There was significant confusion and division surrounding Jesus in his day. Questions about his identity swirled through the streets of Jerusalem, and an underlying fear of the religious establishment filled many of the people. Perhaps the greatest fear of all was that of the religious leaders who felt threatened by Jesus. Yet God’s concrete plan for our redemption through Christ shines through the midst of it all. This reminds us that the confusion and division of this present age cannot shake the sure plan of God formed before the foundation of the world.

Take-Home Message: In a confused world, God’s plan remains concrete.

God’s Concrete Plan

• Jesus came from His Father in Heaven (25-29).

• Implications of Christ’s Eternal Existence
• Jesus has profound depth.
• Jesus has endless wisdom.
• Jesus has infinite supply.

• Jesus returned to His Father in Heaven (30-34).

• Jesus reached us alongside His Father in Heaven (35-36).

Message: God’s Concrete Plan

Scripture: John 7:25-36\

Simple. Authentic. Jesus.

Prairiebible.org

Jesus said, “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” But how? The average adult makes over 30,000 decisions each day, many of which feel overwhelming. Yet Jesus knew the secret to right judgment: submission to His Father. Jesus waited on His Father’s timing, witnessed with His Father’s authority, and judged with His Father’s righteousness. Jesus never made a sinful decision, so we can look to Him for wisdom in every decision we make. “For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.” (Jn 5:22-23)

Take-Home Message: I learn right judgment by looking to the Righteous Judge.

Jesus and His Father’s Timing(1-9).

• Jesus and His Father’s Authority (10-18).
• Jesus and His Father’s Righteousness (19-24).

How do I judge rightly?

• Commit to God’s timeline.
• Prioritize God’s approval.
• Pursue God’s wisdom.
• Do not judge by appearances.

Message: Judge Rightly

Scripture: John 7:1-24

The Holy Spirit clearly says that in the last days some will leave the faith (1 Tim. 4:1). Tragically, there are many in church who have the appearance of being a follower, yet do not truly belong to Jesus. After one of Jesus’ most difficult teachings, “many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.” When many leave, Jesus asks us what he asked the Twelve, "You don’t want to go away too, do you?”

Take-Home Message: Stay.

Stay when the Word challenges you (60-62).

§ Why do followers leave?

o Offended by the Word.

Stay when many leave (63-66).

§ Why do followers leave?

o Offended by the Word

o Unbelief

o They’ve never truly come to know Jesus

Stay and truly know Jesus (67-71).

§ How do I stay?

o Receive the Word.

o Believe in Jesus.

o Come to know Jesus.

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Message: When Followers Leave

Scripture: John 6:60-71

Simple. Authentic. Jesus.

Prairiebible.org