Summary: One of the greatest questions we may face in our journey of faith is: "What can we hold onto for strength to endure in our belief?" Jesus clarifies this with a declaration that ONLY the Son of God could make!!

John, Part 25

Series: Give Us This Day, Part 4

John 6:30-40

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

-- 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 being read over you … Read John 6:22-59 / Pray

- Today’s focus is on John 6:29-40 (three parts of one sermon; part 2 today)

- Setup:

• Man has a deep hunger for physical AND spiritual food

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

• Recognizing this exists really is the focus of this for application

• DEEPER: Until we realize this truth, we cannot grow in knowledge

- RE: v29 – All Jesus asked them to do was BELIEVE in the One God sent

- Dialogue here between Jesus and congregation of the religious & disciples

-- CHALL: See yourself in this, we all fall on one side or the other right now

-- APP: We are following in obedience - or - we are questioning His authority!

1. PROBLEM: The people demanded proof of His “competence” – vv30-31

2. RESPONSE: Jesus identifies Himself as the Bread of Life – vv32-35

-- Matthew 5:6

3. APPLICATION: Jesus was seen but rejected as Lord – v36

- TR: See the challenge that v36 presents … they’ve seen Him & don’t have faith

-- So, how does that relay to us who haven’t “seen” Him, but should believe?

-- DEEPER: What can we hold onto for strength to endure in our belief?

1. God gives an open invitation (to be welcomed in) – v37a

2. How? Jesus promises (gives His Word) that none will be rejected – v37b

-- Luke 21:33

3. Why? That is found in His purpose; simply: To do God’s will! – v38

4. For emphasis: Jesus declares what the will of God is! – v39

5. RESULT: So what is the reward for belief? Security! – v40

-- John 3:16

-- Hebrews 2:14-15

-- 2 Thessalonians 4:16

BIG IDEA / Every Head Bowed (Music)

- CH: (LAST WEEK): We do not secure favor by being “good enough”!

• 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 believe!

- Pray