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Scripture Reading:  John 12:31-41

Why Do People Reject the Evidence that Jesus is the Son of God?

Intro.

1.  Part 1 began by question, why do you believe in God?  (1 Pet. 3:15)

  a.  Evidence that establishes faith (Heb. 11:1; Rom. 1:16).

  b.  1 Jno. 1:1-4 – Heard & saw the evidence: Announced to us.

2.  We considered some of the evidence for Jesus as the Son of God (Matt. 16:16-17; Jno. 5:36-37).  The words, works & life of Jesus is a body of evidence that has stood for 2,000 years.

3.  Our intent was to show that Jesus must be considered by all who would otherwise discount the existence of God & the Bible as His word (Jno. 12:44-48).

4.  “We have found the Messiah” (Jno. 1:41, 45).

5.  Why do people refuse to believe Jesus is the Son of God?  (“Lord, who has believed our report?” – Jno. 1:11; 12:37-38; Rom. 10:16-17)

I.  WHY DO PEOPLE REJECT THE EVIDENCE THAT JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD?  (Jno. 12:37)

  A.  It Does Not Agree with Human Wisdom – 1 Cor. 1:21-25; 2:1-5, 6.

    1.  Pride – Psa. 10:4; cf. Prov. 14:12 (28:26).

    2.  God is excluded from consideration (Rom. 1:22, 28).

  B.  It Means there is an Objective Standard of Truth & Morality to which One is Obligated (Jno. 18:38) – Jno. 14:6 (1:1, 14).

    1.  Jesus is definite, absolute truth – Jno. 12:46.

    2.  Calls us to walk in His light – Jno. 12:35-36 (8:12).

    3.  Many love darkness of sin rather than light of truth – Jno. 3:19-21.

  C.  Some are Unwillingness to Do What He Says – Jno. 7:16-17.

    1.  Jesus demands a decision of conscience & faith from all who encounter Him (words & works) & the evidence about Him.

    2.  You cannot remain neutral about Jesus!  Matt. 12:30

    3.  Will you have faith built on evidence, or will you deny Him?

  D.  It is Not What Some Have Always Believed – Jno. 1:45-46.

    1.  Unwilling to come to the truth because it admits past error. 

    2.  Jesus calls on everyone to do so to be saved!  (Believe & repent – Lk. 13:5; Acts 20:21)

  E.  It Means Loved Ones Who Do (did) Not Believe in Jesus are Lost in Sin – Jno. 3:16-18.

    1.  Truth about Jesus does not make anyone a sinner (Rom. 5:12).

    2.  Jesus is the way of salvation for all (you & loved ones).

    3.  If you reject the truth about Jesus, you lost in sin, too!  (Jno. 3:18)

  F.  Because of What Others will Say or Do – Jno. 12:42-43 (cf. 16:1-2); Jno. 9:16-22; cf. Matt. 10:27-31.

    1.  Lord will not leave you – Heb. 13:5-6.

    2.  Lord will deliver you – 2 Tim. 4:16-18.

Conclusion 

1. “Who is the Son of Man?”  (Jno. 12:34)  Jesus of Nazareth!

  a.  “Do you believe in the Son of God?” (Jno. 9:35-38)

  b.  Will you believe the report?  (Jno. 12:38) 

2.  If you believe, then obey Him & have everlasting life (Jno. 12:48-50).