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Running Toward the Source of Everything “Learning Jesus” (The Gospel of John) John 1:3-5

January 13, 2019 BIG IDEA Jesus created everything. He gave us life and promised that his light would overcome the resistance of darkness. He is truly amazing! Given all of those promises and the Lord’s creative power, it’s essential to stay close to Him if we are to live victorious and fruitful Christian lives. There, we will find joy, purpose, and power. We can do that by running toward the source of everything.

THIS WEEK’S SCRIPTURE Context: Following John’s assertion that Jesus is eternal and is God (John 1:1-2), the disciple now gets more specific about the work of Christ in creation. The goal of the book of John is to call people to belief in Christ as the Son of God, in order to gain eternal life. He furthers his argument by describing the immense nature of Jesus as creator, author of life, and the giver of victorious light. John 1:3-5 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Ridgewood Church www.myrwc.org

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DISCUSSION & APPLICATION 1. Jesus is the Source of Creation John 1:3 – All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In philosophy there is a great and troubling question: Why is there something rather than nothing? The answer, of course, is God. And simply stated: God the Father carried out His creative work through the Son. The New Testament widely affirms this truth: 1 Corinthians 8:6 – Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. Colossians 1:16 – For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. Hebrews 1:1-2 – Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. a. Describe the role of Jesus in creation. What relationship did the Father and Jesus have in the creation process?

b. Colossians 1:16 is a powerful verse (see above for the text). How does the truth of Paul’s writing help you face the problems in your life?

c. Jesus is worthy of our worship and praise. Take a moment and thank Him for the beauty and wonder of His creation.

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2. Jesus is the Source of Life John 1:4a – In him was life… John uses the word “life” some 36 times in his Gospel, far more than any other book in the New Testament. This means that it’s important to his argument. Remember, John is calling non-believers to believe in Jesus as the source of eternal life. The reference of life refers not only to a broad sense of life (physical and temporal) that the Son graciously imparted to the world as its creative agent, but also spiritual life (eternal) which is imparted to those who believe. a. Have you accepted the gift of life that Jesus offers? If you are a follower of Jesus, have you embraced a full and abundant life that comes through belief in Him? What would it look like if you did?

b. Many of us have a hard time grasping the extent of eternal life or what it will be like. Read Revelation 21:3-4. How does this passage help you to look past the temporal to the eternal? Revelation 21:3-4 – And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

c. John 14:6 tells us that Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one comes to the Father except through him.” When is the last time you shared this truth with someone outside of your church?

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3. Jesus is the Source of Light John 1:4b – …and the life was the light of men. Light is commonly used in the Bible as symbol of God; darkness is commonly used to denote death, sin, and separation from God. The prophet Isaiah described the coming of salvation as the people living in darkness seeing a great light. Jesus is that source of light. Here is Matthew quoting from Isaiah 9:2: Matthew 4:16 – “The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” a. Can you describe a time when you lived in darkness? What was it like to meet Jesus and dwell in His light?

b. The light of Jesus also brings morality to our world, where there would be none without him. What would the world be like without the light of Christ holding it together? How would your life be different?

c. Some people still live in the dark. Can you think of one? How will you tell this person about Jesus?

4. Jesus is the Source of Victory John 1:5 – The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. The darkness has not, and cannot, overcome the Light! Light, by its very nature, will shine into and dispel darkness. Darkness is unable to overpower light. This is really an important little verse because it summarizes John’s presentation of the gospel: Light will charge into the dominion of darkness. The Prince of Darkness will resist the light. Ultimately, Jesus will defeat Satan.

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a. Do you believe in spiritual warfare? The darkness is real. Read Ephesians 6:12. Describe how this changes the way you fight life’s battles. Are people your real enemy? Ephesians 6:12 – For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

b. Light will always overcome darkness. Is there a dark area of your life that needs to be exposed? Bring it into the light by praying about it and sharing it with someone you trust. You’ll find a great sense of joy and healing.

5. Run to the Source I hope you see that it is a valuable exercise to run toward Jesus. Here are three ways that you can do that: Run to the Source by Learning Jesus You can do this primarily through the Bible. The Pharisees were reading the scriptures but they couldn’t see Jesus because of their hard hearts. However, Jesus said He’s here if you look for Him: John 5:39 – You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me…

Run to the Source by Trusting and Submitting to It It’s not enough to know about Jesus. We are with the source when we are fully engaged disciples, submitted to His will for our lives. As I read scripture during my quiet times with God, I find that Jesus jumps off the pages. He convicts me, encourages me, inspires me, and teaches me. Above all, He exhorts me to submit. He knows what’s best for me. He can tell when I’m hung up on my stuff or confused.

Ridgewood Church www.myrwc.org

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There’s no doubt that this is time well spent. Submission and belief bring eternal life. Run to the Source by Proclaiming the Name of Jesus Shouldn’t everyone have an opportunity to know the creator and the giver of life and light? The answer is yes, and that’s why you and I need to tell them. Romans 10:14 – How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? Will you be the one that tells them? As a church, Ridgewood has committed to: 

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Raising up gospel-centered leaders both from within and outside our church, while discipling each man, woman, and child to become devout Jesusfollowers. Multiplying in all areas, including leaders, volunteers, and starting new churches. Moving toward our neighborhoods through Community Groups. Continuing to fund missionaries in all parts of the world.

We desire to Make Jesus Known Through Community Impact! a. How will you step into your calling?

b. How will you help Ridgewood fulfill its calling?

PRAY Lord, give me the courage and opportunity to tell others about you. You are amazing! You created everything. You gave us life. You provide victorious light. Thank you! I love you. And please empower Ridgewood Church to have a tremendous impact for your kingdom. Amen.

Ridgewood Church www.myrwc.org

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DIG DEEPER For further study this week:  

Gospel Fluency: Speaking the Truths of Jesus into the Everyday Stuff of Life – a book from Jeff Vanderstelt The Church in Babylon: Heeding the Call to Be a Light in the Darkness – a book from Erwin W. Lutzer and foreworded by Ed Stetzer

NEXT WEEK’S BIG IDEA Learning Jesus: The Witness of John the Baptist to Jesus as Light (John 1:6-8)

Ridgewood Church www.myrwc.org

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