John 5:1-15

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 5:1-15

1. We are taught what misery sin has brought into the world.
2. We are taught how great is the mercy and compassion of Christ.
3. We are taught the lesson that recovery from sickness ought to impress upon us.

"When we read of cases of sickness like this we should remember how deeply we ought to hate sin! Sin was the original root, cause and fountain of every disease in the world...Surely if men and women would only look at hospitals and infirmaries and think what havoc sin has made on this earth they would never take pleasure in sin as they do."

"He is far more ready to save than we are to be saved, far more willing to do good than we are to receive it."

"Every sickness and sorrow is the voice of God speaking to us. Each has its special message. Happy are they who have an eye to see God’s hand and an ear to hear His voice in all that happens to them. Nothing in this world happens by chance."

Questions:

1. If we have lived in this world for any length of time, we undoubtedly have faced the effects of sickness upon our bodies, and those whom you love. When this happens, do we associate it with the effects of sin or chance? What good might it do to our hearts to experience sickness and hate sin more?

2. Ryle points out that Jesus is a willing Savior, and that he is more willing to save than we are to be saved. Do we believe this? Do we present this Jesus to others?

3. Ryle says that every sickness and sorrow is the voice of God speaking to us, and that happy are they who have ears to hear what He is saying because nothing happens by chance. Do we see sickness and sorrow this way? Equally as important, when we recover from any given sickness, do we have a deeper hatred of sin, a greater watchfulness over our ways, and purpose to live more for God? May it be so, by God’s grace!