FBC Sunrise Beach
The Eternal Word
  • Because He Lives

      • Psalm 18:1–2CSB

  • Glorious Day
  • Now I Belong To Jesus

      • 1 Corinthians 16:13CSB

  • How He Loves

  • Bible Passage: John 1:1–5

    Summary: John 1:1–5 presents Jesus as the eternal Word who not only coexisted with God but was God Himself. This passage emphasizes the divine initiative of creation, where all things came into being through the Word, and illustrates the profound connection between Jesus and the life and light that dispels darkness, offering a transformative experience to believers.
    Application: This sermon calls Christians to acknowledge Jesus as the source of their identity and purpose. In a world filled with confusion and darkness, understanding that Christ is both creator and sustainer empowers believers to trust Him in every aspect of their lives, encouraging them to seek His guidance and strength during troubled times.
    Teaching: The sermon teaches that Jesus, as the Word of God, is essential for not only understanding our origins but also for comprehending our purpose. By embracing the truth of Christ as life and light, believers can align their lives with His will and shine His light into the world.
    How this passage could point to Christ: The concept of Jesus as the Word connects to the entire narrative of Scripture, highlighting His role from creation to redemption. The continuity of this theme throughout the Bible reinforces the understanding of Jesus as central to God's plan for salvation and restoration.
    Big Idea: Recognizing Jesus as the Eternal Word shapes our identity and guides our purpose in a world that often feels chaotic and dark; He alone provides clarity and direction for our lives.
    Recommended Study: As you prepare for this sermon, consider using Logos to research the significance of the term 'Word' (Logos) in early Christian thought and its philosophical implications. Engaging with commentaries that discuss the prologue to John could also reveal deeper insights into the historical context and its relevance to first-century believers. Additionally, you might explore connections to Creation narratives in Genesis, enhancing your understanding of Christ's ongoing role in the universe and our lives.
    John 1:1–5 ESV
    1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

    1. Eternal Existence of Christ

    John 1:1 ESV
    1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
    One of the many well known Scriptures
    John doesn’t start with a genealogy
    instead he knows Jesus’ genealogy starts before time began!
    In the beginning
    Many of us have heard this
    many of us have understood this
    many of us have been taught about this
    but have we taken it to heart
    The meaning of this verse transcends time
    This verse takes us all the way back to Creation
    All the way back to Genesis 1
    in this we see the creation of light
    Throughout the rest of time
    god would promise light for the world
    light that would come through Jesus Christ
    We actually see this explicitly later on in this section of John 1.
    it is 2 Corinthians
    It is also in the book of Revelation
    This theme of light for the world has been around for ages
    We understand at the beginning of this passage
    John says in the beginning was the Word
    the Greek word here is logos
    logos means quite literally message in this instance
    Jesus is the Word or the message in the beginning of Creation
    Colossians 1:15 ESV
    15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
    we can see this evidently as Paul describes Jesus as the firstborn of all creation
    Paul is placing Jesus before the creation of the world
    the greek wording both here and in John 1 indicate an eternal existence
    they might seem set in stone but their translation says much different
    the image of the invisible God
    Jesus is the portrayal of who God is
    In this we can see the triune connection of God
    God the Father
    God the Son (WORD) Who is with God and an active part of creation
    God the Spirit (hovered above the waters)
    All of creation was made in reflection of the creator
    The Creator is God the Father and God the Son
    The Triune
    The connected three
    Here we see John laying a foundation
    an introduction to God in the flesh
    but in this understanding
    we must recognize that God in the flesh is not the beginning of Jesus
    Jesus has existed forever alongside God
    He is part of God
    He is God
    This passage is difficult for the human brain to comprehend
    but through Faith we Know God in the Flesh and God in the Son
    God in the trinity
    You could highlight how the beginning echoes Genesis 1, emphasizing Jesus as the eternal Word who was not only with God but was God. This underscores the divine nature and authority of Christ as foundational for understanding who He is. By recognizing Jesus as the eternal divine Word, believers can trust in His unchanging nature and His power to guide and sustain them through life's uncertainties.

    2. Creator of All Things

    John 1:2–3 ESV
    2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
    Colossians 1:16–17 ESV
    16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
    In this passage of John we see an awesome identity of Christ
    Here the identity of Christ is as Creator
    We often recognize Jesus as our Savior
    in reality He is also so much more
    He is also our creator
    We see here that nothing was created apart from Him
    Jesus was an active part in this creation
    Not only did your Savior die for you
    He was your creator as well
    Jesus has had a hands on approach with man since the dawn of time
    He has had an intimate interaction with His creation since the first words were spoken
    Jesus knows us through and through
    we are told this all throughout Scripture
    This section of John screams the trinitarian nature of our God
    Jesus is the Word
    I love how Colossians 1:17 adds to this
    it says He is before all things
    and all things are held together through Him
    what a promise
    Jesus is the glue that holds all things together
    He is the glue who was creator
    He is the glue who sealed salvation for mankind
    He is the glue who holds our hope for all eternity
    Without Jesus we would be a bunch of religious legalists!
    instead we have forgiveness of all sins through the grace of our saving creator
    And to top it all off with this hope
    we can be rest assured that our lives are in the hands of the almighty God!
    and there is no greater promise than that!
    Perhaps explore how everything was made through Christ, linking His identity as the Creator. This affirms His sovereignty over all creation, offering believers a profound foundation for trusting Him amidst life's trials. Recognizing Jesus as the Creator empowers Christians to find purpose and confidence, knowing their lives are in the hands of the One who made everything.

    3. Light in Darkness

    John 1:4–5 ESV
    4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
    Lastly in verses 4&5 we see Jesus as light
    We see that Jesus is light
    In fact on top of light John states first that He is life
    Jesus is life
    He is our hope
    He is our everything
    He has given us the breath in our lungs
    Jesus has given us the understanding we need
    Jesus has given us eternal life if we have believed in Him
    This light of Jesus
    shines in the darkness
    How many have been to Silver Dollar City
    Inside there is the opportunity to walk through Marvel cave
    In Marvel Cave you walk deep down into the earth
    at one point down deep inside the cavern opens up
    you are able to stand around your guide while they share the history
    in this process they turn off the lights
    they turn off the lights so no one can see
    it is so dark you cannot even see your hand in front of your face
    and then they turn on the old lantern they used to use in the cave
    this old lantern was small
    it held yet a small flame
    and yet that small flame lit up the whole room
    it wasn’t the brightest in the world but it shown through the darkness
    Here John states Jesus is the light in the darkness
    in fact he is not just a lantern
    He is a full blown stage light
    there isn’t a crevice of darkness where Jesus is at
    John issues the understanding that Jesus is the light of the world
    and we know that that darkness cannot overcome it
    We have seen that in 1 John
    but we also are called to represent that light
    we are more like lanterns in the world around us
    but the problem is we worry what other people with think of our light
    not realizing that we are withholding what they needed from us most
    an example of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
    We are called to be the representatives of His nature
    We know that Jesus is the image of God
    You see the same light of the world is also the painter of our Souls!
    we are like paintings of God
    This is a famous painting that is known around the world
    it reflects the styles of a particular artist specifically Van Gogh
    Here yet again we have another famous artwork
    This one titled scream is created by Edvard Munch
    this painting represents His style and creativity
    Jesus is the reflection of who God is
    When He paints the heart
    It is a reflection of His style and Nature
    and that cannot be changed!

    Does the painting on your soul represent the Light of the living God?

    Maybe discuss how Jesus is the life and light, offering hope amidst darkness. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. This reassures believers that in Christ, even their darkest moments are illuminated with hope and truth. Encouraging them to embrace His light equips them to shine in their world.

      • John 1:1–5CSB

      • John 1:1CSB

      • Colossians 1:15CSB

      • John 1:2–3CSB

      • Colossians 1:16–17CSB

      • John 1:4–5CSB

  • Lord Be Glorified
FBC Sunrise Beach
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