WHY ONE REFUSES TO COME TO CHRIST

Jno. 5:39-43.

INTRO:

1. Four reasons are given in Jno. 5 to prove that Jesus is the Christ.

A. The testimony of John the Baptist, vss. 32-35.

B. The witness of the miracles of Jesus, Vs. 36. Also, 1-9 and 20: 30,31.

C. The testimony of the Father, vss. 37,38. Also, Matt. 3:17; 17:5.

D. The witness of the prophets as recorded in the scriptures, vs. 39. Also, Lk. 24:44-47; Acts 3:18-26.

1) Note that these witnesses are not based on human reasoning and powers, vs. 41.

2. Take a good look at verse 40.

A. This is one of the most pathetic utterances on the pages of the Bible... from both the standpoint of Christ and those to whom it was spoken.

3. There are two opposite attitudes manifested in this passage:

A. First, we have a willing Savior.

1) Jesus, God manifiested in the flesh, was offering life that had no end.

2) This offering was made possible by His supreme sacrifice upon the cross Jno. 15:13; Heb. 12:2.

B. Secondly, we have the attitude shown by stubborn, obstinate, rebellious, hardhearted people.

1) Those that are sick in sin, but refuse to come to the Great Physician that they might be healed.

2) Those that are sinking in the quicksands of eternal destruction, but refuse rescue.

4. Christians are made to wonder how man can be so blind and ungrateful.

5. However, all such individuals did not live in the first century, thus we make these applications in our day and time.

I. SOME LESSONS LEARNED FROM OUR TEXT. Jno. 5:39-43.

A. Man can come to Christ. Rev. 22;17.

1. If not, Christ would not have rebuked the Jews for NOT coming.

B. Christ wants men to come to Him -- He invites them to do so. Matt. 11: 28-30.

1. He not only invites, but literally begs them to come. Jno. 12:35,36; 2 Cor. 5:18-21.

2. He earnestly and persistently pleads. Rev. 3:20.

3. And He will tenderly care for those who accept His invitation. Matt. 23:37.

C. Men must come to Christ if they will have life.

1. Because He is the author of eternal salvation. Heb. 5:9.

2. Only Christ can lead us to eternal life. Jno. 14:1-6.

II. WHY DO MEN REFUSE TO COME TO CHRIST?

A. There are many underlying reasons, but only one main reason -- LACK OF LOVE!

1. Jesus assigns this reason to the Jews in Jno. 5:42; 14:23,24.

2. Anyone who doesn't obey Christ, doesn't love God. 1 Jno. 5:2,3.

B. Love of worldly honor. Jno. 12:42,43.

1. Christianity is not popular among people of the world.

2. Notice the teaching of Christ on this matter. Matt. 10:16-39.

C. Love for sin.

1. Love for sin and love for God are incompatible. 1 Jno. 2:15-17; Jas. 4:4.

2. Therefore, man must make a choice. In choosing he must:

a. Not forget that sin is but for a season. Heb. 11:24,25.

b. But the wages thereof are eternal. Gal. 6:7,8; Rom. 6:23; Matt. 25:46.

3. Yet, in view of this, many Christians still participate in immodest dress, mixed bathing, social drinking, dancing, bad language, and in general, live like the world about them.

4. In many ways, they are like the prodigal son. Lk. 15:11-32.

D. Love of Relatives.

1. Many times people believe if they obey the truth that will condemn the lives of relatives.

a. Thus, they do not obey because they fear they might offend them.

b. But, we should realize that whether we obey or not will not be the condemning factor. 2 Cor. 5:10.

c. If they continue in their lives of disobedience this will be the condemning factor in their lives.

d. In fact, our obedience might be just the thing that will help them to see the need for their obedience.

2. Consider what Jesus says in, Matt. 8:21.22.

a. Now note what He says in, Matt. 10:37,38.

3. If you will obey the gospel you will be able to help both yourself and your relatives.

a. Note what Peter says in, 1 Pet. 3:1,2.

4. Note the teaching of Christ in, Matt. 12:46-50.

a. Herein Christ shows that spiritual ties are greater than physical.

b. Family ties are precious to us, but they are physical and temporal, while our relationship with Christ and the saints of God are spiritual and eternal.

E. Love of Ease.

1. Christianity can be summed up in one word...GIVE.

2. Christianity places emphasis on WORK and more WORK. 1 Cor. 15:58; Titus 2:14; Jno. 9:4; Phil. 2:12,13.

3. Many Christians work hard and steady, knowing that payday and rest comes at the "end of the day".

4. But here are some questions for those that are not so steady, that claim to be Christians:

a. Just what takes precedence over your attending all services? Heb. 10: 25.

b. Why haven't you taught someone the gospel in the past several months? Matt. 28:18-20.

c. How long has it been since you have personally helped someone in need? Jas. 2:14-17.

5. Many straying Christians refuse to be restored to Christ because of their love for ease. Amos 6:1.

F. Love Not The Truth. 2 Thes. 2:10-12.

1. Christ is truth personified. Jno. 14:6.

a. To reject the truth is to reject Christ.

2. The Bible is the medium by which we get truth. Jno. 17:17; 8:32.

3. Paul declares that some refuse to love (obey) the truth.

a. Strong delusions, workings of error, are sent to such people, resulting in their condemnation.

b. The truth is so plain, we wonder why everyone doesn't obey it.

1) Well, here is the answer: God sends them strong delusions. Why? Because they love not the truth.

4. It seems that false teachers have more success in leading people than do true teachers. Jno. 5:43; Gal. 1:6-9; 2 tim. 4:1-4.

CONCLUSION:

1. Review the reasons "Why men refuse to come to Christ."

2. To you who have heard the gospel, losing your souls will be deliberate spiritual suicide.

a. Such are like a man driving through traffic lights, through fences, through open bridge warnings, etc.

3. No doubt, your supposed reasons are only flimsy excuses and you are not even satisfied with them yourself.

a. If this is the case, what will God think of them?

By Jim Sasser

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