John 1:19-28

Until John, we have been using older manuscripts of Ryle's Expository Thoughts. Just recently, though, EP Publishing has put out a lightly updated version of Ryle's work, which I am now working from. If you are interested in a physical copy of the Expository Thoughts, you can find it HERE.

John 1:19-28

1. We have an instructive example of true humility.
2. We have a mournful example of the blindness of unconverted men and women.

"We have no true faith about us until we cast away our high thoughts and feel ourselves sinners. This is the grace which all believers may follow after and which none have any excuse for neglecting."

"Christ is still standing among many who neither see, nor know, nor believe. Christ is passing by in many a place and many a congregation and the vast majority have neither an eye to see Him, nor an ear to hear Him. The spirit of slumber seems poured out upon them. Money, pleasure and the world they know, but they do not know Christ. The kingdom of God is close to them, but they sleep. Salvation is within their reach but they sleep. Mercy, grace, peace, heaven and eternal life are so near that they might touch them and yet they sleep."

Questions:

1. Ryle points out that John the Baptist’s true shining quality, and that of all Christians, is to be clothed with humility. How do we think of ourselves? We must confess that apart from the cross, very highly. How easy do our thoughts run to thinking ourselves better than others?

2. Ryle also points out the sad reality not only of the Pharisees, but also many today. If we go to a church, or own a Bible, or have Christian books, do we realize how great is our privilege? Have we responded, and do we continue to respond, to Christ in faith and repentance? Are we making use of our privileges or squandering them?