Your Testimony Series

Prelude: Is our conversation consumed by self or trivialities? Purpose: Let’s learn to talk about Jesus. Plan: Let’s look at the example of John whose focus was not self, but telling about the Light, in John 1:6-28. [Note: the beginning verses of this chapter are wisely reserved for Christmas Day.]

Witness of What?

John 1:6-7a “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light,”

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12) and “I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.” (John 12:46)

Purpose of Witness

John 1:7b “... that all through him might believe.”

Why do we give witness to Christ? Is it for money, ego, guilt, saving a church building? Are our hearts really in Jesus? Are we just mean and self-righteous? John had the right motive: that all might believe. What is our motive for spreading the good news of Jesus Christ?

Who Do We Talk About?

John 1:8 “He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.”

Do we preach about ourselves, our denomination or Jesus? John testified about someone other than himself, the Light. Should we limit ourselves to a social gospel of good deeds and ignore saying anything? John teaches us that a complete Gospel includes the words of the good news, witnessing to Jesus.

The True Light

John 1:9-13 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

The true Light is not limited to Israel, but lights “every man coming into the world.” He is “the Light of the world” (John 9:5) He, it was who made the world. In Trinitarian words, Jesus is God the Son. Humanity did not recognize Him and His own people, the Jews did not welcome Him. But some did receive Him, and they are reborn as children of God.

The Word became Flesh

John 1:14-16 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ ” And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.

Jesus has the unique glory as of an only begotten son, sonship in a manner totally unlike that of any human being. Though born six months after John, Jesus “existed” before him, as a number of translations render it. The totality of God’s attributes are found in Jesus, whom we have received.

Law, Grace & Truth

John 1:17-18 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

“… you could not be justified by the law …” (Acts 13:39) How are we justified? “... by faith apart from the deeds of the law.” (Romans 3:28) Why the law? “... the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” (Galatians 3:24)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God …” (Ephesians 2:8-9) We all fail at law-keeping. “God… even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)” (Ephesians 2:4-5)

How can we be free? “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32) Is there a way to the truth? “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

Who are We?

John 1:19-20 Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.”

While politicians and advertisers often brag about being God’s gift to the world, it is refreshing to hear from a humble man who points to another. While denominations may brag about being the one true church, how refreshing to hear a man humbly say that he is not the One!