WON TO WIN (Outline)
January 20, 2008 -
EPIPHANY 2 -
John 1:43-51
INTRO: Becoming a believer results in actions and reactions. There is a great change in one’s life when the Light replaces darkness. God’s call comes by and through his free gift of grace. The believer reacts with thankful action. That Light that now shines in the heart of the believer shines through the believer. Even once reluctant prophets could not keep quiet about God’s message. "For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shines out like the dawn, her sal-vation like a blazing torch"(ISAIAH 62:1). It is no different for us today. Today’s text reveals that as believers we are
WON TO WIN.
Christ has won us to himself that we might win others to Christ. Before us today is the action and reaction of Jesus’ call.
I. Philip follows Jesus II. Philip finds Nathanael.
I. PHILIP FOLLOWS JESUS
A. Verse 43 begins with the next day. The previous days are explained in the Gospel (1:29-41).
1. Jesus was baptized. The next day John explains that the Lamb of God takes away sin.
2. The next day John points to that very Lamb of God. Andrew and Peter now follow Jesus.
3. Now v. 43 the next day Jesus leaves the area to go to the region of Galilee.
B. Galilee would be the region where Jesus would do much of his public ministry.
1. Capernaum would become his headquarters for preaching and teaching in Galilee.
2. Jesus calls Philip verse 43b – Follow me. Philip does not hesitate but follows.
C. Verse 44 tells us that Philip was from Bethsaida, like Andrew and Peter (later Nathanael also).
1. These first four disciples all had this same background in common.
2. Now there was more. They had saving faith in common. They were won to win by Jesus’ call.
D. Today we are reminded once again of the saving strength of the power of God’s word. Jesus simply says: Follow me. This is enough to change the life of followers by changing their hearts. All too often today many think they need to see great sign or wonders to see the power of God. True, one can see God’s power in nature. But it is only in his word that one sees eternal salvation. This is God’s greatest power. The apostle Paul knew. He walked in darkness for a long time. By grace, God won him to win others. "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile"(ROMANS 1:16). God’s word is the power of salvation!
E. People are attracted to the things they can see, feel, and touch. These physical things often must be accompanied by glitz and glamour. Sadly, all too many are led astray by the distractions of this world. The reality is that the simple gospel message is what is truly needed. It is not the power point presenta-tion during worship. It is not the musical groups. It is not the mega-church or crystal cathedrals that save. It is not even the charismatic or charming preachers. God’s word is the saving word of God’s grace and power. "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstra-tion of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power"(1 CORINTHIANS 2:4,5). How sad when any put confidence in anything else other than God’s word.
F. Our world is growing darker with each passing day. Sin abounds. Wickedness increases. Miracle of miracles God in his infinite mercy and grace has called us out of the darkness of sin. We are in awe that God has saved us. Our eternal salvation reminds us of the thousands who still sit in the darkness – lost. God’s call changes our hearts. By faith we react with actions of love and concern. "Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear--hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh"(JUDE 22,23). We are won to snatch others from the fire.
WON TO WIN. Jesus calls. Philip follows Jesus. Philips reaction action is to share the love of Christ.
II. PHILIP FINDS NATHANAEL
A. Before Philip even takes one step toward Jesus to follow his Christian love reacts, verse 45.
1. Philip tells Nathanael that the promises of God are now fulfilled in this Jesus.
2. Here is the Son of Joseph from the house and line of David, Jesus from Nazareth.
B. Verse 46. Nathanael balks at the mention of Nazareth. Nazareth is not mentioned in prophecies.
1. Once again the power of God’s word works. Come and see is Philip’s invitation.
2. Philip does not argue. Philip does not become upset. Come and see.
C. Nathanael comes and is amazed by what Jesus knows, verses 47, 48. Such is the knowledge of God.
1. There would be more for Nathanael, verse 49. God’s word provided him saving faith.
2. Verses 50, 51. Nathanael would see even more in his walk with Jesus.
3. Jesus had descended to earth as perfection. Man, forgiven, could now ascend into heaven.
D. Here we begin to understand a little bit more the meaning of amazing grace. God’s grace is simply, truly, totally amazing. To be saved and sit in the light of the Lord is completely awesome. We cannot help but declare God’s goodness to those who still in the dark. We may feel reluctant or ill equipped. Do not let these unfound fears stop you. Jeremiah felt unworthy. In the end God revealed to him that God’s gospel was far more important than any excuse. "But if I say, ‘I will not mention him or speak any more in his name,’ his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot"(JEREMIAH 20:9). May the joy of salvation always be ready to burst out of us.
E. Believe it or not each one of us is very well equipped to show others that Light of the world. God’s light shines in our hearts. With the power of his word our hearts of stone have been changed into hearts of flesh. In this world of fear we are not frightened. In this world of worry we are at peace. In this world of doom and gloom and despair we have hope. People notice. We react to the action of God’s call in our lives. "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect"(1 PETER. 3:15). When people ask us about our hope we can say, come and see. May someone ask before January is over what is your hope. May someone ask each month so that you can say, God is in control.
F. What looks great and glorious in the eyes of the world are not always what is great and glorious in the eyes of the Lord. The first will be last and the last first. Christ come to this world not to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many. Humility and service will not grab any headlines. Christian faith may not always may the news. But faith that is faith does what is faithful. Faith expects no reward except that it is able to serve. "And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward"(MATTHEW 10:42).
CONC.: Believers are won by Christ to win others to Christ. Andrew could not help himself but immediately found his brother Peter. It was the same with Philip who found his brother Nathanael. This was reaction of their faith to the action of the call of Christ. Each day we need to remind ourselves of the excitement of being a believer. At times we may take our faith for granted. There are still many people who would love to know as much about eternity as we do. Won to win. God has won the victory over sin, the devil, and death – for us! The victory is ours. The victory is ours to share. "Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever" (DANIEL 12:3). Believers have been made wise for salvation. Believers in Christ are the shining stars in this sin-darkened world. We have been won to win. Amen. Pastor Timm O. Meyer
SERVICES: SAT – 1:00pm @ NCF Min.,
+ SUN – 12:00pm @ NCF Medium / 9:30am @ Church
Sunday radio broadcast @ 9:05am on KQNK 106.7FM or 1530AM + www.kqnk.com
EPIPHANY 2 readings:
ISAIAH 49:1-6;
1 CORINTIANS 1:1-9;
JOHN 1:29-41
(PSALM 89)
