Expository Thoughts On John - JOHN 8:37-47
J.C. Ryle explains that true spiritual identity is not based on natural descent but on doing the works of God and embracing the truth of Christ, contrasting the children of God with those who follow the devil.
In this expository sermon on John 8:37-47, J.C. Ryle unpacks Jesus’ confrontation with the Jews who claimed Abraham as their father yet rejected Christ’s truth. Ryle highlights the contrast between mere natural descent and true spiritual parentage, emphasizing the importance of living by God’s truth. This sermon calls believers to examine their spiritual identity and respond to God’s word with faith and obedience.
Text
"I know that you are Abraham’s descendants. But you want to kill me, because my teaching makes no progress among you. I am telling you the things I have seen while with my Father, but you are practicing the things you have heard from your father."
They answered him, "Abraham is our father!" Jesus replied, "If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the deeds of Abraham. But now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth I heard from God. Abraham did not do this! You people are doing the deeds of your father."
Then they said to Jesus, "We were not born as a result of immorality! We have only one Father, God himself." Jesus replied, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come from God and am now here. I have not come on my own initiative, but he sent me. Why don’t you understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot accept my teaching. You people are from your father the devil, and you want to do what your father desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I am telling you the truth, you do not believe me. Who among you can prove me guilty of any sin? If I am telling you the truth, why don’t you believe me? The one who belongs to God listens and responds to God’s words. You don’t listen and respond, because you don’t belong to God."
There are things taught in this passage of Scripture which are peculiarly truth for the times. Well would it be for the Churches if all Christians would ponder carefully the matter which it contains.
We are taught for one thing the ignorant self-righteousness of the natural man. We find the Jews pluming themselves on their natural descent from Abraham, as if that must of necessity, cover all deficiencies--"Abraham is our father." We find them going even further than this, and claiming to be God\
Sermon Outline
-
I
- The claim of natural descent from Abraham
- The ignorance of self-righteousness
- The failure to do Abraham’s deeds
-
II
- Jesus’ revelation of true spiritual parentage
- The contrast between God’s children and the devil’s children
- The nature and character of the devil as father of lies
-
III
- The inability of Jesus’ opponents to accept the truth
- The evidence of belonging to God is hearing and responding to His word
- The consequences of rejecting Christ’s teaching
Key Quotes
“If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the deeds of Abraham.” — J.C. Ryle
“You people are from your father the devil, and you want to do what your father desires.” — J.C. Ryle
“The one who belongs to God listens and responds to God’s words.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Examine your spiritual identity by assessing whether your life reflects the deeds of Abraham.
- Reject self-righteousness based on heritage and embrace the truth of Christ in your daily walk.
- Listen attentively to God’s word and respond in faith to belong truly to God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a child of Abraham in this passage?
Being a child of Abraham means doing the deeds of Abraham, which implies living by faith and obedience to God rather than relying on natural descent.
Why does Jesus say some people are children of the devil?
Jesus explains that those who reject His truth and live in sin are spiritually aligned with the devil, who is the father of lies and a murderer from the beginning.
How can one prove they belong to God according to this sermon?
Belonging to God is shown by listening to and responding to God’s word, embracing the truth Jesus teaches.
What is the significance of truth in this passage?
Truth is central because Jesus embodies it, and rejecting His truth reveals spiritual blindness and allegiance to the devil.
How does this passage challenge self-righteousness?
It challenges the idea that natural heritage or external claims guarantee righteousness, emphasizing the need for genuine spiritual transformation.