THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

SIX MARKS OF CHRIST’S SHEEP–JOHN 10:1-42

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SIX MARKS OF CHRIST’S SHEEP
JOHN 10:1-42
Introduction:
Our Lord left us a great heritage that we must live up to in order to win other to Jesus Christ. It is a very high standard. We live in a world that almost no standard of morality and one that looks down on those of us who would live as the Lord desires us to live.
Here are six marks that are to be seen in God’s people by those around us today.
I. THEY KNOW THEIR SHEPHERD, v. 14
A. The Lord knows those that are His, 2 Timothy 2:19, “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
B. The sheep know the Shepherd and have intimacy with Him, 2 Corinthians 4:6, “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
II. THEY KNOW HIS VOICE, vv. 4-5, 8,16
A. They don’t know the voice of strangers, Mark 4:24, “And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.”
B. They will follow in the Lord’s footsteps, 1 Peter 2:21, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:”
III. THEY HEAR HIM CALLING EACH BY NAME v. 3
A. God knows us by name, Exodus 33:17, “And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.”
B. We hear His call and respond, John 6:37, “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”
IV. THEY LOVE HIM
A. He loved us first, 1 John 4:19, “We love him, because he first loved us.”
B. They keep His commandments, 1 John 5:2-3, “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3- For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.”
V. THEY TRUST HIM, v. 11
A. He is the Shepherd, Psalm 23:1, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
B. He cares for them, Isaiah 40:11, “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.”
1. He seeks His lost sheep, Ezekiel 34:12, “As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.”
2. He feeds them in green pastures, Ezekiel 34:14, “I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.”
VI. THEY FOLLOW HIM, vv. 4, 27
A. They follow Him wherever He goes, John 12:26, “If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.”
B. He is our example in life, 1 Peter 2:21, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:”
1. He is meek and lowly in heart, Matthew 11:29, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”
2. We are to be like-minded as Jesus was, Romans 15:5, “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:”
3. We are to walk in love, as Christ has loved us, Ephesians 5:2, “And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.”
CONCLUSION

A NEW COMMANDMENT–JOHN 13:34-35; 1 JOHN 2:8-10

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A NEW COMMANDMENT
JOHN 13:34-35; 1 JOHN 2:8-10
Introduction:
The Lord knew that the only way these disciples would be able to continue in unity was through the bond of His love, John 17:21, “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” So the Lord gave them a “new commandment” in v. 34, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”
I. THIS IS MY COMMANDMENT

John 15:12, 17, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.”

A. This is the commandment of JESUS CHRIST, vs. 17, 34, “These things I command you, that ye love one another. 34-A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”
B. This commandment comes DIRECT from the THRONE OF GOD.
C. This is a commandment, NOT A REQUEST, John 13:34, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”
1. WHY are we commanded to love? John 13:35, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
2. Without love we are,..
a. As sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal, 1 Corinthians 13:1, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”
b. We are nothing, 1 Corinthians 13:2, “And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.”

II. THIS IS A NEW COMMANDMENT

1 John 2:8-10, “Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. 9-He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. 10-He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.”
A. Now you walk in the true light, 1 John 1:7, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
1. If we walk in the light, we are TO WALK IN LOVE, Ephesians 5:2, “And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.”
2. Followers of God walk in love, Ephesians 5:1-2, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2-And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.”
B. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren, 1 John 3:14, “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.”
1. Evidence of salvation, “because we love the brethren.”
2. Evidence of a lack of salvation, “He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.”
C. This is HIS commandment, 1 John 3:23, “And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.”
D. We are to ABOUND in love one toward another, 2 Thessalonians 1:3, “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;”
1. Increase in love, 1 Thessalonians 3:12, “And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:”
2. Increase more and more, 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10, “But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. 10-And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;”

III. THIS IS A COMMANDMENT TO LOVE ALL THE SAINTS OF GOD

Colossians 1:3-4, “We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4-Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,”
A. In bearing each other’s burdens, Galatians 6:2-4, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 3-For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 4-But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.”
B. Do good to those of the household of faith, Galatians 6:10, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
C. Show kindness to the brethren, Colossians 3:12-13, “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13-Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”

CONCLUSION

The Lord commanded us to love one another as He loved us. That was a sacrificial love. He gave His all to redeem us from sin. Therefore, what is it if we give our all in loving one another in order to glorify our Saviour?

COME AND DINE–JOHN 21: 1-14

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COME AND DINE
JOHN 21: 1-14
INTRODUCTION:

One day in the not too distant future (3rd appearance) we will hear the word of our Lord when He says in verse 12, “Come and dine.” At present He is preparing us a place and soon He will come and receive us to Himself. He will speak as a Friend, the one who loves us with an everlasting love.

I. NOTICE HERE HOW FREE CHRIST WAS WITH HIS DISCIPLES.

A. He treated them as FRIENDS, JOHN 15:13-14, “Greater love hath no man that this that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14-Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you.

B. HE DID NOT SAY to His disciples, Come, and wait, Come, and attend me, but COME AND DINE, JOHN 21:12, “Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, who art thou? Knowing that it was the Lord.

C. When the Lord calls, you will not ask, WHO ARE YOU? JOHN 21:12, “Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, who art thou? KNOWING THAT IT WAS THE LORD.”

1. Saul of Tarsus got acquainted with the Lord, ACTS 9:5, “And he said, who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I AM JESUS whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.”

2. You WILL KNOW that it is the Lord as Samuel knew, 1 SAMUEL 3_10, “And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, SPEAK; FOR THY SERVANT HEARETH.”

II. THE CALL OF CHRIST IS…

A. “All things are now READY; COME,”  MATTHEW 22:4, “Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.”

B. Come, to the feast, come, and DINE UPON HIM.

1. His flesh is meat indeed, JOHN 6:55, “For my FLESH IS MEAT indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.”

2. His blood is drink indeed, JOHN 6:56, “He that eateth my flesh, and DRINKETH MY BLOOD, dwelleth in me, and I in hi

III. CHRIST IS A FRIEND

A. “Come, ye blessed of my Father;”  MATTHEW 25:34, “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:”

B. Come, sit down with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob,  MATTHEW 8:11, “And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.”

C. There is room and BREAD ENOUGH for all, LUKE 15:17, “And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!”

1. Without doubt there is FAMINE in this world as there was in the Lord’s day, Luke 15:14, “And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.”

2. However, there is a GREATER FAMINE of the Bread of Life in the world:

a. Eat this roll (the Word of God), EZEKIEL 3:1, “Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel.”

b. It was as sweet as honey, EZEKIEL 3:2-4  2- “So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll.  3- And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness.  4- And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them.”

D. The Fellowship will be WONDERFUL, 1 JOHN 1:3, “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.”

1. Fellowship with believers, ACTS 2:42, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

a. …In the apostles’ doctrine,

b. …In fellowship, what is common to all.

c. …In breaking of bread,

d. …In prayers.

2. Fellowship is with the Father, JOHN 17:3 “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

3. Fellowship is with Jesus Christ,  I CORINTHIANS 1:9, “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”

4. Fellowship is with the Spirit of God,

PHILLPIANS 2:1-3,  1- “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,  2- Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.  3- Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”

CONCLUSION

An old hymn says, “Come and dine,” the master calleth, “Come and dine, “You may feast at Jesus’ table all the time; He who fed the multitude, Turned the water into wine, to the hungry calleth now, “Come and dine.”

THE WORD–JOHN 1:1-4

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THE WORD
JOHN 1:1-4
Introduction:

The Word, the LOGOS, is Jesus Christ. He was from the beginning with the Father. He is the Creator of this world and all of mankind.

He is the Incarnate Word of God, God in the flesh. He is the Saviour of man. He is the Life of man. The Scriptures declare Hiim to be the ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN.

I. JESUS IS THE WORD OF GOD

A. Jesus is the UTTERED WORD of God, Revelation 19:13, “And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.”

1. The eternal Word of God manifested, 1 John 1:1-2, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2-(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)”

2. He is the eternal witness in Heaven, 1 John 5:7, “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”

B. Jesus is the INCARNATE WORD of God, John 1:14, “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.”

1. The Word was made flesh, Matthew 1:16, “And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.”

2. The Word was made of a Woman, Galatians 4:4, “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,”

a. He came at the appointed hour, Ephesians 1:10, “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:”

b. He was born of a woman, Luke 2:10-11, “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11-For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

1) He was a partaker of flesh and blood, Hebrews 2:14, “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;”

2) He became flesh that He might die for our sins, 1 Peter 3:18, “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:”

C. He was made under the Law, Romans 15:8, “Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:”

II. JESUS IS THE WORD OF LIFE

A. He is THE LIFE, John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

1. Our life is in the Son, 1 John 5:11, “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”

2. He is our life after death, John 11:25, “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:”

3. He gives us eternal life, John 10:28, “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”

B. His life is the LIFE OF THE FATHER, John 5:26, “For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;”

1. The Fountain of life, Psalm 36:9, “For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.”

2. The True God, Jeremiah 10:10, “But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.”

CONCLUSION

Jesus is the Word of God from the Beginning. He became flesh and walked among us and then He died that we might have life eternal.

THE SUPERLATIVE LIBERALITY OF THE LORD–JOHN 17:22

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THE SUPERLATIVE LIBERALITY OF THE LORD
JOHN 17:22, “And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:”

INTRODUCTION:

It would have been surprising grace if he had allowed us to eat the crumbs of his bounty beneath the table of his mercy. However, the Lord does nothing half way; He makes us sit with Him and share the feast.

The Lord will have His Bride as rich as He Himself. She will share His Glory and His Grace. He has made us joint-heirs with Himself.

I. HE HAS GIVEN HIS CHURCH HIS GLORY

A. The Glory is the INCARNATE WORD OF GOD, JOHN 1:14, “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.”

1. He manifested His Glory by His Miracles, JOHN 2:11, “This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.”

2. He is the Truth, JOHN 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

B. He is the Eternal Word of God, JOHN 17:24, “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.”

C. He is the GLORIOUS HEAD of the church, EPHESIANS 1:22, “And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,”

1. The Lord LOVES His church, EPHESIANS 5:29, “For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:”

2. The Lord purposes to present her to Himself a GLORIOUS church, EPHESIANS 5:27,” That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

II. HE HAS GIVEN HIS CHURCH HIS AUTHORITY

A. To preach the glorious Gospel of Christ, MATTHEW 10:7, “And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

B. To Teach His Disciples the all things of the Scriptures, MATTHEW 28:19,20 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

1. The boundless limit of His Glory is as free to you as the air he breathes, if you believe, JOHN 11:40, “Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?”

2. The cup of God’s love and grace is at the believer’s lips, and he is invited to drink of it forever, PSALM 36:8, “They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.

CONCLUSION

The last phrase of our text says, “that they may be one, even as we are one.” In order for us to manifest His glory we must in agreement. Amos said in AMOS 3:3, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” The Lord is greatly glorified when His people are agreed on doing His will.