SF352 - THE GATE OF HEAVEN (John 10 1-10)
John 10:1-10
INTRODUCTION
Series Background
The Message of the Master
Seven I Am statements
Ø I AM the Bread of Life (6:35; 41, 48.51)
Ø I AM the Light of the World (8:12)
Ø I AM the Door of the Sheep (10:7,9)
Ø I AM the Good Shepherd (10:11, 14)
Ø I AM the Resurrection and the Life (11:25)
Ø I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life (14:6)
Ø I AM the True Vine (15:1, 5)
Given to reveal the nature of Christ
In order to produce and build our faith
Sermon Background
The Judean Sheep Pen
Made of stone or thorn bushes with one opening, the shepherd would lead his sheep in at night and would lie across the opening. In doing so he became the gate. He would prevent sheep from wandering and predators from entering.
He wanted to communicate to the people four truths about the His being the door...
1. As the door Christ selects His sheep
2. As the door Christ saves His sheep
3. As the door Christ sends His sheep
4. As the door Christ supports His sheep
1A. As the Door, Christ Selects His Sheep (10:7, 9)
Ephesians 1:4 “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world”
1B. It is emphatic (10:7a) - “I am the door”
Literally, “I and I alone am the door”
John 14:6
2B. It is exclusive (10:9) - “by me”
Acts 4:12 “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”
Three possible ways to heaven
Ø Works salvation
Romans 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.
Ø Works plus Faith salvation
Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Ø By grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone!
3B. It is inclusive (10:7b, 9) - “of the sheep; If anyone enters…”
God is no respecter of persons
John 6:37 “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.”
Romans 10:13 For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved."
You must enter!
2A. As The Door, Christ Saves His Sheep (10:9B)
1B. He saves His sheep from the penalty of sin
Romans 6:23
Ezekiel 18:20 The soul who sins shall die…
Matthew 1:21 “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”
Ephesians 1:7 “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins”
2B. He saves His sheep from the power of sin (10:8, 10a)
Romans 8:37-39 (NLT) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. 39 Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
3B. He saves His sheep from the presence of sin
Revelation 21:4 “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
3A. As the Door Christ Sends His Sheep into the World (10:9b; Luke 10:1-20)
1B. We go out to serve (Luke 10:8-9)
Mark 16:15 “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”
John 20:21 “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”
Ø We must go if others will know!
2B. We come in to celebrate (Luke 10:17)
4A. As the Door Christ Supports His Sheep (10:9c)
1B. He provides spiritual support
John 14:26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.”
2B. He provides physical support
Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
3B. He provides social support
Hebrews 10:25 “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
APPLICATION
What are you trusting to get you into Heaven?
Trust In God
Once my hands were always trying;
Trying hard to do my best;
Now my heart is sweetly trusting,
And my soul is all at rest.
Once my brain was always planning,
And my heart, with cares oppressed;
Now I trust the Lord to lead me,
And my life is all at rest.
Once my life was full of effort,
Now 'tis full of joy and zest;
Since I took His yoke upon me,
Jesus gives to me His rest.
‑‑ A.B. Simpson
John 10:1-10
1A. As the Door, Christ _______________ His Sheep (10:7, 9; Ephesians 1:4)
1B. It is _____________ - “I am the door” (John 14:6)
2B. It is ______________ - “through me” (Acts 4:12)
Three possible ways to heaven
Ø Works salvation (Romans 3:28)
Ø Works plus Faith salvation (Ephesians 2)
Ø By grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone!
3B. It is inclusive - “of the sheep; If anyone enters…”
God is no respecter of persons (John 6:37; Romans 10:13)
You must enter!
2A. As The Door, Christ _________ His Sheep (10:9B)
1B. He saves His sheep from the _________________ of sin (Matthew 1:21; Ephesians 1:7)
2B. He saves His sheep from the _________________ of sin (10:8, 10a; Romans 8:37-39)
3B. He saves His sheep from the presence of sin (Revelation 21:4)
3A. As the Door Christ __________________________ His Sheep into the World (10:9b; Luke 10:1-20)
1B. We go out to _________________ (Luke 10:8-9; Mark 16:15; John 20:21)
2B. We come in to ___________________ (Luke 10:17)
4A. As the Door Christ ___________________ His Sheep (10:9c)
1B. He provides ________________________ support (John 14:26)
2B. He provides _________________________ support (Matthew 6:33)
3B. He provides ________________________ support (Hebrews 10:25)