Human Reasoning Rejected Divine Presence

(16) Human Reasoning Rejected Divine Presence
Rev. Mark Kosko (John 5:31-47)                       

 I. Jesus appealed to the Jews’ system of Law to prove his Divinity (vv. 31-32)
Jesus was God and yet submitted to a tribunal that judged man
His testimony was valid but not according to their Laws

 II. Jesus relied upon 3 other sources of testimony the Jews had known
John the Baptist (vv. 33-35)
Jesus own works (vv. 36-38)
Scripture (vv. 39-44)

 III. Zeal for ancient Scripture kept them from zeal for the living Christ
Their belief and faith was in Moses and the Law (vv. 45-47)
This belief in the Law gave them assurances in this life but not an eternal one

 IV. Observations of the Passage
The Jews chose an intellectual belief in the Law that did not bring about a love of God in their hearts.
They found legalistic righteousness in the study of Scripture but had no Faith upon the very thing of which it spoke- Christ.
They drew closer to Scripture rather than allowing Scripture to bring them closer to God.

 V. Application Questions
Is the Bible’s purpose solely intended to teach us moral living? Should it or is there something more?
Does the Bible give you greater security and faith in your life in this world or an eternal life?