Give Us This Day, Part 3 Series

John, Part 24

Series: Give Us This Day, Part 3

John 6:22-29

- Continuing in John with sermon series: “Give Us This Day” (5 parts)

-- Purpose: To examine the command (of discipleship) to follow Him (obediently)

-- FOCUS: The application of our belief is what can/will help us live faithfully!

-- Great benefit in God’s Word read over you … Read John 6:22-59 / Pray

- Today’s focus is on John 6:22-29 (three parts of one message)

-- INITIAL ASK: Do we want what Jesus offers for our own gain, or as our response of worship to Him because of what He has already done?

- Setup:

• Man has a natural hunger for physical AND spiritual food

• Most of our time and energy is spent trying to satisfy this appetite

• Recognizing this exists is the focus of the first part of this story

• DEEPER: Understanding that this hunger drives us is crucial!

First takeaway: Identify

- BIG: We need to recognize that we have an unsatisfied hunger (vv22-23)

-- Secret: This is why we pursue so many things other than God!

- In identifying, we can discover the need for more of what God offers

-- APP: Wisdom comes from knowing it is only Christ that satisfies … EXP

• Dilemma: We cannot realize this until we admit we are in need!

- It is why the crowd went looking for Him (v24) – He had what they needed

• True, it could have been all about wanting breakfast

• But if so … the logical thing would’ve been to go home! CFA?McD

• No, they were driven to have what He offered so they went looking

Second takeaway: Admit vv26-27

- Challenge: Be willing to acknowledge that our own motives can be dishonest

- We want things from God because our needs are selfish: See 2 truths:

• The things of this Earth will fail to really satisfy you Isaiah 55:2

• The things of this Earth will one day fade away Matt 24:35

-- It doesn’t mean our wants are all bad; but we have to understand them … EXP

Third takeaway: Work

- FACT: The basic wish/desire (hunger) for all humanity is:

1. To have an abundant life; a life of completeness and fulfillment

2. To have eternal life and leave a legacy that survives our deeds John 4:14

- BUT! We must be willing to work for the food that will last; to BE faithful (v27)

-- SEE: Should focus on what God can provide to be approved BY God!!

- APP: We should crave His nourishment (b/c it is never ending) Phil 4:19

-- This work allows us to have the food that brings eternal life (satisfaction)

Fourth takeaway: Respond

- To do the work of God; to witness for Him; we must BELIEVE in Him!

-- SEE: The people thought in terms of multiple “works” to complete (v28)

• They thought by doing good works they would be accepted (religious)

• Or, if they do enough, God will give favor and redeem them / us (legalism)

- Caution: IF we live this way, we will fall into 1 of 3 categories:

• Good people: Those who do lots of good things; live moral and fair

• Bad people: Those who do bad things; live immoral and crooked

• Compromising people: Those who do a little of both (most common)

o They act both moral and immoral; good and unjust acts mark their life

o They try to secure God’s approval in works but fall just short of it

o Why? They are constantly chasing the “good” to be “good enough”

- CHALLENGE: Jesus corrects this in one simple sentence!! (Re-Read v29)

• They (we) do not secure favor by being “good enough”! He never said that!

• We are not acceptable to God because of the checklist we do (legalism)

• APP: Stop living as if God is keeping score; live for Him b/c of who He is!

• We receive favor from God because we BELIEVE (one singular act!!)

• Our work is to believe in what He has done for us: opens us up to worship!

BIG IDEA / Every Head Bowed (Music)

- Let’s start here: Where are you not believing that He is enough?

- Deeper: Where are you not acting on what He has already told you to do?

Pray