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If this man were not from God, He could do nothing

Text: John 9
27 April 2008

(I) A PROBLEM NOT EASILY COMPREHENDED

1. Born blind

“Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth.” John 9:1

2. A topic for discussion?

Topic: Who sinned?

a) The parents?

b) The blind man?

(II) A PROFOUND ANSWER

1. A straightforward answer

a) It is not always a question of sin

b) A deep and profound truth

“…but that the works of God should be revealed in Him” John 9:3

2. Doing the work of God

“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work” John 9:4

a) Consciousness of the work of God assigned

b) Commitment to complete the work of God assigned

(III) THE QUERY OF THE JEWS

1. A Sabbath issue

“Now it was a Sabbath when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes.” John 9:14

2. The rejection of the Jews

“…This Man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath…” John 9:16

“…Give God the glory! We know that this Man is a sinner.” John 9:24

3. The incredulous, unbelieving Jews

“But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind and received his sight…” John 9:18

(IV) THE TESTIMONY OF THE MAN BORN BLIND

1. A simple statement of fact

“…A man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed and I received sight.’ ” John 9:11

2. A deeper statement of faith

“…He is a prophet.” John 9:17

3. A defence of Jesus

“The man answered and said to them, ‘Why, this is a marvellous thing, that you do not know where He is from; yet He has opened my eyes!Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshipper of God and does His will, He hears him…If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing.” John 9:30-31,33

a) Mocking of the Jews

b) Declaration of Faith- That Jesus is from God

4. Suffering for the faith

“…’You were completely born in sins and are you teaching us?’ And they cast him out.” John 9:34

(V) CONFIRMATION OF FAITH

“Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, ‘Do you believe in the Son of God?’ He answered and said, ‘Who is he, Lord, that I may believe in Him?’And Jesus said to him, ‘You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.’Then he said, ‘Lord, I believe!’ And he worshipped Him.” John 9:35-38

1. Further instruction

2. Further enlightenment

3. Full confirmation of faith