Scripture reading: John 1:1-18 (NIV)
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life,and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it.
6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
15 (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”) 16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and[b] is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.
a) Jesus explains what He himself is and what He has seen!
b) Jesus is the Word and has been from the beginning! Verse 1
c) The Word is Creator! Verse 3
d) The Word is life giver and sustainer! Verse 4
e) The Word is revelator! Verse 9
2. Jesus Speaks for God by putting His Word into living flesh and blood among men! Verse 14
Jesus shows us:
a) God’s Glory
b) God’s Grace: verse 16
c) God’s Truth: verse 17
3. Jesus Speaks to Jews and Gentiles in words that allow all who believe in Him to become children of God! Verses 10-13
a) Everyone does not hear Jesus’ words as the word of God the creator!
b) Each person must accept or reject what Jesus says to them.
c) All who believe are born of the will of God into His family!
4. All other means of revelation are simply an extension of Jesus’ revelation!
a) Holy Spirit! The real and invisible presence of Christ in every believer today!
b) Pray for a “word” from God! Rhema: The personal utterance of God to believers through the Holy Spirit
c) Bible! Graphe: written Word of God!
d) Church
e) Circumstances
Summary:
1. No one can reveal God except Jesus, His Son! Verse 18
2. Jesus Speaks for God by putting His Word into living flesh and blood among men! Verse 14
3. Jesus Speaks to Jews and Gentiles in words that allow all who believe in Him to become children of God! Verses 10-13
4. All other means of revelation are simply an extension of Jesus’ revelation!
So What?
> Accept Jesus as your Savior and Lord!
> Turn your ears to the Son to know the heart of the Father!
> Read the Bible and listen for God to speak to you!