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 8:1-11

1. We learn for one thing the power of conscience.
2. We learn the nature of true repentance.

"Happy is the one who never stifles their conscience, but strives to keep it tender! Still happier is the one who prays to have it enlightened by the Holy Spirit and sprinkled with Christ’s blood."

"That repentance which consists in nothing more than feeling, talking, professing, wishing, meaning, hoping and resolving is worthless in God’s sight. Action is the very life of repentance to salvation not to be repented of."

Questions:

1. We have an example in this passage about the conscience. Ryle tells us that although the conscious cannot save us, it is important to have a clear conscious before God and that it can be shaped by the Holy Spirit through Scripture. Are there areas in our lives in which we ignore our conscience? Are we striving by the grace of God to have a sensitive conscience?
2. Ryle points out that repentance that is genuine doesn't just feel, talk, profess, wish, hope, or resolve to not sin, but actually turns away from sin. When we sin, are we sad that we have been caught or that we have sinned against God? Is their evidence that we are turning away from the sins in our lives?
3. Ryle makes mention that this passage has been disputed. It is likely that your Bible has brackets around this portion of Scripture, indicating it is a later writing. Ryle, though, makes an argument why he believes it is part of Scripture. Let me read his arguments and you can see if it is persuasive to you!