Title: Philip Leading Nathanael (John 1:43-51)
Contents
Seol 1203 Philip who led Nathanael 12.1.15 (2nd week of Epiphany)
John 1:43-51
Today's Bible verse is the story of Philip leading Nathanael to Jesus.
After Philip of Bethsaida met Jesus, he went to visit his friend Nathanael. I went to preach to him.
It is because they want to boast about their faith, and because they want to boast about the Jesus they believe in. And he wanted Nathanael to believe in Jesus as he did.
However, evangelism was not easily accomplished. Nathanael coherently refuted Philip's words. Then Philip said to Nathanael, “Come and see.” At that, Nathanael followed Philip.
I. The Bible shows how Philip led Nathanael to Jesus.
“And Philip found Nathanael and said, “We have found him, whom Moses wrote in the law, and which the prophets wrote: Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph” (verse 45).
1. It is said that Philip went to lead Nathanael.
Even if all of the evangelism is not successful, the hard work you seek becomes a valuable devotion before God. Because it is obedience to the first step of the Lord's words, "Go and make disciples of all nations."
Some officers were talking about missionary work in the presence of the Duke of Wellington, saying that it was an unlikely way to succeed. The Duke then asked them what to do when the commander-in-chief gave an order. “You have to act immediately,” they said. “The command of the missionary commander-in-chief to march was to go all over the world and preach the gospel to all people.” The peacock continued. “Your duty is to march and fight. The responsibility for success rests with the commander, not with you. If you do not depart, I will shoot you.”
Philip went and met Nathanael.
2. Philip introduced Jesus and clearly said, “We have met.”
We show this fact that in order for us to meet Jesus in others, we must first meet Him.
When Christians want to talk about the grace of God, they must first have an experience of grace. In order for me to believe, I must first believe.
3. Philip did not back down when Nathanael refuted, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” He said, “Come and see.
There are not many people who were theoretically persuaded to believe in Jesus when they came to believe.
Philip could not convince Nathanael, but he was convinced that Jesus was the Messiah. That's why he said, "Come and see."
Ⅱ. The Bible shows that Philip got to know Jesus better after leading Nathanael.
It is one of the blessings that evangelists receive.
There are three new things that Philip learned as he led Nathanael.
1. Philip knew that Jesus could see through the hearts of men.
In verse 47, the Lord saw Nathanael and said, “Behold, this is a true Israelite, and there is no deceit in him.”
Through these words, Philip came to realize that the Lord knows the hearts of men.
2. Philip learned that Jesus is the one who transcends space.
In verse 48, Nathanael asked Jesus, “How do you know me?” The Lord answered, “Before Philip called you, I saw you while you were under the fig tree.”
From this answer of Jesus, Philip realized that the Lord had the power to transcend space. So Philip's faith in the Lord could be strengthened.
3. Philip learned about the glory of Jesus.
In verse 51, “You will see the heavens opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man”.
There are some mysterious facts in those words.
It is the fact that the sky is open.
It is not common for God's messengers to appear, but it is said that many of God's messengers appear.
And he knew that the angels would ascend and descend for the Lord, and people would be able to see it.
Ⅲ. The Bible shows that after Philip led Nathanael, satisfactory results were obtained.
1. Philip saw his friend professing his faith in Jesus.
The goal of evangelism was fulfilled, and the salvation of our friends was accomplished.
In verse 49, Nathanael said, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God, the King of Israel."
A man named Stanley Tam said:
“Insurance brokers offer insurance contracts over the phone to an average of 45 people a week, but only 15 of them listen to insurance advice over the phone, and only 2 of those 15 sign up.
Therefore, if evangelists call a thousand times and lead only one person to the Lord, they will not be disappointed. It is because it is to save souls that are more precious than the world.”
2. Philip had more confidence in his faith through the change of Nathanael.
He must have been convinced that his beliefs were never wrong.
Later, Philip would have happily said to Nathanael, “Look, it was good to see you as I said.”
3. Philip confirmed that Jesus was pleased with his dedication.
The Lord showed great interest in Nathanael, whom Philip led, and worked to make Philip believe in the Lord as he wanted.
This fact indicates that the Lord had made Philip's labor not in vain and that he was pleased with his devotion.
Lessons learned and application
1. Evangelism is the best way to help others.
It is because it is to lead the souls who are about to perish on the way of salvation. It is worth more than escorting an emergency patient to the emergency room.
2. Evangelism is the best way to grow our faith.
This was before Wesley, the founder of Methodism, was converted.
While he was skeptical of his faith, he met Pastor W hler, who was going to the United States as a missionary to Morivian. He advised Wesley, “If you do not have faith, evangelize to gain faith, and if you have faith, evangelize with faith that you have.”
Wesley followed his advice and evangelized diligently. After that, God gave him the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
3. Evangelism is the best way to please the Lord.
Just as raising the dead is the best, it is best to lead sinners who will not be saved and will be destroyed to Jesus so that they can be saved.
He said that there is more joy in the kingdom of heaven for one sinner to repent and return than to rejoice over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance.