Jesus is Perfect in Every Way!

FATHER’S DAY NOTE:

Fatherhood began in God, since he is our Father.

God is our Father at two levels.

OT: One, he created us: “Is not he your father, who created you, who made you and established you?” (Deut. 32:6).

NT: Two, he adopted us: “You have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’” (Rom. 8:15). Ultimate reality is not mechanical but relational, not physics but fatherhood.

Fatherhood came down to us men as a grace from above.

“I bow my knees before the Father, from whom all fatherhood in heaven and on earth is named . . .” (Eph. 3:14–15, ESV margin).

We didn’t project our notion of fatherhood onto God. Rather, God handed down to us his own vision for what fatherhood means.

Fathers can enrich their children with a great spiritual inheritance.

“O God, we have heard with our ears, our fathers have told us, what deeds you performed in their days, in the days of old” (Psalm 44:1).

Each generation does not have to relearn everything from scratch.

A father can give his children a head start by passing along the old stories of what God has done.

In one sense, Heaven has no calendar marked Father’s Day…in another sense, it’s a GREAT DAY to recalibrate our sense of Fatherhood.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

KEY TEXTS

Reflection: Psalm 25:8-10

Psalm 25:8–10 ESV

8 Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. 9 He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. 10 All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.

Scripture Reading: John 7:1-16

Scripture Memory: Matthew 6:3-4

Matthew 6:3–4 ESV

3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Benediction: Romans 11:36

Romans 11:36 ESV

36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

INTRODUCTION:

It would be amazing if we could get all of our ducks in a row wouldn’t it?

If we could perfectly settle into God’s rhythm / dial in to HIS PERFECT TIMING.

If we could always FULLY BE AWARE of who He is, how He moves and acts...

If we could really submit to Christ’s authority in all things...

WHAT WOULD LIFE BE LIKE?

Never doubting God’s timing.

Never taking our eyes of Christ.

Never struggling to understand and obey Him!

IT WOULD BE AMAZING! It already kind of is…and we miss so much; but He is SO FAITHFUL, KIND, AND MERCIFUL isn’t he?

TRANSITION:

You may remember the shift that happened in Chapter 5. The people began to “turn” on Jesus. It was the second Passover recorded and Jesus had stirred up so much enmity, that some Jewish leaders wanted to kill him!

So here we are...

Our Lord has just given the Bread of Life discourse.

many of his disciples withdrew and did not walk with him anymore.

The crowd was NOT interested in a Savior who was primarily spiritual.

That drama continues (with the flavor of the rejection of thousands) here in Chapter 7.

--- ---

In the first section, we see that the his family is impatient. There is controversy from His own family here.

It’s a big celebration done at Jerusalem.

Jesus has a plan. His family has a different plan, and different timeline altogether.

John 7:3–4 ESV

3 So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. 4 For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.”

It comes across a concern…but these family members are unbelievers at this time.

It’s a faked concern / who knows the motive.

BTW - these family members would have known that as a tween, Jesus conveyed His life’s mission: “I must be about my Father’s business.”

On the heels of knowing Jews wanted to kill him…and his own flesh & blood not believing in Him…He didn’t break DOWN; He SPOKE UP!

1. Jesus Knows The Right Time

vv1-9

Jesus responds with clarity.

It’s not time for that yet!

He knows exactly what is up!

He counters with instructions for them, “you go ahead…this is your time to do your thing (since you’re not yet following me as Lord).

You all are no threat to the enemy’s kingdom that stands against me! The world loves you guys!

Since I know who I am and where I’m supposed to be…I’m not going with you here!

John 7:9 ESV

9 After saying this, he remained in Galilee.

Look at the way his UNBELIEVING Family treated HIM!

His family members here were NOT walking with Jesus…and YET, they felt like they had a plan for His life.

Don’t be surprised when non-Christians (even some militant God-haters) want to God to do certain things in certain ways to satisfy their way of thinking.

Even though it’s a logical fallacy: they want a god of there own making, but won’t submit to the one who loves them so much that He gave Himself for them.

They want a Jesus they can control instead of one who is in charge.

ENCOURAGEMENT:

Are you aware that we act like unbelievers when we get bent out of shape at God’s timing.

When we demand certain things of God and have a plan for HIS will…we are giving ourselves a promotion we don’t deserve.

That’s doesn’t communicate “I trust Jesus”

Trust Jesus!

Trust Him completely.

No one loves you like he loves you.

He is working. He has a better way than you can see.

He is NEVER LATE…He is always on time.

Just a side note: He’s not obligated to tell us why He’s waiting, either.

2. Jesus Knows Who He Is

vv10-13

Notice how the fearful, but opinionated people share their opinions.

John 7:10–13 ESV

10 But after his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly but in private. 11 The Jews were looking for him at the feast, and saying, “Where is he?” 12 And there was much muttering about him among the people. While some said, “He is a good man,” others said, “No, he is leading the people astray.” 13 Yet for fear of the Jews no one spoke openly of him.

His unbelieving brothers go up to the feast.

There is a group of Jews looking for him.

(v11) “where is he?”

What a question!

They must have been quite intimidating in their presence…because people started to meet up in the corners or “under their breath” muttered all kinds of things.

And “much was muttered” under people’s breath about Jesus.

It seems like people LOVE giving their opinion on things.

Solicited or Unsolicited.

Some asked about him…some had comments about him...

The religious leaders DIDN’T REALLY KNOW ANYTHING about Jesus!

The crowd didn’t know much more...

“He is a good man!”

“He is leading people astray!”

Those are two polar opposite responses aren’t they?

Jesus says of Himself in John alone:

I am the BREAD OF LIFE (6:35)

I am the LIGHT OF THE WORLD (8:12)

I am the DOOR (10:7)

I am THE GOOD SHEPHERD (10:11)

I am the RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE (11:25)

I am the WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE ((14:6)

I am the TRUE VINE (15:1)

----There are 2 more I Ams…NOT METAPHORS

John 8:58 ESV

58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”

John 18:4–5 ESV

4 Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them.

You and I are living, RIGHT NOW, amidst a growing tide of people who don’t know anything about Jesus - and they don’t really CARE that they don’t know anything about Him.

Kyle Beshears wrote a very insightful book recently entitled, “Apatheism”.

That is, their religion, their god’s name is “I don’t care”.

Not too long ago, we saw people who were spiritual, but not necessarily religious.

Before that we had people who were religious, but not necessarily in a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Increasingly, people don’t care…and “not caring about anything other than the here-and-now” is their religion.

As if they can switch that section of their life “off”.

Jesus knows that person well too,

In Matthew 16:25-26

Matthew 16:25–26 ESV

25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?

3. Jesus Teaches With Authority

vv 14-24

Even amid false accusations. (20)

“YOU HAVE A DEMON!”

“YOU’RE TALKING CRAZY!”

- Jesus Points to God’s Word (16)

John 7:16 ESV

16 So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me.

Jesus teaches with authority…because He is God - He and His Father are completely in sync.

Isaiah 40:8 ESV

8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

Psalm 19:7–11 ESV

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

- Jesus Fulfills God’s Will (17)

John 7:17 ESV

17 If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.

Psalm 25:9 ESV

9 He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.

Romans 12:1–2 ESV

1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

- Selfless in Service

2 Cor 8:1-7

2 Corinthians 8:5 ESV

5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.

- Doing Everything as unto Him

Eph 6:5-9

Ephesians 6:6 ESV

6 not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,

- Maturing and Confident as believer

Colossians 4:12 ESV

12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.

- Live Holy Lives, Pursuing Purity:

not immoral

in control of your own body

living in holiness and honor

not driven by passion of lust like those who don’t know God

pursuing purity

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

1 Thessalonians 4:3 ESV

3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;

1 Thessalonians 4:7 ESV

7 For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.

- Rejoice, Pray, and Be Thankful ALWAYS

1 Thessalonians 5:12-21

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 ESV

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Knowing God’s Will starts with knowing Jesus and the power of His resurrection and being more and more conformed into the image of His dear SON!

- Jesus Reveals God’s Glory! (18)

John 7:18 ESV

18 The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood.

Glory of God Defined:

The glory of God is the splendor and brilliant beauty that shines through all of the divine attributes but is especially evident in the crucified and risen Christ.

Hebrews 1:1–4 ESV

1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

Colossians 1:15–20 ESV

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

WE GLORIFY GOD WHEN WE REVEAL CHRIST THROUGH OUR WORDS, ACTIONS, AND THOUGHTS.

- Jesus Is God’s Way (19-24)

He shows the contradictions of their belief system.

Their sense of timing is warped, because of man-made rules and regulations.

OURS CAN BE TOO, WHEN WE CREATE RULES FOR HOW GOD IS SUPPOSED TO ACT THAT DO NOT LINE UP WITH SCRIPTURE!

Their sense of truth is warped, because they have placed the doctrines of man right up there with the doctrines of God!

OURS CAN BE TOO, WHEN WE CONFLATE POLITICS WITH SCRIPTURE, AND OUR OWN OPINIONS WITH THE ORACLES OF GOD, AND FOLK THEOLOGY WITH BIBLICAL CHRISTIANITY!

Their sense of judgment is warped, because they cannot see what God sees.

OURS CAN BE TOO, WHEN WE DON’T TAKE IN THE WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD!

Remember, John’s Gospel is written that we might understand WHO JESUS REALLY IS and BELIEVE!

What has John shown us here?

JESUS Knows the right time to take action!

even when people close to Him get it wrong

JESUS Knows Who He Is

even when people try to redefine who He is to fit their narrative

JESUS HAS ALL AUTHORITY

He points to God’s Word

He fulfills God’s Will

He reveals God’s Glory

He leads God’s Way

My question is, do you trust him?

CONCLUSION / CALL TO ACTION:

Since Jesus has perfect timing,

YOU CAN TRUST THAT HE IS WORKING, EVEN WHEN YOU DON’T SEE IT, OR FEEL IT, OR KNOW IT.

Since Jesus has PERFECT KNOWLEDGE,

YOU CAN TRUST HIS PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE!

You may not understand it, it may not be what you think is best at this time time: but you don’t know what He knows - you can’t see what He sees!

Since Jesus has PERFECT AUTHORITY

His Word is worth knowing.

It is truth in a world full of lies.

His Will is worth following!

It is the northstar that will not lead you wrong.

His Glory is worth pursuing!

It is what you were made to reveal to the world.

His WAY is worth embracing!

It is better than the best this world has to offer...

It is infinitely better than the best of the best you can come up with on your own.

This past week, I had the privilege of serving alongside a group of young men known as the Christian band, THE COLOR.

If you’re struggling with the truths we’ve covered this morning, because NONE of it seems to match what seems to be playing out in real time in front of you...

They had this incredible song, that I thought fit this message beautifully...

You see A million details only You see I see a fraction of the grand scheme But You havе Heaven's point of view [Chorus] So maybе that mountain saved my heart from a valley

Maybe that desert taught me to pray for rain

Maybe that water never parted for a reason

And You're leading me a better way

CONCLUSION

Trust Jesus, He knows exactly what time it is.

Trust Jesus, He knows exactly who He is and who He created you to be.

Trust Jesus, He alone has all authority in Heaven and on earth.

TRUST JESUS!

>>>insert lyrics to A BETTER WAY!