John 6:41-51

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 6:41-51

1. We learn that Christ’s lowly condition when He was upon earth is a stumbling-block to the unconverted.
2. We learn our natural helplessness and inability to repent or believe.
3. We learn that the salvation of a believer is a present thing.

"His moral teaching they approve, His example and self-denial they admire. But speak to them of Christ’s blood, of Christ being made sin for us, of Christ’s death being the cornerstone of our hope, of Christ’s poverty being our riches and you will find they hate these things with a deadly hatred. Truly the offence of the cross is not yet ceased!"

"It would not be true to say that a person has a real wish and desire to come to Christ but no power to come. It would be far more true to say that a person has no power to come because they have no desire or wish."

"Life, we should observe, is a present possession. It is not said that they will have it at last, on the judgment day. It is now, even now, in this world, their property. They have it the very day that they believe."

Questions:

1. We see that the offence of the gospel, which was true for those who heard it from Jesus' own lips, is still an offense today. What do we know of this offense in the lives of those around us?
2. Jesus declares that no one comes to Him unless the Father draws them. This verse highlights the true problem of sin, namely a lack of desire to be saved. And yet, Ryle points out that the only one to blame on the last day will be each person who did not come. These two things, our being accountable for not coming and the need for the Father to draw, truly, are deep and mysterious. Is this something we are currently wrestling with? Do you agree with Ryle's assessment? Why or why not?
3. As we look at this great truth, the question for us must be: do we believe? Has the Father drawn us to Himself through faith in Jesus alone? What difference has this made in our lives? May it be so, and may we bear fruit 30, 60, and 100 fold!