THE GOSPEL OF JOHN
Study Guide
By
Phil Scovell
Copyright 1997
By Phil Scovell
All Rights Reserved
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Contact Information
Phil Scovell
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Each of the four Gospels provide a different view of our
Lord. Matthew as (King), Mark as (Servant), Luke as (the Son of
Man), and John as (the Son of God). John's Gospel account,
however, is unique in its presentation of Jesus. Even as the
first chapter is read, we clearly see Jesus as (God come in the
flesh)-- "And the Word was made flesh," [1:14]. The first
doctrine John addresses is Jesus as (The Creator God)-- "In the
beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word
was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things
were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was
made." [1:1-3]. We even discover the true purpose of His coming
in the first chapter-- "But as many as received Him, to them gave
He power to become the sons of God,even to them that believe on
His name," [1:12]. Because of this Gospel's doctrines,
Scriptural truths, and spiritual principles, it is truly
suggested reading for those newly born again; but it should never
be neglected by any Christian for very long.
There are three practical ways of studying John's Gospel.
The first is simply to read it chapter-by-chapter as you would
any book. It is mostly chronological and sequential in events;
thus easy to follow. It is also easy reading, even in the King
James, and almost reads as a novel in modern translations. John
was known as "the discipline whom Jesus loved;" and his writing
of his Lord demonstrates his love for Him clearly.
The second method of viewing the Gospel is by the miracles
performed by our Lord and recorded by John. Only eight are
mentioned by John but each reveal an aspect of our Lord's nature
which is comforting to us as His children. The miracles are
recorded as follows:
1. The turning of water into wine: [chapter 2].
2. The healing of the nobleman's son: [chapter 4].
3. The healing of the lame man: [chapter 5].
4. The feeding of the five thousand: [chapter 6].
5. Jesus walking on the water: [chapter 6].
6. The blind man healed: [chapter 9].
7. Lazarus raised from the dead: [chapter 11].
8. The one hundred fifty-three fish: [chapter 21].
These eight miracles were performed by Jesus publicly and
not only represent aspects of His eternal nature as God, but can
likewise be viewed as various stages of spiritual development in
the Christian walk:
1. Conversion: The turning of water into wine. [chapter 2.]
(Salvation/regeneration)
Being born again.
2. Conflict: Healing of the nobleman's son. [chapter 4].
(Verification/inspiration.)
Immediately following salvation, one will experience conflict
and will need to establish trust in the truth of God's Word by
faith as the nobleman did in John 4.
3. Completeness: The lame man of thirty-eight years. [chapter
5]. (restoration, Sanctification, justification)
Often the Devil will attempt to paralyze us in our Christian
walk by circumstances and situations beyond our control-- our
Lord always restores us to (walking status).
4. Credibility: Jesus walking on the water. [chapter 6].
(Glorification.)
Jesus established His credibility with His disciples as he
came walking to them on the water. He often reveals Himself in
unusual ways in the Christian life; thus is glorified. Look for
HIm!!!
5. Contentment: Feeding the five thousand. [chapter 6].
(Gratification.)
He fills us and we are content.
6. Cleansing: Healing of the blind man. [chapter 9].
(Purification.)
I John 1:9 is often experienced in the Christian growth
process.
7. Confidence: Lazarus raised from the dead. [chapter 11].
(Tribulation.)
It will come but Jesus is the resurrection and the life in
all that we face.
8. Commitment: The one hundred fifty-three fish. [chapter 21].
(Dedication.)
Nothing is gained in our walk with the Lord without
commitment to Him and His Word.
There is yet a third way of reading and studying from the
book of John which I recommend; By outline--
I. His Witness/Message. [chapter 1].
II. His Works/Miracles. [chapters 2-11].
III. His Words/Ministry. [chapters 12-18].
IV. His Will/Mysteries. [chapters 19-20].
V. His Wisdom/Meaning. [chapter 21].
* A FINAL NOTE *
There are actually nine miracles in John's Gospel if you
include our Lord's bodily resurrection recorded in chapter 20.
Although His resurrection most certainly was a miracle, it stands
alone from the other eight public miracles which reveal His
Sonship and Deity.
However you choose to read or study this Gospel, you will no
doubt conclude with the confession of John the baptizer-- "He
must increase, but I must decrease." [John 3:30].
Index of Preacher's Help and Notes
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