John 7:17
Verse
Context
Jesus Teaches at the Feast
16“My teaching is not My own,” Jesus replied. “It comes from Him who sent Me.17If anyone desires to do His will, he will know whether My teaching is from God or whether I speak on My own.18He who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory, but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is a man of truth; in Him there is no falsehood.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If any man wilt do his will, etc. - I will give you a sure rule by which ye may judge of my doctrine: If you really wish to do the will of God, begin the practice of it; and take my doctrine, and apply it to all that you know God requires of man; and if you find one of my precepts contrary to the nature, perfections, and glory of God, or to the present or eternal welfare of men, then ye shall be at liberty to assert that my doctrine is human and erroneous, and God has not sent me. But if, on the contrary, ye find that the sum and substance of my preaching is, That men shall love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, and their neighbor as themselves; and that this doctrine must bring glory to God in the highest, while it produces peace and good will among men; then acknowledge that God has visited you, and receive me as the Messiah promised to your fathers.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
If any man will do his will, &c.--"is willing," or "wishes to do." whether . . . of God, or . . . of myself--from above or from beneath; is divine or an imposture of Mine. A principle of immense importance, showing, on the one hand, that singleness of desire to please God is the grand inlet to light on all questions vitally affecting one's eternal interests, and on the other, that the want of his, whether perceived or not, is the chief cause of infidelity amidst the light of revealed religion.
John Gill Bible Commentary
He that speaketh of himself,..... What he himself has devised, and is a scheme of his own; for which he has no divine warrant and commission: seeketh his own glory; honour and applause from men; as did the Scribes and Pharisees, who taught for doctrines the commandments of men, the traditions of the elders, their own glosses upon the law, and their own decisions and determinations: and as did the false teachers, who had nothing else in view but themselves, their worldly interest, or vain glory; these suited their doctrines to the minds and lusts of men, in order to gain their point: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him; that gave him in commission what he should say and speak, and his only; as did Christ, and so his apostles after him: the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him; he is an upright and faithful man, and what he says is truth; he brings true doctrine along with him, and there is no fraud or imposture in him; nor any insincerity "in his heart", as the Syriac and Persic versions render it; nor any dishonesty in his conduct; he is no cheat or deceiver; was he, he would seek his own glory and interest; but as he appears to be a man of no design, his doctrine is to be depended on and received; and such was Christ.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:17 Those who truly want to do the will of God receive and accept Jesus and his teaching (see also 5:42-47). Those who focus on the world, by contrast, are not receptive to Christ.
John 7:17
Jesus Teaches at the Feast
16“My teaching is not My own,” Jesus replied. “It comes from Him who sent Me.17If anyone desires to do His will, he will know whether My teaching is from God or whether I speak on My own.18He who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory, but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is a man of truth; in Him there is no falsehood.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Voice of the Holy Spirit
By A.W. Tozer17K55:50Holy SpiritMAT 11:28JHN 7:17JHN 16:7REV 22:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the state of being lost that humanity is in. He describes how people are lost inwardly and unaware of their lostness. The preacher also criticizes the superficial faith of those who simply go through the motions of religious practices without true transformation. However, amidst this lost world, the preacher highlights that God has not forsaken humanity and continues to speak through various voices, inviting and urging people to come to Him. The sermon emphasizes the need for genuine repentance and transformation through the power of Jesus Christ.
(Revelation - Part 7): The Rainbow Round the Throne
By A.W. Tozer5.5K48:46Book Of RevelationGEN 1:1PRO 25:11ISA 6:1MAT 16:16JHN 7:17REV 4:2REV 4:6In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of God being wholly other and transcendent, beyond human comprehension. He mentions a review of his book, "The Knowledge of the Holy," where the reviewer disagrees with the idea that when talking about God, one lacks ideas and mental understanding. The speaker also talks about the importance of obedience to fulfill the purpose for which humans were created. He emphasizes that by being willing to do God's will, one can come to know who God is and who they are. The sermon concludes with a reference to the creatures around God's throne in the book of Revelation, highlighting the glory of Jesus Christ and the importance of loving Him deeply.
Prevailing Prayer
By Gerhard Du Toit4.3K59:33Prevailing Prayer1SA 15:22PSA 46:10PRO 3:5ISA 37:3MAT 6:33JHN 7:17JAS 5:16In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of evangelism in Africa and Scotland, where they would spend several weeks before making any invitations to allow people to be convicted by the Word of God. He emphasizes that the Holy Spirit works through the communication of God's Word to fertilize and manifest a life of the Word in ordinary people. The speaker also shares a personal story of his time in the military and as a chaplain, highlighting the importance of prayer and intercession for the souls of others. He concludes by sharing a story of an old man who prayed fervently for his town, and how God answered his prayers, emphasizing the power of prayer in bringing about revival.
Meet Your Psychiatrist: He Helps You Tell the Truth
By Warren Wiersbe3.7K41:37JHN 7:17JHN 16:121CO 2:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living in truth and the consequences of practicing lies. He highlights that when we live in truth, God blesses us, but when lies enter our lives, we experience bondage, fear, and guilt. The speaker also discusses the role of the Holy Spirit in helping us confront and live in truth. He explains that God has given us three editions of truth: Jesus Christ, the Word of God, and the Holy Spirit, each meeting a specific need in our lives. The Holy Spirit teaches us by comparing spiritual things with spiritual, helping us understand and apply God's truth in our lives.
What Love Is This? - Part 3
By Dave Hunt2.4K09:49JHN 3:16JHN 7:17ACT 8:362TI 3:15This sermon delves into the complexities of Calvinism, exploring the doctrines of Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints. It questions the idea of Christ's blood being wasted if not all are saved, the concept of irresistible grace, and the assurance of salvation for the elect. The sermon challenges the interpretation of scripture within the framework of Calvinism and its historical roots in Augustine's teachings.
Quiet Time
By Stephen Olford2.0K45:33DEU 8:3PSA 119:105MAT 4:4MAT 6:33JHN 7:172TI 3:16JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experiences in Central Africa and the lessons he has learned about youth. He emphasizes the importance of harnessing the energy and emotions of youth in line with God's purpose. The speaker also discusses the significance of having a quiet time with God, using a quiet time notebook to reflect on previous messages from God and maintain a strong spiritual constitution. He highlights the discipline needed to keep the body under control and references the commandments of God as a guide for living. The sermon concludes with the importance of having an expectant spirit and the need to remember that man does not live by bread alone.
The Foolish Virgins
By Earl R. Clark1.8K48:34Foolish VirginsMAT 25:1MAT 28:20JHN 1:1JHN 7:17JHN 17:17ROM 3:23HEB 13:5In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the parable of the Ten Virgins from Matthew chapter 25. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the coming of the Lord. The parable illustrates the contrast between the wise and foolish virgins, with the wise ones being prepared with oil for their lamps and the foolish ones neglecting to bring oil. The preacher urges the audience to examine their own spiritual readiness and to accept Jesus as their savior in order to be cleansed from sin and presented before God.
(Pdf Book) How to Find God's Will
By Bakht Singh1.7K00:00Finding God's WillEbooksSpiritual GrowthPSA 29:3PRO 3:5ISA 46:10MAT 12:48JHN 4:34JHN 7:17ROM 8:14ROM 12:1EPH 5:171JN 5:14Bakht Singh emphasizes the significance of understanding and following God's will, asserting that it is a believer's privilege and responsibility. He shares his personal journey of learning to seek God's will, highlighting the importance of prayer, willingness to learn, and the conditions necessary to discern God's guidance. Singh outlines the sevenfold importance of knowing God's will, including spiritual growth, effective prayer, and experiencing God's love. He also discusses the conditions required to find God's will and the evidences that confirm one has found it, such as peace, the Word of God, and the witness of fellow believers. Ultimately, he encourages believers to make seeking God's will a daily practice in their lives.
Romans 6 - Part 1
By Zac Poonen1.5K56:41JHN 7:17JHN 10:18ROM 3:23ROM 6:6ROM 6:11EPH 1:4This sermon delves into Romans chapter 6, emphasizing the profound truth that believers have died with Christ and risen to newness of life. It highlights the importance of accepting by faith that our old sinful nature was crucified with Christ on the cross, leading to freedom from sin's power. The message underscores the need for believers to reckon themselves dead to sin and alive to God, allowing the Holy Spirit to make this truth a reality in their lives.
Finding the Will of God
By Carter Conlon88245:35PSA 139:23DAN 11:32MAL 3:6MAT 6:10MRK 9:24JHN 7:17EPH 6:61TH 4:31TH 5:181PE 2:15This sermon focuses on the importance of finding and walking in the will of God. It emphasizes the distinction between the revealed will of God, which is clear and practical, and the unique will of God, which may be specific to each individual. The speaker encourages the audience to have a heart willing to obey God's revealed will and be open to His unique calling, even if it takes them out of their comfort zone. The message underscores the significance of doing good, speaking truth, and living a life that glorifies God in all aspects.
The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power
By Newman Sze8201:22:11MAT 28:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:44JHN 20:19JHN 21:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
John 7:14
By Venus Brooks78443:21MAT 7:23JHN 5:8JHN 7:14JHN 7:17JHN 7:19JHN 7:21JHN 17:9In this sermon, the preacher reflects on a woman who drove her car to a river bridge and ended up in the hospital, hinting at her longing for something she never found. The preacher emphasizes the importance of coming to Jesus for rest and salvation, using the verse from Matthew 11:28-30. The preacher also references the story of Jesus turning water into wine in John chapter 2, highlighting the significance of Jesus' power to transform and bring joy. The sermon concludes with a reminder that in the presence of God, we can find both our lost and ruined condition and the perfect redemption through the seven drops of blood, symbolizing perfection.
Forming God's Rest in You
By Robert B. Thompson55458:44GEN 2:2MAT 6:33JHN 7:17GAL 4:19In this sermon, the speaker shares personal experiences of people mistaking him for a commissioner and a Jew. He then references Galatians 4:19 and discusses the concept of the rest of God. He explains that God has already finished all things from the beginning of the world and that Satan has tried to divide the church and the Jews because both are necessary for the kingdom of God. The speaker also mentions the new Jerusalem and the gates mentioned in the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of aligning one's will with God's will and surrendering to Him completely.
Old Testament Survey - Part 3
By Dick Woodward54228:31DEU 29:29PSA 27:13PSA 119:160JHN 7:17JHN 17:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the Bible as the word of God amidst modern skepticism and attacks on its credibility. It highlights the significance of knowing the background of the Bible, the inspiration of scripture, and the practical approach to studying and applying its teachings. The speaker encourages a humble and open-hearted attitude towards scripture, seeking truth, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide interpretation and application.
What Is a Christian 22 Christian Is a New Man
By James K. Boswell48652:20MAT 6:33JHN 7:17ROM 12:1EPH 5:17JAS 1:221PE 2:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concept of being greater than others. He uses the example of a boy and an elephant named Jumbo to illustrate the difference between human and animal life. The preacher then shares a story of a young man who hears the gospel and accepts Christ into his heart, leading to a transformation in his life. The sermon also highlights the importance of living a sinless life surrendered to God's will, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and rooted in unwavering faith. The preacher encourages believers to put off their old ways and put on the character of Jesus Christ.
Session 10: John 17
By Joseph Carroll2643:28Christian LifeGlorifying GodSelflessnessLUK 9:23JHN 7:17JHN 17:1EPH 3:14PHP 2:7Joseph Carroll emphasizes the profound nature of coming into God's presence, recognizing our need for His mercy and grace. He reflects on Jesus' selflessness in John 17, where Christ prays for His glorification not for His own sake but for the Father’s glory, setting an example for believers to follow. Carroll warns against the dangers of criticism among Christians, attributing it to personal grievances rather than genuine concern for others. He stresses that true glorification of God comes from doing His will, which often requires a death to our own desires. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a church rooted in love, filled with the fullness of God, to glorify Him in all things.
The School of Sonship Unto Adoption
By T. Austin-Sparks1SonshipSpiritual GrowthJHN 7:17ROM 8:14ROM 8:19ROM 8:21ROM 8:23GAL 4:5EPH 1:5HEB 3:15HEB 5:8HEB 12:5T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound nature of sonship and adoption in God's family, explaining that adoption is not merely about being brought into the family but about the development and maturity of believers as they grow in their relationship with God. He highlights that true sonship involves a process of spiritual growth, where believers must actively engage with God and exercise their faith, moving beyond spiritual infancy to maturity. Sparks warns against the dangers of stagnation and the need for purposefulness in pursuing a deeper relationship with God, as the enemy seeks to hinder this progress. Ultimately, he encourages believers to embrace the challenges of spiritual training, recognizing that it is through these experiences that they will come to fully realize their identity as sons of God.
Concerning Human Responsibility
By G. Campbell Morgan0Human ResponsibilityRepentance and FaithMAT 4:17JHN 6:29JHN 7:17JHN 18:37JHN 20:28G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the critical nature of human responsibility in relation to Jesus' teachings, particularly focusing on the need for repentance, belief, and obedience. He outlines Jesus' threefold method of teaching: annunciation, application, and appeal, which calls individuals to recognize their need for God's Kingdom and to act upon the truth revealed in Christ. Morgan highlights that true belief is not merely intellectual assent but a volitional act of trust in Jesus as the Savior. He stresses that repentance is the first step towards aligning oneself with God's will, followed by faith in Christ and obedience to His teachings. Ultimately, Morgan calls for a transformative response to Jesus' message, urging listeners to test His words through their actions.
"He Could There Do No Mighty work."- Mar 6:5
By G. Campbell Morgan0Acceptance of ChristUnbeliefJER 2:12MAT 11:20MAT 13:57MRK 6:5LUK 4:24JHN 7:17JHN 10:37ROM 10:17HEB 11:6JAS 1:6G. Campbell Morgan explores the profound implications of Jesus' second visit to Nazareth, where He could perform no mighty works due to the people's unbelief. He examines the reasons behind their skepticism, highlighting their familiarity with Jesus as the carpenter and their inability to accept His divine authority. Morgan emphasizes that their lack of desire to do God's will blinded them to the truth of Jesus' identity and power. He draws parallels to modern unbelief, suggesting that just as the Nazarenes were offended by Jesus, contemporary society struggles to accept the transformative power of Christ. Ultimately, Morgan concludes that true understanding and acceptance of Jesus come from a willingness to seek and do God's will.
Spiritual Knowledge
By J.C. Ryle0Obedience to GodSpiritual KnowledgeJHN 7:17J.C. Ryle emphasizes that honest obedience to God's will is essential for gaining clear spiritual knowledge, as Jesus teaches that those willing to do God's will will understand His doctrine. He warns against waiting for intellectual clarity before committing to faith, asserting that knowledge is acquired through humble obedience. Ryle also highlights the danger of forming hasty judgments based on appearances, using the example of the Jews who condemned Jesus for healing on the Sabbath while practicing circumcision on the same day. He encourages believers to live up to the light they have, as neglecting this leads to spiritual darkness. Ultimately, Ryle calls for discernment in judgment, reminding us that true understanding often lies beneath the surface.
A Willing Mind Indispensable to a Right Understanding of Truth
By Charles Finney0Willingness to ObeyUnderstanding God's TruthPRO 2:1JHN 7:17Charles Finney emphasizes that a willing mind is essential for understanding God's truth, as highlighted in John 7:17. He explains that God's promises reveal the principles of His governance and that a genuine willingness to do His will involves implicit trust, love, and a desire for truth. Finney argues that this state of mind is crucial for honest inquiry and embracing truth, and neglecting the means of knowledge can tempt God. Ultimately, he encourages believers to seek a candid state of mind to fully know and do God's will, urging them to open their hearts to divine guidance.
Jesus the One Who Makes Free Indeed John 8:25-47
By R.A. Torrey0True FreedomDiscipleshipMAT 5:45JHN 1:12JHN 7:17JHN 8:32JHN 8:36ROM 10:102TH 2:101PE 2:221JN 2:191JN 3:22R.A. Torrey emphasizes that Jesus is the source of true freedom, urging believers to recognize their need for Him to escape the bondage of sin. He discusses the importance of genuine faith that leads to true discipleship, highlighting that merely believing in Jesus is not enough; one must abide in His Word to know the truth and be set free. Torrey contrasts the children of God with the children of the devil, illustrating that true followers of Christ will love Him and hear His words, while those who reject Him are enslaved by sin. The sermon calls for self-examination regarding one's relationship with Jesus and the necessity of accepting His teachings to experience true liberation.
Seeking to Do God's Will
By William MacDonald0Divine RevelationSeeking God's WillPSA 37:4PRO 3:5JER 29:13MAT 7:7JHN 7:17JAS 1:5William MacDonald emphasizes the importance of a sincere desire to know and do God's will, as highlighted in John 7:17. He shares a powerful testimony of a desperate hippie who, at the brink of despair, cried out for God to reveal Himself and was met with a life-changing encounter with a Christian. This illustrates that God responds to those who genuinely seek Him, promising to reveal His will to anyone willing to follow it. MacDonald encourages believers to cultivate a deep desire for God's guidance, assuring that God is committed to meeting our needs when we prioritize His will above all else.
So Saul Died for His Trespass.
By F.B. Meyer0Seeking God's GuidanceObedience to God1SA 15:231CH 10:13PSA 27:14PSA 32:8PRO 3:5ISA 8:19JER 33:3MAT 7:7JHN 7:17JAS 1:5F.B. Meyer reflects on the tragic end of Saul, emphasizing his threefold trespass against God: failing to obey God's command regarding Amalek, seeking counsel from a medium, and neglecting to inquire of the Lord. Meyer warns against the modern tendencies to seek guidance from worldly sources rather than God, urging believers to cultivate a habit of waiting on the Lord for direction. He encourages the congregation to approach God with a sincere desire to know His will, assuring them that God will provide guidance to those who are willing to follow. The sermon serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking divine counsel and the dangers of turning to alternative sources for wisdom.
A Plea for the Serious Consideration of God
By Art Katz0Understanding God's SovereigntyThe Importance of FaithPSA 46:1PSA 46:10LAM 3:27JHN 7:17ROM 3:4Art Katz emphasizes the necessity of understanding God's character in the face of calamity, particularly addressing the Jewish community regarding the Holocaust. He argues that questioning God's moral intelligence or power reveals a deep-seated unbelief and a failure to recognize God's sovereignty. Katz urges believers to be still and acknowledge God, suggesting that true knowledge of Him is essential for spiritual survival and understanding. He warns against the dangers of murmuring against God, as it can lead to spiritual ruin, and calls for a return to a reverent acknowledgment of God's presence in history. Ultimately, he stresses that our eternal destinies hinge on our knowledge of God, which must be rooted in faith and obedience.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If any man wilt do his will, etc. - I will give you a sure rule by which ye may judge of my doctrine: If you really wish to do the will of God, begin the practice of it; and take my doctrine, and apply it to all that you know God requires of man; and if you find one of my precepts contrary to the nature, perfections, and glory of God, or to the present or eternal welfare of men, then ye shall be at liberty to assert that my doctrine is human and erroneous, and God has not sent me. But if, on the contrary, ye find that the sum and substance of my preaching is, That men shall love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, and their neighbor as themselves; and that this doctrine must bring glory to God in the highest, while it produces peace and good will among men; then acknowledge that God has visited you, and receive me as the Messiah promised to your fathers.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
If any man will do his will, &c.--"is willing," or "wishes to do." whether . . . of God, or . . . of myself--from above or from beneath; is divine or an imposture of Mine. A principle of immense importance, showing, on the one hand, that singleness of desire to please God is the grand inlet to light on all questions vitally affecting one's eternal interests, and on the other, that the want of his, whether perceived or not, is the chief cause of infidelity amidst the light of revealed religion.
John Gill Bible Commentary
He that speaketh of himself,..... What he himself has devised, and is a scheme of his own; for which he has no divine warrant and commission: seeketh his own glory; honour and applause from men; as did the Scribes and Pharisees, who taught for doctrines the commandments of men, the traditions of the elders, their own glosses upon the law, and their own decisions and determinations: and as did the false teachers, who had nothing else in view but themselves, their worldly interest, or vain glory; these suited their doctrines to the minds and lusts of men, in order to gain their point: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him; that gave him in commission what he should say and speak, and his only; as did Christ, and so his apostles after him: the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him; he is an upright and faithful man, and what he says is truth; he brings true doctrine along with him, and there is no fraud or imposture in him; nor any insincerity "in his heart", as the Syriac and Persic versions render it; nor any dishonesty in his conduct; he is no cheat or deceiver; was he, he would seek his own glory and interest; but as he appears to be a man of no design, his doctrine is to be depended on and received; and such was Christ.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:17 Those who truly want to do the will of God receive and accept Jesus and his teaching (see also 5:42-47). Those who focus on the world, by contrast, are not receptive to Christ.