Consequences of living for the Truth
Everyone lives for something or someone. Although we may not all say it, our actions speak about who or what motivates our decisions & lifestyle. Whether it would be money, power, comfort or even oneself, we all live for a purpose. As Christians, our lives should be marked by the Truth of the gospel. However, living for the gospel in a fallen world is no easy task. As such, this past Sunday, we learned three consequences for living for the Truth which will be taken from John 7:14-36.
1. Living for the Truth means giving up personal glory (v14-24)
Now if a boy can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses may not be broken, why are you angry with me for healing a man’s whole body on the Sabbath? (John 7:23)
Living for one's own personal glory, leads to living a legalistic life, so that others would regard them as holy. It leads to living a life separated from the fullness & favour of God, which in turn leads to a superficial life, as the pursuit of this life is ultimately for oneself.
In these verses, we learned that the Jews sought their own personal glory by practising circumcision on the Sabbath day. Circumcision was a ritualistic deed. It was to show that they would commit their lives to live as a Jew. However, their hearts were far from the Truth, given that they were angry at Jesus for healing a man on the Sabbath - not realising that healing a man from sickness was more important than keeping man-made traditions.
If we want to live for the Truth, it means that we have to give up our own personal glory, and live for God’s glory.
Reflection Questions:
What does it look like for Christians to live for their own glory?
How can you start living for God's glory?
2. Living for the the Truth means being hated by the world (v25-31)
At this they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him,because his hour had not yet come. - John 7:30
In these verses, we learn that Jesus said some profound statements. Saying that the Jews did not know who the real God was -since Jesus came from, & was sent from, the real God. Obviously, this would have come off as offensive to the Jews, and a sentiment of anger followed. But just like how Jesus was hated by the crowd, we as his followers will also be hated by the world.
We also shouldn’t be surprised that those who also identify as Christians also hate us. Since when we read the passage, it was wasn’t the pagans or gentiles who hated Christ. It was the Jews, those who identified as followers of God who sought to arrest Jesus.
We shouldn’t be surprised by the hate we receive from standing firm in the faith. But it can also be a blessing, as we know we’re standing in the right place, and for the right cause.
Reflection Questions:
Have you ever experienced being hated for being a Christian?
How are we to respond to hatred from others?
3. Living for the Truth means being rejected by the world (v32-36)
The Pharisees heard the crowd whispering such things about him. Then the chief priests and the Pharisees sent temple guards to arrest him. - John 7:32
Jesus proclaiming to be the Messiah, was offensive to the Jews. The Jews didn’t accept Jesus as the Messiah as the Truths Jesus proclaimed were difficult for the Jews to understand & believe.
Although we can share about what & why we believe what we believe, we shouldn’t feel disheartened if we’re rejected. As our responsibility is not to convert unbelievers, but simply to point others towards Jesus.
Reflection Questions:
How can we be encouraged knowing that Christ was rejected even though he was the perfect human?
What mindset should we have now knowing that we will be hated and rejected following Christ?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the example you’ve given for living a life devoted to God’s calling.
Please forgive us for the times we’ve failed to live for your glory, & give us the strength to find refuge in you when the world rejects us.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen