Thinking on Scripture with Dr. Steven R. Cook

John 9:1-41

The Central Idea of the Text is that Jesus reveals Himself as Messiah by healing a blind man (John 9:1-7; cf. Isa. 29:18; 35:5). Jesus healed a man who had been blind from birth, and this stirred the Pharisees to provide an answer to those who witnessed the miracle.  The Pharisees asked four times how the man came to be healed (John 9:10, 15, 19, 26), but their questions did not originate from an honest inquiry, for they were deeply biased.  The man healed of his blindness was not intimidated by the Pharisees, and demonstrated consistent biblical rationales in his discussion.  Jesus allowed the man to have his confrontation with the Pharisees and came to him after he had been excommunicated from the synagogue.  The man lost the support of the synagogue, but gained Christ.  Religious pride kept the Jewish leaders from seeing/accepting the miracles Jesus performed as signs that He is the Messiah. God controls infirmities as well as healing (see Ex. 4:11; Ps. 146:8).  There are cases in Scripture where God did not heal people and used sickness or hardship to his advantage (1 Sam. 16:14-16; 2 Ki. 13:14; 1 Cor. 11:27-30; 2 Cor. 12:7-10; Phil. 2:25-30; 2 Tim. 4:20).  Sickness and disease are not always about sin or discipline.  We live in a fallen world and we experience sickness and disease because of Adam’s sin. 

John 8:30-59

The Central Idea of the Text is that Jesus reveals Himself as the Son of God who liberates enslaved sinners, those who trust in their flesh. Jesus had been speaking primarily to hostile Jewish unbelievers (John 8:21-24), but John reveals that many believed in Him (John 8:30-31).  Jesus’ strong language in John 8:30-59 raises questions about His audience, which can be viewed three different ways: first, the faith of those who “believed” was superficial and their hostility shows they were never saved; second, there was a mixed group of believers and unbelievers (see John 8:30-31, 48), and Jesus primarily spoke to the latter; and third, those who “believed” exercised genuine faith, and their hostility is a demonstration of carnality (like that of other believers; see Matt. 16:13-23; 26:33-35; 58-75; Acts 5:1-10; 1 Cor. 3:1-3; 11:17-30).  Jesus revealed that being a biological descendant of Abraham does not automatically make one a child of God; rather, Abraham’s spiritual descendants (see Rom. 2:28-29; 9:6, 8; Gal. 3:29) are those who have believed in Christ (John 1:12-13; Eph. 1:5; Gal. 3:26).

John 8:21 - Sin and Forgiveness

Jesus reveals that sin keeps one out of heaven (John 8:21, 24); specifically the sin of unbelief that He is the promised Messiah (cf. John 16:8-9).  When one comes to faith in Christ, he/she is forgiven of all their sins (Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:13-14), past, present, and future (Heb. 10:10-14).  Forgiveness is first judicial, removing the penalty of sin (John 3:18; 5:24; Rom. 8:1; 8:33-34).  Forgiveness is also familial, restoring fellowship with God after we’ve sinned (1 John 1:5-10; cf. Ps. 32:1-5). 
The forgiveness John speaks about here [i.e. 1 John 1:9] is parental, not judicial. Judicial forgiveness means forgiveness from the penalty of sins, which the sinner receives when he believes on the Lord Jesus Christ. It is called judicial because it is granted by God acting as Judge. But what about sins which a person commits after conversion? As far as the penalty is concerned, the price has already been paid by the Lord Jesus on the cross of Calvary. But as far as fellowship in the family of God is concerned, the sinning saint needs parental forgiveness, that is, the forgiveness of His Father. He obtains it by confessing his sin. We need judicial forgiveness only once; that takes care of the penalty of all our sins—past, present, and future. But we need parental forgiveness throughout our Christian life.[1]
 
[1] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 2310-11.

John 8:12-29

The Central Idea of the Text is that Jesus reveals He has come from heaven as the Light of the world to offer life to those who believe in Him.  Jesus revealed Himself as the Light of the world (John 8:12; cf. 1:4, 9; 12:35, 46).  Darkness is a picture of spiritual blindness, evil, and rebellion against God (John 1:4-5; 3:19).  Light is a picture of God’s life and holiness (John 1:4; 1 John 1:5).  To follow Jesus means we believe in Him as Savior (John 3:16), and learn to walk as children of Light (Eph. 5:8-10).  The hostile Pharisees accused Jesus of testifying about Himself (John 8:13), but Jesus revealed His testimony is true (John 8:14-15), and that God the Father also testifies about Him (John 8:18).  John reveals the Pharisees did not understand Jesus’ words (John 8:19, 27).  Jesus said these things in the temple (John 8:20), and revealed to His hearers they would die in their sin unless they believed in Him (John 8:21-24).  Jesus’ hearers would know His claims to be true at the cross (John 8:26-28).  Finally, Jesus revealed His Father was always with Him and that Jesus always pleased Him (John 8:29).

John 8:1-11

The Central Idea of the Text is that scribes and Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus in order to trap Him; however, Jesus exposed their sinful hearts and showed grace to the woman. The motive behind the scribes and Pharisees had little to do with the Mosaic Law or convicting the woman caught in adultery; rather, they were only concerned about trapping Jesus in a dilemma concerning the Law of Moses and Roman law (see Lev. 20:10; Deut. 22:22; John 8:1-6; 18:31).  By Law, the witnesses/accusers were to be the ones casting stones (Deut. 17:6-7), but they conveniently excluded themselves as having any obligation to the Mosaic Law.  The religious leaders were not concerned with her sin, her humiliation, or even whether she died; Jesus was the greater prize to be caught and killed, and they were willing to use this woman to obtain their objective.  At first, Jesus did not answer them, but after they persisted, He stated that if any among them was without sin, he should cast the first stone (John 8:7-8).  After feeling convicted, the accusers left one by one, leaving Jesus alone with the woman (John 8:9).  Jesus asked the woman where her accusers had gone (John 8:10). And then stated that He would not condemn her, and told her to “Go. From now on sin no more” (John 8:10-11). 

John 7:39 - Basic Ministries of God the Holy Spirit

During His discourse, Jesus spoke of the future ministry of God the Holy Spirit (John 7:39; cf. John 15:26; 16:7), which would occur after His resurrection and ascension on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 1:5; 2:1-4).  The Holy Spirit was active in the lives of OT saints such as Artisans (Ex. 31:1-5), Judges (Num. 11:25-29; Jud. 3:9-10), Prophets (Ezek. 2:2), and Kings (1 Sam. 10:6; 16:13); however, He did not indwell every believer, and could be removed as an act of divine discipline (1 Sam. 16:14-16; Ps. 51:11).  After Pentecost, the Holy Spirit’s ministry includes regeneration (John 3:1-6; 1 Pet. 1:3; 23), indwelling (1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19), baptizing (1 Cor. 12:13), sealing (Eph. 1:13-14; 4:30), gifting (1 Cor. 12:4-7), filling (Eph. 5:18), equipping (Eph. 4:11-16), and sustaining each believer (Gal. 5:16, 25).  The work of the Holy Spirit is to lead us to spiritual maturity so that we may be effective in our ministries to others. 

John 7:25-52

The Central Idea of the Text is that the Jewish leadership and people continue to be divided over Jesus concerning whether He is the Messiah or not. After Jesus’ teaching in Jerusalem, many of the Jewish people were divided over their understanding of Him because He was permitted to speak openly (John 7:25-26).  The Jewish people presumed to know where Jesus originated (John 7:27), they did not know His heavenly origins (John 7:28-29).  Some in the crowd believed in Jesus (John 7:31), but the Jewish leadership wanted to have Him arrested (John 7:30, 32, 44).  Jesus spoke about His departure from the world and that others would not be able to follow (John 7:33-36).  Jesus also revealed that He would send the Holy Spirit to those who would believe in Him (John 7:37-39).  Jesus’ words caused a division among the people concerning His origins and identity (John 7:40-44).  The Jewish leadership then attacked the Levitical officers, the people, and even Nicodemus in an attempt to dissuade them from believing in Jesus (John 7:45-52).

John 7:17 - Revelation, Illumination and Application

Jesus explained that knowing/accepting God’s word is predicated on a desire to do (ποιέω poieo – to do, make) God’s will (John 7:17).  Those who are set against God cannot know/accept His word, because they desire to follow Satan and do his will (John 8:42-44; cf. 1 Cor. 2:14; 2 Cor. 3:14-16).  Godly desire leads to biblical learning (2 Tim. 2:15; 1 Pet. 2:2), and biblical learning leads to divine illumination (Ps. 119:18, 97-99, 130; John 16:12-13; Luke 24:44-45; 1 Cor. 2:10-13; Eph. 1:17-18), and illumination leads to spiritual growth (Eph. 4:11-16; 2 Tim. 3:16-17) and practical application (Matt. 7:24-27; Jam. 1:22).  The growing Christian who learns and applies God’s word will seek the interests of others over self (Phil. 2:3-4), will love others (1 Cor. 13:4-8a; 1 Thess. 3:11-12; 4:9; 1 John 4:7-11), pray for others (Jam. 5:16), encourage others (1 Thess. 5:11), edify others (Rom. 15:1-2; Eph. 4:29), be kind and forgiving (Eph. 4:32), serve others (Gal. 5:13; 1 Pet. 4:10), and do good works (Eph. 2:10; Tit. 2:11-14).  

John 7:1-24

The Central Idea of the Text is that Jesus goes up to Jerusalem for the Feast of Booths and to teach in the temple, which reveals a mounting Jewish hostility. Just prior to attending the Feast of Booths we learn that Jesus’ brothers did not believe in Him as the Messiah (John 7:1-9); and more so, many in Jerusalem were divided over their opinions of Him (John 7:10-13).  During the feast Jesus began to teach in the temple, and His teaching perplexed those who heard Him (John 7:14-15).  Jesus stated that His teaching was derived from heaven, not from the traditional rabbinic schools of His day (John 7:16), and that those who were willing to submit themselves to God would know/accept His teachings (John 7:17).  Jesus’ teaching glorified the One who sent Him (John 7:18).  Jesus points out to the Jewish leadership that they claim to follow Moses, but then violate Moses’ teaching by wanting to Kill Him (John 7:19; cf. Ex. 20:13), to which the crowd reacts by saying Jesus has a demon (John 7:20).  Jesus then references His healing the lame man on the Sabbath as the basis for why others wanted to Kill Him (John 7:21), and then shows that the Jewish leadership is inconsistent because they’re willing to circumcise on the Sabbath, but then criticize Jesus for healing on the Sabbath (John 7:22-23).  Jesus instructs them to judge with righteous judgment (John 7:24). 

John 6:66 - The Doctrine of Division

Biblically, there are legitimate and illegitimate reasons for divisions/separations.  God causes some divisions and He calls His people to do the same.
Sin causes universal separation from God (Isa. 59:2; Rom. 3:23).
Fleshly quarrels cause divisions (1 Cor. 1:10-13); though such quarrels are necessary to distinguish the spiritual from the immature (1 Cor. 11:18-19).
Unbelievers cause division in the church (Jude 1:17-19).
God divided rebellious men at the Tower of Babel (Gen. 11:1-9).
God separated Israel out from Egypt during the exodus (Ex. 3:1-14:31).
Jesus’ teaching caused division (Luke 12:51-53; John 6:66; 7:40-43; 9:16; 10:14-19).
God separates believers from Satan’s kingdom of darkness and transfers them to His kingdom (Col. 1:13-14).
Christians should not be bound with unbelievers (2 Cor. 6:14-17).
Believers should separate from false teachers (Rom. 16:17; 2 John 1:7-11), and those who live in gross immorality (1 Cor. 5:1-2, 9-11; 2 Tim. 3:1-5).
Jesus will separate people at His Second Coming (Matt. 25:31-33).
Jesus will separate unbelievers to the Lake of Fire (Rev. 20:11-15).

John 6:52-71

The Central Idea of the Text is that Jesus offends many by His teaching that eternal life comes to those who believe in Him.  Eating and drinking is a picture of believing in Jesus for salvation. Hostile Jews rejected Jesus’ teaching that He was from God and that eternal life comes only to those who eat His flesh and drink His blood—a picture of believing on Jesus for salvation (John 6:52-58; cf. John 6:40).  Jesus’ teaching occurred in the synagogue at Capernaum (John 6:59).  Jesus’ followers understood what He was saying, but found it difficult to accept (John 6:60-62).  Jesus plainly states that His words refer to things spiritual that require faith to accept (John 6:63-64), which only the elect receive (John 6:65).  Many of Jesus’ disciples turned away from Him because His teaching became too radical for them to accept (John 6:66).  Jesus then tested the Twelve concerning their understanding of His words and Peter—speaking for the group—confessed they believe and know Jesus is the Holy One of God (John 6:67-69).  Jesus accepts Peter’s statement, but corrects him concerning one person, Judas, whom He declares will betray Him at a future time (John 6:70-71).

John 6:22-51

The Central Idea of the Text is that Jesus reveals Himself as the heavenly provision that provides eternal life; of which the elect will receive. The crowds who saw Jesus multiply the food sought Him for another free meal (John 6:22-26), but Jesus directed them to work for spiritual food which He would offer (John 6:27).  The crowd asked what they could do to work the works of God (John 6:28), and Jesus explained the work of God is to believe in Jesus (John 6:29).  The unbelieving crowds asked Jesus for a sign to authenticate Himself and mentioned the manna Moses provided for Israel in the wilderness as a sign that validated his divine calling (John 6:30-31).  Jesus corrected their faulty theology and revealed that God the Father provided the manna for the Israelites in the wilderness and then speaks of the true manna from heaven that gives life to the world (John 6:32-33).  When the crowds asked for this bread, Jesus pointed to Himself as “the bread of life” (John 6:34-35).  Eating the bread is a picture of faith in Christ, in that one receives and benefits that which is provided freely by another.  But the crowds did not believe (John 6:36), and Jesus explains that only those whom the Father gives to Him will come to Him and receive eternal life and resurrection life (John 6:37-40).  The unbelieving Jews failed to understand Jesus’ divine origins, perceiving Him only as human (John 6:41-42).  Jesus rejects their grumblings and again reveals that no one can come to Him unless the Father draws him, and such a one will believe in Jesus and receive eternal life (John 6:43-51).

John 6:21 - The Doctrine of Testing

It is God’s will to test (Heb. נָסָה nasah & בָּחַן bachan, Grk. πειράζω peirazo & δοκιμάζω dokimazo) us with various trials—either blessings or adversity—in order to advance us spiritually.  Tests by themselves do not automatically produce growth; rather, it’s our faith response to them that brings spiritual advancement.  Biblical reasons for testing:
To see whether we will follow God’s commands (Gen. 22:1-12; cf. Ex. 16:1-5, 16-20, 26-28; Deut. 8:2; Judg. 2:18-22; 3:4; 2 Cor. 2:9).
To reveal what’s in our hearts and whether we love God or not (Deut. 13:1-4; cf. 2 Chron. 32:30-31; Rev. 3:10).
To produce a healthy fear of God (Ex. 20:18-20).
To produce humility for our good (Deut. 8:16-18).
To prove Jesus’ divinity (Matt. 4:1-11).
To educate the believer concerning God’s ability to provide (John 6:5-13).
To produce godly character (Jam. 1:2-4).
To prove the quality of our faith (1 Pet. 1:6-7).
That we may share in the sufferings of Christ (1 Pet. 4:12-13).
The humble believer welcomes God’s tests (Ps. 26:1-3; 139:23-24).

John 6:1-21

The Central Idea of the Text is that Jesus miraculously feeds more than five thousand as the fourth sign-miracle, and then walks on water as the fifth sign-miracle of His Messiahship. The feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle mentioned in all four Gospels (Matt. 14:13-21; Mark 6:32-44; Luke 9:10-17).  Jesus was followed by a large crowd as He travelled to the east side of the Sea of Galilee (John 6:1-2).  While seated on a mountain, Jesus saw the masses and tested Philip with a question concerning where they might get something for them to eat (John 6:3-6).  Philip replied that 200 hundred Denarii would not be enough to purchase food for everyone (John 6:6), and Andrew mentioned the meager meal of a nearby child (John 6:8-9).  Jesus then took the five loaves and two fishes, gave thanks, and miraculously multiplied the food to feed everyone present, collecting twelve baskets of leftovers (John 6:10-13).  Jesus rejected the people’s push to make Him king because their motive was sinful (John 6:14-15).  The disciples left Jesus and went out on the Sea of Galilee at night, alone, in windy conditions (John 6:16-19).  Jesus came to them, walking on the water, spoke and calmed their fears.  The disciples received Jesus into the boat and were immediately on the western side of the Sea of Galilee (John 6:20-21). 

John 5:47 - Future Judgments of Jesus

Jesus’ future judgments include: 1) rewards for believers at the Bema seat (1 Cor. 3:10-15; 2 Cor. 5:10), 2) the judgment of the Antichrist, false prophet, and hostile nations at Jesus’ Second Coming (Rev. 19:11-21), 3) judgment of Gentile believers and unbelievers at the end of the Tribulation (Matt. 25:31-46), 4) the temporary judgment of Satan who is cast in the abyss (Rev. 20:1-3), 5) rewards for believers who were martyred during the Tribulation (Rev. 20:4), 6) the eternal judgment of Satan and demons who are cast into the Lake of Fire (Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:10), 7) the judgment and punishment of all unbelievers at the Great White Throne judgment (Rev. 20:11-15).

John 5:19-47

The Central Idea of the Text is that Jesus operates in harmony with the Father and has authority to give life and to judge.  He also reveals four witnesses to His divine nature and work: God the Father, John the Baptist, Jesus’ signs, and Scripture. Jesus operates in harmony with His Father; who has given Him authority to act (John 5:19-21).  The Father has given the right to judge to the Son (Acts 17:31), and to reject the Son is to reject the Father (John 5:22-24).  Anyone who claims to know God, but rejects Jesus as the Christ, knows neither the Father nor the Son.  Jesus will judge all those He raises from the dead (John 5:25-30), and the good works of believers will testify to their new life (see John 3:16-21; 6:28-29; Eph. 2:8-9).  Jesus’ claims to heal, give life, and judge have the witness of others (John 5:31-32).  Biblically, two or more witnesses were necessary to validate a legal claim (Deut. 17:6; 19:15).  Jesus had four who testify that He is Messiah and has authority: God the Father (John 5:31-32; 37-38), John the Baptist (John 5:33-35; cf. John 1:7; 29-36), Jesus’ signs (John 5:36), and the Scripture (John 5:39-40).  The Jewish leadership rejected Jesus and, therefore, rejected life (John 5:40).  Jesus did not seek glory from men (John 5:41).  The Jewish leadership did not have the love of God within them (John 5:42), and like many of their forefathers, they would accept a false prophet (John 5:43).  They preferred the glory of men to the glory of God (John 5:44).  The Jewish leadership claimed to follow Moses, but their claim was false, for Moses pointed to Jesus, whom they rejected (John 5:45-47).

John 5:18 - The Meaning of the Sabbath

The Sabbath was a holy day in which God commanded Israel to cease from all labor (Ex. 20:8-11).  The Sabbath was between God and Israel as a perpetual sign of the Mosaic Covenant (Ex. 31:12-17), it was to give them rest from labor that brought profit (Ex. 20:8-11; Deut. 5:12-14).  God pronounced the death penalty upon all who profaned the Sabbath (Ex. 31:14-15; Num. 15:32-36).  Biblical violations of the Sabbath included gathering manna (Ex. 16:23-30), kindling a fire in one’s home (Ex. 35:1-3), gathering wood (Num. 15:32-35), carrying a load (Jer. 17:21-22), or engaging in business (Amos 8:4-6; cf. Neh. 13:15-21).  The Sabbath was to be a day of rest from all one’s labors.  Jesus declared “the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27).  However, Rabbis had invented additional commands for the Sabbath, and it was these additions that made the Sabbath a burden rather than a blessing.  As Lord of the Sabbath Jesus declared that acts of necessity and compassion were permitted on the Sabbath (see Matt. 12:10-14; Luke 13:10-17; 14:1-6; John 7:19-24).  Jesus kept the Sabbath as Scripture prescribed, but not according to rabbinic tradition, for which He and His disciples were wrongly attacked (Matt. 12:1-2).  Jesus’ healing the disabled man at the pool of Bethesda did not violate the Sabbath (John 5:1-9); nor a blind man (John 9:14-16), nor a man’s shriveled hand (Mark 3:1-5), nor a crippled woman (Luke 13:10-17), nor a man who suffered from dropsy (Luke 14:1-6).  The Sabbath was obligatory only upon Israel, and only for the duration of the Mosaic Covenant, which has been replaced with the New Covenant (Heb. 8:6-7, 13). 

John 5:1-18

The Central Idea of the Text is that Jesus performs His third sign by healing an invalid at the pool of Bethesda, which sparks a Sabbath controversy. Jesus came to Jerusalem for a feast and came to a pool called Bethesda where there were many disabled persons (John 5:1-4).  Jesus encountered a man who had been disabled for thirty eight years and asked him if he wished to get well (John 5:5-6).  The disabled man wanted to be made well, but he was helpless to change his condition and was not able to enter the pool he thought would heal him (John 5:7).  Jesus commanded the man to get up, take up his bed and walk, and the man was immediately healed (John 5:8-9a).  The healing took place on the Sabbath (John 5:9b), and the Jewish leadership was greatly troubled when they saw the man carrying his pallet and told him he was in violation of the Sabbath (John 5:10).  The man shifted blame to Jesus, saying, “He who made me well was the one who said to me, ‘Pick up your pallet and walk’” (John 5:11).  When the Jewish leadership asked who told him to do this thing (John 5:12), the man did not know, for Jesus had slipped away through the crowd (John 5:13).  Afterward, Jesus found the man in the temple and told him, “do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you” (John 5:14).  And rather than thank Jesus, or follow His command to obey, the man runs away and tells the Jewish leadership (John 5:15).  The Jewish leadership began to persecute Jesus because He healed a man on the Sabbath (John 5:16).  Jesus defends Himself against their false charge of breaking the Sabbath by pointing out that His Father—God—works on the Sabbath, and being equal to His Father, He is working too (John 5:17-18). 

John 4:48 - Signs, Miracles and Wonders

A sign (Heb. אוֹת oth, Grk σημεῖον semeion) is a unique mark or act whereby something is specifically known.  A wonder (Heb. מוֹפֵת mopheth, Grk. τέρας teras) is something miraculous that amazes. A miracle (Grk. δύναμις dunamis) refers to power, strength, or the ability to work wonders.  Signs, wonders, and miracles are seen throughout Scripture:
Old Testament prophets performed signs and wonders to validate their message as being from God (Ex. 4:1-9; 1 Kings 18:36-39).
God used distressing signs and wonders against Pharaoh in order to deliver Israel from captivity (Deut. 6:20-23; 26:1-9).
Jesus performed signs, wonders, and miracles for the purpose of proving Himself as the Messiah (John 3:2; 9:32-33).
Herod sought to be entertained by seeing a miracle (see Luke 23:7-9).
The majority rejected Jesus, though He’d performed many signs (John 12:37).
The Pharisees attributed Jesus’ miracles to Satan (Matt. 12:22-24).
Some Samaritans believed in Jesus “because of His word” (John 4:41).
Some Jews believed after seeing “signs and wonders” (John 4:48, 53).
Some of Jesus’ disciples saw His miracles and believed in Him (John 2:11), or had their faith strengthened (John 20:29).
Jesus’ apostles performed signs and wonders to validate their message, both before the cross (Matt. 10:1-8; Mark 16:20), and after the cross (Acts 14:1-4; 2 Cor. 12:12; Heb. 2:1-4). The apostolic miracles diminished with time as the gospel advanced and the New Testament was written. Paul, who once was able to perform miracles (2 Cor. 12:12), eventually became powerless. Paul left Trophimus sick in Miletus (2 Tim. 4:20), and only had practical advice for the physical ailments of his friend Timothy (1 Tim. 5:23).  Also, Paul could not remove his thorn in the flesh (2 Cor. 12:7-10).
Satan enables some to perform signs and wonders such as the Egyptian magicians (Ex. 7:20-22), false prophets (Deut. 13:1-5; Matt. 7:15-23; 24:24), and the coming Antichrist (2 Thess. 2:8-12; Rev. 13:13-14).
God sovereignly heals and performs miracles today, but these often come in response to prayer, not as a special gift that enables one to perform signs and wonders. For the believer, faith should rest upon God’s word (John 20:30-31; 1 Thess. 2:13; Rom. 10:17), not upon miracles, signs, or wonders.

John 4:43-54

The Central Idea of the Text is that John selected Jesus’ healing the sick son of a royal official as the second sign to validate Him as Messiah. After spending two days with the Samaritans, Jesus then journeyed on to Galilee (John 4:43).  The Samaritans had honored Jesus by welcoming Him for who He is, the Messiah (John 4:25-26, 40-42), whereas the Jews in Galilee had dishonored Jesus because they received Him only for the miracles He performed (John 4:44-45).  When Jesus arrived at Cana, a royal official implored Him to cure his sick son who was in Capernaum (John 4:46-47).  Jesus rebukes the royal official, as well as those standing nearby, for seeing Jesus as a healer but not as the Messiah (John 4:48).  The royal official ignores Jesus’ rebuke and pleads for his son to be healed (John 4:49).  Jesus refuses his request to “come down” but answers his greater concern to heal his son, and the royal official believed the word of Jesus (John 4:50).  As he was traveling home, the royal official was met by some of his servants who informed him his son was healed (John 4:51).  When he asked about the time of healing, his servants revealed it was at the same hour Jesus spoke (John 4:52).  As a result, the royal official—as well as his whole household—believed in Jesus Messiah (John 4:53).  Though Jesus had performed other miraculous signs (John 2:23; 3:2), this is the second sign John handpicked to prove Jesus is the Messiah (John 4:54; cf. John 20:30-31).

John 4:27-42

The Central Idea of the Text is that many Samaritans came to believe in Jesus as Savior because of the witness of the Samaritan woman. Jesus’ disciples returned from the Samaritan city and were astonished to find Him speaking with a Samaritan woman (John 4:27).  The Samaritan woman—who now possessed living water, which was welling up within her; see John 4:13-14—left her waterpot and went into town to share with others her excitement about Jesus, and many came to see the Man for themselves (John 4:28-30).  Meanwhile, the disciples who had returned from the city, were concerned about Jesus and were trying to get Him to eat something.  Jesus used their concern as a teaching opportunity to communicate what nourishes and energizes Him spiritually (John 4:31-33).  Jesus said, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work” (John 4:34).  The primary work of Jesus was to go to the cross and die for the sin of others, that they might have forgiveness of sins and the gifts of eternal life and righteousness (John 3:16; cf. 2 Cor. 5:21).  Then, using an agricultural analogy of sowing and reaping, Jesus explained to His disciples that they were co-laborers with other believers—OT prophets including John the Baptist—in the ministry of leading others to salvation (John 4:35-38).  Many Samaritans came to believe in Jesus as their Savior because of the witness of the woman who had spoken to Him at the well; however, others came to believe after they spoke with Jesus personally (John 4:39-42).

John 4:26 - Jesus the Messiah

The Old Testament revealed the coming of a special person, an anointed one, called the Messiah (מָשִׁיחַ Mashiach) or Christ (Χριστός Christos).  The purpose of the Gospels is to reveal that Jesus is the Messiah/Christ (Matt. 1:1, 16-17; 16:16-17; Mark 8:29; Luke 2:11; John 1:41; 20:31).  When Jesus was talking with disciples on the road to Emmaus, He said, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled” (Luke 24:44).  Below is a brief listing of the OT and NT verses pertaining to the Messiah:
He would be fully human (Gen. 3:15; cf. Luke 3:38).
He would be fully divine (Isa. 9:6; cf. John 1:1, 14; 20:28).
He would be a descendant of Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3; Matt. 1:1; Gal. 3:16).
He would come from the line of Judah (Gen. 49:10; Luke 3:30).
He would be a descendant of David (2 Sam. 7:12-13; Matt. 1:1).
He would be born of a virgin (Isa. 7:13-15; cf. Luke 1:26-27; 34).
He would be born in the city of Bethlehem (Mic. 5:2; cf. Matt. 2:1).
He would be preceded by a special messenger (Isa. 40:3; cf. John 1:22-23).
He would bring good news (Isa. 61:1; cf. Luke 4:16-21).
He would heal the sick (Isa. 35:5-6; Mark 6:56).
He would be despised and rejected by men (Isa. 53:1-3; Mark 8:31).
He would enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey (Zech. 9:9; cf. John 12:14-15).
He would bring an end to animal sacrifices (Dan. 9:24-27; Heb. 10:10-14).
He would die (Ps. 22:16-18; Zech. 12:10; Mark 15:37-39).
He would die for others (Isa. 53:4-12; Mark 10:45).
He would be placed in a grave (Isa. 53:9; Matt. 27:57-60).
He would be resurrected (Ps. 16:10; Isa. 53:10; cf. John 20:1-20).
He will eventually rule over Israel on the throne of David (2 Sam. 7:16; Ps. 89:34-37; cf. Matt. 19:28; Luke 1:31-33; Rev. 20:1-6).

John 4:1-26

The Central Idea of the Text is that Jesus crosses the social and religious barriers of His day in order to reveal Himself as the Messiah to a Samaritan woman. While traveling through Samaria to Galilee, Jesus came to the city of Sychar and stopped at Jacob’s well about noontime (John 4:3-6).  While Jesus’ disciples were in the city buying food, He met a Samaritan woman and asked her for a drink (John 4:7-8).  The meeting is providential.  Typical Jews despised Samaritans and had no dealings with them.  Rabbinic teaching stated that Samaritan women were perpetually menstruating and were therefore ceremonially unclean at all times.  The Samaritan woman was surprised that Jesus spoke with her and Jesus used the opportunity to reveal Himself as the Messiah and to offer her the gift of eternal life—presented as “living water” (John 4:9-14).  The Samaritan woman misunderstood Jesus’ offer as referring to literal water (John 4:15).  Jesus then revealed her past—but not in a condemning way—and the woman perceived Jesus as a prophet (John 4:16-19).  Perhaps feeling uncomfortable discussing her past relationships, the Samaritan woman changed the subject by comparing Jewish and Samaritan worship (John 4:20).  Jesus explained that salvation is from the Jews (John 4:21-22) and that an hour is coming—and had come—in which people will worship God in spirit and truth, not in a physical location or falsehood (John 4:23-24).  The Samaritan woman comments that Messiah is coming (John 4:25), and Jesus plainly reveals that He is Messiah (John 4:26).

John 3:36 - The Wrath of God

The biblical teaching of the wrath of God means that God hates sin (see Ex. 32:9-10; Deut. 9:7-8; 2 Kings 22:13).  God judges and condemns that which He hates.  The Biblical teaching of the love of God reveals that God satisfied every demand of His righteousness by judging our sin in the substitute of His Son, Jesus, who bore the wrath that rightfully belongs to us (Isa. 53:6-12; Mark 10:45; Rom. 5:8-9; 1 Pet. 2:21-24; 3:18).  God is completely propitiated by the blood of Christ (Rom. 3:21-26; Heb. 2:17; 1 John 2:2; 4:10).  Those who reject Christ as Savior continue under God’s wrath (John 3:36; Rom. 1:18-32; 1 Thess. 2:14-16; 5:9-10).  Those who trust Jesus as their Savior receive: forgiveness of sins (Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:13-14), the imputation of God’s righteousness (Rom. 5:17-18; 2 Cor. 5:21; Phil. 3:9), no condemnation (Rom. 8:1, 31-39), reconciliation with God (Rom. 5:10; 2 Cor. 5:18-19), peace with God (Rom. 5:1; Col. 1:20), immunity from the wrath to come (Rom. 5:8-9; Eph. 2:1-7; 5:1-10; 1 Thess. 1:9-10; 5:9-10), and a command not to retaliate when attacked, but to pray for others and leave them to God’s judgment (Rom. 12:17-21; 2 Thess. 1:5-7).

John 3:22-36

The Central Idea of the Text is that the ministry of John the Baptist must decrease and the ministry of Christ must increase.  John the Baptist and the disciples of Jesus (John 4:3) were baptizing Jews at the same time with the message that the kingdom of God/heaven is near (John 3:22-24; cf. Matt. 3:2; 4:17).  After a discussion about purification with a Jew (John 3:25), the disciples of John the Baptist approach him with a concern that Jesus’ new ministry is gaining more attention than John’s ministry (John 3:26).  John the Baptist corrects their thinking by explaining true ministry and results are determined by heaven and not men (John 3:27).  John the Baptist makes it clear that he is not the Christ (John 3:28), but likens himself as the friend of a bridegroom who is joyful about his friends future success (John 3:29).  Concerning his ministry, John the Baptist humbly states, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).  John the Baptist explains that Christ is superior because He comes from above and His message and ministry is greater (John 3:31-33).  John the Baptist also explains that Jesus—unlike others—has received the Holy Spirit without limitation (John 3:34), and that the Father has given all things into His hand (John 3:36).  Because of Jesus preeminent position, the Father will give eternal life to all who believe in Him as Savior, but His wrath continues to abide on those who fail to obey the command to believe (John 3:36).

John 3:1-21 Summary

The kingdom of God is the prophesied earthly kingdom in which Jesus will reign for a thousand years (2 Sam. 7:12-16; Ps. 89:34-36; Luke 1:31-35; cf. Matt. 6:9-10; 19:28; 20:21; 25:31; Acts 1:6; Rev. 20:1-6).  Christ’s earthly kingdom will become the eternal kingdom (1 Cor. 15:24-25).  Both believing Jews and Gentiles will share in that kingdom.  There is a sense in which Christ is already ruling now from heaven, and His kingdom includes all humanity, both saved and unsaved (Matt. 13:36-43; Acts 26:18; Col. 1:13-14), and after His physical return to earth in the future (Rev. 19:11-21), He will remove all unbelievers and rule on the throne of David in Israel (2 Sam. 7:12-16; Ps. 89:34-36; Luke 1:31-35; Rev. 20:1-6).

John 3:1-21

The Central Idea of the Text is that a Jewish leader visits Jesus—believing He is from God—and Jesus educates him concerning his need to be born again in order to enter the kingdom of God. Nicodemus is a Pharisee, ruler (John 3:1), and teacher in Israel (John 3:10).  He appears positive to Jesus, so he came to Him seeking discussion (John 3:2; cf. John 7:50-51); however, he also appears fearful, and this is most likely why he visited Him at night (John 3:2; cf. John 9:22; 12:42-43).  By the end of Jesus’ ministry, Nicodemus publicly aligned himself with Jesus (John 19:38-39).  Jesus explained to Nicodemus the necessity of being born again, which means that a person must be given spiritual life from heaven (John 3:3-11; cf. 1 Pet. 1:3, 23).  Jesus then explained to Nicodemus how to be born again (John 3:12-21).  For John, eternal life was conditioned solely on a person’s personal faith in Jesus as the Christ (John 3:16-18; 20:31; cf. Acts 4:12; 16:30-31; Eph. 2:8-9; Tit. 3:5).  We learn later that only those who are drawn by the Father will believe (John 6:40, 44, 65; cf. Matt. 16:15-17; Acts 13:48; Eph. 1:4; 2 Thess. 2:13).

John 2:1-25 Summary

Jesus and His family and disciples were invited to a wedding in Cana; however, a problem arose when the wine for the celebration ran out, which would have greatly embarrassed the groom and bride.  At the request of His mother, Jesus solved the problem by supernaturally turning water into fine wine (an alcoholic drink); though some may have abused His gift.  Jews were obligated to observe the annual Passover Feast which memorialized the exodus from slavery in Egypt (Deut. 16:1-8).  More so, the Jewish temple was to be the place where people—Jews and Gentiles—came to pray, sacrifice, and worship God.  However, when Jesus arrived at the temple He was greatly upset that many had converted it into a marketplace for personal gain rather than a holy place of worship to the Lord.  Jesus drove out the animals and moneychangers in order to restore the proper function of the temple.  It appears Jesus cleansed the temple again toward the end of His earthly ministry and it was at that time the Jewish leadership sought to kill Him (Mark 11:15-18).  In time, the Jewish temple would be destroyed (in 70 A.D.), and worship would not be geographically dependent (John 4:20-24). 

John 2:1-25

The Central Idea of the Text is that Jesus socialized at the wedding in Cana as well as the Jewish Temple during Passover and in both places asserted His power and authority as the Messiah.

John 1:19-51 Summary

The narrative covers the duration of four days in which John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Messiah (John 1:19-28; 29-34; 35-42; 43-51).  John the Baptist had an exalted view of Jesus as the Messiah and humbly considered himself unworthy to untie Jesus’ sandals, a task normally assigned to the lowliest of slaves.  John twice identified Jesus as the “Lamb of God” (John 1:29, 36).  Both instances were designed to point his disciples to Jesus that they might follow Him.  John the Baptist was assigned the task of preparing the way for the Messiah, and once Jesus began His ministry, John’s task would diminish (John 3:22-36).  We learn from John the Baptist, Andrew and Philip that biblical evangelism is often relational, in which a believer points—not pushes—others to search out Jesus for themselves.  Salvation occurs when a person recognizes and accepts Jesus as the Messiah and trusts in Him alone to save (John 3:16; Acts 4:12; 16:30-31; Eph. 2:8-9; Tit. 3:5).

John 1:19-51

The Central Idea of the Text is that John the Baptist identifies Jesus as Messiah to his disciples, who in turn, point others to Jesus.

John 1:1-18 Summary

God the Son—the Word—was with God the Father from eternity past (John 1:1; 17:5, 24).  John helps elucidate the doctrine of the Trinity, in which there is one God who eternally exists as three persons: God the Father (Gal. 1:1; Eph. 6:23; Phil. 2:11), God the Son (John 1:1, 14:18; 8:58; 20:28; Col. 2:9; Heb. 1:8), and God the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3-4; 1 Cor. 2:11-12; 2 Cor. 13:14).  God the Son has existed eternally, but His humanity was added in time and continues forever. 

John 1:1-18

The Central Idea of the Text is that John presents Jesus as the eternal Son of God who became human in order to reveal grace and truth to a fallen world.  

Introduction to the Gospel of John

Authorship: Internal and external evidence points to the Apostle John as the author of the Gospel.  John most likely wrote from the Island of Patmos, where he was exiled in the latter part of his life by the Roman Emperor Domitian. 
Audience: John wrote to a general Gentile audience.
Date: The Gospel was most likely written between A.D. 85-95. 
Purpose: The major purpose of John is to provide information about Jesus in order to persuade the reader that He is the Christ, the Son of God.  Believing in Jesus results in the benefit of receiving eternal life.  John writes: “Therefore many other signs [σημεῖον semeion – distinguishing marks] Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:30-31).  

God's Love to Us

God is love (1 John 4:8), and He demonstrated His love for us through His Son, Jesus, who humbled Himself to do the Father’s will (Mark 10:45; Phil. 2:5-8).  God loved us and gave His Son to die for us (John 3:16; Rom. 5:8; 1 John 4:10).  He loved us while we were helpless sinners who were in a state of hostility toward Him (Rom. 5:6-10).  He loved us while we were dead in our sins, under wrath, and living in disobedience (Eph. 2:1-3).  The benefits of God’s love for those who believe include: forgiveness of sins (Eph. 1:7), eternal life (John 10:28), the gift of righteousness (Rom. 5:17; 2 Cor. 5:21; Phil. 3:9), justification before God (Rom. 3:24-28; 8:33-34), peace with God (Rom. 5:1), spiritual blessings (Eph. 1:3), union with the body of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18), the indwelling and sealing of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19; Eph. 1:13), deliverance from the domain of darkness (Col. 1:13), citizenship in heaven (Philip. 3:20), a future resurrection body (1 Cor. 15:50-58), and a future home in heaven (John 14:1-3).  The more we understand and accept His love for us, the more our lives will respond in thankful-obedience to Him (John 14:15, 21, 23-24, 31; 1 John 2:3; 5:3), and will manifest love to others (1 John 4:11, 19-21), even our enemies (Matt. 5:44-45; Luke 6:27-28; 35). 

Dealing with Adversity and Stress

The events leading up to the cross—and Jesus’ words about leaving them—had shaken the disciples and Jesus knew it.  Their souls had become troubled and Jesus sought to stabilize them by strengthening their faith.  The word troubled translates the Greek verb ταράσσω tarasso, which means “to cause inward turmoil, stir up, disturb, unsettle, throw into confusion.”[1]  The passive form of the verb means they had received troubling circumstances into their souls.  The pressures of life are inevitable and none of us are completely impervious to them.  Even Jesus—in His humanity—was troubled when facing the cross (John 12:27; 13:21); however, He was sustained by keeping focus on the Father’s will (John 4:34; 5:30; John 6:38; cf. Matt. 26:39), and there was joy in the midst of the trial (Heb. 12:2).  Each believer is responsible for what he/she allows to enter their heart (Prov. 4:23).  Adversity is unavoidable, but how we handle it is optional.  The believer cannot always control negative circumstances, but neither does he/she have to be controlled by them.  God’s Word—applied by faith—provides a shield for the soul that can stabilize the believer in times of adversity (Eph. 6:16; 1 Pet. 5:8-9; 1 John 5:4). Mental and emotional stability is obtained when the believer looks to God (Prov. 3:5-6; Isa. 26:3-4; Jer. 17:7-8), learns His Word (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16-17; 1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Pet. 3:18), walks in dependence on the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18; Gal. 5:16, 25), lives by faith (Heb. 10:38; 11:1, 6), becomes thankful for adversity (Rom. 5:3-5; Eph. 5:20; 2 Cor. 12:7-10; Jam. 1:2-4), develops a discipline of prayer (Col. 4:2; Phil. 4:6-7; 1 Thess. 5:17), and learns to focus on God in everything (2 Cor. 10:5; Phil. 4:8; Col. 3:1-2).
 
[1] William Arndt, Frederick W. Danker, and Walter Bauer, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 990.

The Believer's Identity in Christ

     To be in Christ is to be identified with Him in a real and personal way. The Christian who is advancing spiritually must, at some point, learn to live in the reality of his new position in Christ. By faith, his life experience should grow to reflect the reality of his position in Christ and in the family of God. Truth, love, mercy, grace, righteousness, sacrifice, and other Christian virtues should become increasingly evident as the believer engages in his daily pursuit of God, as he seeks to lay hold of the One who in love laid hold of him and by grace saved him and displayed His wonderful riches upon him. Here are just a few the blessings for the believer:
We are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Eph. 1:3).
We are children of God (John 3:6; Gal. 3:26; 1 Pet. 1:23; Tit. 3:5).
We are given eternal life (John 3:16; 10:28; 20:31).
We are made ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20).
We are transferred to the kingdom of Christ (Col. 1:13; 1 Thess. 2:12).
We are all saints in Christ Jesus (Eph. 1:18-19; 2:19).
We are made kings and priests to God (Rev. 1:6).
We are indwelt and sealed with the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19; Eph. 1:13).
We are guaranteed a new home in heaven (John 14:1-3).
We have special access to His throne of grace (Heb. 4:16).
The larger list of blessings are here: http://wp.me/p3bc4W-4Y 

To Love Like Christ

Love is an act of the will that obeys God and seeks His best in others.  God commanded the Israelites to “love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” (Deut. 6:5) and to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev. 19:18).  Jesus provided a new commandment to love as He loves (John 13:34-35; 15:12).  Jesus’ love modeled obedience to the Father (John 14:31), commitment to His disciples (John 13:1), and humility and sacrifice for the undeserving (John 13:1-17; 1 John 3:16).  Christian love is modeled on the life and teaching of Jesus Christ (Matt. 5:44-47; Luke 6:32-35; John 13:34; 14:15; 15:12; 1 Cor. 13:4-8a; Eph. 5:1-2; 1 John 3:23; 4:10-11).

Christian Humility

Jesus’ object lesson of washing feet is a picture of forgiveness and humble service to the undeserving.  Jesus stated to His disciples, “If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14).  Here, the Lord instructed His disciples to forgive and humbly serve each other (cf. Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:12-13; 1 Pet. 5:5).  In relation to God, Christian humility is not a sense of worthlessness, but unworthiness of the Lord’s love and blessings (Eph. 2:8-9).  In relation to others, humility is not thinking less of self, but more of others (Philip. 2:3-4).  True Christian humility is voluntary—or self-imposed—as the believer surrenders his personal desires in loving service to others for their spiritual and material benefit.  Humility has the notion of child-like dependence, as Jesus taught His disciples (Matt. 18:3-4).  The greatest display of humility is found in God the Son who left His glory in heaven (Phi. 2:5-8; cf. John 17:5), became a man (John 1:1, 14; Heb. 10:5), became the servant of others (Mark 10:45; John 13:1-17), and ultimately “humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phi. 2:8).  The glory of humility is seen at the cross (John 12:23, 32-33), where Jesus gave His life as an atoning substitutionary sacrifice for others (Rom. 5:6-10; 1 Cor. 15:3-4; 2 Pet. 3:18).

When Believers Hide

Because of persecution, there have been times, and are times, when God’s people hide (κρύπτω krupto – to hide) themselves, or are hidden by others.  There appear to be both just and sinful reasons for hiding.  By faith, Moses’ parents hid him from Pharaoh (Heb. 11:23).  Obadiah hid one hundred prophets of the Lord and provided food and water for them (1 Kings 18:1-4).  These were true prophets, for a false prophet would not have been afraid of the public hostility of Ahab and Jezebel.  It is recorded that Jesus “hid Himself” (κρύπτω krupto) from an attack by the Jewish leadership (John 8:59).  Certainly there was no sin in Jesus’ action.  In contrast, it appears Elijah, in a state of irrational fear, ran for his life and hid in a cave (1 Kings 19:1-10).  He thought he was the last prophet in Israel and was unaware of 7000 faithful Israelites who had not bowed the knee to Baal (1 Kings 19:18).  It would seem these 7000 believers were concealing their faith for fear of persecution; otherwise, Elijah would have known about them and not thought he was the last of God’s prophets (1 Ki. 19:10).  Some of the Jewish leadership in Jesus’ day had “believed in Him” (John 12:42a); however, “because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue” (Joh 12:42b).  These believers chose to hide their faith for sinful reasons, because “they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God” (John 12:42-43).  One could argue that Peter was hiding from persecution when he denied the Lord three times (Matt. 26:33-35, 69-75).  Scripture reveals Joseph of Arimathea was “a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one (κρύπτω krupto) for fear of the Jews” (John 19:38).  However, after the crucifixion, he exposed his faith for all to see, and apparently did not fear oppression.  Spiritual maturity and strong faith leads the believer to overcome fear and to live confidently in God’s will, seeking God’s glory over personal protection. Full article: https://thinkingonscripture.com/2017/02/04/when-believers-hide/ 

The Doctrine of Providence

"Providence is normally defined in Christian theology as the unceasing activity of the Creator whereby, in overflowing bounty and goodwill (Ps. 145:9 cf. Mt. 5:45–48), he upholds his creatures in ordered existence (Acts 17:28; Col. 1:17; Heb. 1:3), guides and governs all events, circumstances and free acts of angels and men (cf. Ps. 107; Jb. 1:12; 2:6; Gn. 45:5–8), and directs everything to its appointed goal, for his own glory (cf. Eph. 1:9–12)."[1]
 
God’s providence refers to His wise and personal acts, whereby He creates and controls circumstances in order to direct history according to His predetermined plan, all for His glory and the benefit of His elect.  People live in the flow of history, and are moved by the circumstances God controls.  The Lord “does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth; and no one can ward off His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’” (Dan 4:35).  God is good and “works all things after the counsel of His will” (Eph. 1:11; cf. Ps. 103:19; 135:6; Dan. 4:35), and “causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28).  By His sovereign will God created all things in heaven and earth, and sustains and directs them as He desires.  God “is before all things, and in Him all things hold together” (Col. 1:17).  The Lord knows all things at all times.  He knows when a sparrow falls to the ground (Matt. 10:29), and the ever-changing number of hairs on our head (Matt. 10:30).  He knows our thoughts before we think them (Ps. 139:2), and our words before we speak them (Ps. 139:4).  He knows our wickedness (Jer. 17:9; Mark 7:21-22), and chooses to love us by grace, in spite of our sinfulness (Matt. 5:45; Rom. 5:6-10; Eph. 2:1-9).  Some He elects to purpose, even from the womb (Jer. 1:5; Gal. 1:15).  Because God is righteous, all His actions are just.  Because He is loving and good, He directs all things for the benefit of His elect.  The wicked are also under God’s sovereign control, and He uses them for His own ends (Prov. 16:4).  God’s sovereignty, expressed through His providential control, produces confidence in those who know He is directing all things after the counsel of His will.  The growing believer knows “it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13).  Where the Bible is silent, the believer seeks to discern God’s will through His providential direction as He guides people circumstantially.  The growing believer takes great delight in knowing God is in control of His creation and is directing all things according to His providential plan.
 
[1] J. I. Packer, “Providence” in New Bible Dictionary, ed. D. R. W. Wood, I. H. Marshall, A. R. Millard and D. J. Wiseman, 3rd ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996), 979.

The Divine Perspective

God is sovereign (Ps. 115:3; 135:6; Isa. 46:9-10; Dan. 4:35), controlling kings and nations to do His will (Prov. 21:1; Dan. 2:21).  Though God never creates evil, He can does control those who do (John 6:70-71; 19:10-11; Acts 2:22-23; 4:27-28).  In sovereignty, the Father has elected some to salvation (John 6: 64-65; Acts 13:48; Eph. 1:4-5), illuminating them to the Gospel (Acts 16:14; cf. Luke 24:45-46), and providing forgiveness of sins (Eph. 1:7), righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21), and eternal life (John 10:28).

Women in the Life and Ministry of Christ

The Gospels give prominence to certain women in Jesus’ life and ministry.  There are unnamed women that Jesus healed: Peter’s mother-in-law (Mark 1:30-31), a widow who had lost her son (Luke 7:11-15), a woman who had been crippled for eighteen years (Luke 13:10-17), and a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years (Mark 5:22-29).  There are unnamed women who were impressed with Jesus: the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-42), a woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears (Luke 7:36-50), those who traveled with Jesus and funded His ministry (some are named and others not; Matt. 27:55-56; Luke 8:1-3), and those who followed Him after His arrest (Luke 23:27).  Those specifically named include: Mary, Jesus’ mother (John 2:1-11; 19:25-27), Joanna and Susanna (Luke 8:3), Mary and Martha of Bethany (Luke 10:38-39; John 11:1-44; 12:1-8), and Mary Magdalene who was the first to see the risen Lord and report His resurrection to others (John 20:1-17).  

Resuscitation or Resurrection

The Bible reveals both resuscitation and resurrection.  Resuscitation means a person who has died is brought back to life but will die again (see Matt. 27:50-53; Luke 7:15; 8:53-55; John 11:43-44; 12:9-11).  Resurrection means a person will be brought back to life with a new body and will never again experience death.  Jesus was the first Person to be resurrected (John 20:1-18; 1 Cor. 15:3-4; Rev. 1:5).  In the future, Jesus will resurrect Christians at the time of the Rapture (1 Cor. 15:51-53; 1 Thess. 4:14-17), OT saints (Job 19:25-27; Ezek. 37:21-25; Dan. 12:1-2; Matt. 19:28), saints who were martyred during the Tribulation (Rev. 20:4), and finally all unbelievers at the end of the Millennium (Rev. 20:5).  What happens between death and resurrection?  Some teach that when a person dies, the soul enters into a state of unconscious sleep, unaware of anything, until the time of future resurrection.  However, the Bible teaches that the soul separates from the body at death (Eccl. 12:7), and continues in a state of consciousness.  Examples include Lazarus and the Rich man (Luke 16:19-31), and Moses and Elijah who appeared alive at Jesus’ transfiguration (Mark 9:1-4).  Further, when talking to the thief on the cross, Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43).  Since the thief was going to die physically, Jesus must have been referring to his soul, which has consciousness after physical death.  This reality is promoted by Paul, who preferred to be absent from his body in order to be present with Christ (2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23).

Pastor Teachers

In the Old Testament, God is referred to as the Shepherd who leads, feeds, and protects His people (Isa. 40:11; Ps. 23:1-6; 80:1; 100:1-3; Ezek. 34:10-16).  Under the Mosaic Law, God appointed human leaders who shared His values and modeled His behavior, to lead His people (2 Sam. 5:1-3; cf. 1 Sam. 17:34-37; Jer. 3:15).  However, throughout Israel’s history there have been many false shepherds who devoured God’s people and gave nothing in return (Isa. 56:9-12; Jer. 23:1-4; Ezek. 34:1-10).  In the midst of such poor leadership, God promised He would raise David to shepherd Israel in the future (Ezek. 34:23-25; 37:24-28).  In the New Testament, Jesus is called the Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14), the Great Shepherd (Heb. 13:20), and the Chief Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:4), who provides (John 10:7-9, 11, 14, 16-17) and instructs His people (Mark 6:34).  In the Church age, God has appointed under-shepherds (i.e. pastors) to lead, feed and protect His people (John 21:15-17; Acts 20:28-32; Eph. 4:11-14, 1 Pet. 5:1-2).  Pastors are appointed by God (Acts 20:28; cf. Eph. 4:11).  They are referred to as elders, bishops, and overseers (Acts 20:17, 28; Tit. 1:5-7; 1 Pet. 5:1-5), who work within the church, and with the church, serving as examples, and not “lording” their authority over others (1 Pet. 5:3).  Pastors are servants, doing God’s will and serving others in truth.

Eternal Security and the Life of Faith

When one believes in Jesus as Savior, he/she is born again and given eternal life (John 3:16-18; 10:28). Eternal life is a gift, given by the Lord Jesus Christ, to those who trust Him as Savior (Rom. 4:1-5; 5:6-10; Eph. 2:8-9).  Eternal life means we are eternally secure in our salvation, since it rests entirely in God’s ability to save and keep us saved.  “Eternal security is the work of God that guarantees that the gift of salvation, once received, is forever and cannot be lost. The concept of eternal security emphasizes God’s activity in guaranteeing the eternal possession of the gift of eternal life." (Charles Ryrie, Basic Theology, 379)  Believers may sin (1 John 2:1), and though they may suffer severe punishment (Heb. 12:5-13), even to the point of death (1 John 5:16-17), their salvation is never in jeopardy (John 10:28; Rom. 8:1; 38-39).  Those who are given eternal life are called to a life of righteousness (Tit. 2:11-14), in conformity to God’s word (Rom. 12:1-2; 2 Tim. 3:16-17), and in the power of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:16; Eph. 5:18-21).

Sin and Forgiveness

Jesus reveals that sin keeps one out of heaven (John 8:21, 24); specifically the sin of unbelief that He is the promised Messiah (cf. John 16:8-9). When one comes to faith in Christ, he/she is forgiven of all their sins (Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:13-14), past, present, and future (Heb. 10:10-14).  Forgiveness is first judicial, removing the penalty of sin (John 3:18; 5:24; Rom. 8:1; 8:33-34).  Forgiveness is also familial, restoring fellowship with God after we’ve sinned (1 John 1:5-10; cf. Ps. 32:1-5). 

Basic Ministries of God the Holy Spirit

During His discourse in John chapter 7, Jesus spoke of the future ministry of the Holy Spirit (John 7:39; cf. John 15:26; 16:7), which would occur after His resurrection and ascension on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 1:5; 2:1-4). The Holy Spirit was active in the lives of OT saints such as Artisans (Ex. 31:1-5), Judges (Num. 11:25-29; Jud. 3:9-10), Prophets (Ezek. 2:2), and Kings (1 Sam. 10:6; 16:13); however He did not indwell every believer, and could be removed as an act of divine discipline (1 Sam. 16:14-16; Ps. 51:11).  After Pentecost, the Holy Spirit’s ministry includes regeneration (John 3:1-6; 1 Pet. 1:3; 23), indwelling (1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19), baptizing (1 Cor. 12:13), sealing (Eph. 1:13-14; 4:30), gifting (1 Cor. 12:4-7), filling (Eph. 5:18), equipping (Eph. 4:11-16), and sustaining each believer (Gal. 5:16, 25).  The work of the Holy Spirit is to lead us to spiritual maturity so that we may be effective in our ministries to others. 

The Doctrine of Division

Biblically, there are legitimate and illegitimate reasons for divisions/separations. God causes some divisions and He calls His people to do the same.
Sin causes universal separation from God (Isa. 59:2; Rom. 3:23).
Fleshly quarrels cause divisions (1 Cor. 1:10-13); though such quarrels are necessary to distinguish the spiritual from the immature (1 Cor. 11:18-19).
Unbelievers cause division in the church (Jude 1:17-19).
God divided rebellious men at the Tower of Babel (Gen. 11:1-9).
God separated Israel out from Egypt during the exodus (Ex. 3:1-14:31).
Jesus’ teaching caused division (Luke 12:51-53; John 6:66; 7:40-43; 9:16; 10:14-19).
God separates believers from Satan’s kingdom of darkness and transfers them to His kingdom (Col. 1:13-14).
Christians should not be bound with unbelievers (2 Cor. 6:14-17).
Believers should separate from false teachers (Rom. 16:17; 2 John 1:7-11), and those who live in gross immorality (1 Cor. 5:1-2, 9-11; 2 Tim. 3:1-5).
Jesus will separate people at His Second Coming (Matt. 25:31-33).
Jesus will separate unbelievers to the Lake of Fire (Rev. 20:11-15).

Revelation, Illumination, and Application

Jesus explained that knowing/accepting God’s word is predicated on a desire to do (ποιέω poieo – to do, make) God’s will (John 7:17). Those who are set against God cannot know/accept His word, because they desire to follow Satan and do his will (John 8:42-44; cf. 1 Cor. 2:14; 2 Cor. 3:14-16).  Godly desire leads to biblical learning (2 Tim. 2:15; 1 Pet. 2:2), and biblical learning leads to divine illumination (Ps. 119:18, 97-99, 130; John 16:12-13; Luke 24:44-45; 1 Cor. 2:10-13; Eph. 1:17-18), and illumination leads to spiritual growth (Eph. 4:11-16; 2 Tim. 3:16-17) and practical application (Matt. 7:24-27; Jam. 1:22).  The growing Christian who learns and applies God’s word will seek the interests of others over self (Phil. 2:3-4), will love others (1 Cor. 13:4-8a; 1 Thess. 3:11-12; 4:9; 1 John 4:7-11), pray for others (Jam. 5:16), encourage others (1 Thess. 5:11), edify others (Rom. 15:1-2; Eph. 4:29), be kind and forgiving (Eph. 4:32), serve others (Gal. 5:13; 1 Pet. 4:10), and do good works (Eph. 2:10; Tit. 2:11-14).