Introduction

Good morning, brothers and sisters in Christ! It's a joy to be with you all today, diving into the word of God. We will be focusing on two passages of scripture today: John 5:17-47 and 1 John 5:13.

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These passages remind us of the importance of abiding in Jesus, walking in the Spirit, and emptying ourselves to be filled with His will. It's not about our strength, our wisdom, or our goodness. It's all about Him.

And Andrew Murray once said, "Let it be your first care to abide in Him in undivided fervent devotion of heart."

Let us pray.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the opportunity to gather and study Your word today. Open our hearts and minds to Your truth. Help us to understand what it means to abide in Jesus, to walk in the Spirit, and to empty ourselves for Your glory. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

Now, let's dive into God's Word together.

Jesus Does Nothing of Himself

Jesus does nothing of Himself. This statement, found in John 5:17-47, is a powerful testament to the divine humility of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It’s a declaration that Jesus, though fully God, chose to submit Himself entirely to the will of His Father. This is a concept that is both deeply humbling and incredibly inspiring, and it is one that we, as followers of Christ, are called to emulate in our own lives.

Verse 19: When Jesus says, "I can do nothing on my own," He is not suggesting that He lacks power or ability. On the contrary, as the Son of God, He possesses all the power and authority of the Godhead. What He is expressing here is His complete and utter submission to the will of His Father. Jesus is saying that He chooses not to act independently of His Father's will, but rather, He aligns His actions perfectly with the Father's desires and commands. This is a profound demonstration of humility and obedience, qualities that are central to the character of Christ.

The unity of the Trinity: Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit are one, working together in perfect harmony. Jesus' actions are not separate from the Father's; they are one and the same. This unity is a beautiful picture of the divine relationship within the Godhead, a relationship characterized by mutual love, respect, and submission.

Challenges our human understanding of power and authority: In our world, those with power and authority often use it to serve their own interests. But Jesus, who has all power and authority, chose to use it not for His own benefit, but to serve the will of His Father and to bring about our salvation. This is a radical redefinition of power, one that calls us to use whatever power or influence we have not for our own gain, but to serve God and others.

Implications for our own lives as followers of Christ: Just as Jesus did nothing of Himself, so we are called to do nothing of ourselves. This means surrendering our own desires, plans, and ambitions to the will of God. It means seeking God's will in all things and striving to align our actions with His commands. This is not always easy. It requires humility, obedience, and a willingness to deny ourselves. But it is the path to true life and joy.

Our utter dependence on God: Just as Jesus relied on His Father, so we must rely on God. We can do nothing of ourselves. We need God's wisdom, strength, and grace in every moment of our lives. This dependence is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of true strength. It is in our weakness that God's power is made perfect.

Abiding in Jesus is Necessary

Abiding in Jesus is not merely a suggestion, but a necessity for every believer ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO