1. Be Real
In this week’s teaching, John 5:38-47, we read about what happens when Jesus is not the center of our lives and what to do about changing that.
Jesus confronts his listeners like a good coach would: telling us who we are and what our role is. Culturally, we tend to view correction as conflict to avoid—but Jesus always uses correction as an invitation for freedom and growth.
2. Grow Together
Read this from the Bible together:
John 5:38-47
38 You don’t have his word residing in you, because you don’t believe the one he sent. 39 You pore over the Scriptures because you think you have eternal life in them, and yet they testify about me. 40 But you are not willing to come to me so that you may have life. 41 “I do not accept glory from people, 42 but I know you—that you have no love for God within you. 43 I have come in my Father’s name, and yet you don’t accept me. If someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. 44 How can you believe, since you accept glory from one another but don’t seek the glory that comes from the only God? 45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom you have set your hope. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe me, because he wrote about me. 47 But if you don’t believe what he wrote, how will you believe my words?”
Some key statements and questions put forward that are important for us to talk about…
But you are not willing to come to me so that you may have life. “What do you think keeps people from coming to Jesus? In your own life, do you believe you need him?
How can you believe, since you accept glory from one another but don’t seek the glory that comes from the only God? If Jesus isn’t followed as the Messiah, a false one will be found. Do you seek praise and approval from someone or something other than Jesus? If so, what is it and why do you want it?
3. Next Steps
Do you struggle to study the scriptures properly? In John 5:38 it says, “You pore over the Scriptures because you think you have eternal life in them, and yet they testify about me.” Do you read your Bible often? If so, do you struggle to find Jesus in what you read?
Do you need to abandon the ideas of self glory and false messiahs? What is something you do really well that people most often compliment? Have you considered giving God the glory for that instead? Why or why not?
Ok. Let’s just go for it. Do you struggle with arrogance and pride? If so, confession can re-route a map that has wandered towards self instead of Jesus. Confess areas of pride to one another and pray for humility.
