If we receive the
testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of
God that he has borne concerning his Son.
THE STUDY:
In verses 6–9, John indirectly introduces
the Trinity. Notice that in verse 6, he states that Jesus Christ, the Son of
God, has come. In the same verse and verse 8, John says that the Spirit
testifies. And in verse 9, he mentions the testimony of God (the Father).[1]
John argues here from the lesser to
the greater. If people receive human testimony, then they will be even more
inclined to receive the testimony of God.[2]
“We accept man’s testimony.” In Greek, this is a simple conditional sentence
that is true to fact: “If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is
greater” (NASB). John expresses a timeless truth and, therefore, the
conditional element in the sentence has lost its force. John is saying that
customarily we accept man’s testimony.
“But God’s testimony is greater.” John
focuses attention not on our acceptance of God’s testimony but on the
significance of that testimony. God’s word is unquestionably true and thus in
comparison with the testimony of man is much weightier.[3]
John uses the
perfect tense (“he has given”) to indicate that God continues to testify about
his son through his Word and Spirit.
WHAT WE CAN WALK
AWAY WITH ….
- We walk away this morning with the understanding that just as John’s day we see many who don’t believe in the power, love, or control God still has over the world. John was sharing with the readers of that day that continues to testify about his son through his word and Spirit. He reveals to us today the very same thing.
CONCLUSION:
As I was reading this verse this morning I was
reminded of the lyrics from the song by the “Newsboys”:
My God's not dead
He's surely alive
He's livin on the inside
Roaring like a lion
He's surely alive
He's livin on the inside
Roaring like a lion
Today, let
Christ be a witness through us to reveal that OUR GOD’S NOT DEAD! Amen? Amen!
Blessings my friends
Pastor Rod
[1]
Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953-2001). Vol. 14: New Testament
commentary : Exposition of James and the Epistles of John. New Testament
Commentary (355). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.
[2]
Williamson, R. (2010). 1, 2, & 3
John: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary
(163). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.
[3]
Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953-2001). Vol. 14: New Testament
commentary : Exposition of James and the Epistles of John. New Testament
Commentary (356). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.
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