The Words of Eternal Life
Notes
Transcript
The Choice
The Choice
Faith requires a decision.
Many of Jesus’ followers found his words a “hard saying”. They could not believe what he was telling them about his flesh and blood.
The real issue was believing Christ’s word and receiving Him.
Why did so many leave?
Pride - In this instance it was the pride of unbelief. Their minds were darkened by unrepentance and a focus on the external rather than the spiritual.
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.
Praise of men rather than God - later some would believe Christ, but would not confess Christ.
Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.
This is a problem even with many in the church today, there is a desire to please the world rather than follow the Lord.
Jesus put the choice to His disciples - “Will you also go away?”
The Confession
The Confession
Peter’s confession is based on two things:
The Words of Christ - His Promise.
The Witness of Christ - His Person.
The Words of Christ: Peter confessed that only Christ has the words of eternal life. There is no other hope to which man can turn, there is no other fountain of wisdom, only Christ can provide eternal life.
Christ Word is spiritually understood. It is about believing his promise and receiving his person in salvation.
The Witness of Christ - “We have come to understand that you are the Holy One of God.” Peter had received the fourfold testimony of Christ:
The Witness of John the Baptist - John 5:33
The Witness of Christ’s Works - John 5:36
The Witness of the Father - John 5:37
The Witness of the Scriptures - John 5:39
Peter’s faith was built on Christ’s word (promise) and Christ’s witness (person). This is the foundation for our faith as well.
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
HOLD THE FORT - PP Bliss - story of Major Daniel Webster Whittle and the reply of Gen. Sherman.
My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but whole trust in Jesus name.
On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.
His oath, his covenant, his blood, support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way, he then is all my hope and stay.
The Caution
The Caution
Judas fell for the love of the Present world.
Much like Demas, who also forsook the cause of Christ.
For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
He was a thief and loved earthly treasure.
He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.
Judas fell because he listened to the words of Satan rather than the word of the Lord Jesus.
During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him,
Light obeyed increaseth light; light resisted bringeth night.
Application:
Application:
Where will you go for satisfaction? Who will you follow?
Believe Christ’s Word and receive Christ!