The Gospel of John: Trouble Part One | Rev. Nathan Bell

13 July 2025Find out more about Jesus⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/jesus⁠Find the answers to life's biggest questions. Try Alpha.⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/alpha⁠Can we pray for you? Request prayer.⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/⁠ and click 'Prayer Request' Button.To give/tithe to the work of Hills Church, follow the link below⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/give⁠OverviewIn John 7:1–24, Jesus stays in Galilee despite family pressure to go to Judea for the Festival of Shelters. His brothers mock his messianic claims, and the religious leaders plot his death. Jesus slips into the festival quietly, then teaches boldly in the temple, challenging both popular misconceptions and legalistic hypocrisy. He warns against superficial judgment and calls for a discerning look “beneath the surface.”Sermon Notes • Recap of John series: six months in Galilee (feeding 5,000, walking on water, “I am the bread of life”). • Many disciples fell away (John 6:60–71); Peter’s confession (“To whom would we go?”) set the tone for wholehearted follow-through. • Today: chapter 7, “Trouble – Part 1,” focusing on mounting opposition from family, the crowd, and religious authorities. • Scripture Passage • John 7:1–10: Family skepticism—brothers urge Jesus to seek fame in Jerusalem; Jesus refuses, pointing out that the world hates him because he exposes its sin. • John 7:14–24: Mid-festival, Jesus teaches in the temple; crowd astonished at his authority; he contrasts truth-seeking and self-seeking motives, rebukes their Sabbath-law hypocrisy, and urges “stop judging by mere appearances, but judge correctly.”Main Points 1. Opposition from Family & World • Jesus’ own brothers don’t believe (v 5–7); the “world” (festival crowd) hates the truth about sin (v 7–10). 2. Discern True Authority • A God-sent teacher speaks truth to convicts the heart, not just pleases the crowd (v 16–18). • Authentic ministry seeks God’s glory, not self-glory. 3. Judge Beneath the Surface • Legalistic enforcement (e.g., Sabbath laws) can hide self-righteous pride (v 19–24). • Jesus calls us to discern heart-motives, not merely outward compliance. • Illustrations & Stories • Festival Tension: Imagine navigating Jerusalem crowds amid threats on your life—Jesus’ courage in teaching under pressure. • Youth Leader Story: A new believer, Troy, faced condemnation for imperfect attendance and dress, while his inner transformation went largely unseen—highlighting the danger of focusing on appearances over heart change.Application • When Truth Offends: Notice where you resist honest conviction; embracing Jesus on his terms may conflict with family, culture, or personal comfort. • Discern Teachers & Messages: Does this teaching seek God’s glory by calling you to heart-change, or does it pander to what feels good? • Cultivate “Beneath the Surface” Vision: In your relationships and church life, look for genuine fruit of the Spirit rather than mere outward conformity.ClosingPastor Nathan led a prayer inviting the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts, strengthen authentic unity, and empower us to live out justice, mercy, and love—“more of You and less of us.” • Resources & Links • Bible Passage: John 7:1–24 (NLT) • John Journals: Available in the foyer for note-taking#hillschurch #beencouraged #nathanbell #evertonhills #brisbanechurch #brisbane #wesleyanmethodistchurch #hillschurchsermon