Sermon for September 18, 2011 - The Sermon for This Week is - John 8:12

Matthew 6:9-13 - After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

The Sermon for This Week is: John 8:12 – 36- covering the following:

Part 1: The Light Of The World

Part 2: The Truth Shall Set You Free

Part 1: The Light Of The World - John 8:12 - Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

INTRODUCTION

1. The gospel of John records at least seven remarkable claims by Jesus...

a. “I am the bread of life” - Jn 6:48

b. “I am the light of the world” - John 8:12 - Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

c. “I am the door” - John 10:9 - I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

d. “I am the good shepherd” - John 10:11 - I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

e. “I am the resurrection and the life” - John 11:25 - Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

f. “I am the way, the truth, and the life” - John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

g. “I am the vine” - John 15:5- I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

2. In making such statements, Jesus reveals much...

a. About the world around us, and the lives we live

b. About Himself, and what He has to offer to us

3. In this study, we will focus our attention on His claim to be “The Light Of The World”...

a. As recorded in - John 8:12 - Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life..

b. Made by Jesus in the treasury of the temple (part of the Court of Women) - cf. John 8:20 - These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.

c. In which there were “two colossal golden lamp stands, on which hung a multitude of lamps, lighted after the evening sacrifice (probably every evening during the feast of tabernacles), diffusing their brilliancy, it is said, over all the city” - Jameison, Fausset, and Brown

[As we examine the words of Jesus, we notice what is implied about the world in which we live...]

I. THERE IS DARKNESS IN THE WORLD

A. THE SYMBOLISM OF DARKNESS...

1. Used metaphorically to symbolize distress, mourning, perplexity, ignorance and death – Isaiah 9:1-2 - Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. - Job 5:14 - They meet with darkness in the daytime, and grope in the noonday as in the night. - Job 12:24-25 - He taketh away the heart of the chief of the people of the earth, and causeth them to wander in a wilderness where there is no way. They grope in the dark without light, and he maketh them to stagger like a drunken man. - Job 10:21 - Before I go whence I shall not return, even to the land of darkness and the shadow of death; - Job 17:13 - If I wait, the grave is mine house: I have made my bed in the darkness.

2. Used figuratively of moral depravity - cf. John 3:19 - And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. - Romans 13:12-13 - The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. - Ephesians 5:11 - And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

B. THE REALITY OF DARKNESS...

1. Seen in the news (terrorism, war, oppression, sexual abuse, greed)

2. Viewed in the media (pornography, filthy language)

3. Experienced in life (adultery, physical and verbal abuse, false religions)

4. As described by the apostle Paul, many walk in darkness... - cf. Ephesians 4:17-19 - This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

a. In the futility of their minds

b. Darkened in their understanding

c. Alienated from the life of God

d. Ignorant because of the blindness of their heart

e. Past feeling, given over to lewdness

f. Working all uncleanness with greediness

[While there may be varying degrees of darkness in which people find themselves, if they live in the world they must contend with darkness. To those in darkness, Jesus offers hope...]

II. JESUS IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

A. HE IS THE LIGHT...

1. A claim made elsewhere in the gospel

a. In the prologue - John 1:4-9 - In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

b. By Jesus on other occasions - John 9:5 - As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. - John 12:35 - Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. - John 12:46 - I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

2. He is the light, not a light

a. Indicating that He alone provides the true light

b. Even as He alone provides the true and living way - cf. John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

3. As the light, Jesus is the source of life - John 8:12c - but shall have the light of life.

a. The abundant life (with peace, joy, love) - John 10:10 - The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. cf. John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. - John 15:10-11 - If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

b. The eternal life (including the resurrection) - John 11:25 - Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: - John 17:2 - As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

4. We must be wary of those who proclaim to offer “light”

a. Some may be servants of Satan - cf. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 - For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

b. At best, one can only reflect what light Jesus has already bestowed

B. OF THE WORLD...

1. Not for the Jews only, but for Gentiles (the nations) as well

a. As foretold by the prophets - cf. Isaiah 49:6 - And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. - Isaiah 60:1-3 - Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.

b. As commanded of His apostles - cf. Acts 26:15-18 - And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

2. Available to all who believe, not an elect few

a. To everyone who believes in Jesus - John 12:46 - I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

b. To those who follow Jesus - John 8:12b - I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness,

[How wonderful to know that in a world of darkness, we can have the light of life through Jesus Christ, the light of the world! Yet we should reiterate that He is truly the light...]

III. FOR THOSE WHO FOLLOW HIM

A. BY BECOMING HIS DISCIPLE...

1. Note the connection between following Jesus and being a disciple

a. The word “disciple” means a follower, a learner

b. Only those who follow Him will have the light of life

c. Therefore only those who become His disciples will walk in His light

2. How one becomes a disciple (or follower) of Jesus

a. It begins with faith - John 12:46 - I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

b. It includes baptism - cf. Matthew 28:19-20 - Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. - Mark 16:16 - He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

B. BY ABIDING IN HIS WORD...

1. Only by abiding in His Word...

a. Are we truly His disciples (followers) - John 8:31 - Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

b. Do we truly have Christ - cf. 2 John 1:9 - Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

2. As we abide in His words, we not only walk in light, we become light!

a. Reflecting the light of Christ - cf. Philippians 2:15-16 - That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

b. Proving what is acceptable, exposing that which is not - cf. Ephesians 5:8-14 - For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

c. The light of the world, bringing glory to our Father in heaven - cf. Matthew 5:14-16 - Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

CONCLUSION

1. Are you confused, stumbling in a morass of darkness, making a mess of your life...?

a. Come to Jesus, the light of the world

b. Follow Him, who will give you the light of life

2. You can become a light to others walking in darkness...

a. As you reflect the light of Christ in your own life

b. As you abide in His teachings, and follow His doctrine

In a world of darkness, let us walk in the light of Him who leads us to both the abundant life and eternal life...!

Part 2: The Truth Shall Set You Free - John 8:31-36 - Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

INTRODUCTION

1. One of the better known statements of Jesus is this: John 8:32 - And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

2. Today this popular statement is often used in a political context...

a. Referring to freedom from political oppression

b. Extolling the value of the free press, and freedom of expression

3. While such are notable virtues, Jesus had something else in mind...

a. Freedom from something more serious than political oppression

b. Truth that comes from only one source

[Let’s examine the context in which Jesus’ statement is found (i.e., Jn 8:31-36 – See Above). From a careful reading of it we first note...]

I. THE FREEDOM OF WHICH JESUS SPEAKS

A. FREEDOM FROM SIN...

1. The Jews misconstrued Jesus - John 8:33 - They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?

a. They claimed to have never been in bondage (i.e., political oppression)

b. An odd claim in view of the present Roman occupation, and past Egyptian, Assyrian and Babylonian captivities!

2. Jesus explains the context of His statement - John 8:34-36 - Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

a. He is talking about the servant of sin

b. He offers freedom from the bondage of sin

B. THE BONDAGE OF SIN...

1. There is the guilt of sin

a. A guilt shared by everyone - Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; - 1 John 1:8 - If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

b. Even if one has committed only one sin (if such were possible!) - James 2:10-11 - For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

2. There is the power of sin

a. Jesus describes how committing sin makes one a slave to sin - John 8:34 - Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

b. Paul illustrated the dilemma of one in bondage to the power of sin - Romans 7:14-24 - For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

[More oppressive than any kind physical slavery is the spiritual slavery that comes from being a sinner! While man may legislate political freedom, only Jesus provides freedom from the bondage of sin. How He does this can be seen as we now examine...]

II. THE TRUTH OF WHICH JESUS SPEAKS

A. HIS DOCTRINE...

1. The truth of which Jesus speaks is His own word or doctrine - John 8:31-32 - Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

2. Which offers freedom from the bondage of sin

a. From the guilt of sin through the blood of Christ - cf. Matthew 26:28 - For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. - Ephesians 1:7 - In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

b. From the power of sin through the Spirit of God - cf. Romans 8:1-2 - There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. - Romans 8:12-13 - Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

B. WHICH WE MUST OBEY...

1. To be His disciples indeed - John 8:31 - Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; cf. Luke 6:46 - And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

2. To be set free from sin - Romans 6:17-18 - But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. cf. Hebrews 5:9 - And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

C. BEGINNING WITH BAPTISM INTO CHRIST...

1. In which we are crucified with Christ - Romans 6:3-4a - Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: - Romans 6:6a - Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him,

2. In which we die to sin, thus freed from sin - Romans 6:6b-7 - that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. - Romans 6:11a - Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin,

a. Its guilt removed by the blood of Jesus - Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. - Acts 22:16 - And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

b. Its power weakened by the gift of the Holy Spirit - Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. - Ephesians 3:16 - That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

3. In which we rise to newness of life, free now to serve God - Romans 6:4c - even so we also should walk in newness of life. - Romans 6:11b-14 - but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. - Romans 6:17-18 - But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

a. With the aid of the continual cleansing of Jesus’ blood - 1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

b. With the aid of the Spirit in putting to death the deeds of the body - Romans 8:12-13 - Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

D. CONTINUING WITH ABIDING IN HIS WORD...

1. As stated by Jesus - John 8:31 - Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

2. As reiterated by John - 2 John 1:9 - Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

CONCLUSION

1. Perhaps we can now better appreciate the significance of the Great Commission...

a. To make disciples by baptizing them - Matthew 28:19 - Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

b. To make disciples by teaching them to observe all that Christ commanded them - Matthew 28:20 - Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

2. For in carrying out the Great Commission into all the world...

a. We offer the truth that really makes one free!

b. Freedom from sin, the burden which truly oppresses mankind!

Are you under the heavy burden of sin, both its guilt and its power? Then respond to the Savior’s tender invitation:

Matthew 11:28-30 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Accept His call to discipleship (“take My yoke...learn from Me”), remembering His promise in our text:

John 8:36 - If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Prayer: Mark 16:16 - He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned - Lord I truly thank You for giving the opportunity to present these words to my brethrens. I pray that You will keep them in Your blessings and accept them into Your heart - this I pray in the name of Thy Son, Jesus, the Messiah, Your only begotten son which Ye sent to save mankind from themselves. Amen

This sermon is in the Public Domain - Free for all to use with the only requirement: That it never be used for profit.

Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. - Ephesians 6:23-24