John Chapter 5

Distributed by: KJV Bible Studies
Website: www.KjvBibleStudies.net
 
Introduction:  In Chapter 4, we saw Jesus coming to the woman of Samaria at Jacob’s Well where Jesus explained to her how to be saved and to partake of the Living Water that only Jesus can give. We talked of how this will satisfy our spiritual thirst forever. As we closed in the chapter, we saw Jesus coming back to Cana in Galilee where the nobleman came to Christ with the son that was about to die.  

Just by speaking to Jesus and showing his faith in Christ, Christ healed the boy without ever going to the home. Jesus is the Great Physician. He can heal our physical maladies, but even more, He can bring us back into a perfect relation with God.  

The first half of John 5 presents Jesus’ healing of the ‘impotent’ man at the pool of Bethesda. He then defends himself against the subsequent, virulent attack of Jewish critics. In the latter half of this chapter, Jesus focused on two matters: (1) His judgment at the coming resurrections; and (2) the validating four-fold witness of Him.
 
I. Christ at the Pool of Bethesda

John 5:1 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 
 
Jesus heals the impotent man. “After this” is a reference to events since Jesus last journey to Jerusalem for the Passover recorded in John 2. What feast may be at hand is not totally clear. There were seven major Jewish feasts a year.  Jesus goes up to Jerusalem to take part in the feast of the Jews. This feast may have been the feast of Pentecost.  Pentecost was one of the three great annual feasts which the law required for every male Israelite to observe in Jerusalem.  

We see Jesus honoring the Divine Law by going up to Jerusalem at the season of its celebration. It is important to recognize that Jesus did not come to destroy the law, but by observing it and fulfilling it, he glorified God with His life.

Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Mat 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

The requirements for the feasts are found in Deuteronomy chapter 16.  

Deu 16:1 Observe the month of Abib, and keep the passover unto the LORD thy God: for in the month of Abib the LORD thy God brought thee forth out of Egypt by night.
Deu 16:2 Thou shalt therefore sacrifice the passover unto the LORD thy God, of the flock and the herd, in the place which the LORD shall choose to place his name there.
 
Deu 16:16 Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:Deu 16:17 Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee.

Continue Reading in PDF:

John Chapter 4

Distributed by: KJV Bible Studies
Website: www.KjvBibleStudies.net

Introduction: In Chapter 3, we saw the explanation of what happens to the lost man or woman when they turn their life over to Christ by repentance and faith. Nicodemus, the ruler of the Jews, did not understand this concept of being “born again” at all.

Chapter 3 is about as clear on salvation as any book in the bible. The love of God is shown forth through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Chapter 3 ended with the affirmation about how we are condemned already if we do not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation.
 
I.        Jesus Departs into Galilee 

​John 4:1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
John 4:2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)

Verse one is interesting in that it mentions “when therefore the Lord knew…” Jesus was God himself in the flesh, yet he knew what others thought, even before they spoke. There are many verses in the bible that speak of how he perceived things that were not yet done or spoken. It is important to notice that verse 2 tells us that Jesus did not baptize, and this was done I believe on purpose that man not get the significance of baptism mixed up with salvation.

John associates Jesus as Lord for the first time in his gospel. Though John the Baptist’s disciples were becoming jealous that Jesus had more baptisms, Jesus had greater concerns. The Pharisees were picking up on Jesus’ rise to prominence. They already were becoming suspicious of Him, even at this early point in His ministry. Evidently, in His infinite wisdom, He knew the time was not right for a public confrontation with the Pharisees.

We see that verse one even states that “Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John.” This points to how that a person is saved and accepts Christ for salvation. Baptism is the first command we are to follow after being saved, and it is our entrance into the local church. But salvation is wholly of the Lord, and water has no significance in being born again. Baptism is a picture (symbolism) of our death to the old life when we enter the baptismal waters, and the picture of the new life when we are raised to walk in newness of life.  
 
Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
 
Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Rom 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Rom 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Rom 6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Rom 6:8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
Rom 6:9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
 
1 Pet 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
1 Pet 3:22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
 
Note the words “like figure” pointing to the baptism being a picture of salvation.

John 4:3 He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.
John 4:4 And he must needs go through Samaria.
John 4:5 Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

It says that they departed into Galilee because Jesus must needs go through Samaria. Samaria was between Judea and Galilee. When the Jews traveled from Judea to Galilee, they would go around Samaria on the east side and not enter into this country.  But Jesus was a Jew, and he did enter the country. We might ask why was it needful for him to go through Samaria. It was due to God having a reason.

What happens in our life may not always make sense, but God orders the steps of a good man. Trials may beset us, and we may not understand why things happen the way they do, but trust God. He does have a reason. We see that Jesus first came to the city of Sychar in Samaria.

Jesus went directly through Samaria with a specific purpose. The shortest route from Judaea to Galilee was directly through Samaria. Jews often, however, would cross the Jordan and take a more indirect route through Perea to Galilee, avoiding contact with Samaria. As they journeyed on foot, they came to a village in the region of Samaria called Sychar.

Some have thought that Sychar was another name for the ancient town of Shechem (modern day Nablous, also called Neapolis). Others believe the west-bank Palestinian village of Askar is the place. In as much as this village is near Mount Gerizim, evidently alluded to shortly, this probably is the better designation. 

Continue reading lesson in PDF:
​

Reflections on Living a Christian Life
 
As time flies by, it is good to stop and think on all the blessings God has given to us.  I want to share a few of the truths I have learned in my 62 years since I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior at the young age of 12.  I want to share some of the successes and wisdom I have gained from all these years walking with Jesus Christ and being led by the Holy Spirit.

Probably the greatest advantage a person can have in this life is to know Christ as their own personal savior.  Once the Holy Spirit comes inside and dwells with you, never again are you truly alone.  Christ is there to help us each day and to pick us up when we fail.   And due to our fleshly condition, we will fail.

I was blessed to have Christian parents.  No one ever loved her children any more than my mother did, and my dad was excellent in teaching us to be disciplined and to work hard.   To learn discipline is crucial to success in life.    I believe that living a disciplined life is the strongest form of self-love.

God’s word provides instructions on the right way to live.   I start my day in the word of God and I end it in reading the word.   No matter the situation, God speaks to me through his word. I have learned that no matter what happens, you need to just trust God. Don’t question him, just trust Him.   He has a reason for all things that happen to you.

Psa 27:14  Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. 

Be careful to live a free life. There are thousands of ways to be under bondage, but to walk with Christ and to live His way is total freedom.  I want to be free of sin and the ways of the world which are not to my good.

1Pe 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 
1Pe 1:4  To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 
1Pe 1:5  Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 
 
Do All to the Glory of God

1Co 10:23  All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. 
1Co 10:24  Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. 
1Co 10:25  Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: 
1Co 10:26  For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. 

The world teaches us to look out for yourself.   We are told that we are number 1 and you must concentrate on what you want.  After years of living like that, I have learned it is not true at all.   As a matter of fact, putting others first is God’s way of living.  Base you life on the example of Jesus Christ.   He had nothing in this world, but lived the exact perfect life in the will of the Father.

For years I believed that if I followed the world’s teachings and got the right credit score and the right credit cards, I would have success.  All of that is a lie from Satan. Freedom comes from doing things God’s way.

We do not need to do things based on worldly teachings. Satan knows our weaknesses and will use them against us. We are bombarded with advertisements that we must have ‘their thing’ to be happy.    We must shut out the noise and listen to God.

For years I heard that the normal person could never retire well, or that you will always have a house payment and a car payment.   That might be true for some, but with God’s help and some financial control, we now have a paid for home and haven’t had a car payment in 25 years.  But I didn’t do it on my own. It took some guidance and faith in the Lord.

When I was 49 years old, I started hearing Dave Ramsey talk about finances on the radio.  Many people hate his teachings, as he believes a person should do things God’s way and pay for things in cash.  He is not shy in explaining how that financial issues are due to the person in the mirror.  

Some don’t like his direct teachings, but being hardheaded and stubborn, I needed that.  It was me causing the problems in my younger years.   No one was going to come save me from poor financial discipline. Initially I fought to keep doing things my way, but finally gave up after several more years of failures and frustrations.

If we trust God, we should trust him in all things.   You must pay your tithes to the Lord if you want a happy and contented life.   Live within your means, knowing God will supply your every need.  Paul explained that in his letter to the church at Philippi and told of how he had learned to live.
 
God's Provision

Php 4:19  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 
 
Php 4:10  But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. 
Php 4:11  Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 
Php 4:12  I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 
Php 4:13  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 
 
God gives rules about money in the bible.   These are Dave Ramsey’s basic principles, but they are not accepted by most.    The rules are not complex or difficult.

Rom 13:8  Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 

Pro 22:7  The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. 

As we started down this simpler path of living, things got easier each year.   I started studying Minimalism and found it is a good logical way to live.   You don’t need to bring in more and more and pay out volumes of money to store extra things in storage buildings. 

I came across the book Walden by Henry David Thoreau which tells of his study on living simply out on Lake Walden.     His book is full of wise quotes.

He said that the mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.    Never slowing down and thinking things out the way God intended.

Henry David Thoreau used a borrowed axe to cut down trees and built a small cabin to live in for under $100.  He wanted to show that doing things in a simple fashion could be done with no liability to anyone else.

His point is that many people are not free, but the things hold them in bondage.  A person with a big farm may look well off, but if the farm controls your life, you are not free.  By raising a garden, he found he could live on 13 weeks of wages per year, and have the other 39 weeks to read and relax and do what he wanted.  

One of his quotes in the book is this:

For a man is rich in proportion to the number of things which he can afford to let alone.

Think on that:
​
For a man is rich in proportion to the number of things which he can afford to let alone.

But I would say to my fellows, once for all, as long as possible, live free and uncommitted. It makes but little difference whether you are committed to a farm or the county jail.  You are still committed.

His simple teachings have changed my way of thinking.  I read this book once every year to keep my thinking right. And to keep my focus away from the world, I watch Dave Ramsey on You Tube most every night.

One last thing to point out.    You can’t please everyone.    Your focus needs to be on pleasing God and doing your best.   The Lord desires for us to get along, but if a person is unreasonable, pray about it and then turn it over to God.    Be thankful you have a church where people understand your trials and pray for you and you pray for them.

1Pe 4:8  And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 
1Pe 4:9  Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 
1Pe 4:10  As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 
 
So in summary, I would say my top 5 takeaway pieces of advice are:

1. Trust God no matter what.  Lean not to your own understanding but seek God’s wisdom.

Pro 3:5  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 
Pro 3:6  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 
Pro 3:7  Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. 

2. Don’t try to keep up with the Jones.   Whatever you have, be happy and content in that status like Paul’s example in Philippians.

3. Read and learn.  I read that 90% of college graduates don’t read another meaningful book after they graduate.   Study and grow, and most of all, study your bible.

4. Think positive thoughts.  Your brain has a part that is being programmed every day.  One negative thought takes 3 positive thoughts to overcome.   Our brain is wired to look for the negative.   Overwhelm your mind with the promises of God and don’t let negativity affect you.

4. Don’t trust the world, advertising and lies.   Satan is a liar, but God never lies or misleads us.

5.  Get right with God every night.  FORGET FAILURES and live for God the best you can.   I probably have prayed for forgiveness now over 20,000 times.   I am not happy with any failure, and try to learn from it and not repeat the same thing.  But I don’t stress about it, and I press forward each day to serve God with a peaceful heart and mind.

Php 3:13  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 
Php 3:14  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 
 
 
 Download a copy of article