John 8:31-47
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The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16) and the reality (proof) of this salvation is manifested in the life that is transformed.
The word transform comes from the original Greek word “metamorphoō”. That is where we get the word “metamorphosis”. The word that we commonly use to describe the process of transformation of an insect from larvae to butterfly. The body and form of the insect are transformedand you can visually see the distinction.
God has the power to transform those who are saved and they can be visually observed in the behavior, character, and desire of that person being transformed by the power of God so that he or she becomes distinct from the world (Romans 12:2 “2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
In this passage, Jesus describes those who are His disciples and those who are disciples of the world:
There is a distinction between the 2 groups in how they live out their lives.
Disciples of Jesus vs Disciples of the World
1. Upholds the Truth / Supports Lies
2. Continue in the Word / Word has no place in the heart
3. Free / Slave of Sin
4. Child of God / Child of the devil
5. Hear / Do not hear
6. Believe / Do not believe
7. Jesus wants to set them free / They want to kill Jesus
The Marks of the Disciples of Jesus are those who:
I. Live in the Word
- If you continue in my Word (v.31)
- Continual abiding and applying of the Word which yields fruit (changed life)
John 15:1–4 “1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. 3 “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.”
Reflection: Is there evidence of a change life in me?
Application:
a. Know the Word very well by studying the Bible.
b. Apply the Word even if it means you will be hated for it (like Jesus).
II. Live like a freedman in Christ
- The truth shall set you free (vv.32,36)
- the word free repeated 4x, which means very important.
People can become truly free by becoming sons of God by faith in Christ, the Son (Galatians 3:26“26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.”
- You are freed from the power and punishment of Sin through the blood of Christ. (Romans 6:23 “23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” )
- You are not a slave to sin anymore. You can now say no to sin (Titus 2:11 -12
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. 12 It trains us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,
1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.
Application:
a. Do not be enslaved by human tradition (faith + work) that has no power to save.
b. Serve with joy (not forced).
1 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. 2 Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you.
III. Live for the truth
- you will know the truth and truth shall set you free (vv.32)
- the word truth repeated 7x/17 verses.
Jesus is the truth (John 14:6). Knowing Jesus sets you free from the guilt and shame caused by sin. You will know that Jesus is the only solution to the punishment reserved for sinners.
Application:
a. Tell the truth even if it hurts. The truth hurts but it will not harm.
b. Expose the lies so evil will not flourish.
IV. Live in Obedience
-He who is of God hears the words of God (listen and obey) (v.47)
(the word hear repeated 3x)
Obedience is better than sacrifice.
Profession without action is worthless!
Faith without action is dead!
Application:
a. Surrender your plans and desires to the will of God.
b. Do not be conformed to the world (don’t talk and walk like the world).
V. Live as a child of God
- If God were your Father, you would love me (vv.42, 47)
- believers are called to be Imitators of Christ (Eph. 5:1-2
1 Therefore, be imitators of God as dearly loved children 2 and live in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.
Application:
a. Spend precious time with God as you would spend time with your earthly father.
b. Accept God’s discipline as He is a loving Father.
c. Be God’s representative and spokesperson to the people around you (family, work, friends) so that they will know Christ. That is your mission field!
Conclusion:
God has the power to transform those who are saved and they can be visually observed in the behavior, character, and desire of that person being transformed by the power of God so that he or she becomes distinct from the world. A disciple of Jesus is not perfect, but he or she is progressively becoming more and more like Jesus.
May we grow in our obedience to Him!
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