The Gospel of John

Chapter One

Verse 18 – No one – not one person in history

-this speaks of no one seeing the total fullness of God’s presence and glory

-we know what God is like by seeing Jesus

vs19-21

testimony – this is a person’s own personal testimony

-everyone can share their testimony

-John experiences spiritual resistance

RESISTANCE – trying to prevent something

                        – opposition

                        – a force trying to slow down or stop progress

             3 AREAS THAT CAN BRING RESISTANCE

     1. satan – Zechariah 3:1

-satan was opposing Israel in their sinful state

-satan was opposing the rebuilding of the temple

     2. THE LORD

-the Lord resists pride – 1 Peter 5:5-6

a. pride makes people unteachable

b. pride causes leaders to think they are self sufficient

c. pride tempts people to take credit for what happens

     3. DISTANCE – James 4:8

-spiritual distance produces resistance to the things of the Lord

                          RESISTANT STATEMENTS

     ***RESISTANCE automatically is a sign that you have drawn the attention of the enemy

-John was resisted because he was sold out to Jesus

-we can resist the resistance – James 4:7

     ***RESISTANCE is a sign you are on the right track

-rejoice when resisted as it shows you are on the right track & in the will of God

-make sure the resistance is the enemy and not something you are doing wrong

     ***RESISTANCE can never be allowed to distract you

-keep going even when you are resisted

-Nehemiah kept going when he was resisted from rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem

vs22-23 – John says who he is

***One – he was one person who was available

***The Voice – verbal…speaking up…crying means to shriek..roar like a lion

***Wilderness – represents a very dry spiritual state

***Make Straight – give Jesus a straight shot into your heart and then He will straighten out your life

v24 – the religious resistance speaks up

vs25-28

     v25 – John was under the authority of Jesus Christ & obeyed Him

     v26 – John baptized in water & it was connected with repentance

     vs27-28 – John was speaking to humility

v29 – behold – means to get the attention of people

-the lamb of God – means a pet lamb…one who is sof=t, very gentle & kind

-takes away – means to wipe away

-sin – the sin nature

vs30-34 – The Revelation Of Jesus Christ To John The Baptist

1. That Jesus would be the Savior of the world – vs31,33

2. That Jesus is the Son of God – v33

3. That Jesus baptizes people with the Holy Spirit – v33

     THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

1. Jesus Christ baptizes believers with the Holy Spirit – Matthew 3:11

-this experience does not save you

-speaking in tongues does not save you

2. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a single event that becomes permanent  in the life of the believer

3. The baptism of the Holy Spirit can get sidetracked –

-it can be pushed to the side

-it is all throughout the Bible and not just an ad on