Something to Believe InJohn 14:7-14

epistemology

theory of knowledge: the branch of philosophy that studies the nature of knowledge, in particular its foundations, scope, and validity

How do we know what we know? Can we know anything for sure?

“Infallibility and certainty are huge issues when we think about knowing...

All of us want to be sure… Especially in areas in which a lot is at stake in the truth of our claims, we want to

be sure.” Meek, pp.26-27

faith

• Faith is a function of truth.• Belief shapes behavior. – We act the way we act in

response to our perception of truth.

– Our neighbors are watching carefully.

“The quality of the church’s corporate testimony

determines to a great extent how credible its

members’ individual testimonies will be.”

MacArthur, p.153

certainty

• We want to be certain. We want to know for sure.

• We need an anchor for our souls in times of greatest uncertainty and trouble.

“What the postmodern person is looking for, what

postmoderns really want, is the stability, the rock, the anchor, the foundation, of

the truth that they can stake their lives on.”

Poe, p. 149

“Crises of one sort or another prompt us to stop

and scrutinize what we thought we were confident

of. … These things and others can move us to ask

the question again with fresh urgency.”

Meek, p.16

gospel

• The gospel is THE something to believe in.– Its veracity is based squarely on

the person and work of Christ.– If He has lied, we are adrift.– If He is the true way to the Father,

we have a chance again.

facts

1. I have a personal relationship with God, the Father, by knowing Jesus, the Son. (vv.7-9)

facts

2. I accept the authority of God, the Father, as the basis for all truth expressed by Jesus, the Son. (vv.10)

facts

3. I have found the supporting evidence of Jesus’ message to be clear, compelling, and convincing. (v.11)

conclusion

• The gospel is THE something to build your life on.

DO

DONE

“You can get too fixated on doing what you are

supposed to do, so much that you lose sight of a

gracious, relational God.” Meek, pp. 94-95

“We have nothing to offer the postmodern world in terms of organizations,

programs, institutions, and structures. What we have to offer is a concrete basis for

peace in a fragmented world…”

Poe, p. 74

• I AM the way, the truth, and the life…

• I AM the focus of your epistemic pursuit…

• KNOW Me.

“Jesus Christ is the only reliable basis for truth.”

Poe, p. 154

facts

4. I will model my thoughts, speech, and actions after Jesus, the Son’s, in order to glorify God, the Father. (vv.12-14)

“Speaking the facts doesn’t lead to the goal [knowing]; embodying the facts does.”

Meek, p.65

“…Truth requires obedience. Obedience,… is lived truth.”

Meek, p.140

function

• Whoever believes will do. – longer life will mean greater

influence for God• Whoever believes will ask.– more aligned praying will mean

greater glory for God• Whoever believes will live.– stronger certainty will mean

greater passion for God