Play-by-Play: John (1/3)Sample

What is Saving Faith?

Theme verses: “So he asked them the hour when he began to get better, and they said to him, ‘Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.’ The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, ‘Your son will live.’ And he himself believed, and all his household.” John 4:52-53

Derek Redmond is best remembered for his performance at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. He tore his hamstring in the 400 meters semi-final race. Redmond fought through the pain and managed to complete a full lap of the track with his father’s assistance as the crowd gave him a standing ovation. His father later said, “My son’s race will forever be remembered, and while he did not win the gold medal he had dreamed of, he left an indelible mark on the 1992 Games.”

In John 4 we read about an urgent conversation Jesus had with a nobleman whose son was seriously ill. Like Redmond’s father, this father watched his child suffer even to the point of death. It’s likely the nobleman thought there was some hope Jesus could help him. News had spread about the wedding in Cana earlier when Jesus had performed a miracle. The word “asked” means the father began to beg Jesus to heal his son and kept it up. He was desperately pleading for his son’s life.

While Jesus would eventually heal his son, He was more concerned with the man’s faith than the signs and miracles that many were seeking. The nobleman’s faith was rewarded when Jesus spoke just a few words to him. He had learned who Christ was, and he trusted him completely. He had heard God’s Word and exercised saving faith in Christ. What is saving faith? D. James Kennedy explained it very clearly in his text for Evangelism Explosion training program by what it is not.

“The first thing people mistake for saving faith is this: an intellectual assent to certain historical facts. Some people believe in Jesus Christ the same way they believe in Napoleon or George Washington. They believe He actually lived. He was a real person in history, but they are not trusting Him to do anything for them now.”

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete depend upon Jesus to meet their needs by hearing His words, obeying Him, and growing in their faith.

H.E.A.R.

As you read today’s chapter, journal using the H.E.A.R method:

H (Highlight) - What stands out to you? If something stands out to you, it’s likely God pulling you toward a certain portion of scripture.

E (Explain) - Describe in context the text. Ask questions like: Why was this written? To whom was it originally written? How does this fit with the verses before and after? Why did the Holy Spirit include this passage in the book?

A (Apply) - How do you take this verse beyond the page? Ask questions like: How can this help me? What does this mean today? What would the application of this verse look like in my life? What is God saying to me?

R (Respond) - This is where you will write a measurable response to the truth God revealed. Maybe it will be a call to action, something you will change in the coming week. Maybe it will be a prayer asking God to help you work this truth into your life. Whichever, make sure it is measurable so you can hold yourself accountable in your growth as a disciple.