Day 7 of 21 Day Challenge

John 7

What we learn about Jesus from John:

• His time has not yet come (6:6)
• The world hates him because he testifies that its works are evil (6:7)
• “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me” (6:17)
• “You do not know him, but I know him because I am from him and he sent me.” (6:29)

Lessons on Godliness

“My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me. Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.” (6:17)

Jesus’ critics are questioning the validity of his words and his life. They question whether or not Jesus is truly the Messiah and if he has any authority to teach. Jesus tells them it’s rather easy to figure out if he has the right to teach or not: “Do the will of God.”

In an age of skepticism of our own, we might be wise to consider also “doing the will of God.” There are plenty of people who are skeptical of Christ these days. For those who have chosen to follow Jesus, we have experienced often the validity of Jesus as Messiah. When we do what he teaches, we find ourselves within the will of God. We find that Jesus is truly from the Father and the Father sent the Son.

To explain this further is difficult. And beyond what I can do after a long day. But my heart this evening has me reflecting on the Truth that is Jesus. Godliness is doing what Christ teaches, it matches accordingly, with the Will of God.

“Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” (7:24) I’m thinking what Jesus was saying here was simply this: Look at the heart. When we judge we tend to look at what we see. To judge correctly seems to be a matter of the heart. I’m not so good at that yet, so I think I will leave that up to God for awhile, who sees and knows each of our hearts.

How it applies to our world:

Well certainly the skeptics of our world could stand to test out the teaching of Christ and see if they find themselves in the will of God. All this atheist business we are dealing with might subside if the world gave an honest shot at the Truth of Christ.

How it applies to my life:

What’s good for the goose is good for the gander. I think that’s right? If I’m recommending that skeptics follow the teachings of Christ, that might be good advice for myself too.

Prayer from the text:

God, I live in a day and age where skepticism is rampant. Help me to trust fully in Christ, in his teachings and stand firm in the faith. Help me to listen and obey the teachings of Christ that I may find myself within your will. In the name of Jesus, amen.