InstaStudy

The Gospel of John: A Study in the Manifestation of God

An exploration of the Gospel of John, focusing on the revelation of God in Christ and the believer's relationship with Him.

1. The Divine Identity of Jesus

1.1 The Word Made Flesh

Verses: John 1:1; John 1:14
  • In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. This highlights the eternal existence and divine nature of the Word.
  • The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, revealing God's presence in human form through Jesus Christ.
  • Jesus is the tangible expression of the invisible God.

1.2 I AM Statements

Verses: John 8:58; John 10:30; John 14:9
  • Jesus declares 'Before Abraham was, I AM,' claiming the divine name of God, signifying His eternal existence and deity.
  • Jesus states, 'I and the Father are one,' emphasizing the unity of God manifested in Christ.
  • Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

1.3 Miracles as Divine Manifestations

Verses: John 2:11; John 10:38
  • Jesus' miracles are not merely acts of power, but signs that reveal His glory and divine nature.
  • The works that Jesus does bear witness that the Father is in Him and He in the Father.
  • These miracles confirm His claim to be the Son of God, the manifestation of God in flesh.

2. The Importance of Baptism in Jesus' Name

2.1 Jesus' Command

Verses: John 3:5
  • Jesus emphasizes the necessity of being born of water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God.
  • Water baptism is an outward expression of inward transformation, a symbolic burial and resurrection with Christ.
  • This act of obedience is essential for salvation and identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.

2.2 Apostolic Practice

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 19:5
  • Peter commands believers to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.
  • Disciples who were previously baptized with John's baptism were re-baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
  • Baptism in Jesus' name is the fulfillment of the Old Testament shadows and the establishment of the New Covenant.

3. Receiving the Holy Spirit

3.1 The Promise of the Father

Verses: John 14:16-17; John 15:26
  • Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, who will abide with believers forever.
  • The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and bears witness of Jesus.
  • The Spirit empowers believers for service and enables them to live a life pleasing to God.

3.2 Evidence of the Spirit

Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46
  • The initial evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit is speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.
  • The Holy Spirit is poured out on believers, Jews and Gentiles alike, demonstrating God's impartiality.
  • This experience is a tangible manifestation of God's presence and power in the life of the believer.

4. Living in Christ

4.1 Abiding in the Vine

Verses: John 15:4-5
  • Jesus is the vine, and believers are the branches; we must abide in Him to bear fruit.
  • Apart from Christ, we can do nothing; our spiritual life and fruitfulness depend on our connection to Him.
  • Abiding in Christ involves obedience to His commandments and a constant reliance on His grace.

4.2 Love One Another

Verses: John 13:34-35; John 15:12
  • Jesus commands His followers to love one another as He has loved them.
  • This love is a distinguishing mark of discipleship, demonstrating our relationship with Christ.
  • Love is not merely a feeling but an action, expressed through service, sacrifice, and forgiveness.