I. Jesus wants to give you life, not control you.
“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life." (John 5:39-40)
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." (Proverbs 14:12)
(Colossians 2:1-5)
We were made to receive truth, not create it.
II. Jesus’ testimony is true.
1. Don’t believe me, believe the Father:
“If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is true.” (John 5:31-32)
“I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent.” (John 5:36-38)
2. Don’t believe me, believe John.
“You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved. John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.” (John 5:33-35)
“I (John) am not the Christ; Jesus is the Christ; he is the Lamb of God who is taking away the sin of the world; it is upon him that I saw the Spirit descending and remaining; he is the Bridegroom; he is the One who came from above and is above all; he speaks the words of God, and is himself the Son of God.” (John 3:22-26)
3. Don’t believe me, believe my works.
“I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent.” (John 5:36-38)
III. To believe Jesus’ words as true, produces humility and love, not arrogance and pride.
“I do not accept glory from human beings, but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts.” (John 5:41-42)
“I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?” (John 5:43-44)
“But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me." (John 5:45-46)
