Free from the Words of Others
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I Love Central Week #5
Free from the Words of Others
John 7:12-44

The reason it often seems difficult to follow Jesus is because it’s actually difficult to follow Jesus

Three things to focus on that will set us free from living under the oppression of the words of other people:

1. Ignore their opinions

There was a lot of grumbling about him among the crowds. Some argued, “He’s a good man,” but others said, “He’s nothing but a fraud who deceives the people.” 13 But no one had the courage to speak favorably about him in public, for they were afraid of getting in trouble with the Jewish leaders. John 7:12-13

The crowd replied, “You’re demon possessed! Who’s trying to kill you?” John 7:20

When the crowds heard him say this, some of them declared, “Surely this man is the Prophet we’ve been expecting.” 41 Others said, “He is the Messiah.” Still others said, “But he can’t be! Will the Messiah come from Galilee? 42 For the Scriptures clearly state that the Messiah will be born of the royal line of David, in Bethlehem, the village where King David was born.” 43 So the crowd was divided about him. 44 Some even wanted him arrested, but no one laid a hand on him. John 7:40-44

It’s possible to know the scriptures and not know Jesus

The quickest way to lose sight of what God says about me is to hyper-focus on what other people say about me

But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer Luke 5:16

If Jesus needed some time to get his focus on The Father, then we do too

2. Don’t submit to the standards of others

For John the Baptist didn’t spend his time eating bread or drinking wine, and you say, ‘He’s possessed by a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ 35 But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it” Luke 7:33-35

If Jesus doesn’t affect everything, then he means nothing to our lives ultimately

3. Talk about celebrations

Central will be known as a church known more for our celebrations rather than our condemnations

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” Psalm 122:1

What can we celebrate?

a. When a Prodigal comes home!

b. When an addict is clean for a day!

c. When people find hope to keep on living!

d. When people meet Jesus!

Where were you when Jesus found you?

How far has Jesus brought you?

What has he brought you through?

How much strength has He given you?

What did He rescue you from?