Until John, we have been using older manuscripts of Ryle's Expository Thoughts. Just recently, though, EP Publishing has put out a lightly updated version of Ryle's work, which I am now working from. If you are interested in a physical copy of the Expository Thoughts, you can find it HERE.

John 7:40-53

1. These verses show us how useless is knowledge in Christianity, if it is not accompanied by grace in the heart.
2. These verses show us how eminent must have been our Lord’s gifts as a public Teacher of faith.
3. These verses show us how slowly and gradually the work of grace goes on in some hearts.

"Heart knowledge, we must always remember, is the one thing needed. It is something which schools and universities cannot confer. It is the gift of God."

"For a combination of power, simplicity, courage, prudence, faithfulness and tenderness, we may well say, “No man ever spoke like this Man! It would be good for the church of Christ if ministers and teachers of Christianity would strive more to speak after their Lord’s pattern."

"The case of Nicodemus is full of useful instruction. It teaches us that there are diversities in the operation of the Holy Spirit. All are undoubtedly led to the same Saviour, but all are not led precisely in the same way. It teaches us that the work of the Spirit does not always go forward with the same speed in the hearts of men and women."

Questions:

1. Ryle exhorts us to consider that while knowledge of Scripture is important, heart knowledge is the one thing needed. Are we growing in our knowledge of the Scriptures? And more importantly, are the things we know affecting the way we feel and act as well?
2. We see an insightful statement about the Lord Jesus, namely that nobody spoke like this man. Ryle points out that Jesus had a perfect balance of power, simplicity, prudence, faithfulness, and tenderness in his speaking. If a pastor or preacher, are we seeking to be more like Jesus in these ways? If not a pastor, can we see some of the characteristics in your pastor? Would you pray for these to increase in his life? Would you even encourage him in his preaching in the good things you see that are like Jesus?
3. We learn in the case of Nicodemus, that the Holy Spirit can work in different people at different speeds. In the case of Nicodemus, it was slow, but sure. Are we quick to look at those who's grace seems slow and judge them accordingly? Are we discouraged because the work of grace seems slow in our own lives? The main question to consider though: do we have grace in our hearts?