Lesson 7.Blessed Are Those Who Believe
Witnesses of Faith in the Gospel of John

Lesson 7 leads us to various witnesses of faith in the Gospel of John and demonstrates how their encounters with Jesus can influence our own understanding of faith, doubt, and testimony. From Abraham, whose faith and trust in God’s promises were deeply rooted, to Mary, who expressed her devotion through a precious sacrifice, and Thomas, who journeyed from doubt to confession—each of these witnesses leaves us with valuable lessons.

In the Gospel of John, we also encounter the Roman governor Pilate, who, although he saw the truth before him, succumbed to the pressure of the crowd. His example challenges us to remain steadfast in our faith and not be swayed by external influences. The lesson culminates in the realization that we too today can and should be living testimonies for Jesus—not through spectacular miracles, but through lived, everyday faith.

This lesson invites us to reflect on our own faith journey: How do we encounter our doubts? How do we share our experiences with Jesus? Through these questions, we discover that faith is alive and diverse, and that our testimony—whether big or small—is part of God’s plan to convey His love and truth.

7.1 Harking Back to Abraham
Abraham as a Witness of Faith and Promise

Why was Abraham’s testimony so important that it was included in the Gospel of John? Genesis 12:3; 18:16–18; 26:4; -Matthew 1:1; Acts 3:25

Abraham’s testimony in John 8:56 is a central component of the Christian message and highlights the deep connection between Old Testament faith and the redemptive work of Jesus. By referencing Abraham, Jesus shows that His coming was not merely a moment of novelty but was rooted in a long history of divine promises that began with Abraham and extend throughout the entire story of salvation. This promise that “all nations will be blessed through him” (Genesis 12:3) portrays Abraham as the bearer of a hope meant to reach all people—a hope fulfilled in the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Jesus’ mention of Abraham in His words also emphasizes the role of faith. Abraham’s faith in God’s promises was so strong that he looked beyond what was immediately before him. Through examples and prophetic hints, such as the ram in place of Isaac as a sacrifice, Abraham was presented as a picture of the redemption plan—a shadow of the sacrifice that Jesus would make on the cross. Thus, Abraham’s trust and joy in “the day of the Lord” became a prophetic testimony of the coming Messiah.

When Jesus said to the Jews, “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58), He directly referred to God’s self-declaration in the burning bush when God revealed Himself to Moses. This was a direct hint at His divinity and pre-existence, a truth that deeply unsettled the religious leaders. By explaining this, Jesus highlighted that the faith that had characterized Abraham is the same faith to which people are now called—a faith in the eternal God who became man in Jesus to save the world.

Thus, Abraham remains not only as an ancestor but also as a spiritual father to believers, serving as a model of faith. Through him, it becomes clear that the promise of redemption has always existed and that Jesus is the center of this promise.

Read Romans 4:1–5. How does Paul use the story of Abraham here to reveal the great truth of salvation by faith alone, without works of the law? How do these verses help us understand the concept of Abraham as the father of those who live by faith?

In Romans 4:1–5, Paul uses the story of Abraham to explain the central doctrine of salvation by faith alone, independent of works of the law. Paul emphasizes that Abraham “was not justified by works” but “by faith he believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (v. 3, quoting Genesis 15:6). This passage shows that Abraham’s justification was not based on his own deeds or merits but solely on his trust in God’s promise.

Paul introduces the radical idea that righteousness is a gift from God and cannot be earned through human effort or adherence to the law. Abraham is presented as an example that true righteousness before God does not arise from a system of works but from faith that trusts in God’s promises. This makes Abraham a model for the faith that later believers are to have: a faith that relies on God without depending on one’s own works or law-keeping.

These verses help us understand why Abraham is called “the father of those who believe” (see Romans 4:11–12). Abraham’s trust in God—especially in a promise that he could not see or fully comprehend—serves as the foundation of faith for all believers. Thus, Abraham is the father of those who live not by their own works but by faith. Paul clarifies that salvation has always been based on the principle of faith and that believers inherit Abraham’s legacy not through law-keeping but through a heart full of trust and faith.

The story of Abraham has a profound connection to our everyday lives and faith because it shows us that faith and trust in God’s promises endure even when we cannot yet see the results. Abraham’s faith in God’s promises, often in the face of uncertainty and incomprehension, serves as a model for our lives today: it shows us that true faith means trusting God even when the fulfillment of promises seems distant or when circumstances are difficult to understand.

In Romans 4:1–5, it is emphasized that righteousness and salvation are gifts from God, received by faith and not by fulfilling the law or our own efforts. This truth can help us in daily life because we often try to gain recognition or security through our own efforts or “good works.” However, Abraham teaches us that faith is not a merit system but a trusting relationship with God, who loves and justifies us without us having to earn His love. This frees us from the burden of having to prove ourselves through performance and invites us to trust in God’s goodness and faithfulness.

Abraham as “the father of those who believe” reminds us that faith is an attitude that can shape us daily. When we trust in God’s promises, even when circumstances are uncertain, we learn to base our lives on His guidance and faithfulness. Faith not only means believing in God but also trusting Him and relinquishing control. This allows us to find peace in difficult situations where we cannot understand or control everything because we know that God Himself holds our lives in His hands.

Abraham’s example shows us that our faith becomes alive when we give it space, even through times of waiting, doubting, and hoping. It is a faith that continually leads us to trust that God will fulfill His promises in His time.

Like Abraham, we can live in trust of God’s promises, knowing that true faith is not carried by our circumstances but by God’s faithfulness.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-7-blessed-are-those-who-believe-7-1-harking-back-to-abraham-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

November 10, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Acts Chapter 14

¹ And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

² But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

³ Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

⁴ But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

⁵ And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,

⁶ They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:

⁷ And there they preached the gospel.

⁸ And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked:

⁹ The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,

¹⁰ Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

¹¹ And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.

¹² And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.

¹³ Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

¹⁴ Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

¹⁵ And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

¹⁶ Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

¹⁷ Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

¹⁸ And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.

¹⁹ And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

²⁰ Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

²¹ And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

²² Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

²³ And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

²⁴ And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

²⁵ And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:

²⁶ And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.

²⁷ And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

²⁸ And there they abode long time with the disciples.

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

Introduction

In Acts chapter 14, we witness the ministry of the apostles Paul and Barnabas during their missionary journey, particularly in the cities of Iconium and Lystra. Through their bold faith and dedication, signs and wonders are performed, leading many people, both Jews and Gentiles, to embrace the gospel. However, with their success comes persecution and misunderstandings, causing the apostles to face resistance and mistreatment. This passage describes the challenges and victories that Paul and Barnabas experience in their efforts to proclaim the word of God.

Commentary

This chapter illustrates how the gospel not only unites people from different cultural backgrounds but can also provoke divisions and resistance. In Iconium, Paul and Barnabas encounter open hearts but also fierce rejection and hostility. In Lystra, after the miracle of healing a crippled man, the apostles are mistakenly regarded as gods by the crowd. This experience highlights the challenge of distinguishing true divine power and authority from human misunderstandings. The steadfastness and unwavering faith of Paul and Barnabas, even after physical abuse and stoning, demonstrate the dedication and courage necessary to faithfully follow Christ’s call. They return strengthened to the communities to encourage believers to “stand firm in the faith” and to accept the inevitable difficulties as part of the journey into the kingdom of God.

Summary

Acts chapter 14 describes the journeys of Paul and Barnabas through Iconium, Lystra, and back to Antioch in Syria. They experience not only remarkable conversions and healings but also intense resistance and misunderstandings. After the persecution in Iconium and a misunderstanding in Lystra, where they are worshiped as gods, the apostles continue their work and strengthen the disciples in the faith despite the challenges. The passage concludes with their return to Antioch, where they report to the church how God has opened the door of faith to the Gentiles through them.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/10-11-2024-acts-chapter-14-believe-his-prophets/