Sermon Notes and Slides 2.21.2016

Sermon Notes

True Disciple
John 8:31-38
Pastor John Sloan

Introduction: The mission statement of Northpoint, which is intentionally plastered on resource folders, handouts, webpages, and even walls is: making disciples who make disciples. When we make disciples, we are leading others to see, and experience over a lifetime, the beauty, the sufficiency, and all-surpassing joy of being reconciled to God in Christ. But that begs a question worth occasionally revisiting: What is a disciple?

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Questions for Discussion & Discovery

1. Read John 2:23-24. Given what was discussed in today’s message, why do you think Jesus refused to “entrust himself to them.”

2. What is the difference between professing faith and possessing faith?

3. What does Jesus seem to mean by “my word” in verse 31? Practically speaking, how can a person “abide” therein?

4. What are some common sources of our spiritual pride?

5. In what sense is Jesus, our Rock of Ages, the “double cure” to sin?

6. What sort of freedom does the true disciple experience in Christ? Do you live with the sort of liberty Jesus came to provide?

1. Read John 8:31-38

Sermon Slides

1. Read John 8:31-38

2. 01. A true disciple believes in the saving power of Jesus (and recognizes his need for the salvation Jesus offers).

3. “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” – 1 Timothy 1:15

4. Read John 8:33

5. Read John 8:31b: “If you abide in my word you are truly my disciples.”

6. “After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.” – John 6:66

7. “Jesus wants us to ponder what the sum of that word is. And surely the answer to that is: He is the sum of his word. All his words in one way or another draw our attention to him.”

8. 02. A true disciple perseveres in the faith by embracing (and resting in) the word and work of Jesus.

9. Read John 8:34-36

10. “For Jesus, the ultimate bondage is not enslavement to a political or economic system, but vicious slavery to moral failure, to rebellion against the God who made us. The despotic master is not Caesar, but shameful self-centeredness, an evil and enslaving devotion to created things at the expense of worship of the Creator.” – Don Carson

11. 03. A true disciple enjoys spiritual freedom—from the tyranny of sin and the wrath of God.

12. “I lay down my life for the sheep.” – John 10:15.

13. “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” – John 3:36