| AUTHORITY OF GOD'S WORD - GENERAL AND SPECIFIC |
KJV Bible excerpts emboldened for emphasis
Outline
Introduction: Putting Self Over the Word Brings Sin and Disgrace
1. "Kingdom .. Power, and .. Glory" behind Authority (Matt. 6:13)
2. Kingdom Must Have A King (Jesus)
3. Christ, "The Word Was God" - John 1:1-3
4. How The Scripture Word Speaks To Us - John 1:4-8
5. Respecting What the Word Does Not Say - John 1:9-11
Conclusion: Putting the Word Over Self Brings Salvation and Grace - John 1:10-17
Introduction: Putting Self Over the Word Brings Sin and Disgrace
1. "Kingdom .. Power, and .. Glory" behind Authority (Matt. 6:13)
2. Kingdom Must Have A King (Jesus)
3. Christ, "The Word Was God" - John 1:1-3
4. How The Scripture Word Speaks To Us - John 1:4-8
5. Respecting What the Word Does Not Say - John 1:9-11
Conclusion: Putting the Word Over Self Brings Salvation and Grace - John 1:10-17
Introduction: Putting Self Over the Word Brings Sin and Disgrace. In Philippians
2:5, Christians are told to have in them the "mind" of Christ. Mind is where thinking
takes place. Thinking leads to doing. The way of thinking is to be "of Christ," both
from Him and pleasing to Him. It is thus necessary to learn what He permits and does
not permit. This is authority - His right to rule and govern. However, before we can
respect and obey the authority of Christ, we must understand it. If we only followed
human nature, agreeing with Christ would be impossible (1 Corinthians 2:14; 2 Peter
2:12). So how was it so when "the common people heard Him gladly" (Mark 12:37)?
When Jesus came teaching on seashores and on mountainsides, there was a simplicity
(2 Corinthians 11:3). Instead of starting with human weakness as did the scribes of His
day, Jesus "taught them as one having authority" (Matthew 7:29). He spoke divine
truth, making it plain. Likewise, during this article, I will strive to avoid big words and
to keep it simple. As noted on the Problem & Answer Page, sin is the main problem
with humankind. As also noted, the answer to the sin problem is not blocked by Lord,
Bible, Church, or World, but blocked by Self. The problem is not what Christ teaches,
but what Satan tempts man to think. So the answer presents the challenge of
unteaching. May we keep it simple and honest, to understand what Christ permits and
does not permit. Thus can we "have the mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:16).
2:5, Christians are told to have in them the "mind" of Christ. Mind is where thinking
takes place. Thinking leads to doing. The way of thinking is to be "of Christ," both
from Him and pleasing to Him. It is thus necessary to learn what He permits and does
not permit. This is authority - His right to rule and govern. However, before we can
respect and obey the authority of Christ, we must understand it. If we only followed
human nature, agreeing with Christ would be impossible (1 Corinthians 2:14; 2 Peter
2:12). So how was it so when "the common people heard Him gladly" (Mark 12:37)?
When Jesus came teaching on seashores and on mountainsides, there was a simplicity
(2 Corinthians 11:3). Instead of starting with human weakness as did the scribes of His
day, Jesus "taught them as one having authority" (Matthew 7:29). He spoke divine
truth, making it plain. Likewise, during this article, I will strive to avoid big words and
to keep it simple. As noted on the Problem & Answer Page, sin is the main problem
with humankind. As also noted, the answer to the sin problem is not blocked by Lord,
Bible, Church, or World, but blocked by Self. The problem is not what Christ teaches,
but what Satan tempts man to think. So the answer presents the challenge of
unteaching. May we keep it simple and honest, to understand what Christ permits and
does not permit. Thus can we "have the mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:16).
(1) "Kingdom .. Power, and .. Glory" Behind Authority (Matt. 6:13)
Power. As in the ASV, NASB, and NKJV Bibles, Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20 states
he was "given all authority." Jesus gave His apostles their earthly charge. Then
Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven
and on earth. 19. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20. "teaching
them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always,
even to the end of the age. Amen." (NKJV) That word "authority" is from the Greek
εξουσία (exousia, pronounced ex-oo-seé-ah), meaning the right and power to rule and
to govern. Indeed, the KJV Bible translates, "All power..." Note that the authority-
power was "given" to Jesus. God the Father gave it to Him (John 5:26-27). Jesus the
Son of God not only has the power and authority because God gave it to Him, but also
by virtue of who Jesus is. He created and upholds all things (Colossians 1:16). He who
became flesh for us, is the Word (John 1:1-17). The same word exousia (authority)
was used by Jesus in Matthew 21:24-25 when he questioned His questioners,
concerning "by what authority I do these things."
he was "given all authority." Jesus gave His apostles their earthly charge. Then
Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven
and on earth. 19. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20. "teaching
them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always,
even to the end of the age. Amen." (NKJV) That word "authority" is from the Greek
εξουσία (exousia, pronounced ex-oo-seé-ah), meaning the right and power to rule and
to govern. Indeed, the KJV Bible translates, "All power..." Note that the authority-
power was "given" to Jesus. God the Father gave it to Him (John 5:26-27). Jesus the
Son of God not only has the power and authority because God gave it to Him, but also
by virtue of who Jesus is. He created and upholds all things (Colossians 1:16). He who
became flesh for us, is the Word (John 1:1-17). The same word exousia (authority)
was used by Jesus in Matthew 21:24-25 when he questioned His questioners,
concerning "by what authority I do these things."
Authority. Some other interesting uses of exousia (power, or authority) in the gospel
include John1:12, where it says Jesus gives those who receive Him the "power" to
become sons of God (Christians). In 1 Corinthians 11:10, the first century female
prophetess showed a sign of her submission to divine will by having "power"
(covering) on her head. In Mark 6:7, Jesus gave the twelve (apostles) "power" over
unclean spirits of those times. Way long before our US Declaration's "life, liberty, and
pursuit of happiness" was 1 Corinthians 9:4, giving church leaders (and members) the
"power" to eat, drink, and marry a Christian, and to be paid for work. Finally, and
grievously, is the "power" usurped by this world's prince - the devil, who uses that
power to keep people in darkness (error, lies, sin), Ephesians 2:2. [See lesson #27 for
more about Satan] Triumphantly, Colossians 1:13 tells Christians that Jesus "delivered
us" from that evil use of power. Yeah, brethren in Christ must stand against Satan,
"..against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this
world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12). But such is
made possible because there is a higher kingdom than Satan's rule. And behind that
higher kingdom, is a glorious and good King!
include John1:12, where it says Jesus gives those who receive Him the "power" to
become sons of God (Christians). In 1 Corinthians 11:10, the first century female
prophetess showed a sign of her submission to divine will by having "power"
(covering) on her head. In Mark 6:7, Jesus gave the twelve (apostles) "power" over
unclean spirits of those times. Way long before our US Declaration's "life, liberty, and
pursuit of happiness" was 1 Corinthians 9:4, giving church leaders (and members) the
"power" to eat, drink, and marry a Christian, and to be paid for work. Finally, and
grievously, is the "power" usurped by this world's prince - the devil, who uses that
power to keep people in darkness (error, lies, sin), Ephesians 2:2. [See lesson #27 for
more about Satan] Triumphantly, Colossians 1:13 tells Christians that Jesus "delivered
us" from that evil use of power. Yeah, brethren in Christ must stand against Satan,
"..against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this
world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12). But such is
made possible because there is a higher kingdom than Satan's rule. And behind that
higher kingdom, is a glorious and good King!
(2) Kingdom Must Have A King (Jesus)
Authority Figure. The number one identifying trait of religious cults is the failure to
understand and to respect, who Christ is. That is why Jesus asked, "What think ye of
Christ? Whose Son is He?" (Matthew 22:42) The thesis of this lesson is that Christ
Jesus has the right to rule us. His authority is by virtue of who He is. And the authority
of what He says (requirement to obey), is by virtue of who He is. Now, there are a lot
of fancy ways of saying it, but really it boils down to about three things: 1)
Understanding who Christ is; 2) Understanding what He commands; and, 3) Doing
what He tell me. Now somewhere along the way humanity gets lost. Most people
pretend that it is just a "different interpretation of doctrine." No, that is not the main
culprit. Most people get derailed at point #1, who Christ is. Because if they really
believed He is who He said He is, then they would not put anyone or anything over
and above Christ, not even their own self. Read Luke 14:25-33 (note: "hate" there
means to "love less." The cults have twisted that, too). In Matthew 22:21, Jesus said
that "For many are called, but few are chosen." Many put their own self above Christ.
A few will put Christ over their own self.
understand and to respect, who Christ is. That is why Jesus asked, "What think ye of
Christ? Whose Son is He?" (Matthew 22:42) The thesis of this lesson is that Christ
Jesus has the right to rule us. His authority is by virtue of who He is. And the authority
of what He says (requirement to obey), is by virtue of who He is. Now, there are a lot
of fancy ways of saying it, but really it boils down to about three things: 1)
Understanding who Christ is; 2) Understanding what He commands; and, 3) Doing
what He tell me. Now somewhere along the way humanity gets lost. Most people
pretend that it is just a "different interpretation of doctrine." No, that is not the main
culprit. Most people get derailed at point #1, who Christ is. Because if they really
believed He is who He said He is, then they would not put anyone or anything over
and above Christ, not even their own self. Read Luke 14:25-33 (note: "hate" there
means to "love less." The cults have twisted that, too). In Matthew 22:21, Jesus said
that "For many are called, but few are chosen." Many put their own self above Christ.
A few will put Christ over their own self.
King. Related to Christ's authority, is His kingdom, over which He is King. For our
purpose here, the "kingdom" and the "church" refer to the same thing. Two of many
scriptures that show this are Matthew 16:18-19 and Colossians 1:13-18. In the former,
Jesus promises "my church" and then immediately calls it "the kingdom." In the latter,
"the kingdom of His dear Son" (Col. 1:13) is shown to be "the church" (1:18). Notice
that we were "created by Him and for Him" (1:16), that Christ rules as "the Head of
the body, the church" (1:18), and in which Christ is to have "preeminence" (1:18, first
place). Jesus is at once the King of His kingdom, and also the Head of His church.
Salvation brings souls into this Kingdom/Church.
purpose here, the "kingdom" and the "church" refer to the same thing. Two of many
scriptures that show this are Matthew 16:18-19 and Colossians 1:13-18. In the former,
Jesus promises "my church" and then immediately calls it "the kingdom." In the latter,
"the kingdom of His dear Son" (Col. 1:13) is shown to be "the church" (1:18). Notice
that we were "created by Him and for Him" (1:16), that Christ rules as "the Head of
the body, the church" (1:18), and in which Christ is to have "preeminence" (1:18, first
place). Jesus is at once the King of His kingdom, and also the Head of His church.
Salvation brings souls into this Kingdom/Church.
King of kings. Since Jesus is King of His kingdom, Head of His church, it might be
helpful to consider the various senses of "kingdom." A new testament Greek word for
"kingdom" is βασιλεία (basilia, pronounced bas-il-í-ah), meaning the realm of the
king's reign. In Matthew 4:8 the "kingdoms of the world" shown to Jesus, were
regions governed by an earthly king (such as king Herod). Notice those earthly
kingdoms did not lure Jesus. Whey should they? They are slight to nothing compared
to His church (kingdom, Matt. 16:18-19)! Matthew 6:33 says to "Seek ye first the
kingdom of God...", meaning to actively pursue membership in the true church of
Christ, putting that first. The spiritual, not carnal, purpose of this church kingdom is
shown in Romans 14:17. To stay alive in this world we must eat and drink. But
concerning the church, "the kingdom of God is not meat and drink." Modern, social,
and cultural factors do not change divine law. Revelation 17:14 (and Psalm 9:15-17)
help reveal that nations turn themselves backwards by rejecting the gospel, because
Jesus is the Lord over all earthly lords, and also He is "King of kings." The ultimate
veto power is not in the United Nations. The power and the glory is from the God of
heaven, through the kingdom of Christ (cp. Revelation 11:15) . In Acts 1:6, we see
what made the apostles of Christ the chosen messengers they were. Before Christ's
ascension, they still wondered about the "..restoring again the kingdom to Israel?"
But they asked asked about it. Notice Jesus' answer in which He told them that some
things were not for them to know, reminding the apostles of that which the Heavenly
Father "hath put in His own power" (exousia). Then by Acts 2:14, after Jesus had
sent the "power" He had promised to the apostles (Acts 1:8), they had overcome past
questions, and knew all they needed to know to do their work. The gospel was
preached, and 3000 souls were saved (Acts 2:36-42, 46-47).
helpful to consider the various senses of "kingdom." A new testament Greek word for
"kingdom" is βασιλεία (basilia, pronounced bas-il-í-ah), meaning the realm of the
king's reign. In Matthew 4:8 the "kingdoms of the world" shown to Jesus, were
regions governed by an earthly king (such as king Herod). Notice those earthly
kingdoms did not lure Jesus. Whey should they? They are slight to nothing compared
to His church (kingdom, Matt. 16:18-19)! Matthew 6:33 says to "Seek ye first the
kingdom of God...", meaning to actively pursue membership in the true church of
Christ, putting that first. The spiritual, not carnal, purpose of this church kingdom is
shown in Romans 14:17. To stay alive in this world we must eat and drink. But
concerning the church, "the kingdom of God is not meat and drink." Modern, social,
and cultural factors do not change divine law. Revelation 17:14 (and Psalm 9:15-17)
help reveal that nations turn themselves backwards by rejecting the gospel, because
Jesus is the Lord over all earthly lords, and also He is "King of kings." The ultimate
veto power is not in the United Nations. The power and the glory is from the God of
heaven, through the kingdom of Christ (cp. Revelation 11:15) . In Acts 1:6, we see
what made the apostles of Christ the chosen messengers they were. Before Christ's
ascension, they still wondered about the "..restoring again the kingdom to Israel?"
But they asked asked about it. Notice Jesus' answer in which He told them that some
things were not for them to know, reminding the apostles of that which the Heavenly
Father "hath put in His own power" (exousia). Then by Acts 2:14, after Jesus had
sent the "power" He had promised to the apostles (Acts 1:8), they had overcome past
questions, and knew all they needed to know to do their work. The gospel was
preached, and 3000 souls were saved (Acts 2:36-42, 46-47).
(3) Christ, "the Word was God" John 1:1-3
Part (1) and (2) above laid down the authority of Christ Himself. Now we go to the
authority of His word - the written scripture. First, there is the the sheer fact that Jesus
is called, "the Word" (John 1:1). After Christ "was made flesh, and dwelt among us,"
(John 1:14), He died, arose and went back to be with the Father in heaven. But before
He did that, He promised His twelve apostles that He would send them from on high
the Spirit power (John 14:26; Acts 1:8). Notice the purpose of that power: the "Spirit
of truth" would testify of "Me" [Christ, not of the Holy Spirit himself, John 15:27].
Christ told them the purpose was to "bring all things to your remembrance,
whatsoever I have said unto you" (John 14:26), and to "guide you into all truth," so
that those promised apostles could speak , or write His written word. (By the laying of
hands, the apostles could transfer gifts [#17] of prophecy, Acts 8:14-17, such as to
Luke and Mark, and certain others.) In His John 17 prayer to the "Father" (17:1) for
oneness (#30), Jesus had said God's "word is truth" John 17:17). Note how apostle
Paul closed new testament epistles, "The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand"
(1 Corinthians 16:21; cf Galatians 6:11). In 2 Corinthians 13:10, he says, "Therefore
I write these things.." So power was given for the word to be written, passing from
God to Jesus, to Holy Spirit, to apostles and prophets (Ephesians 3:5), to the written
pages in the Book, which we call the Bible.
authority of His word - the written scripture. First, there is the the sheer fact that Jesus
is called, "the Word" (John 1:1). After Christ "was made flesh, and dwelt among us,"
(John 1:14), He died, arose and went back to be with the Father in heaven. But before
He did that, He promised His twelve apostles that He would send them from on high
the Spirit power (John 14:26; Acts 1:8). Notice the purpose of that power: the "Spirit
of truth" would testify of "Me" [Christ, not of the Holy Spirit himself, John 15:27].
Christ told them the purpose was to "bring all things to your remembrance,
whatsoever I have said unto you" (John 14:26), and to "guide you into all truth," so
that those promised apostles could speak , or write His written word. (By the laying of
hands, the apostles could transfer gifts [#17] of prophecy, Acts 8:14-17, such as to
Luke and Mark, and certain others.) In His John 17 prayer to the "Father" (17:1) for
oneness (#30), Jesus had said God's "word is truth" John 17:17). Note how apostle
Paul closed new testament epistles, "The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand"
(1 Corinthians 16:21; cf Galatians 6:11). In 2 Corinthians 13:10, he says, "Therefore
I write these things.." So power was given for the word to be written, passing from
God to Jesus, to Holy Spirit, to apostles and prophets (Ephesians 3:5), to the written
pages in the Book, which we call the Bible.
(4) How The Scripture Word Spoke To Us, John 1:4-8
General Authority. The disciples were told by Jesus to, "Go ye therefore, and teach
all nations..." (Matthew 28:119). This command to "Go" is general (or generic).
Because it is general and not particular (not specific), disciples can go by walking,
driving, flying, or sailing, whichever may be expedient (helpful option).
all nations..." (Matthew 28:119). This command to "Go" is general (or generic).
Because it is general and not particular (not specific), disciples can go by walking,
driving, flying, or sailing, whichever may be expedient (helpful option).
Particular Authority. However, in that same command, Christ said, "...baptizing
them in the name of the Father..." (Matthew 28:19). This command to "baptize" is
particular (specific) in its authority. In dozens of new testament verses, including Acts
2:38, the bible word “baptize” is actually an English transliteration, from the Greek
word βαπτίζω (baptizō, pronounced bap-tid'-zo). A translation would be “immerse”
or “dip” or “plunge.” From Vine's Expository Dictionary, baptizo means “To dip” and
“immersion, submersion, and emergence.” It means to go under and out of water, as
is also supported by such passages that call baptism being "buried" (Romans 6:4;
Colossians 2:12). Thus, sprinkling or pouring oppose the authority of God's word.
them in the name of the Father..." (Matthew 28:19). This command to "baptize" is
particular (specific) in its authority. In dozens of new testament verses, including Acts
2:38, the bible word “baptize” is actually an English transliteration, from the Greek
word βαπτίζω (baptizō, pronounced bap-tid'-zo). A translation would be “immerse”
or “dip” or “plunge.” From Vine's Expository Dictionary, baptizo means “To dip” and
“immersion, submersion, and emergence.” It means to go under and out of water, as
is also supported by such passages that call baptism being "buried" (Romans 6:4;
Colossians 2:12). Thus, sprinkling or pouring oppose the authority of God's word.
Examples. In John 3:23, John was baptizing in Aenon, because there was "much
water" there. In Acts 8:36-38, after Philip guided him in an understanding of the
gospel of Christ, the Ethiopian nobleman pointed out "when they came to a certain
water" and was then ready to stop and get out of his chariot and be baptized in that
body of water.
water" there. In Acts 8:36-38, after Philip guided him in an understanding of the
gospel of Christ, the Ethiopian nobleman pointed out "when they came to a certain
water" and was then ready to stop and get out of his chariot and be baptized in that
body of water.
Specific. Accordingly, under the new testament today, we are not permitted to be
immersed into milk or tomato juice. To do so is not funny, and would be sinful,
because the Lord stated in particular that it was to be water. Likewise, the truth does
not permit sprinkling or pouring water instead of immersing the believer. When the
command specifies water, that rules out anything else. When the command specifies
baptism, that rules out sprinkling or pouring, by definition. "Buried with Him [Christ]
by baptism into death" (Romans 6:4).
immersed into milk or tomato juice. To do so is not funny, and would be sinful,
because the Lord stated in particular that it was to be water. Likewise, the truth does
not permit sprinkling or pouring water instead of immersing the believer. When the
command specifies water, that rules out anything else. When the command specifies
baptism, that rules out sprinkling or pouring, by definition. "Buried with Him [Christ]
by baptism into death" (Romans 6:4).
Written. God created man, and gave to man the ability to send and receive
communication. So, it should be no surprise that God has employed an astounding
array of communicative forms. The Bible itself includes inspired and authoritative
history, letters, proverbs, poetry, narratives, wars, love stories, and doctrine. But our
purpose here is to briefly consider: How God in His Word Authorizes The Actions Of
Man. That is, what man is commanded, permitted, and not permitted to do, under the
authority of Christ.
communication. So, it should be no surprise that God has employed an astounding
array of communicative forms. The Bible itself includes inspired and authoritative
history, letters, proverbs, poetry, narratives, wars, love stories, and doctrine. But our
purpose here is to briefly consider: How God in His Word Authorizes The Actions Of
Man. That is, what man is commanded, permitted, and not permitted to do, under the
authority of Christ.
Either - Or. An ideal starting point for this is Luke 20:1-4ff. Concerning the power
behind His works, Jesus was asked, "by what authority...?" He did them, and
"Who...gave thee this authority?" Jesus turned it around to His questioners, asking
them about the authority of the prophet John. "...From heaven, or of men?", Christ
asked them. Unwilling to overcome their own selves, this blunt question was not
answered by those chief priests and scribes. So Jesus kept "by what authority" He did
those things, to Himself! So there!
behind His works, Jesus was asked, "by what authority...?" He did them, and
"Who...gave thee this authority?" Jesus turned it around to His questioners, asking
them about the authority of the prophet John. "...From heaven, or of men?", Christ
asked them. Unwilling to overcome their own selves, this blunt question was not
answered by those chief priests and scribes. So Jesus kept "by what authority" He did
those things, to Himself! So there!
Fearless. Seriously, this points to authority as the key in religion - where it comes
from, how we respect it, whether we will obey it. Fearful of men, those chief priests
and scribes above failed that test because Jesus gave them one horn or the other of a
dilemma, and they took neither. But when we are not fearful of man, then we are free
to follow the logic of the Rational Spirit of the universe, the Logos (Word), who is
Christ (John 1:1-17). Religiously, the difference is: 1) From Heaven, or 2) Of Men.
from, how we respect it, whether we will obey it. Fearful of men, those chief priests
and scribes above failed that test because Jesus gave them one horn or the other of a
dilemma, and they took neither. But when we are not fearful of man, then we are free
to follow the logic of the Rational Spirit of the universe, the Logos (Word), who is
Christ (John 1:1-17). Religiously, the difference is: 1) From Heaven, or 2) Of Men.
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Understand. In John 1:5 (read 1:1-17 for context) it says concerning Jesus Christ,
"And the light shineth in darkness: and the darkness comprehended it not." (cf. John
3:19) Within this impeccable account from John on the entrance of Christ into our
world, it also laments of those in the dark (error) not comprehending the light (truth by
Jesus Christ, John 1:17). Well, Overcoming Self, and this Help Your Self lesson on
"Authority," support helping those willing to comprehend the truth that came by Christ.
"And the light shineth in darkness: and the darkness comprehended it not." (cf. John
3:19) Within this impeccable account from John on the entrance of Christ into our
world, it also laments of those in the dark (error) not comprehending the light (truth by
Jesus Christ, John 1:17). Well, Overcoming Self, and this Help Your Self lesson on
"Authority," support helping those willing to comprehend the truth that came by Christ.
(5) Respecting What The Word Did Not Say, John 1:9-11
Not What They Expected. John 1:9 informs us that Jesus has the "light" (truth) for
"every" one. But in verse 11, "His own received Him not." Why did they reject Him?
Why do many reject Christ? Perhaps some of His Jewish fellows expected Jesus to
bash the Roman Empire and got mad when He did not (John 18:36). Maybe some
fellow Nazarenes wanted Jesus to be a "chip off the old block," but were infuriated
when He avowed Himself the Messiah (Luke 4:16-30). Maybe Pharisees wanted Jesus
to tow the line on the many burdens they had invented while omitting weightier
matters. Jesus condemned such (Matthew 23:1-33). All those folks wanted "a piece
of" Jesus, when they wanted it, just like they wanted it. When Jesus did not fit their
preconception, or when He did not say what they wanted to hear, they threw Him like
a hot potato. The tragedy is, by failing to honor what He did not say, they missed the
meaning of what He did say. Key: not what you expect, but how you respect.
"every" one. But in verse 11, "His own received Him not." Why did they reject Him?
Why do many reject Christ? Perhaps some of His Jewish fellows expected Jesus to
bash the Roman Empire and got mad when He did not (John 18:36). Maybe some
fellow Nazarenes wanted Jesus to be a "chip off the old block," but were infuriated
when He avowed Himself the Messiah (Luke 4:16-30). Maybe Pharisees wanted Jesus
to tow the line on the many burdens they had invented while omitting weightier
matters. Jesus condemned such (Matthew 23:1-33). All those folks wanted "a piece
of" Jesus, when they wanted it, just like they wanted it. When Jesus did not fit their
preconception, or when He did not say what they wanted to hear, they threw Him like
a hot potato. The tragedy is, by failing to honor what He did not say, they missed the
meaning of what He did say. Key: not what you expect, but how you respect.
Respecting Silence of Authority. In religions sometimes people are heard to say, "It
does not say you can't... (do such and such).." Well, Let's say a mother sends her
money with her daughter to the grocery store. She instructs, "Go to XYZ store and
buy one loaf of bread." So the daughter comes back with one loaf of bread, plus three
hula hoops. Furthermore, when the mother asks why she is so late returning, the
daughter says she stopped to chat at her friend's. Then, about the unauthorized
purchase, and the unauthorized visit, the daughter says, "But Mom, you didn't say I
couldn't." No, families learn better logic than that. "Do that," means "that and only
that." The mother did not need to tell all the daughter would hear. Instead, she told her
only what was needed - if the daughter would follow it. And in religion, Jesus said "If
any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or
whether I speak of myself" (John 7:17). One who wants to do God's will, can know it
(cf. John 8:32).
does not say you can't... (do such and such).." Well, Let's say a mother sends her
money with her daughter to the grocery store. She instructs, "Go to XYZ store and
buy one loaf of bread." So the daughter comes back with one loaf of bread, plus three
hula hoops. Furthermore, when the mother asks why she is so late returning, the
daughter says she stopped to chat at her friend's. Then, about the unauthorized
purchase, and the unauthorized visit, the daughter says, "But Mom, you didn't say I
couldn't." No, families learn better logic than that. "Do that," means "that and only
that." The mother did not need to tell all the daughter would hear. Instead, she told her
only what was needed - if the daughter would follow it. And in religion, Jesus said "If
any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or
whether I speak of myself" (John 7:17). One who wants to do God's will, can know it
(cf. John 8:32).
Conclusion: Putting the Word Over Self Brings Salvation & Grace
In the following passage, "sons of God" means Christians. In this lesson, we have
looked at the power of Christ. Christ offers to give the "power to become" a genuine
Christian.
looked at the power of Christ. Christ offers to give the "power to become" a genuine
Christian.
John 1:10-17 10. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the
world knew him not.
11. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of
God, even to them that believe on his name:
13. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of
man, but of God.
14. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory,
the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
15. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He
that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. 16. And of his
fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
17. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
world knew him not.
11. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of
God, even to them that believe on his name:
13. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of
man, but of God.
14. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory,
the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
15. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He
that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. 16. And of his
fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
17. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
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Help Your Self article #16