Lesson 10.The Way, the Truth, and the Life | 10.7 Questions | THEMES IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN | LIVING FAITH

1.Discuss your answers to the last question in the Thursday section. What decisive truths that the Bible conveys could we never, not even approximately, learn from science? For example, the cross? Or the resurrection? Or the second coming? What other important biblical truths must be revealed to us—otherwise, we would never experience them?

Science is a valuable tool for understanding the natural world, but it has its limits. There are essential truths about God, our lives, and eternity that we could never discover through science alone. The Bible reveals these truths, which fundamentally shape our lives and our faith. Here are some crucial examples:

1. The Cross: God’s Plan of Redemption

• • The Significance of the Cross: Science can examine the historical facts surrounding the crucifixion, but it cannot explain why Jesus died. The Bible reveals that Jesus bore the punishment for our sins through His death and reconciled us with God (John 3:16; Isaiah 53:5).

  • The Depth of God’s Love: Only Scripture shows us that the cross is an expression of God’s unconditional love that redeems and renews us.

2. The Resurrection: Victory over Death and Sin

• • Historical Uniqueness: While science might investigate the existence of the tomb or the circumstances of the resurrection, it cannot explain the reality of overcoming death.

  • Biblical Truth: The resurrection of Jesus gives us hope for eternal life and victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:20–22). Without this revelation, we would not know that death is not the end.

3. The Second Coming of Jesus: Hope for Completion

• • A Future Promise: Science cannot provide an answer to the ultimate future of humanity. However, the Bible promises that Jesus will return to establish His kingdom and make all things new (John 14:1–3; Revelation 21:1–4).

  • Comfort and Expectation: This truth gives us hope and perspective, especially in difficult times.

4. The Nature of God

• • The Trinity: The Bible reveals the relationship between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, a truth that goes far beyond human understanding (Matthew 28:19).

  • God’s Character: Only Scripture shows us that God is simultaneously holy, just, merciful, and full of love.

5. The Meaning and Purpose of Life

• • Our Purpose: Science cannot tell us why we exist. The Bible teaches that we were created to love God, serve Him, and have fellowship with Him (Ecclesiastes 12:13; Matthew 22:37–39).

  • Our Value: The Bible reveals that every person is created in God’s image and therefore has infinite value and special dignity (Genesis 1:27).

6. The Reality of Sin and Redemption

• • The Problem of Sin: Science can examine the effects of wrongdoing, but it does not fully explain why humanity is inherently sinful.

  • God’s Solution: Only the Bible shows that Jesus Christ is the answer to sin, redeeming us through His sacrifice (Romans 3:23–24).

7. Eternal Life

• • Our Destiny Beyond Death: Science has no answer for what happens after death. The Bible reveals that believers are promised eternal life with God (John 11:25–26).

Other Essential Truths

• • The Work of the Holy Spirit: The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit works within us, guiding, comforting, and transforming us (John 14:26).

  • The Importance of Prayer and Fellowship with God: Science can study the psychological benefits of prayer, but it does not explain the spiritual reality and relationship with God that prayer enables (Philippians 4:6–7).

Conclusion

The Bible reveals truths that go beyond the scope of science, providing us with profound insights into God’s plan, our existence, and our future. Without these revelations, we would never be able to answer the most important questions of life—about our origin, our purpose, and our hope. These truths are the foundation of our faith and give our lives direction, meaning, and hope.

2.Think about the fall of Lucifer, a perfect being with so much intellectual knowledge about God and who God is. And yet he rebelled against Him—despite all this knowledge. What does this tell us about the reality of free will—the same free will that we have—and why we must choose moment by moment to submit this will to God?

Lucifer’s rebellion shows that knowledge alone is not enough to guarantee faithfulness to God. Despite his perfect understanding of God’s nature and character, Lucifer chose to rebel against God. This event reveals essential truths about free will and the necessity of consciously choosing to submit our will to God.

1. Free Will: An Expression of God’s Love

• • God’s Gift: Free will is an expression of God’s love and respect for His creations. He did not create us as machines programmed to love Him, but as beings who can choose to enter into a relationship with Him out of free will.

  • Freedom with Responsibility: However, this freedom comes with responsibility. Our decisions have consequences—for our lives, our relationship with God, and our surroundings.

2. Lucifer’s Rebellion: An Example of Misusing Free Will

• • Pride and Self-Will: Lucifer allowed pride, selfishness, and the desire for independence to enter his heart. These thoughts led him to turn his God-given freedom against God Himself (Isaiah 14:12–14).

  • Knowledge without Submission: His intellectual knowledge about God did not protect him from rebellion. This shows that true faithfulness to God depends not only on the mind but on the submission of our heart and will.

3. Free Will and Our Daily Lives

• • Daily Decision: Like Lucifer, we also have the freedom to follow God or turn away from Him. This choice is not one-time but happens daily, even in every moment.

  • Danger of Pride: Lucifer’s fall reminds us how easily pride, selfishness, or the rejection of God’s authority can infiltrate our lives if we do not consciously choose God.

4. Why We Must Submit Our Will to God

• • God’s Guidance: By submitting our will to God, we allow Him to guide us and protect us from the consequences of wrong decisions.

  • Transformation through God’s Spirit: Only through daily submission to God’s will can the Holy Spirit transform our hearts and help us lead lives of faithfulness and obedience (Romans 12:2).

  • Protection from Rebellion: Lucifer’s example shows how dangerous it is to place our will above God’s. The conscious decision to trust God and follow His plan safeguards us from the consequences of self-will.

5. Love as the Foundation of Our Decision

• • Relationship, Not Coercion: God does not force us to follow Him. Our decision to follow Him should come out of love and trust, not fear or compulsion.

  • Motivated Faithfulness: When we recognize how much God loves us and what He has done for us, our desire to submit our will to Him and accept His guidance grows.

Conclusion

The fall of Lucifer reminds us of the reality of free will and the responsibility that comes with it. It shows us that knowledge alone is not sufficient—it is the conscious decision to submit our will to God that preserves us in our relationship with Him. This choice is not only a one-time action but a daily, even constant decision that shapes our lives and anchors us in God’s love and truth.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-10-the-way-the-truth-and-the-life-10-7-questions-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/