Sermon by Missionary Samaroo Sookraj
Text: John 13:17
Sub: Knowledge, Obedience and Joy.
Intro: 1) The time when the statement was made. (Just after the washing of their feet)
2) The purpose for it being done.(To portray the characteristic of humility)
3) The text brings out special meaning to me for in it I see the recipe for true happiness. (The importance of possessing true religion)
4) Religion by itself is not necessarily socially bad because generally, it teaches the importance of proper morals, conduct and behaviour towards each other and the God it may embrace within its teachings, but true happiness will only come through embracing the knowledge of the True God, and obedience towards the True God.
1. Knowledge. Knowledge is one of the essential principles upon which real happiness is found.
A. The knowledge of the True God.
1) There are many gods in this world but only one True God. From a literal translation of the Bible. 2Ch 15:3 Yea, Israel has been without a true God many days, and without a teaching priest, and without Law.
2Ch 15:4 And they turned in their distress to Jehovah the God of Israel, and they sought Him, and He was found by them.
Jer 10:10 But Jehovah is the true God, He is the living God and the everlasting King. At His wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to stand His indignation.
2) Men have made gods unto themselves.
Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Rom 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
Rom 1:23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
Rom 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
Rom 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
B. The True God reveals Himself to us in several ways...
1) His creation.
a. Nature Psa 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
b. Mankind. Gen 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:
c. Conscience; it convinces us of a lawgiver.
d. The Universe. The order of the universe...
2) His Word. He claims that it is His Word.
2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
a. He did not leave Himself without a Witness. His word testifies of Him. Heb 2:4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
b. The infallibility of His Word. Joh 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
c. The Word is plenary. Rev 22:18 For I testify together with everyone hearing the Words of the prophecy of this Book, if anyone adds to these things, God will add upon him the plagues having been written in this Book.
Rev 22:19 And if anyone takes away from the Words of the Book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the Book of Life, and out of the holy city, and of the things having been written in this Book.
C. Within this Word is revealed the knowledge of the Godhead.
1) The Father as God. Exo 20:2 I am Jehovah your God, who has brought you out from the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.
2) The Son as God. Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Joh 1:14 And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. And we beheld His glory, glory as of an only begotten from the Father, full of grace and of truth.
3) The Spirit as God. Act 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why did Satan fill your heart for you to lie to the Holy Spirit and to secretly keep back from the price of the land?
Act 5:4 Remaining, did it not remain yours? And being sold, was it not in your authority? Why is it that this action was put into your heart? You did not lie to men, but to God!
D. Within the Word is revealed to us the knowledge of the real condition of man as a created being.
1) His original perfection.
a. Man was made originally holy in the image and likeness of God.
2) His Fall. Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
3) His restoration. Heb 10:14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
4) His final state of being.
a. Heaven. Mat 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
b. Hell. Mat 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
2. OBEDIENCE. Compliance with a command, prohibition or known law and rule of duty prescribed;
