I HONOUR MY FATHER
Text: John 8
24 May 2009
(I) CONFLICTS IN LIFE
1. We must know that Conflicts will come
2. We must never be afraid of Conflicts
3. We must know how we can Cope with Conflicts effectively
(II) CONFLICTS BETWEEN JESUS AND THE JEWS
1. Conflict with reference to healing on the Sabbath (John 5)
2. Conflict with reference to Jesus as the Living Bread from Heaven (John 6)
3. Conflict with Jesus to Jesus declaring Himself the Light of the world (John 8)
(III) ALLEGATIONS MADE AGAINST JESUS
1. Deliberate rejection of the Witness of Jesus
“The Pharisees therefore said to Him, ‘You bear witness of Yourself; Your witness is not true.’ ” John 8:13
2. Deliberate misquoting of Jesus
“So the Jews said, ‘Will He kill Himself, because He says, ‘Where I go you cannot come’? ” John 8:22
3. Deep spiritual ignorance
“They did not understand that He spoke to them of the Father.” John 8:27
4. Deep-seated prejudice
“Then the Jews answered and said to Him, ‘Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” John 8:48
(IV) CONQUERING CONFLICTS
1. Maintaining Integrity as a Witness
“…Even if I bear witness of Myself, My witness is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from and where I am going.” John 8:14
2. Maintaining a strong faith-relationship with God as Father
“I am One who bears witness of Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me.” John 8:18
3. Maintaining a strong and complete understanding of God the Father
a) Father as Teacher
“…but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things.” John 8:28e
b) Father’s Presence
“And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone…” John 8:29a
c) Focused on Pleasing the Father
“…I always do those things that please Him.” John 8:29b
d) Committed to honouring the Father
“Jesus answered. ‘I do not have a demon; but I honour My Father, and you dishonour Me.’ ” John 8:49
e) The Father’s Commitment to honour Jesus
Jesus answered, ‘If I honour Myself, My honour is nothing. It is My Father who honours Me…” John 8:54
(V) NO FULL SOLUTION AT TIMES
“Then they took up stones to throw at Him…” John 8:59a
“And many of them said, ‘He has a demon and is mad. Why do you listen to Him?” John 10:20
(VI) OUR COMFORT AND CONFIDENCE
“But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me…And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!” 2 Timothy 4:17-18
1. Standing with us
2. Strengthening us
3. Delivering us
4. Preserving us