Enjoying BSFonline this year, studying the Gospel of John. In John 1-4:30 we learned about God the Son, Faith, Regeneration, Salvation and Redemption and now we see Grace in John 4:31-54.
Doctrine matters. The five solas of the Reformation, which distinguished the Reformers from the teachings of Rome, include sola scriptura (Scripture alone), solus Christus (Christ alone), sola fide (faith alone), sola gratia (grace alone), and soli Deo gloria (glory to God alone).
Jesus demonstrated God’s grace by teaching His disciples, by seeing Samaritans come to faith, and by drawing the royal official to saving faith and healing his son. Jesus reached out to needy people in a way that revealed His gracious pursuit of human hearts.
I. Jesus taught His disciples about the spiritual harvest. (John 4:31-38)
- There is nothing more satisfying than doing God’s will.
- In what ways have you found following God’s will to be deeply satisfying?
II. Many Samaritans believed in Jesus. (John 4:39-42)
- God is calling you to invest in His harvest.
- How does your testimony reveal God’s work in a way that can impact others?
III. Jesus healed a royal official’s son and his household believed. (John 4:43-54)
- God works through desperate situations to challenge our focus and build our faith.
- What pressing need will you bring directly to Jesus?
1. Common grace: The woman at the well was thirsty (John 4:1-30), "Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life" (Rev 22:17).
The general principles of common grace are evident throughout Scripture (e.g., Ps. 145:9; Ezek. 18:23; 33:11; Rom. 2:4; Acts 14:16–17; 1 Tim. 4:10). The Lord Jesus taught one aspect of this doctrine when He appealed to God’s goodness in sending rain and making the sun shine on the righteous and the wicked alike (Matt. 5:44–45; Luke 6:35–36). The restraint of sin and evil is a particular work of God’s common grace. God reveals that He has kept men from sinning against Him (e.g., Gen. 20:6), but this restraint has limits, for there are times when the Lord ceases to continue His former restraint of sinners (e.g., Gen. 6:3; Ps. 81:11–12; Acts 7:42; Rom. 1:24–28; 2 Thess. 2:6–7). Common grace also enables the unregenerate to pursue virtue in their external and civic relations (Luke 6:33; Rom. 2:14). - https://www.ligonier.org/
2. Grace in salvation: Romans 3:21-24; Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 2:11
We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. - Romans 3:21-24
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. - Ephesians 2:8-9
For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. - 2 Timothy 1:9
For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. - Titus 2:11
3. Salvation cannot be earned: Romans 4:1-8
Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What did he discover about being made right with God? If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God’s way. For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” - Gen 15:6
When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it:
“Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.” - Ps 32:1-2
4. Sustaining grace: John 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:10; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 4:16; 2 Peter 3:18
From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. John 1:16
But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace. 1 Corinthians 15:19
Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Cor 12:9
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Heb 4:16
Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen. 2 Peter 3:18
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