Let There Be LightSample

Day 7 - Steve Bax
(Calvary Sunshine Coast)

John Chapter 7
Title: Discovering Jesus’ True Identity

Scripture: John 7:17-18
Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.

Thought:
The theme of John 7 is around Jesus's identity and doing God's will.

Jesus teaches that those who choose to do His will are the ones who will discover His true identity. The disciples encouraged Jesus to fast-track his public profile by showing everyone His miracles. This is not the first time the disciples misunderstood Jesus' timing.

Sometimes, we want to rush Jesus to do what we think is right. However, we must trust Him and choose to do His will. This connects with what Paul teaches in Romans 12.

Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.

Application:
When we desire to do God’s will, it manifests in a few ways. Firstly, your prayer life sounds different as you seek God and determine to do His will rather than asking Him to bless your will. Secondly, you will start to mature as you learn to balance having a drive to succeed and being content with God’s timing. Jesus was the master of doing this. He understood God's timing and didn't try to rush things. Sometimes, He asked questions, like in the Garden of Gethsemane, but He still remained submitted to the Father’s will.

Prayer:
Lord, help us to seek Your will in all things. Teach us to trust in Your timing and to understand the truth of Jesus’ teachings through our obedience. Strengthen us to face challenges with faith and mature as Christ followers. Amen.