ever dared hope. The cross proves it. And the resurrected Christ says, Rev. 3:20: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him and he with me." So why not now? Come to the light. Come to the Savior. Let Him in. Let's pray. DONE Use "The Light of the World is Jesus". Music from red book, p. 636. Use verses 1 & 3 below (verse 3 is not in the hymnbook) 1. The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin, The Light of the world is Jesus! Like sunshine at noonday, His glory shone in; The Light of the world is Jesus! o Refrain: Come to the light, 'tis shining for thee; Sweetly the light has dawned upon me; Once I was blind, but now I can see: The Light of the world is Jesus! 2. No darkness have we who in Jesus abide; The Light of the world is Jesus! We walk in the light when we follow our Guide! The Light of the world is Jesus! 3. Ye dwellers in darkness with sin-blinded eyes, The Light of the world is Jesus! Go, wash at His bidding, and light will arise; The Light of the world is Jesus! 4. No need of the sunlight in Heaven we're told; The Light of the world is Jesus! The Lamb is the Light in the city of gold, The Light of the world is Jesus! But at last Pitt promised to go, and one day they went together to listen to Richard Cecil. Wilberforce felt that he had never heard Richard Cecil expound God's truth in a more wonderful Spirit-filled manner. His heart was ravished by the truth, it was heaven to him. He could not help wondering as to what was happening to his friend. Eventually the service ended and they went out together. Almost before they had left the building William Pitt turned to Wilberforce and said, 'You know, Wilberforce, I did my very best to concentrate with the whole of my power upon what that man was saying, but I have not the slightest idea as to what he has been talking about'. That is a true story, and how true of so many still! From the [Page 362] standpoint of sheer ability William Pitt was a greater man than William Wilberforce. He had a very great mind and intellect; but the truth of God as expounded by Richard Cecil meant absolutely nothing to him, for his eyes had not been opened by the Spirit. The truth meant everything to Wilberforce; it meant nothing to Pitt. Pitt had not received 'the Spirit of revelation'. [Used Eaton Church 8/1/10] [Used Eaton Church 1/26/14] Lloyd-Jones, D. M. 1978. God's Ultimate Purpose : An Exposition of Ephesians 1, 1 to 23 (361). Banner of Truth Trust: Edinburgh; Carlisle, Pa. 7