College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
John 1 - Introduction
CHAPTER ONE
The first eighteen verses of the Gospel according to John contain an abridgment of what John intends to record in detail in the body of his Gospel. First he describes the pre-existent nature of the Word with the Father. Then he briefly relates how the Word became flesh and manifested Himself among men. Some men hated and rejected Him, while others loved and accepted Him. We shall outline the Prologue thus:
I
The Prologue, John 1:1-18, an abridged history of the earthly ministry of the Word
A.
The Pre-existence of the Word described, John 1:1-5
1.
Co-existent, John 1:1-2
2.
Co-equal, John 1:3-5
B.
The Word manifested to the Jews, and their rejection of Him, John 1:6-11
1.
John the Baptist's witness for Him, John 1:6-8
2.
His own witness rejected, John 1:9-11
C.
The Word manifested to others, and their acceptance of Him, John 1:12-18
1.
The spiritual reborn made children of God, John 1:12-13
2.
These beheld the glory of God in Him, and recognized the grace of God in Him, John 1:14-18.
EXPOSITORY SERMON NO. 2
JESUS MANIFESTS HIS GLORY
Introduction
I.
PROLOGUE
A.
A condensed version of the entire Gospel of John.
1.
Pre-existence of the Word
2.
The Word manifested to Jews; their rejection
3.
The Word manifested to others; their acceptance
B.
The Prologue summarized in John 1:14
II.
JOHN THE BAPTIST'S WITNESS TO THE LAMB OF GOD
A.
Jesus-' glory evidenced to John
1.
The Spirit's descent seen by John
2.
God's voice heard by John
B.
John taking second place to Jesus
1.
John pointing out Jesus to his own followers
C.
John's disciples following Jesus
1.
Talking with Him for whole day
2.
Beginning to get a glimpse of His glory
Discussion
I.
HIS GLORY SHOWN IN SEARCHING HEARTS OF DISCIPLES
A.
Peter nicknamed Rock: Peter's future known (Luke 22:31-32; Acts 4:19; Acts 5:29)
B.
Nathanaelprime example
1.
Seen by Jesus as an Israelite without guile (Something to strive for today)
2.
Thinking himself hidden under fig tree
3.
Nathanael convinced of Jesus-' glory (v. John 1:49)
C.
The Holy Spirit still manifesting God's glory through the Word
1.
The living and active Word of God. (Hebrews 4:12)
2.
The converting power of the Word of God
TO THE GLORY OF GOD. NOT OF THE PREACHER
JESUS NEEDED NOT THAT ANYONE SHOULD BEAR WITNESS CONCERNING MAN: FOR HE HIMSELF KNEW WHAT WAS IN MAN (John 2:25).
II.
HIS GLORY SHOWN AT CANA WEDDING FEAST
A.
Majesty shown in rebuking His mother John 2:4
1.
Mary seeking to dictate His affairs
2.
At age 12 His warning to Joseph and Mary that He has a task to perform
3.
Later warning to Mother and brethren He is not to be influenced by men (Matthew 12:46-50)
4.
Obedience to Jesus enjoined upon ALL. EVEN HIS MOTHER (cf. Luke 11:27-28.)
B.
Mary's resignation to His will John 2:5
1.
Jesus then not inconsistent in performing miracle
2.
NECESSITY OF DOING THINGS HIS WAY. ACCORDING TO HIS WILL
a.
Not asking to spend in own pleasure
b.
Mary's desire. her own pleasure
C.
The Miracle John 2:7 ff
1.
Disciples belief on Him as a result John 2:11
2.
Skeptics rejection of the miracle
3.
Same One able to step up wine process by miracle still glorified in nature every day
4.
FAITH PRODUCED BY ALL OF HIS MIRACLES
a.
To show His control over nature, etc.
b.
HIS SUPREME MIRACLE, THE RESURRECTION
1)
RESURRECTION THE BASIS OF OUR FAITH
2)
BY IT WE TRUST HIM TO RAISE US, IF WE OBEY!
III.
HIS GLORY SHOWN AT CLEANSING OF TEMPLE
A.
No miracle here!
1.
Miracles not always needed to show His glory
2.
Here His Majesty shown in righteousness
3.
HIS SINLESS LIFE MANIFESTS HIS GLORY When on trial. If have done any evil, bear witness. etc.
B.
His glory manifested in His wrath at ungodliness
Conclusion
I.
ALL THESE MANIFESTATIONS TO INSTILL TRUST. FAITH
A.
Faith is trust. hope that is seen is not hope Faith that understands all is not faith The testimony of honest men found here
II.
THESE MANIFESTATIONS ARE WARNINGS
A.
Our very thoughts seen by Jesus. deeds without love unavailing
The hypocrisy of Church-going without faith and love
B.
The need of obeying, not dictating to Him
C.
His wrath against sin. (John 3:36)
III.
MEN NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE ALL KNOWLEDGE OR ALL FAITH TO BECOME HIS DISCIPLE!
A.
A willing mind and honest heart and lead by Him to growth.
B.
Disciples defined as learners, trusters.
C.
HIS PROMISE CAN BE YOURS. ONLY TRUST HIM
1.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth him that sent me, hath eternal life, and cometh not into judgment, but hath passed out of death into life.
C.
WHEN DEATH COMES TO A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST WHO HAS TRUSTED AND OBEYED. DEATH BECOMES BUT THE DOOR TO PARADISE, A SHARING IN THE GLORY OF THE SON!
EXAMINATION
(Introduction and Chapter One)
1.
Who wrote the Fourth Gospel?
2.
Give 4 evidences to substantiate your answer to question one.
3.
Name the two papyri which are so important to the Fourth Gospel.
4.
How near to the original manuscript of the Fourth Gospel do these papyri take us?
5.
Give two reasons for saying that the Fourth Gospel is not silent about the virgin birth of Christ?
6.
How is the Prologue (John 1:1-18) an abridgment of the entire Fourth Gospel?
7.
What does the author mean by saying that the world was made through Christ (cf. John 1:10)?
8.
Name two heretical sects whose doctrines are refuted by the Prologue.
9.
Give the scriptural limitations for the second main division of the Fourth Gospel.
10.
What was the essence of the preaching of both John the Baptist and Jesus (cf. Matthew 3:1-2; Mark 1:14-15)?
Fill in the blanks:
1.
John the apostle has been called the apostle of ____________.
2.
John's purpose in writing his Gospel is to show that Jesus is __________________________.
3.
In the _________________ was the Word, and the Word was _________________ God, and the Word was _________________.
4.
God _____________ and _____________ always like Jesus Christ (Hebrews 13:8).
5.
He came unto his __________, and they that were his __________ received him not.
6.
Every verse of Scripture must be interpreted in the light of the entire____________________.
7.
And the Word became _________________, and _________________among us.
8.
For the _________________ was given through Moses; _________________ and ________________ came through Jesus Christ.
9.
To become sons of God we must be _________________ anew of God.
10.
Behold, ___________________________________________, that taketh away the sin of the world!
True or False?
1.
_____________ Our finite minds cannot comprehend eternity.
2.
_____________ John the Baptist was very unpopular.
3.
_____________ The baptism of fire is promised to believers.
4.
_____________ Nathanael was Andrew's brother.
5.
_____________ James was Simon's brother.
6.
_____________ Philip was Andrew's brother.
7.
_____________ The four fishermen received only one call from Jesus.
8.
_____________ The Old Testament may be very clearly understood without a knowledge of Christ.
9.
_____________ Nathanael was the brother of Bartholomew.
10.
_____________ Jesus declared Himself in a spectacular manner to all of Judea immediately after His baptism.