Transformed By Truth: No Stones To Throw - Living In Grace And Forgiveness John 8:7 Series

Transformed by Truth: No Stones to Throw - Living in Grace and Forgiveness John 8:7

Introduction:

Today, we will delve into a powerful moment in the ministry of Jesus, captured in John 8:7: "They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, ‘All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!’" (NLT).

This statement by Jesus is profound, not only in the context of the story but in its broader implications for our lives. Our sermon today is titled "Transformed by Truth: No Stones to Throw."

1. The Context of Grace and Judgment

John 8:7: "They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, ‘All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!’"

This verse is part of the story of the woman caught in adultery. The Pharisees bring her to Jesus, trying to trap Him into saying something they could use against Him. Instead, Jesus turns the situation on its head by challenging them to consider their own sinfulness.

The Greek word for "sin" used here is hamartia, which means missing the mark or failing in duty, underscoring the universality of human imperfection.

Romans 3:23 (NLT): "For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard."

Paul’s words reinforce Jesus' statement by reminding us that all have sinned and thus are unworthy to judge others.

James 2:10 (NLT): "For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws."

This verse teaches that breaking one law makes us guilty of breaking the whole law, highlighting the impossibility of achieving righteousness through our own efforts.

Max Lucado once said, "God loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be just like Jesus." This points to God’s grace in accepting us as we are while calling us to transformation.

Imagine standing in front of a mirror that reflects not just our outer appearance but our inner flaws and mistakes. This is how God sees us, yet He loves us deeply and calls us to extend that same grace to others.

2. The Call to Self-Examination

John 8:7: "‘All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!’"

Jesus’ challenge to the accusers was not just about the woman’s sin but about their need to recognize their own sinfulness.

The word for "throw" (ballo) implies an act of force or judgment, suggesting that those who are sinless should be the ones to execute judgment.

Matthew 7:3-5 (NLT): "And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye."

Jesus teaches that self-examination must precede any judgment of others. We must deal with our own sins before addressing others'.

2 Corinthians 13:5 (NLT): "Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith."

Paul urges believers to continually test and examine their own faith and conduct, ensuring it aligns with Christ’s teachings.

Charles Spurgeon noted, "Beware of no man more than of yourself; we carry our worst enemies within us." This speaks to the importance of self-awareness in our spiritual journey.

Consider an athlete who reviews their performance footage to improve. Similarly, we must review our spiritual lives, acknowledging our flaws and seeking God’s help to overcome them.

3. Extending Grace and Forgiveness

John 8:7: "‘All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!’"

Jesus’ response to the accusers not only stops them from stoning the woman but also opens a path for her restoration. Jesus does not condone her sin but offers her a chance for a new life.

The term for "forgiveness" (aphesis) in the New Testament denotes a release from bondage or imprisonment, reflecting the liberating power of grace.

Ephesians 4:32 (NLT): "Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."

Paul instructs believers to forgive others as God has forgiven them, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of grace.

Colossians 3:13 (NLT): "Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others."

This verse calls for a forgiving attitude, rooted in the recognition of God’s forgiveness towards us.