John the Baptist's purpose is to point to & witness to "the Word made flesh" - Jesus Christ.

One of the aspects of John the Witness or Baptist’s character that is so challenging is his humility manifested in making much of Christ and pointing others to Him. On this theme John Calvin observed, “There is, indeed, nothing that man’s nature seeks more eagerly than to be flattered.” He goes on to point out that self-love is innate in us all and that people will flock to preachers who tickle their pride and build their self-esteem. But such talk only deceives us and drives us into utter ruin.

Similarly, in commenting on John’s humility, J. C. Ryle said, “Never shall we feel the need of humility so deeply, as when we lie on our deathbeds, and stand before the judgment-seat of Christ. Our whole lives will then appear a long catalogue of imperfections, ourselves nothing, and Christ all.”

Is your life pointing to Jesus Christ like John’s?  Will you pray for “less of me and more of Him”? 

1. John avoids drawing attention to himself or even talking about himself. He continually brings the conversation back to Jesus and to what men must do to be saved. What can we can learn both from his message and from his method about our witness as Christians?

2. “Iron sharpens iron…” (Proverbs 27:17) How can we correct a fellow believer who intentionally or unintentionally tends to draw attention to his or herself consequently hindering opportunities for witness? 

3. John Calvin writes: “There is, indeed, nothing that man’s nature seeks more eagerly than to be flattered.” He goes on to point out that “self-love is innate in us all and that people will flock to preachers who tickle their pride and build their self-esteem.”  How and with what weapons can we fight our hearts inclination toward self-adoration? 

4. What is true humility? How can we grow in it? Is there a legitimate place for pride in our (our those of our spouse, children, friends etc.) accomplishments?

5. In a day when individualism, competition and success are the guiding principles for life, for work, and even for Christian ministry, what can we learn from the humility so evident in the life of John the Baptist who by wordly standards did not have much?

6. We do not often think of boldness and humility as complimentary – but in John they are. John is marked by humility, but this does not prevent him from preaching with boldness. John’s message is not watered down to please his audience. He speaks against sin, whether it be that of tax-gatherers or soldiers or even Herod himself. He clearly identifies sin, condemns it, and calls for repentance. This boldness is not a contradiction to his humility, but a manifestation of it.  Where do you need to grow – boldness or humility? What steps can you take towards growing in boldness and/or humility?

7. Do you know someone who lives with a strong sense of purpose in life?  Where does their purpose come from? 

For John the Baptist, purpose in life flowed from a profound biblical understanding of who he was and who he was not.  What does the Bible tell all Christians about who they are and who they are not?  How can can we grow in our understanding of those in order to fulfill our biblical purpose in life?

During the Protestant Reformation of the 16th and 17th centuries, many aspects of the Bible's teaching were rediscovered and articulated more clearly than before, renewing the church and giving us an orientation and a rich heritage today. What does it mean for UCC to be orientated by a Reformation heritage – particularly Sola Scriptura?    

Our authority is the Bible alone. 

“I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I can do no other, so help me God. Amen.” 

 “The first thing I ask is that people should not make use of my name, and should not call themselves Lutherans, but Christians. What is Luther? The teaching is not mine. Nor was I crucified for anyone. St. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 3, would not tolerate Christians calling themselves Pauls or Peters, but only Christians. How did I, poor stinking bag of maggots that I am, come to the point where people call the children of Christ by my evil name?”

“The true treasure of the church is the most holy gospel of the glory and grace of God.” (thesis 62)

 “The church needs a reformation which is not the work of man, namely the pope, or of many men, namely the cardinals, both of which the most recent council has demonstrated, but it is the work of the whole world, indeed it is the work of God alone. However, only God who has created time knows the time for this reformation.”

1. Review the five solas of the Reformation:

Sola Scriptura: Scripture alone is the inerrant and sufficient authority for the Christian and the Church (as opposed to tradition)

Sola Gratia: God bestows salvation to us by his grace alone (as opposed to the idea that we have some abilities or natural endowments to work out our salvation)

Sola Fide: We receive salvation through faith alone (as opposed to works)

Solus Christus: Christ alone accomplishes salvation for the people of God through his substitutionary atonement (as opposed to the mediation of the Church)

Soli Deo Gloria: To God alone be the glory: Salvation is from God alone and has been accomplished for us solely by God.

Which is of these truths seems most relevant at the moment, and why?

2. What are some of the other sources of authority people tend to look to instead of Scripture?

3. Read 2 Timothy 3:14-17. What would be the implication for Christianity and for your own life if the Bible were simply an ordinary book and not inspired by God?

4. If someone were to say to you that the Bible can’t be trusted because it is full of errors and outdated information, how would you respond?

5. What opportunities do you have to hear the Word of God? What can you do to be more intentional about applying the Bible to your life after you hear it preached or taught?

6. Do you have a personal “reading plan” for the Bible? If so, what is it? If not, what can you do to implement one?

Song: Reformation Hymn

Podcasts: Michael Reeves on “Why the Reformation Still Matters” and “Is the Reformation Over?”

Free Ebook: Why the Reformation Still Matters, by Michael Reeves

The Word became flesh means Jesus Christ is the total and complete embodiment of God’s total glory, grace and truth.

Today’s sermon text declares that in the incarnate life of Jesus Christ we see the clearest manifestation of the glory of God (Jn 1:14). But when in the life of Christ is he most glorified? Perhaps surprisingly, Jesus Himself tells us that it is not from his miracles or signs (Jn 2:11; 11:4;40), but in His death and exultation (Jn 7:39; 12:16, 23; 13:31-32). D. A. Carson points out: “This does not mean he had no glory before he began his public ministry, for in fact he enjoyed glory with the Father before the incarnation, and returned to take up that glory again after his resurrection (Jn17:5; 23-24).”

This is a staggering truth! What then does it mean for the followers of Jesus Christ that His glory was most magnified in his servitude, humility, and even death?

1. In v 14, John writes that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” What does John mean by “became flesh”? 

2. How did God “dwell” among His people in the Old Testament? What does the term “dwell” mean in this passage? Consider this in relation to Isaiah 7:14.

3. John says that in Jesus Christ, we have “seen his glory” ( v 14). How does the incarnation display God’s glory? How does this relate to Exodus 33:18-20?

4. John says that Jesus was full of “grace and truth.” What does each term mean, and how do they relate? In what ways does Jesus embody each?

5. In v 16 we read that “from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” What is God’s “fullness”? If “grace upon grace” could be rendered as “grace in place of grace,” how does v 17 explaining what those two graces are? 

1. Jesus took on flesh, or humanity’s physical form. He intentionally became frail and weak (Philippians 2:5-11) to save us. How should this shape our witness to the world? How should we view our own weakness and failures? See 2 Corinthians 12:9.

2. To carry out the Father’s plan of redemption, Jesus intentionally became vulnerable knowing he was going to die on a cross. Are you willing to become vulnerable in order to serve others? In what ways are you still relying on your own strength, earthly comforts/security, etc.?

3. God graciously accommodated us by taking on flesh, living the life we should have and dying the death we deserve. How then should we approach others in service? In what ways do demand others accommodate us?

4. Do you typically think of God’s law as a “grace” (vv 16-17)? Discuss reasons we should be thankful God gave us His righteous rules.

5. Does God still “dwell” among us? How? (See 1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19; Colossians 1:27; John 14:23; Ephesians 2:21-22). What are the implications?

6. John Piper says: “When Christ died, God was true to himself, because sin was punished. And When Christ died, God was gracious to us, because Christ bore the punishment not us.” What happens when we separate grace and truth? Are you more full of grace, or more full of truth?

Optional Listening: “Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery”

Kevin DeYoung: “Full of Grace and Truth”

New City Catechism, Question 22: “Why must the Redeemer be truly human?”

Through the Gospel of His Son Jesus Christ, God welcomes you into His family through the miracle of adoption.

— The Bible teaches you are either orphan of God or a child of God. Which are you?

—  Children of God receive the family inheritance.

—  Children God have family rights.

The Bible strongly opposes the mindset of our culture that assumes “everyone is a child of God.” Have you heard that spoken, sung, or proclaimed recently? God's Word teaches the doctrine of adoption which presupposes that we are not naturally a part of God’s family, but must be adopted into that family through an action of God in sending His Son Jesus Christ into the world. 

Scholars have called the Doctrine of Adoption the apex of all of grace. If there is anything in the Bible that should bring the believer joy and happiness it is the fact that in Christ, God has adopted believers and placed us into His family.

1. In v 10, John says the “world did not know him,” and in v 11 that “his own people did not receive him.” Who are these two groups? Is there is difference in their response to Jesus?

2. Jesus’ faced rejection by his own people (v 10). How could the rejection of the Son of God—and how we know he responded to that rejection—shape our attitude when we are rejected, especially by our “own people”?

3. In v 12, John speaks of receiving Jesus and believing in his name. Are those different? If so, how?

4. Those who receive Christ are given the “right to become children of God,” in other words, to join God’s family (v 12). What are the implications of the truth that all believers (and think especially your local church) are your family members?

5. Read Ephesians 1:3-6. Compare it with v 13 from our passage which says that children of God are born “not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” What do these passages tell us about our adoption/new birth?

The worshipers that God desires are those who boldly navigate this life by first orienting their spiritual compasses towards their righteous God and King.

1. Psalm 5 is set in the context of daily worship (v.3) and God-ward orientation for the day ahead. What are your experiences with getting your day started with God? What are some challenges you face? How has this been a blessing to you? If you find there are challenges; do you perceive them as being primarily practical or spiritual?

2. Make a list of the different things we learn about God from this Psalm?

3. David expects God to listen and to answer his prayer (vv. 1-3). What reasons for this confidence can you find in the Psalm itself?  Read Gal 5:5. What is the hope of righteousness we are waiting for?

4. In v. 2 David addresses his prayer to the One who is both his King and his God. Do you see a distinction between these two titles? If so, how do these distinctions find their expression in your life? Share some concrete examples with one another. Do you find one or the other to more challenging?

5. In vv. 4–5, the Lord's hatred of sin (and sinners) is clear. God takes no pleasure in evil and abhors those who are bloodthirsty and evil. If God is love (1 John 4:16), how is this attitude toward sinners possible?

6. Do you have the same hatred for sin in yourself? Others?

7. How do we integrate this attitude with the love and humility God calls us to? (see Matt 5:44-45)

8. How would you describe the "enemies" David speaks of in Psalm 5? If we accept that as Paul says in Eph 6:10-12 that our enemies are spiritual in nature, in what ways can you see these same characteristics used to describe David's enemies at work in your life or the world we live in?

9. Read 2 Corinthians 5:21 and 1 Peter 2:24. What does it mean that we will become the righteousness of God? How does the reminder of what Christ has done and the vision of God's purposes in this work provide help for our daily life?

10. Was there anything not covered in the previous questions that stood out to you from the passage and why?

11. Was there anything that impacted you from the sermon on Sunday? How will you apply what you learned?

Ultimately, nothing strengthens the believer's faith more than a full realisation and understanding of the Saviour's unique identity. - Jonathan Stephen

1. What does the context of this passage tell us about Jesus’ ministry? What measures did Jesus take to make sure he got quiet time away from crowds?

2. What did Jesus do after he got into the boat with the disciples and asked them to take him to the other side of the lake? What does this tell us about Jesus?

3. Do you find it easy to forget about the humanity of Jesus? Read Hebrews 4:15, what is the implication of Jesus’ humanity?

4. What was the professions of the disciples? What does that tell us about the severity of the storm?

5. What is Jesus’ reaction to the storm? Read Psalm 89:9, what does this tell us about Jesus?

6. Read Galatians 4:5-6, and Hebrews 10:4. Why is it necessary for Jesus to be both human and God?

7. The disciples did not turn to Jesus until the storm was completely out of their control and they had tried their all. What should they have done first?

8. Often the storms of life (e.g. the loss of a job, family troubles, etc) will come when we are not expecting them. How do you instinctively react to them?

9. What Biblical habits can I turn to in my daily life so that they can help me to instinctively turn to Jesus when life’s storms do come?

10. Was there anything not covered in the previous questions that stood out to you from the passage and why?

11. Was there anything that impacted you from the sermon on Sunday? How will you apply what you learned?

The familiar parable of the prodigal son shows us there are two ways to rebel against the Father, and one way to be welcomed back as a Son.

1. The prodigal son consciously rejects his father authority to live as he wants. Are there aspects of God’s authority and will as revealed in the Bible that are difficult for you to accept?

2. The prodigal wants to use his inheritance as he sees fit. Christians can also easily do this when we functionally treat our stuff (money, time, talents, etc) as our own. Discuss ways struggle with this.

3. Read and discuss the following quote by Tim Keller on repentance: “Regret is all about ‘us’: how I am being hurt, how my life is ruined, how my heart is breaking; but repentance is all about God: how he has been grieved, how his nature as Creator and Redeemer is being trampled on, how his repeated saving actions are being trivialized and used manipulatively.” Is this kind of repentance a regular part of your prayer life?

4. The older brother’s anger, pride, and sense of superiority over his brother reveals he is alienated from the heart of his gracious father. In what ways can you sense internal frustrations, judgmentalism, and other symptoms of the older brother in your daily interactions and relationships?

5. Many Christians have stressed God’s coming judgment and the need to repent. In reaction, many try to stress grace, often minimizing the need for daily repentance and obedience. Is there another approach? How does our knowledge of God as a good and gracious father change our attitude about repentance and obeying his commandments?

6. On the cross, Jesus emptied himself of his privileges as God’s son, experienced the alienation we deserve that we would be welcomed into God’s family - wholly by his grace alone. How does that truth change your heart toward prodigals? Toward those different than you? What happens when a community believes themselves to be prodigals saved by grace?

John (the baptizer) is introduced into the flow of our text suddenly and jarringly as a witness to the Light.  What is the effect John the Gospel writer wants this interruption to have on us his readers?

 “There was a man sent from God whose name was John.”

“He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.”

“He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.”

Did you notice that John 1:1-5 speaks about Jesus, then John 1:6-8 introduces "John the Witness." John 1:9 then picks up John's discussion of Jesus where he left off?  Why?

John Piper reasons that "the effect of the way he did write it is to make crystal clear from the very outset that God's way of letting the light of Christ shine in the world is by human witnesses. God's way of pushing back the darkness is by human witnesses. It didn't have to be this way. God could have caused the light of Christ to spread in some other way. He could have done it with angels. He could have written the gospel in the sky with big puffy white letters made out of clouds. He could have caused the wind to talk. But instead God chose to call and send human beings to bear witness to the light.”

According to this understanding one of the key applications for readers of this text is to be ready to be “sent” to bear witness to the “Light” with your own life.  Are you ready? 

1. John came to “bear witness” about the light of Jesus. Discuss some of the ways you personally bear witness about the light. Discuss some of the ways you fail to reflect Jesus’ light.

2. God chose to send a person (v6) to bear witness about His light, though God is not dependent upon him. To one extreme we might take this to mean God needs us as His witness, and to the other extreme we might neglect our responsibility to be used as a witness at all. What are some ways we can live out the truth contained in these two extremes?

3. According to Matthew 5:14, Jesus’ disciples are also the light of the world. What are some ways our church should bear witness about Jesus’ light? What will the world around us (our culture in particular) find uncomfortable about our witness? What may our culture find attractive about the light of Jesus?

4. Certainly it is true that all true Christians bear witness to the Light of Christ wherever they are.  However, Romans 10:14 seems to suggest that some will be sent to places where the Gospel has not yet had a witness; we usually call these missionaries (sent ones).  Have you ever been on a mission trip?  Tell of your experiences. Have you ever seriously considered if God is calling you to a particular place to bear witness to the Gospel?

5. The local church is given the responsibility to bear witness to the light of Jesus Christ. What are some ways a church does this?  What are some ways that it might become distracted from this? What role does each member play in the faithful witness of the local church?

Words are the clearest and most basic form of communication we have and God’s most basic form is His Word, Who is His Son Jesus Christ. Through the Word, He communicates, creates, and conveys ultimate truths about Who He is with us who are His people.

So often we say things like, “I wish God would speak to me” or “today God did not speak to me at church”. Today's passage reveals God has spoken to us!  What if we all went to our Christian gatherings with this confidence and expectation that God has spoken?

Our passage today is often cited wrongly by some sects to deny the eternality of Jesus Christ and therefore the Trinity. In fact, the passage relays completely the opposite! Do some study on your own to become equipped to discuss and explain this passage correctly with a non-believer. Feel free to ask Pastor Shaun or another leader for some resources or tips if needed. 

1. What are some of the misguided ways people are seeking God today? Discuss some examples. Pastor Shaun mentioned rationalism, mysticism, and ritualism as faulty methods of looking for God (truth, spirituality, etc). What are they, and why will they fail?

2. Many people seeking may think, “If only God would speak to me personally…” How does this passage address, and help us respond to, such desires? How is revelation (Jesus as the Word—logos) different than the methods of seeking listed above?

3. Why is the pre-existence and eternality of Jesus important? How would you respond to someone who claims Jesus is not Creator God Himself, but a son and savior created by God?

4. What similarities are there between this passage and the opening verses of Genesis? What might John be pointing to? 

5. It is common among Christians to have a negative view of the material world or “worldly” interests/pursuits (non-Christian music, politics, etc). How does verse 3 shape our understanding of creation and its goodness? What are ways we can affirm God’s good creation with our attitudes and actions?

6. How should we think of God and his relationship to creation? See especially Colossians 1:16-17. 

7. The Word was in the beginning, creating. The Word also re-creates us in the new birth (see James 1:18, 2 Corinthians 5:17). How should the fact of our being (re)creations of God affect our identity as Christians?

8. New life only comes through death (1 Corinthians 15:36). Jesus, the Eternal Word, died our death that we might live. How should we respond? Are there attitudes or behaviors do you need to die to?

No question is more important than this: “What do you believe about Jesus?” Only three verses into the Gospel of John, the author challenges us on this issue of incalculable importance. According to John, if we are not clear about the identity of Jesus, we cannot be sure of the full implications of knowing Him

• 13:23; 19:26; 20:2, 7; 21:20

• 20:30-31

• 15:6; 8:31

• ‘Changing the water into wine’ (2:1-11)
• ‘Healing the nobleman’s son’ (4:46-54)
• ‘Healing the lame man by the Pool of Bethesda’ (5:1-9)
• ‘Feeding the 5,000’ (6:1-14)
• ‘Walking on the water’ (6:16-21)
• ‘Healing the man born blind’ (9:1-12)
• ‘Raising Lazarus from the dead’ (11:1-46)

• ‘Born Again’ (3)
• ‘Living Water’ (4)
• ‘Son and Father’ (5)
• ‘Bread of Life’ (6)
• ‘Light of the World’ (7-8)
• ‘Good Shepherd’ (10)
• ‘Oneness with the Father’ (10)

Also:

• ‘Disciples Discourse’ (13)
• 'Heaven, Holy Spirit, World' (13-14)
• ‘Prayer’ (17)

• “I am the bread of life”(6:35)
• “I am the Light of the world” (8:12; 1)
• “I am the resurrection and the life” (11:25; 2)
• “I am the door of the sheep” (10:7)
• “I am the good shepherd” (10:11, 14)
• “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (14:6)
• “I am the true vine” (15:1, 5)

• e.g. 2:23-25; 8:31-59

• e.g. 2:11; 20:8

John Calvin wrote:

1. Has the Gospel of Jesus Christ captured you in the way Calvin describes here? Would you pray that during this series, the Word of God would do such a work in you? 

2. Have you read completely through John’s Gospel? Why not read it completely through in large chunks over the next few days as a way of preparing yourself to benefit from this series?

1. What has been your experience with the Gospel of John? What did you know about it, and how does it relate to the other three Gospels?

2. Read John 20:30-31. What does it say is the purpose of the Gospel of John? Discuss the purpose and what it means for you, the church, and the world. 

3. Read the  beginning portion of the prologue of the Gospel of John (1:1-3). How does this passage reveal who Jesus is? Why is it crucial to understand who He is? How should we live differently in light of who He is?

4. The prologue describes Jesus as the Word (Greek: logos). What does this reveal about the way we know and learn about Jesus? How, practically, can you know Jesus more?

5. Jesus performs several miracles (signs) in Gospel of John. Discuss their overall purpose within the book. How does our modern culture view miracles? What approach should Christians have?

6. The Gospel of John and other books by the author are known for their simple, plain language. They were meant for Jews and gentiles alike. Given the gravity of the truth they contain, what could this mean for our own communication of the gospel and Christian truths?

7. Much of the Gospel of John contains categorical statements of absolute truth. Think of some of the “I am” statements in which Jesus claims to be: “the way, the truth, and the life” (14:6), “the bread of life” (6:35), “the light of the world” (8:12), “the true vine” (15:1). 

Is it arrogant for Christians to claim an exclusive truth? What do these absolute truth claims in this Gospel mean in a world full of competing claims, different religions, and secular worldviews? How does the gospel itself shape how we approach truth?