January 16, 2005
Morning Sermon Outline
“Coming to Christ”
John 6:37-44
I. According to Christ, what does coming to Him mean or not mean?
1. It cannot refer to any superficial kind of coming that is unconcerned about motives – John 6:26-27
2. It does not refer to mere profession of faith, even if that profession be bold, powerful and profitable – Matthew 7:21-23
3. It has more to do with seeking Him, coming to Him for Who He really is, for what He has to offer –
A. The Bread of Life - John 6:35; 41; 48; 51
B. The Light of the World – John 8:12
C. The Door of the Sheep – John 10:7&9
D. The Good Shepherd – John 10:11&14
E. The Way, the Truth and the Life – John 14:6
F. The True Vine – John 15:1-5
4. It involves relishing Him, desiring Him, embracing Him, EATING HIM, making Him your ALL – John 6:51;55-56
II. This kind of coming to Christ does not come naturally to unconverted sinners:
1. This is the meaning of John 6:44 and other passages of Scripture like it “no one can come to me unless the Father Who sent Me draws Him”
NKJ Romans 3:10 As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not one; 11 There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God.
2. This biblical truth runs contrary to unbiblical ideas about “free will”
What is the difference between having a will (an ability to make decisions) and a free will (a will free from the constraints of sinful depravity)?
3. God gives us a will, we make our own decisions, we are NOT ROBOTS
4. Our wills are bound by corruption and sin –
5. Our yearnings for sin are greater than even natural yearnings, even impossible to over come without special grace –
Jeremiah 13:23 Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Then may you also do good who are accustomed to do evil.
III. How do people come to Christ?
1. By the Father’s giving – John 6:37
2. By the Father’s drawing – John 6:44
3. Through spiritual means – John 6:63
4. Through the New Birth – John 3:3&5
This should impact how we do business in the church, we should aim to work with God in His “giving” and “drawing” by emphasizing those things which He has commanded – Acts 2:42-47
