JOHN 7- (Part two)

The lack of belief in John chapter 7 is shown even more During the feast-
It is during the feast that the people got involved in the debate-
And they began taking part in what destroys so many churches today
They overlooked the savior that was right before them, and got involved in the debate

It started with them debating his character
John 7:11-13-
What was the reason for this debate? Didn’t his actions speak for themselves?
No one questioned his miracles, nor did they question his power.
But, when he demanded a response… the debate then turned to quarrelling over doctrine:
John 7:14-19-
Again the question was not on what Jesus did, or even the truth of his words
The question was: “How did he get such learning?”
“Where did your learning come from?”
Who had the authority to teach you these things, and who are you to claim them as true?

But again, these questions are no different from what we hear today.
Who are you to claim you know the truth? Who are you to say you know God’s will?
Yet Jesus’ challenge to them was easy and clear:
John 7:17
If anyone chooses to do God's will,
he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.

But they were not willing.
The debate they enjoyed. The knowledge they treasured,
But application?…. faith… and Obedience?

Truth was not of great enough value, to sacrifice their opinions for.
Instead of looking at the truth, they gave this response
John 7:20-24-
And then the residents joined in:
John 7:25-31-
What they thought they knew, they did not.
They spent all their efforts fighting doctrine, arguing things from a worldly point of view-
But, the wisdom of God is only made clear to you as you set aside your worldly wisdom and give it a try
Christianity demands faith.

And this is a lesson I need to learn, and I believe is one of the weaknesses of the Church.
Romans 2:6-11-
God will give to each man according to what he has done- glory, honor, and peace
Yet when it comes time to take that stand
When it comes time for me to make a tough decision, an unpopular decision- One that calls for faith…
Whether it is repentance, or openness, evangelism, Or just loving others properly.
How often- instead of being spiritual- Do I do what the people here did.

I try to make it make sense first… I intellectualize it-
I stand by my credentials, I make these things doctrinal arguments,
And I protect not only my traditions, but my comfort-

Look at this:
John 7:37-39-
What an encouragement! What an amazing promise for God’s people!
Jesus made himself clear, and offered them unity
Unity with God- life and hope through the spirit
Yet what they strove for was division
John 7:40-44-
And the division turned to name calling
John 7:45-49-
Has anyone we know.. Anyone we respect, ever believed him?
Well, then let’s stick with what we have always done- Stay with what we have always thought
And anyone who disagrees with us, must be under a curse

And here is where the people stood.
In the presence of God himself, yet divided over the issues
And when given the chance to know the truth…They opted to stick with the debate.
And in the end, almost none of them saw what was right before their eyes.

Jesus is asking us to do more than just know of him (like his brothers)
And asking more than for us to discuss doctrine (like the crowd)
He is asking us to believe
To do, and to know.

If anyone chooses to DO God's will,
he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.