I John 4:14

View Video Blog, Right Click Link: I John 4:14

And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.

THE STUDY:

          In this passage of scripture there are two words that jump out at me: “seen” and “testify.” The indwelling God, whose presence is manifested in the midst of a loving Christian community, thus becomes in a sense truly visible to the eye of faith. Though no one “has seen” (tetheatai, “beheld”) God (v. 12), believers who abide in Him (v. 13) “have seen” (tetheametha, “behold”) the Son as He is manifested among loving Christians. Christians who behold this manifestation have in fact “seen” and can “testify” to the fundamental truth that “the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.”^[1]

          The phrase “have seen” is in recognition of Jesus’ glory and decision for faith in him. This is followed by the seeing of him, his person, and his works.^[2] The disciples were eyewitnesses not only of the baptism of Jesus, but also of his entire life. They saw, heard, and with their hands touched Jesus (1:1).^[3]

         

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

We walk away this morning with the understanding that a Christian not only has seen Christ in the world today buy testifies to the fact that Christ saves.

CONCLUSION:

           “You shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

A witness is one who testifies to an act or an experience or a person. A witness usually determines the outcome of justice in a court of law. This means that a Christian is one who testifies to the presence and power of Christ. It also means one must attempt to share his/her experience with others.

          Today, if you have seen the power and love of God then share that testimony with someone who may need to hear it. Testify about the one who has changed your life so someone else may be changed!

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

 

---

^[1] Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-). The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures (1 Jn 4:14). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[2] Balz, H. R., & Schneider, G. (1990-). Vol. 2: Exegetical dictionary of the New Testament (136). Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans.

^[3] Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953-2001). Vol. 14: New Testament commentary : Exposition of James and the Epistles of John. New Testament Commentary (336). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.