The Word Was God

Introduction:

Read John 1:1.  This is the beginning of the prologue to John’s account of the gospel which ends at Verse 18.  The prologue summarizes how the “Word” which was with God in the beginning came into the world and became the Jesus of history.

Text:  John 1:1-18

Body:

I.    The Word and Creation  (Verses 1-5)

Verses 1-2   This is an echo of Genesis 1:1.  Jesus’ existence predates time.  This places Him with God in eternity past.  (Revelation 1:8)  He is called the “Word.”  There is a creative aspect and a revelatory aspect.  (John 1:3-4)   Note also Revelation 19:13.  Also the Word was and is a member of the Trinity (Godhead).  The Word possesses the divine nature.  (I John 1:2)  The Word is not a created being.

Verse 3   “All things” includes the whole universe.  Nothing has existed eternally except God.  This is the creative aspect of the Word.  (Colossians 1:16-17)  Christ the Word is Lord of Creation.  Note Psalm 33:6.

Verses 4-5   Jesus the Word brings true knowledge into the world.  He revealed God; the light showed the world the path to everlasting life.    (John 8:12)  This is the revelatory aspect of the Word.   “Darkness” – those who oppose Jesus and the gospel   (John 3:19)  These did not understand nor seize the light – the Word.

II.  The Witness to the Word By John the Baptist  (Verses 6-8)

Verse 6   John was commissioned by God as were the prophets.   (John 1:32-34)

Verse 7   “Witness” – one who testifies about the truthfulness of something   The purpose of his witnessing was that all should believe in Jesus.    (John 1:35-37)  That was not the result, though.

Verse 8   Note John 1:19-20, John 3:28-30.

 III.    The Reactions to the Word in the World  (Verses 9-13)

Verse 9    “True” – real, genuine   The Word’s coming into the world enlightens everyone (ESV).  He reveals men for what they really are; exposes them.

Verse 10   Jesus was present in the world for all to hear His Word yet most did not choose to know Him.  (John 16:1-3)

Verse 11   “His own people” – the Jews   Of all people they should have known Him because of the Scriptures.  Jeremiah describes them well in Jeremiah 7:25-28.   “Receive” – submit, obey   Jesus taught this in the Parable of the Tenant. (Matthew 21:38, 39, 43)

Verses 12-13    One becomes a child of God by being born of God, not born of blood.  Those who receive Him, The Word, are given the power and privilege of becoming children of God.  (John 3:3-5)

 IV.   The Confession of the Word by the Church  (Verses 14-18)

Verse 14   When the Word became flesh, God became man.  He did not give up being divine when He came to earth.  This is the most amazing event in all of history.  We see the majesty and magnificence of God when we see the Word.  God’s attributes, such as grace and truth, are clearly seen in Jesus, The Word.    “Grace” – God’s unmerited favor that brings blessings to the undeserving   (Exodus 34:5-7)    “Truth” – reality   The Word revealed God’s character.

Verse 15   John bore witness.  (John 5:32-33)  Christ was greater. (John 1:26-27)

Verse 16   “Fullness.”   Colossians 2:9   The Word brought the full complement of grace.

Verse 17   In the Law of Moses, God’s grace was revealed to Israel.  In the law of Christ, grace and truth are revealed as never before.  (Romans 5:20-21)

Verse 18   No one has ever seen God in a full and complete way.  Jesus, the Word, has made Him known.  (John 6:46, John 14:9)

Conclusion:

Because Jesus is one with the Father, He is uniquely able to communicate God’s heart and mind.  As the “Word”, He reveals God’s love for us and how we are to respond to it.  Out eternal destiny depends upon how well we listen.

Bobby Stafford     July 14, 2013