Determined by Desire
Notes
Transcript
Clarifying Belief
Clarifying Belief
Introduction/ Illustration:
In our world today an issue runs rampant in our culture. The issue is that people have come to the place where the are allowing their desires to dictate their identity.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary says that “identity” means the distinguishing character of an individual.
You could define it another way.... your identity… is the most important thing about you… it is the core of who you are.
To say that your identity is something… means that this trait/ belief is the most fundamental foundation-ally important thing about who you are.... and therefore influences every area of your life.
Autho and Pastor Sam Allberry, brings out this truth. The reality is that in our day.... people are basing their identities on their desires. People are determining that because they have a certain desire… it means that their identity must be wholly based on and controlled by that desire.
Not everyone does this to the same extent or with the same consistency. Obviously every person is different and every situation must be evaluated based on its own context and merit. But, in general… this is what has happened in our culture.
Throughout history this has been an issue, but in our culture today… it seems to be at an all time high and rather than reject the issue… sadly, our culture seems to have embraced it with open arms....
For example:
- Someone who has same-sex attraction is told.... if you have those desires… it means that you are gay… and often the person then patterns their lifestyle after that identity label. We call that person a “homosexual”.
Someone who hates a person of a different skin color is told that is their identity and then adapts the lifestyle… we call that person a “racist”.
These don’t all have to be bad examples.... Someone who has a desire for God… and a desire to follow Christ… embraces that desire and identifies with Christ.... we call that person a “Christian/ or Believer”.
There is a correlation between our desires and identity. But the important truth to keep in mind is which one affects the other. Should our identity dictate our desires.... or are our desires to determine our identity?
Our culture says “ whatever your desires are.... that should determine your identity. — the World says… let your identity conform to your desires!”
Christ says....no, you’ve got it backwards.... when your identity is in me… then your desires will fall into place. — Christ says… “Let your desires conform to your identity!”
Today we are not going to talk about homosexuality or racism… although those are issues that we need to have a biblical answer for.... Today I am merely using that discussion as an illustration to focus our minds on the reality that our world has been flooded with the false teaching that our desires (what we want in the moment) are paramount and are to dictate our identity.... the lie that our desires must dictate what we believe about who we are and how we should act.
As Christians, our identity is to be in Christ… and Christ and His Word are to be the very bedrock foundation of who we are, how we are to act, and of every decision that we make. … the very genesis of the discussion about the believers identity in Christ… must start with belief.
What does it really mean to believe? As we study the Word today, I hope that when we walk away, we will have a better idea of what it means to believe.
As we open God’s word this morning… I hope to address this issue as John reveals the blind eyes and hard hearts of those with whom Jesus has been talking. John points out the reality that those who have rejected Christ… have allowed their response to Christ…and their belief/ unbelief in Jesus to be Determined by their desires.
As you find your place in John chapter 12, let’s remember where we left off last week.
Jesus has made his given his last public invitation to believe…. and according to verse 36, he departed (illustrating the judgement upon those who have rejected him) and hid himself.
As we finish studying through chapter 12 together today, John gives us some narration in verses 36-43 related to the belief or lack there of by the religious leaders. Then in verses 44-50, we have the words of Jesus recorded for us. This is a conversation that may be taking place between Jesus and the Father… but definitely has some important content that was meant for us to apply to our lives.
Now, before we read through the text today I want to point out to you that in these 14 verses, the word “believe” is used at least 6 times. One of the basic methods of Bible study is when a word of significance is repeated in the text, we should pay attention to why it is being repeated. There is probably a good reason.
As you know, the entire gospel of John has been written so that those who read it… and those who hear it (being the gospel message) might believe.
So, ever since we began our journey through the gospel of John, belief has been a main topic of discussion.
Belief is a major part of our lives and spiritual development. It would be a shame if we talked for over a year about belief… and never took a moment to really clarify what it means to believe. I mean we call ourselves “believers”…. we should clearly know what it means to believe.
I had a wonderful conversation about the word of God with a couple this week This couple has a firm grasp on God’s word and are dedicated to the study of it. We were talking about how messy sin is, and the consequences of sin on peoples lives. It’s horrible and messy!
They were sharing about several people they are praying for, witnessing to, studying the bible with, and counseling. At the end of our conversation one of them said.... “I mean, what does it even mean to believe?”
Now, I know that this couple knows what it means to believe… but the people they are witnessing to don’t. Some of the people that this couple is ministering to (even though they have been in a “church” for a long time) have no idea what it means to believe.
I had already decided on Monday that we would be discussing belief today… and God wonderfully confirmed that to me through my meeting this couple on Tuesday morning.
It is amazing how God works! As we meditate on and discuss His Word and how to apply it to our lives… He confirms His leading....
It’s so cool! Praise the Lord!
We are going to be picking up the story where we left off last week in verse 36.
(Please stand with me if you are able)
While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”
When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them. Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him, so that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
“Lord, who has believed what he heard from us,
and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”
Therefore they could not believe. For again Isaiah said,
“He has blinded their eyes
and hardened their heart,
lest they see with their eyes,
and understand with their heart, and turn,
and I would heal them.”
Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him. 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.
And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.”
Like most passages in the Bible, there is so much here, we can’t study every detail in one sermon. Since our focus today is on belief, let’s begin by considering the question....
I. What does it mean to believe?
On a basic level, to believe means to accept to be true.
A. To Accept to Be True
The question is, what are we as believers accepting or acknowledging to be true?
I’m going to give you a list of truths.... that must be accepted/ acknowledged to be true… if you say that you believe… While we could make a long list from every scripture related to belief, our list today will be drawn from this section of John 12 that we are looking at today.
First, believing in Jesus means:
To accept that all the Bible says about Jesus is true (in this context, Jesus is the fulfillment of prophecy) (vs. 37 - 40) - Jesus performed every sign of the Messiah as foretold by the prophets.
Israel’s rejection of Jesus was not a surprise to God. It was actually fulfilling the words of Isaiah the Prophet, that John quotes here in verse 38. Now, verse 40 (quoting Isaiah 6:10) is hard to swallow.
“He has blinded their eyes
and hardened their heart,
lest they see with their eyes,
and understand with their heart, and turn,
and I would heal them.”
God had blinded their eyes… and hardened their hearts...so that they would not be converted....
Fully understanding God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility in salvation is something that is sometimes hard to wrap our minds around. But, Scripture tells us that the unbelief of Israel… was actually part of God’s sovereign design.... it was an act of judgement due to the hard hearts of the people.
Jesus shared with us through his teaching on the wide and narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14 and Luke 13:23-24) that only those few that follow the narrow path… going through the narrow gate (faith alone in Christ alone) would be saved.
Then later Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, shares with the believers in Rome that in Romans 9:18.... “The Lord has mercy on whom He wills...”
This is one of those examples of Biblical truths that we don’t need to understand every last little detail...., we just need to acknowledge that it is true.... because it is God’s inspired Word.... based on God’s divine character...... and therefore since God’s is truth..... and His word is truth.... then even the parts that are hard to understand are true..... even if we don’t like them… or don’t fully understand them.
A big part of belief.... is simply accepting that what the Bible says is true.
Jesus was the walking and talking expression of God’s Truth… the very fulfillment of OT prophecy incarnate..... and while the Pharisees saw Him… and heard Him.... they were not able to accept/Acknowledge Him as the truth.
Another aspect of belief is accepting the truth that:
Jesus is God.... He is the glory of God! (vs. 41)
This verse gives some pretty important insight to help us understand what we are believing we we say we believe....
John tells us in verse 41 that
Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him.
What John just quoted in verse 38, was part of Isaiah’s vision of God (Isa. 6:5). John then in verse 41 applies his vision of God to Jesus… testifying to Christ’s deity. John is clearly tying the Jesus of the NT to Yahweh… to God in the Old Testament. They are One! John’s comments here are specifically linking Israel’s prophesied unbelief to their specific unbelief in Christ.
Jesus is God.... and when John tells us in verse 41 that Isaiah saw God’s glory..... he is also saying that somehow through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that he also saw the glory of Christ.
Jesus is God..... When Jesus descended to earth as a man.... He was the visible representation of the glory of God! You want to see God’s glory??????..... look at Jesus!
Believing in Jesus.... also means to accept that Jesus was:
Sent from the Father (44, 49-50) The Father sent the Son
And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me.
For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.”
Jesus, while being God the Son, an equal part of the God-head .... was sent by the Father... and then ministered directly under the authority of the Father.... never straying....
While being equal with God.... humbled Himself.... submitted Himself to become man....
Verse 45 tells us that Jesus is also:
The very image and imprint of the Father (45)
And whoever sees me sees him who sent me.
You want to see God.... look to Jesus. In John 14:8, standing in Jesus’ presence Philip says,
Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
To believe… means to accept the truth that Jesus is God..... and even during his earthly incarnation, Jesus the Son of God… wrapped in human flesh… was still the very imprint and expression of God the Father....
As Jesus told us earlier in our study of John, Jesus is:
Light of the world… destroyer of darkness (46)
I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.
Jesus is the light… that we are to follow.... leading us to God’s promised provision of salvation.... Peace… and Rest.
Jesus is our:
Savior (47b)
If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.
Why did Jesus come? He came to be our Savior… to provide a way of salvation.. a way of restoration and reconciliation for mankind...
When you say “I believe”..... you are saying that you believe that Jesus left the glory of heaven.... became a man… lived a perfect sinless life… died on the cross to pay the penalty for your sins.... was buried and rose on the third day.... ascended to heaven and is now seated at the right hand of God....
A believer… will accept the truth that Jesus has rescued you from sin.... He is your Savior… He has bought you with a price… and you are not your own.
Jesus is our Savior… and the:
Guarantor of eternal life through the authority of the Father (49-50) (the benefit of those who believe)
These are some of the truths that we must acknowledge to be true… in order to call ourselves “believers”.
But a head knowledge of these truths is not enough. True belief isn’t measured by head knowledge.... but by a heart embracing of Christ as Lord.
We talked about what it means to believe.... now let’s consider what it means to embrace Jesus as Lord. (a very important part of the process of belief)
B. To Embrace as Lord
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.
There were some among the religious rulers of Israel who believed in their heads that Christ was the Messiah. They were logically putting the pieces together… but, they failed to embrace Jesus as Lord.
We’ll look at why they failed to embrace/ submit to Jesus as their Lord in a moment.
Let’s first discuss what it means to embrace and submit to Jesus as Lord.
To embrace Jesus as Lord means to: completely submit to what God is doing. To submit to Christ as Lord (means to put yourself completely under Christ). — Illustration of “my head/ neck under his foot” from Liberia and biblical culture (conquering king would place his foot on the defeated rulers neck… illustrating that he is now sovereign and lord.
What does the Bible say submitting to Christ as Lord looks like? (let’s take a quick look)
To Deny self (Mark 8:34)
And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
Rest in Him (Rest Giver (Matthew 11:28)
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
To take his “yoke” upon you… (pattern our lives after his “easy” yoke”
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Other Rabbi’s “yoke” was considered heavy.... because they were basically teaching a works based religion. Which is impossible. It is impossible for any of us to every work hard enough… or be good enough to please God.
But, Jesus said… “my yoke”… “my pattern for holy living” is easy..... when you place your faith in Christ alone for salvation.... we are placing our trust and belief in Him to do the heavy lifting.
Christ has already done the impossibly difficult work of atoning for your sins…
To be Secure in Jesus as the Living Truth
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
And all those who truly embrace Jesus as Lord… are living in wrapped anticipation for the return of Jesus.... as King of Kings… and Lord of Lords.
As we walked through the text today, we have seen some clarifications about what it means to believe.... (accepting all the Bible says as truth).... and just a few aspects of what is involved with submitting to Jesus as Lord.
Now, let’s use the rest of the time we have to talk about, Why people don’t believe… or perhaps why they won’t believe.
II. Why People Don’t or Won’t
For those of us who have responded in faith… I hope the reasons to believe are pretty clear. But sadly, while belief in Christ is available to all, it will only be truly embraced by a few.
Belief is more than just head knowledge.... it is heart submission to Christ as Lord.
Look at verse 42 again...
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.
Those of the Pharisees that did believe… but wouldn’t confess Christ were among those that possessed a head knowledge of the truths of Christ.... but refused to submit to the Lordship of Christ.
When people are presented with the truth… why won’t they submit to Jesus as Lord?
Verse 43 tells us why. They were living the religious life. They looked good on the outside… but they were seeking the wrong glory.
A. Seeking the wrong Glory (42-43)
Here is where we can come back to our discussion about desires dictating our identity. The desires of the “Jews” for power, authority, their own kingdom… their own glory… was much stronger than their desire for God… and His plan for His kingdom.
John’s note here describing the Pharisees shows that their faith was inadequate…weak… incomplete… because while they somewhat believed… their fear of man was stronger.
John tells us that they were afraid to confess Christ because they didn’t want to get put out of the synagogue.
If you’ll remember back to John 7:13 and 9:22, the Pharisees had decreed that anyone who confessed Christ would be cut off from the Jewish religious and social life.
The Pharisees fear of man… and love for the glory of man proved that any belief they claimed to profess.... was superficial.... only skin deep.
Sadly, the Pharisees loved their self-exalting religion and their positions of power more than they loved God… and that search for the wrong glory led to their rejection of Christ.
That somewhat sums up the motivator for your spiritual growth. Whose glory are you seeking?
If you are a Christian… and you are not growing spiritually.. if you are not showing visible fruit of growing in maturity… then you might be seeking the wrong glory.
Illustration:
Aristotle wrote of a time when one of his young students came to him and said, “Aristotle, you have wisdom that I so desire to have. How can I have it?” Aristotle said, “You really want it?”
The young man said, “Master, I do.” Aristotle then said, “Well then, follow me.” He walked across the porch of the building, out into the courtyard, and without hesitating, waded directly into the pool of a fountain, water nearly waist high. The young man hesitated, and then thought,
“Well, he said to follow him in order to find wisdom.” So, gathering up his robe, he climbed over the edge and joined Aristotle. When they were in the middle of the pool, Aristotle suddenly turned, grabbed the young man by the nape of the neck, pushed him under the water, and held him there. The youth thrashed his arms and kicked his legs, thinking he was drowning. At the last moment, Aristotle picked him up and carried him to the side of the pool. The young disciple was coughing and sputtering in shock and rage, but Aristotle ignored it all until the man recovered his breath. Aristotle then asked him, “Young man, when I held your head under water,
What did you want more than anything?” “Air, sir, air!” the young man cried. His teacher then said, as he climbed out of the pool, “When you want wisdom as badly as you wanted air, you will have it.” What do you want more than anything? Do you want to please God? How badly do you hunger for it? How badly do you want to glory or boast in the cross? Do you want to glory in the cross at all?
A starving man doesn’t want food and a new car––he just wants food. A man dying of thirst doesn’t want water and a new pair of shoes––he just wants a drink of water.
What do you want more than anything?
The thing you desire the most.... will be what you pursue the hardest.
How does that apply to your spiritual walk? To you relationship with Christ?
The Pharisees were seeking the wrong glory.... they loved the glory of men… more than the glory of God.
That is such a horrible statement.... but it is so true about our world today.
I had a conversation with someone this week that has studied some of the cultural and generational trends in our society.
With the millennial generation came… the debate about faith and the Bible … Many Gen. X’ers and Millennials see bible as being insignificant or irrelevant. That is the post-modern thinking we have been dealing with.....
The new generations on the scene are Generation Z (born mid to late 90’s through early 2010’s).. and Generation Alpha (early 2010’s to mid-2020’s… mostly children of millennials).
It is being discussed that Gen Z. and Gen Alpha are among the first generations (in America) that have 0 % Christian memory.
Many Gen. X and Millennials view the Bible as irrelevant.... Gen Z. and Generation Alpha, see the Bible not as irrelevant… but as evil.
That is the end to which seeking the wrong glory leads. Pure Evil and the complete abandonment of even the faintest concept of God. —> These are the people we are trying to reach with the gospel.
It started with Lucifer when he said... “I will be like the most high...”
It is being repeated here in chapter 12 by the Pharisees.... “I will build my own kingdom.... I will protect it at any cost..... I will do whatever I can to preserve my glory.... even if I have to kill the One who is truly worthy of that glory.
Now it has saturated our culture..... “I will get justice… by any means necessary.... I will protect my perceived rights.... I will do what I want when I want.... I will be tolerant… until you don’t agree with me.... I will seek my own glory by any means necessary… and if you get in my way..... watch out Jack!
Seeking the wrong glory leads to the evil abandonment of God… and to ultimate judgement..... interestingly Christ tells us that he is not the one who judges… but mankind will be judged by the Word of God.
B. Judged by the Word (48)
Look at verse 44,
And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.
True belief in Christ has its benefits.
Belief in Jesus… means belief in the Father. Seeing Jesus… means seeing the Father… Believing in Jesus means being rescued from the darkness of sin… and to be restored to a relationship of light.
But then.... Just as Belief has its beautiful benefits..... Unbelief has its consequences.
Let’s continue reading in verse 47,
If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak.
If anyone hears my words and does not keep them....
The words of Jesus show us that a failure to obey Jesus Christ.... is a distinguishing character of an unbeliever.
That is why in Ephesians and Colossians, Paul describes unbelievers as “sons of disobedience”.
While Jesus has every right to serve as a Just and Righteous Judge… in this passage John shares with us that that was not the purpose of his incarnation.
Yes, Jesus will judge unrepentant sinners in the future… but his point here is that Jesus was not in the flesh to judge the world.... but to save it… to provide a way of salvation for those who would respond in faith to Him.
Our Lord’s point here is that Jesus doesn’t have to judge those who reject Him.... all those who reject Christ and do not obey His sayings… will be judged by the Words of Christ.... the very Word of God.
All those who reject Christ’s words.. responding in disobedience and unbelief condemn themselves and will be judged for their rejection and unbelief.
That is why the writer of Hebrews says in 12:25,
See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven.
Tragically, the Pharisees (and many others) rejected Christ when He came. They refused to accept His call, they refused to acknowledge the truths of Christ.... they rejected Jesus as Lord… and refused to submit to Him… therefore refusing to submit to God the Father…
The very word of God we have sitting in our laps… is the very standard by which we will be judged.
Conclusion/ Application:
Think about all the people you know in your various circles of influence. Most people are going to have at least 3 circles of influence. Family (and neighbors), friends/ community acquaintances , Co-workers.
How many of those in your circles of influence truly believe?
Is their belief superficial like the Pharisees? Are they seeking their own glory instead of God’s? If so, they are in danger of being judged by the Word of God
A main idea from todays’ message is this:
Belief is more than just head knowledge.... it is heart submission to Christ as Lord.
How are we to respond to that truth today?
Desire God’s Glory more than anything!
Believing in Jesus.... means to accept everything that God has revealed about Him to be True.
Just from our text today.... The Bible tells us that:
Jesus is the fulfillment of Prophecy
Jesus is God… God the Son
Jesus, God the Son, was sent by the Father.... (submission & service)
Jesus is the very imprint of God the Father… the visible representation of God’s Glory
Jesus is the promised rescuer…
Jesus is the light of the World… the Only One that will lead us to God’s perfect peace
Jesus is our Sinless Savior.... sent to be the perfect sacrifice to provide salvation.... and be the guarantor of eternal life!
Truly believing in Jesus means that He is the One:
we submit to as Lord...
we deny ourselves for...
we find true rest in...
we pattern our lives after...
we are secure in as our source of living truth
we are looking for to return as King of Kings… and Lord of Lords!
What drives our belief or unbelief?
- The pursuit of the glory of Man leads to unbelief
- The pursuit of the glory of God leads to true belief.
What is the thing that you want the most? Is it really God’s glory?
What is the most important thing about who you are? I hope the most important thing about you is your relationship with Jesus. Your identity in Christ. Your pursuit for God’s Glory!
If so, then that is what you are to pattern your life after… that is identity that you are to base all of your decisions on… the pursuit of God’s Glory!
It is truly an amazing grace that God has extended to us.... the ability to be reconciled with Him… forgiven of all of our sins.... restored in our relationships.... all enabled through faith..... all possible for those who believe.
Remember… the pursuit of the glory of man leads to the rejection of God… and unbelief.
But, the pursuit of the glory of God… leads to forgiveness, restoration and a relationship with God.... as a person responds in faith to the gospel… and truly believes.
Like I said last week.... studying through the Gospel of John provides us an opportunity for a call to salvation with every message. Maybe that is what your soul needs today. If so, we would love to give you an opportunity to talk with someone after the service.
If God is working in your heart today.... please don’t leave until you have it settled.
To all the believers.... this text challenges us to make sure we know what it means to believe.... what it means to truly believe in Jesus and embrace Him as Lord!
Why is it so important that we have that firmly understood?
Because if we don’t have it clearly understood… and if we can’t clearly explain these truths… then it is going to be hard for us to be obedient to Christ’s command… and make disciples… spread the gospel.
All of us have circles of influence.... I want to challenge everyone this week.... for the next month commit to pray for the salvation of 2 unsaved people within your circles. Then commit to touch base with those individuals once a week and just let them know that you are praying for them. Then, commit to share the gospel with those 2 individuals 1 time in the next month.
If we truly believe the Bible.... if we truly believe the gospel… then we will obey its commands.... we are commanded to make disciples… and that begins with sharing the gospel with those that God brings into our lives. — Let’s make sure our beliefs are grounded in Scripture… then commit to helping other people come to a place of true belief and submission to Christ as Lord.
Our world is growing increasingly darker.... the light is leaving! We need to be intentionally and effectively engaging our city with the gospel while we have the opportunity.
Let’s Pray: