John 8:12, 31-47

Operating with Precision

Any surgeon, operating on me, must have plenty of…

RestPatience

Surgical SkillSharp Tools

Light

Light exposes sin. Light directs to safety.

Light diagnoses sickness.

“I am the LIGHT of the world…” Jn 8:12

In the OR

• In vv. 31-47, there are 4 cycles of exchange• Jesus, the Master Surgeon, examines the

darkness that is still inside them • He uses the bright light of truth• After each exchange, Jesus cuts a little more

True Disciples

• Discipleship begins with belief or faith• Discipleship continues to listen and obey

Jesus’ words of truth– There will be a growth in the understanding and

application of truth– There will be freedom from error

Exam 1: As Jesus evaluates hearts with His light,

Have I ever truly believed?Am I growing in my truth

application skills?Do I desire more error-free living?

Error Confusionerror brings confusion.

Error Confusion

• “We are offspring of Abraham” is not a good solution– I am exempt from these issues– I am not enslaved by any people or things– I do not understand your terms

Free Disciples

• Everyone has been in bondage to sin• Sin will keep you from an eternity with God• The Son has made a way for you to be free--

permanently

Exam 2: As Jesus evaluates hearts with His light,

Have I ever owned my slavery?Am I a slave or a son?

Am I set free from sin’s grip?

Truth Claritytruth brings clarity.

Truth Clarity

• If you think that being related to Abraham will save you, you are dangerously wrong– While I try to help you, you are trying to kill me– You do not understand your problem– Your problem is a hereditary genetic flaw

• Your case has been discussed, it’s known fully • You are trapped in a deadly pattern of sin

Error Resistance

• “Abraham is our father” is not a good solution– We are clean from any inherited disease– We are following carefully all of the man-made

rules passed down from generation to generation– We do not have a problem

Truth Accuracy

• Disciples act like their Master Teacher– While I try to help you, you are trying to kill me– You are not listening to diagnostic truth– Your problem is with God

• Your actions speak louder than your profession

Error Accusation

• At least we have a legitimate father!– You have no right to lecture us on sin– I am not responsible to your standards

• God is our only Father.

Healthy Disciples

• Disciples love Jesus and follow Him only• Disciples recognize His authority• Disciples understand His words• Disciples accept His words, without

accusations or resistance• Disciples believe Jesus and belong with Him

Exam 3: As Jesus evaluates hearts with His light,

Do I understand discipleship?Am I obeying truth without

conditions or excuses?

Truth Conviction

• You are not of God.

As Jesus evaluates hearts with His light, Are you “true”, abiding in the Word?Are you “free”, forgiven and fleeing

from sin?Are you “active and healthy”, doing His will with strength and determination?