Tonight we start a three part series on the Spirit in John's Gospel. I hope that it is a way of focussing us on the importance of the Spirit, but from a slightly different angle. I also hope that we see how wonderfully and abundantly God has provided for us.
The key texts for tonight are John 1:24-34, in which John the witness (the Baptiser) says that he knew Jesus as the Spirit Baptiser because the Spirit remained on Jesus; 3:34-35, in which John tells us that Jesus had all things including the Spirit without limit; and 7:38, in which Jesus applies Isa 58:11 to himself, he is the one from whom living water will flow (v39 explains that this referred to the Spirit.
The interesting theological question is why the one who has life in himself needs to be given the Spirit by the Father. I think it has something to do with enabling Jesus' 'flesh' (his humanity) to participate in the life which is his and in the life giving mission. I take a clue for this from John Owen's "Spirit Christology" (see www.puritansermons.com/banner/fergus01.htm if you want to follow that up).
I hope that I showed you that the life of God flows from Jesus, and helped you focus faith on him.
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2 comments:
Hey everyone,
I enjoyed the question time last week too - everyone grappling with the divinity/humanity of jesus.
Was reading in the train this morning a bit of john 4:24 where jesus says that those who worship him (God) must worship in spirit & truth.
Any thoughts on this - realting back to Jesus, as a man, needing the spirit to "worship" the father?
Guess the main thing is we need the spirit to properly worship God.
Looking forward to the next two sermons
Phil, interesting wasn't it.
This Sunday is on 4:24. I'm sure that Jesus is talking about "Spirit" (and Truth!). I think Ezekiel's promise of Spirit and new temple and water of life are the background to a lot of what John's gospel says.
On Sunday we'll see Jesus giving us new life in God's presence.
John
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