10.5 From Beneath
Human Blindness and Divine Truth

Read John 5:38–40. What does Jesus say about the Holy Scripture here?

In John 5:38–40, Jesus shows how central the Holy Scripture is for understanding Him as the Messiah and the truth. His words reveal not only the purpose of the Scripture but also a serious warning: it is possible to read the Holy Scripture without recognizing its true goal—Jesus Christ.

1. The Holy Scripture Points to Jesus

Jesus makes it clear that the Scripture—both the Old Testament and the later writings of the New Testament—points to Him. The statements in John 5:39–40 show:

• The Scripture as a Witness: Jesus says, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that testify about me.” The Scripture reveals God’s plan of salvation, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

• The Goal of the Scripture is Jesus: All prophecies, stories, and laws in the Old Testament prepare the way for the coming of Jesus. He is the central theme of the entire Bible.

2. The Danger of a Superficial Knowledge of the Bible

Jesus criticizes the religious leaders of His time for intensely studying the Scripture but not understanding its goal:

• Knowledge without Relationship: The Pharisees had comprehensive knowledge of the Scripture, yet they had no faith and no relationship with the One the Scripture points to.

• Form without Substance: Reading the Scripture without recognizing Jesus remains ineffective. It’s not just about studying the Bible as an intellectual or religious exercise, but about experiencing it as a living testimony to Jesus.

3. The Scripture as the Foundation of Truth

Jesus shows that the Scripture not only has historical or moral significance but is a divine revelation:

• Authority of the Scripture: The words of the Bible have divine authority and are a reliable testimony to the truth.

• Eternal Life through the Scripture: The Scripture not only points to Jesus but invites us to receive eternal life through Him.

Conclusion

Jesus makes it clear that the Holy Scripture is not the goal in itself but points to Him—the way, the truth, and the life. It is an invitation to recognize Jesus and find eternal life in Him. As Christians, we are called to study the Scripture not only to gain knowledge but to encounter Jesus and experience the truth through Him.

Read Luke 24:27. Why is it important that Jesus first pointed to the Holy Scripture to reveal the significance of His ministry?

In Luke 24:27, Jesus shows how essential the Holy Scripture is to understanding His ministry, suffering, and resurrection. He explained to the disciples on the road to Emmaus everything “that was written about him in all the Scriptures.” This underscores the significance of the Scripture as a divine testimony about Jesus and His plan of salvation.

1. The Holy Scripture as the Foundation for Understanding Jesus’ Ministry

Jesus pointed to the Scripture first because it forms the foundation for understanding His identity and mission:

• Prophecies Fulfilled in Him: The Old Testament contains numerous prophecies about the Messiah. Through these revelations, Jesus showed that His life and work were part of God’s eternal plan.

• Connection of Scripture and Faith: The disciples were confused about Jesus’ death. Through the Scripture, Jesus revealed that His suffering and resurrection were necessary to fulfill God’s plan.

2. The Scripture as a Divine Testimony

The Scripture is more than a historical document. It is the word of God that points to Jesus:

• Words of the Prophets: As Zechariah (Luke 1:70) and Peter (Acts 1:16) emphasized, God spoke through the prophets to announce the Messiah.

• Divine Authority: The Scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit and conveys the truth about God’s character, His plan of salvation, and our relationship with Him.

3. Why Jesus Mentioned the Scripture First

• Trust in God’s Revelation: By using the Scripture as a foundation, He shows that the Bible is a reliable source for understanding the truth about God and the Messiah.

• A Key to Interpretation: Without the Scripture, the disciples would not have been able to understand the connection between Jesus’ death, His resurrection, and God’s plan.

• Significance for Us Today: We too are called to study the Scripture to understand Jesus’ mission and our role in God’s plan.

4. The Bible as a Meaning-Giver for Life

The Bible is not a guide for science or technology, but it provides us with the framework to answer the greatest questions of life:

• Who is God?: The Scripture reveals God’s nature, character, and His love for us.

• Why Do We Exist?: The Bible shows our origin as God’s creation and our purpose as His beloved children.

• Where is History Going?: It gives us hope by promising us a future with God through Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

Jesus showed that the Holy Scripture is the key to understanding His ministry and recognizing our relationship with God. The Bible is more than a book—it is the living word of God that gives us light and direction. By studying it, we learn who Jesus is, why He came, and how we can live in His light.

What teachings of truth are shown in the Bible that science, even in theory, can never convey to us?

The Bible offers teachings of truth that go beyond the realm of science and answer fundamental questions about our life, origin, and purpose. These truths are spiritual and existential in nature and cannot be grasped by science alone:

1. The Origin of the Universe and Life

The Bible reveals that God is the Creator of all things (Genesis 1:1).

• Creation as God’s Work: Science can examine how the universe works, but it cannot provide a definitive answer as to why it exists or who brought it into being.

• The Purpose of Creation: The Bible shows that creation is not accidental but was made out of love and intention (Colossians 1:16).

2. The Meaning and Purpose of Life

Science can analyze how life works, but it cannot find any meaning or purpose in it.

• Biblical Teaching: The Bible teaches that the meaning of life lies in the relationship with God, who created us to love Him, honor Him, and have fellowship with Him (Ecclesiastes 12:13; Matthew 22:37).

• Our Identity: The Bible teaches that we are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), which gives our lives inherent value and special dignity.

3. The Nature of Good and Evil

Science can describe how humans act, but it cannot explain why there is morality or what is absolutely right or wrong.

• Biblical Teaching: The Bible shows that moral truth is rooted in God’s nature and will (Micah 6:8). Good and evil are not mere societal constructs but expressions of God’s character and law (Romans 2:14–15).

4. The Problem of Sin

Science can examine the effects of wrongdoing, but it cannot fully explain or solve the cause—the sin.

• Biblical Teaching: The Bible shows that sin is a separation from God, which originated through human disobedience (Romans 3:23). It also reveals God’s solution to the problem of sin in Jesus Christ (John 3:16).

5. The Hope of Redemption

Science cannot provide definitive hope or certainty when it comes to death or life after death.

• Biblical Teaching: The Bible teaches that through Jesus Christ, there is forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life (John 11:25–26). This hope provides comfort and direction in our earthly lives.

6. The Relationship with God

Science cannot prove or disprove God, but the Bible shows that God has revealed Himself and seeks a personal relationship with us (John 14:6).

• God’s Nearness: The Bible teaches that God became man in Christ to save us and show us the way to Him (John 1:14).

• Prayer and Fellowship: Through the Bible, we learn that we can enter into a relationship with God—something that no scientific theory can explain.

7. The Future of Humanity

Science can make predictions about the fate of the Earth or the universe, but it cannot give hope for eternity.

• Biblical Teaching: The Bible promises a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness and peace will reign (Revelation 21:1–4). This future perspective gives us a hope that goes beyond the limits of science.

Conclusion

Science offers valuable insights into the natural world, but the deepest questions of life—about origin, meaning, morality, redemption, and future—are answered only by the Bible. These teachings of truth are not theoretical but existential, and they invite us to live our lives in the light of God’s revelation.

The teachings of the Bible and its central message about Jesus Christ not only have theological significance but also directly affect our daily lives and our faith. Here is how these truths can be integrated into our daily and spiritual lives:

1. The Scripture as the Foundation for Guidance

The Bible is like a compass that guides us in a world full of uncertainties and conflicting opinions:

• In Faith: The Scripture shows us who God is, how we can encounter Him, and what He has in store for us.

• In Daily Life: Through the wisdom of the Bible, we can make ethical decisions, resolve conflicts, and act in relationships according to God’s principles.

2. Focus on the Relationship with Jesus

The Scripture not only points to Jesus but also invites us to have a living relationship with Him:

• Daily Encounter: By reading the Bible, we encounter Jesus and recognize His love and guidance for our lives.

• Strengthening Trust: The promises of Scripture give us support in difficult times because we know that Jesus is our Redeemer and Lord.

3. Truth as the Foundation of Life

The Bible teaches us that truth is not relative but is grounded in God’s nature and His word:

• Faith and Integrity: By orienting ourselves to the truth of the Bible, we can build our lives on a solid foundation and act with honesty and faithfulness.

• Freedom through Truth: As Jesus says in John 8:32, “The truth will set you free.” The truth of Scripture frees us from sin, guilt, and the confusion of a world without clear values.

4. Hope in an Uncertain World

The Bible offers answers to the deepest questions of life—about the meaning of life, our origin, and our future:

• Comfort in Suffering: The Scripture reminds us that God is with us even in difficult moments and has a plan for our lives.

• Future Perspective: Through the promise of God’s kingdom, we have a hope that goes beyond the here and now.

5. A Life that Honors God

The Bible gives us concrete instructions on how we can live out our faith practically:

• Love for Others: The teachings of Jesus inspire us to love others, serve them, and show compassion.

• Holiness: Through studying Scripture, we learn to align our lives more and more with God’s will.

Conclusion

The Bible is not just an old book or a collection of stories. It is the living word of God that gives us guidance, comfort, hope, and joy. Its teachings are an invitation to lead our lives in the light of the truth embodied in Jesus Christ. By studying Scripture, we can grow in our faith, live by God’s principles in our daily lives, and be fulfilled in a relationship with Jesus.

The Bible is the compass that leads us to God’s truth and into a living relationship with Jesus.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-10-the-way-the-truth-and-the-life-10-5-from-beneath-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

December 5, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Romans Chapter 11

¹ I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

² God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel saying,

³ Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.

⁴ But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.

⁵ Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

⁶ And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

⁷ What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.

⁸ (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.

⁹ And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them:

¹⁰ Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.

¹¹ I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

¹² Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?

¹³ For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

¹⁴ If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.

¹⁵ For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?

¹⁶ For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.

¹⁷ And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;

¹⁸ Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.

¹⁹ Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in.

²⁰ Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

²¹ For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.

²² Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

²³ And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.

²⁴ For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?

²⁵ For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

²⁶ And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

²⁷ For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

²⁸ As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father’s sakes.

²⁹ For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

³⁰ For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:

³¹ Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.

³² For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

³³ O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

³⁴ For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?

³⁵ Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

³⁶ For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

Romans chapter 11 is a profound and encouraging section in which Paul addresses the relationship between Israel, the Gentiles, and God’s plan. Paul emphasizes that God has not rejected His chosen people, but that Israel’s stubbornness is part of a larger salvation plan that includes the Gentiles. This text demonstrates God’s faithfulness, wisdom, and mercy, inviting all people, both Jews and Gentiles, to salvation.

Commentary

Israel’s Stubbornness and God’s Faithfulness (Verses 1–10): Paul makes it clear that God has not rejected His people. He uses the example of the prophet Elijah to show that God always preserves a “remnant” who remain faithful to Him. This remnant is not based on human effort but on God’s grace. The stubbornness of part of Israel is not final but serves a greater purpose.

The Calling of the Gentiles (Verses 11–16): Paul explains that Israel’s fall has brought salvation to the Gentiles, in order to provoke Israel to jealousy for God. This illustrates God’s sovereign plan, which leads both Israel and the Gentiles to salvation. Paul envisions the future acceptance of Israel as an act of resurrection, which will complete salvation.

Warning to Gentile Christians (Verses 17–24): Paul uses the image of an olive tree to illustrate the relationship between Jews and Gentiles. The Gentiles, referred to as “wild branches,” have been grafted into the olive tree, while some natural branches (Israel) have been broken off. Paul warns Gentile Christians against arrogance and reminds them that they stand only by faith. He also cautions that God can graft the natural branches back in.

Israel’s Final Salvation (Verses 25–32): Paul reveals the “mystery”: Israel’s stubbornness is temporary until the full number of Gentiles has come in. Then, all of Israel will be saved, according to God’s promises. This passage highlights God’s faithfulness to His covenants and His intention to show mercy to all people.

Praise for God’s Wisdom (Verses 33–36): Paul concludes with a praise for the incomprehensible wisdom and knowledge of God. His ways and plans are beyond understanding, but they lead to His honor and glory. Everything comes from God, exists through Him, and leads back to Him.

Summary

Romans chapter 11 illustrates God’s sovereign plan of salvation, which includes both Israel and the Gentiles. While a portion of Israel is temporarily hardened, this serves to incorporate the Gentiles into God’s saving community. In the end, all of Israel will be saved, fulfilling God’s plan of mercy and faithfulness. Paul urges readers to remain humble and to admire God’s marvelous wisdom, which brings all things to His glory.

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/5-11-2024-romans-chapter-11-believe-his-prophets/