How Do We Receive the Life Jesus Promises? | John 1:6-13
Series: Signs & Glory
Title: How do we receive the life Jesus promises?
Scripture: John 1:6-13
Bottom line: We receive the life Jesus promises by responding to the light, believing Jesus is who he says he is and will do all he's promised to do.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
OUTLINES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED
My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.
INTRODUCTION
Yes, we're talking about life eternal. But eternal life isn't worth much if it's not also amazing. Joyful; peaceful; purposeful; powerful; life-giving. But it all starts with having life in the first place. We are born into a dark world. We need rescuing from that dark world. And when you're life hangs in the balance, rescue is all you can think of.
The Lifeboat and the Drowning Sailor
In 1982, Steven Callahan was stranded in the Atlantic Ocean after his sailboat sank. For 76 days, he drifted in a small inflatable raft, battling hunger, thirst, and exposure. One day, he saw a rescue ship approaching, but it couldn’t immediately spot him. Desperate, he used a flare and a mirror to signal his location. Finally, the rescuers spotted him and pulled him to safety.
• Connection: The rescue ship was there, fully capable of saving him, but Steven had to signal his willingness to be rescued. He had to acknowledge his need and respond to the rescuers’ efforts. In the same way, Jesus has come into the world as the Light and the source of life, but we must respond to Him by receiving and believing.
Steve recognized the rescue ship. God gave him the ability to see his potential rescue.
Steve responded to the presence of this ship by sending up the flare and by using the mirror.
Steve relied on the ship to do what he himself could not do--rescue him from his life and death situation. His belief that the ship could rescue him was seen in his willingness to acknowledge his need for a rescuer and that it could actually happen.
This is what John will be talking about today in this passage.
-ChatGPT helped me with this
CONTEXT
This series is called Signs & Glory. Zooming out, this book of the Bible by John the Apostle or Disciple is written that we might believe that Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God and that by believing have life in his name. That's the point of this gospel account of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ.
Zooming in further, we see this gospel account divided into 2 major sections.
The first 12 chapters will show us the 7 signs of belief along with many others truths that illustrate and justify the teachings of Jesus.
Chapters 13-20 will show us the glory of God on full display. We'll see the light, life and love of God through his divine AND human son, Jesus of Nazareth during the last week of his life.
The first few weeks of our series, we zoom into one of the most important and profound passages in the Bible: The Prologue, John 1:1-18. This tells us a lot about who Jesus is and all he's promised to do.
Today we'll focus on verses 6-13. We'll be introduced to John, but not the John who likely wrote this gospel. Instead, John the Baptizer, the greatest prophet to ever live, according to Jesus. John does what he calls each of us to do. Be a witness. Testify to the light to a dark world.
What do you do when someone is ready to receive Jesus? Do you know how to lead someone to walk in the light with Jesus? John and John will tell us how today!
SERMON
Read and comment on John 1:6-13. Connecting the theology of the passage to practical application:
Jesus says in John 8:12, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." In this passage, we see that gives us the opportunity this Christmas season to recognize the light (Jesus), maybe for the first time, respond to the light (by grace through faith), maybe for the first time, and then, truly relying on the light (power of God) to deliver on his promise stated in John 8:12.
1. Recognize the Light (vv. 6–9)
• John the Baptist came to point others to Jesus, the true Light. Like him, we must clearly recognize that Jesus is the only source of life and truth in a world of spiritual darkness.
• Application: Examine your own life—are you seeking truth and guidance from the Light of Christ, or relying on other “false lights” such as human wisdom, tradition, or personal effort?
2. Respond to the Light (vv. 10–12)
• 2 Reponses:
1) The world rejected Jesus because it failed to know Him.
2) But to those who receive Him and believe, He offers the incredible gift of becoming children of God.
• Application: Respond to Jesus personally through faith.
Have you truly “received” Christ or are you still keeping Him at a distance?
If you have, are you living like children of light fleshing out the power of God each day?
Don't be duped believing that you're a Christian because
You have the right lineage or heritage. My dad is a pastor or I am a Jew. These will not save you.
You have decided to be a good person and to count on your good, moral behavior to save you. Even if your standard is the best in this world, you could never attain perfection. But the standard is perfection. "Be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect." -Jesus
You have decided that your kids will become Christians so you're going to do all the "right things" and believe that that is enough. Growing up in the Church is a great start. And it gives your kids every opportunity to hear the gospel and respond by grace through faith. However, it's no substitute for you showing and telling it yourself in your home where they see who you really are. Sending them to Christian school can be good. But if what they hear there contradicts with what they see at home, they will become disillusioned and perhaps do the opposite of what you think they need.
The bottom line is there is no salvation with out God's power. And there's not activating God's power without genuine, saving faith on the person's part. Just like these baptisms signify today!
3. Rely on God’s Light (Power) (v. 13)
• Becoming a child of God is not about heritage, human effort, or others’ influence—it is a supernatural work of God’s grace. Our salvation and spiritual growth depend on Him.
• Application: Let's humbly rely on God for salvation, spiritual renewal, and power in our daily walk.
Note: Help on this outline came from ChatGPT in the writing of this section.
CONCLUSION
Here’s another true story you can use:
The Rescue of the Chilean Miners
In 2010, 33 miners were trapped 2,300 feet underground in a collapsed mine in Chile. For 69 days, they endured intense heat, darkness, and dwindling supplies. Rescuers worked tirelessly to drill an escape tunnel, eventually sending down a small capsule to bring the miners to safety. When the capsule arrived, each miner had to make a choice: climb in and trust the rescuers, or remain in the darkness. All 33 chose to step into the capsule, and every one of them was safely brought to the surface.
• Connection: The rescuers provided the way to life, but the miners had to trust and respond. They couldn’t save themselves, but they had to step into the capsule to be rescued. Similarly, Jesus has made the way to eternal life, but we must respond by believing in Him and receiving the life He offers.
1. The Capsule Was Cramped and Claustrophobic
2. The Ascent Was Long and Unpredictable
3. Physical and Emotional Strain
4. No Other Way Out
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Bottom line: We receive the life Jesus promises by responding to the light, believing Jesus' is who he says he is and will do all he's promised to do.
What about you?
Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:
““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” Acts 2:36-39 NIV
Invitation
How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:
Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:
What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.
What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.
[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.
Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.
Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.
Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)
Pray
NOTES
Yes, the rescue of the Chilean miners involved significant risks, especially for those stepping into the capsule. Here’s a more detailed look at what the miners faced:
1. The Capsule Was Cramped and Claustrophobic
• The capsule, called the Phoenix, was only 21 inches wide and barely large enough for one person to stand inside. For miners who had been trapped in darkness and isolation for over two months, stepping into such a confined space required tremendous mental strength.
• Parallel: Faith in Christ often requires stepping out of fear and into trust, even when the way forward feels narrow or uncertain (cf. Matthew 7:13-14).
2. The Ascent Was Long and Unpredictable
• The journey to the surface took about 15-20 minutes per miner, and there were risks of the capsule getting stuck or equipment failing during the ascent. The miners knew there were no guarantees, yet they chose to trust the rescuers.
• Parallel: Trusting Jesus means placing your life in His hands, even when you can’t control the process or fully see the outcome.
3. Physical and Emotional Strain
• Many miners struggled with physical weakness and psychological trauma after weeks of confinement. Some feared they might panic during the ascent, but they still stepped into the capsule.
• Parallel: Coming to Christ involves admitting our weakness and need for rescue, trusting that He will carry us through despite our brokenness (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
4. No Other Way Out
• The capsule was the only way to escape the mine. If a miner chose to remain underground, they would have faced certain death. Accepting the risks of the capsule was their only hope for life.
• Parallel: Jesus is the only way to eternal life (John 14:6). Just as the miners had no alternative but to trust the capsule, we have no alternative but to trust Christ for salvation.
OUTLINES
Outline from Willmington's Outline Bible
OUTLINE JOHN 1
John begins his Gospel by talking about the deity of Christ, then describes the ministry of John the Baptist. Jesus is baptized and calls his first disciples.
I. FACTS CONCERNING THE PREINCARNATE CHRIST (1:1-5)
A. His relationship to the Father (1:1-2)
1. Christ's eternality is declared (1:1a, 2): He already existed in the beginning.
2. Christ's deity is declared (1:b): He is God.
B. His relationship to the world (1:3-5)
1. He is the sole creator (1:3): Nothing exists that he didn't make.
2. He is light and life (1:4-5): His life gives light to everyone, and the darkness cannot extinguish it.
II. FACTS CONCERNING THE INCARNATE CHRIST (1:6-51)
A. The miracle (1:14): God became human and lived on earth among us.
B. The mission (1:10-13): He came to save sinners.
1. Some rejected him (1:10-11): The world and even the people in his own country did not understand him.
2. Some received him (1:12-13): Those who believed him became children of God.
C. The men (1:6-9, 15-51)
1. Christ's faithful forerunner (1:6-9, 15-34)
a. John the Baptist and the crowds (1:6-9, 15-18): John makes three key statements to the people.
(1) He is to serve as a witness to Christ (1:6-9).
(2) Christ is greater than John or Moses (1:15-17).
b. John the Baptist and the critics (1:19-28): John speaks to the Pharisees who are sent to cross-examine him.
(1) John says that he is not the Messiah (1:19-20).
(2) John says that he is not Elijah (1:21).
(3) John says that he has been sent to prepare the way for the Lord (1:22-28).
c. John the Baptist and the Christ (1:29-34)
(1) He introduces the Savior (1:29-31).
(2) He baptizes the Savior (1:32-34).
2. Christ's first five followers (1:35-51)
a. Andrew and John the apostle (1:35-39)
b. Peter (1:40-42)
c. Philip (1:43)
d. Nathanael (1:44-51)
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
What do I want them to know?
Why do I want them to know it?
What do I want them to do?
Why do I want them to do it?
How do they do this?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/
Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Final Questions (Write this down)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com
“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)
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