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Witness of The Word, God and The Holy Spirit


[PRINT HERE] John 5 (11-15-17) Lecture Notes 

St. Joseph Missionary Baptist Church
Wed Night Bible Study

Dr. E.C. Gregory, PhD – Bible Facilitator 11-15-17 Dr. H.T. Rhim, Pastor
WITNESSES OF CHRIST

John 5:36-47 (NKJV)
THE WITNESS OF THE WORKS OF CHRIST (HOLY SPIRIT)
36 But I have a greater witness than John’s; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish–the very works that I do (Holy Spirit power)–bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me.
THE WITNESS OF THE FATHER (GOD)
37 And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form.
38 But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe.
THE WITNESS OF THE SCRIPTURE (THE WORD)
39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these (WORD) are they which testify of Me.
40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.
41 I do not receive honor from men.
42 But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you.
43 I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name (man), him you will receive.
44 How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?
45 Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father (not to judge); there is one who accuses you (who judges you)–Moses, in whom you trust.
46 For if you believed Moses (WORD), you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me.
47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”

5:36. Though John the Baptist was a great voice for God, he did not do any miracles (10:41). The “signs” were specific works which God had assigned for the Son to do.
5:37-38. Jesus’ witness is His Father. The Father… has Himself testified concerning Me. But when and how did or does the Father give this witness? The possibilities include: (1) at Jesus’ baptism (Matt. 3:17), (2) at the transfiguration (Matt. 17:5), (3) at the Triumphal Entry (John 12:28), (4) in Jesus’ works (3:2), (5) in people’s minds or hearts (6:45).5:39-40. The Jewish religious leaders studied the Old Testament with great diligence. They believed that if one could comprehend the words of the text, he would gain a share in the world to come. They considered those ignorant of the Law to be under a curse (7:49).
5:41-42. The Jews may have thought that Jesus was upset because He was not officially endorsed by the leaders. But He denied that idea. They thought they knew His motivation, but in contrast He knew them and the cause of their unbelief (cf. 2:24-25): they did not have the love of God in their hearts.
5:43-44. Two things evidenced their lack of love for God. (1) They rejected Christ, the Father’s “Representative.” To insult or reject one’s ambassador is the same as rejecting him. (2) They accepted false teachers or prophets. True faith was impossible because they were seeking the wrong object: man, not God.
5:45-47. Jesus came as the Savior, not as the Judge (cf. 3:17). It was unnecessary for Him to accuse the people.

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