John 6:41-51 The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.… I. WHAT IS IMPORTED BY OUR BEING TAUGHT OF GOD. 1. Negatively. The text is not to be understood(1) of any extraordinary, visional appearances, or miraculous and immediate voice of God (Numbers 12:8; Hebrews 1:1, 2), (2) nor as opposite to or exclusive of the teachings of men. Saul was taught of God (Galatians 1:12). Yet the ministry of Ananias was honoured (Acts 9:4, 17). 2. Positively: the teachings of God (2 Corinthians 4:6: John 14:26) are — (1) The sanctifying impressions of the Holy Spirit by virtue of which the soul receives marvellous light and insight into spiritual things, and this not only at conversion but continuously (1 John 2:27; John 7:17; Jeremiah 31:83). Sanctification gives the soul experience of the truths of Scripture. (2) The gracious assistances of the Spirit as our need requires (Matthew 10:19; John 14:26). II. WHAT THOSE SPECIAL TRUTHS ARE WHICH BELIEVERS LEARN. 1. That there is abundantly more evil in their natures than they ever discerned before (John 16:8-9). There is threefold knowledge of sin. (1) Traditional in the rude multitude; (2) discursive in the more rational; (3) intuitive in the divinely enlightened. 2. The wrath and misery which hang over the world in consequence of sin. Scripture threatenings were before slighted (Isaiah 28:15; Psalm 1:1.21); now they see that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6.). 3. That deliverance from sin is the greatest business man has to do in this world (Acts 16:30). 4. That though it be obligatory to strive after salvation, yet one's own strength is insufficient to attain it. 5. That though the case be sad it is not remediless. There is a door of hope and way of escape. 6. That there is a fulness of saving power in Christ whereby any soul that duly receives Him may be delivered from all its guilt and misery (Hebrews 7:25; Colossians 1:19; Matthew 28:18). 7. That we can never reap any benefit from the blood of Christ without union with Christ (1 John 5:12; Ephesians 4:16). 8. That whatever is necessary in order to this union is to be obtained in the way of prayer (Ezekiel 36:87). 9. To abandon their former ways and companions (Isaiah 55:7; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Psalm 119:115), and to see the beauty and excellency of the ways and people of God (Psalm 16:3; Zechariah 8:28). 10. That whatever difficulties there maybe in religion they must not be discouraged or return to sin (Luke 9:62; 1 Corinthians 9:24). III. WHAT ARE THE PROPERTIES OF DIVINE TEACHING. God teaches — 1. Powerfully (2 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:4, 5; 1 Corinthians 14:25). 2. Sweetly (Song of Solomon 1:3; Song of Solomon 5:16), 3. Clearly (2 Corinthians 3:16; Luke 24:45). 4. Infallibly (John 14:13). 5. Abidingly (Psalm 119:98; Jeremiah 31:33). 6. Savingly (2 Timothy 3:15; John 17:3). 7. Penetratively (Matthew 11:25; Isaiah 32:4). 8. Transformingly (2 Corinthians 3:18; Romans 6:17). IV. WHAT INFLUENCE DIVINE TEACHINGS HAVE UPON SOULS IN BRINGING THEM TO CHRIST. 1. They have an influence upon the means (2 Corinthians 3:6; 1 Corinthians 3:7). 2. Upon the mind to remove what hindered it from Christ. 3. They powerfully allure the sinner to Christ (Hosea 2:14). V. WHY IS IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR ANY MAN TO COME TO CHRIST WITHOUT THE FATHER'S TEACHINGS. Because — 1. Of the power of sin (1) Sin is co-natural with the soul (Psalm 51:4; Isaiah 48:8). (2) The power of sin hath been strengthened by long continued custom which gives it the force of a second nature (Jeremiah 15:23). (3) Sin is the delight of the sinner (Proverbs 10:23). 2. Of the indisposition of man (1 Corinthians 2:14). Before he can come to Christ — (1) His blind understanding must be enlightened, which is the work of God (2 Corinthians 4:6; Revelation 3:17; Ephesians 5:8). (2) His hard heart must be broken and melted (Acts 5:31; Ezekiel 36:26). (3) His stiff and obstinate will must be conquered (Philippians 2:13). 3. Of the nature of faith, everything in which is supernatural. (1) The habit (Ephesians 2:8). (2) The light (Hebrews 11:1, 27). (3) The adventures (Romans 4:18). (4) The self-denial (Matthew 5:29). (5) The victories (Hebrews 11:33-34; Acts 15:9; 1 John 5:4). (John Flavel.) Parallel Verses KJV: The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. |
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