Sunday School Class // January 7, 2024
View Series
This is a lesson I prepared for a Sunday School class and is based on the video series “The Basics of the Christian Life by Sinclair Ferguson | Ligonier Ministries” (Lesson 1)
John 8:12 (ESV)
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Walking in Spiritual Darkness
- John 8:12-20
- Darkness hinders our understanding of the gospel
- We live according to the flesh (worldly)
- Lies we tell ourselves
In this section, Jesus tells the listeners that they are walking in spiritual darkness and are in dire need of the spiritual light that is Jesus himself. Though he was speaking to people who were not already his disciples, his followers needed to be reminded of this every day. We are easily led astray by the lies we tell ourselves and often wander off the straight and narrow path of obedience. We grow more accustomed to living in the world and our fleshly desires cloud our ability to both see and respond to the gospel light.
- What are some of the lies that you tell yourself that most easily deceive you?
- Pray and ask God to reveal any lies that you continue to tell yourself that you are not aware of. Ask him to open your heart and mind to see the darkness within.
- Then humbly bring these lies before Jesus and let the light of his gospel bring healing.
Living in Spiritual Death
- John 8:21-30
- Trappings of life; No real life
- The appearance of life, but dead
- Lies we tell others
In this section, Jesus tells his listeners that they are living in spiritual death. He is warning them that they have all the trappings and appearance of life, but are spiritually dead. In other words, Jesus is exposing the lies that they are telling others by the masks they wear around people. These lies that we tell others to keep everyone at a distance do not allow us to be vulnerable, open, and honest. The lies we tell others are born out of our selfish pride as we desire to look good and proper before others, even while death is devouring us.
- What are some of the lies that you regularly tell others; what is your preferred mask to wear?
- Pray and ask God to reveal the hidden masks and lies that you tell others.
- Be vulnerable and share your struggles and lies with a trusted friend.
Held in Spiritual Bondage
- John 8:31-36
- Slaves to sin
- Freedom through Christ
- Lies we readily believe
In this section, Jesus tells his listeners that they are held in spiritual bondage and are considered slaves to sin. Jesus has come to set us free from the bondage of sin and make us slaves of righteousness. We readily believe the lies that tell us true freedom means self-indulgence and self-autonomy. The lies of the world, the flesh, and the devil are deceptive in that they speak to our deep-rooted self-righteousness. Jesus has broken the bonds of our sin and we are no longer slaves. We have freedom through Christ alone.
- What are some of the lies that the world tells us that most easily deceive you?
- Pray and ask God to reveal any worldly lies that have taken root in your heart and hold you in bondage.
- Battle and fight against these lies of the world through an honest examination of your heart.
Spiritual Orphans
- John 8:37-59
- Don’t know God as our Father
- Don’t cry out to our Father
- Lies we tell God
In this section, Jesus tells his listeners that they are indeed spiritual orphans and in need of the rich love of the Father in their lives. They were operating under the misconception that their family status came from their ethnicity and culture. Jesus is showing them they don’t relate to God as their Father as they should. We often tell God lies when we neglect to see and understand that God is our heavenly Father. We can and should be in a relationship with him as our loving Father. We tell ourselves that God is unapproachable or we must clean ourselves up before coming to him. This is not how we should relate to our Father. He wants us to come to him in every circumstance. Even in our low points our Father loves us, wants to embrace us, and offers complete forgiveness. We lie to God when we treat him as distant and uncaring.
- What are some of the lies you tell God in how you relate to him as your Father?
- Cry out to your heavenly Father in prayer and ask him to show you his deep unmeasurable love for you.
- Remind yourself often of the unconditional love of our Father and come to him in humility.
We Need to Engage with Jesus in the Light of His Gospel
- Reading & meditating on the Bible
- Hearing & applying the gospel preached
- Humility& openness in fellowship
These are just a few of the regular exercises that we should be involved with to help us dispel all the lies. The light of Jesus will reveal the darkness that creeps in and invades our hearts and minds. Our regular involvement in meeting with Jesus will build intimacy and strengthen our relationship with him. As we draw close to his Word, we draw close to Jesus. As we draw close to Jesus, we draw close to the Father.
Take time today to let the light of the gospel of Jesus expose your inner darkness. Repent and come to Jesus for forgiveness and healing. Come as you are and let Jesus bring renewal and refreshing in his gospel love.