THE HARD SAYINGS OF JESUS

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THE HARD SAYINGS OF JESUS

• This is a hard saying who can understand it?
  (Jn. 660, NKJV)

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Meaning of Disciples Statement

• Hard (skleros) hard, harsh, unpleasant, rough
  (cf. Jas. 34 Jude 15)
• Understand (akouo) listen, hear (cf. Mk.
  611)
• Better reading This is a disturbing saying who
  can listen to it?

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Jesus Question

• Does this offend you? (v. 61)
• Offend (skandalizo) give offense to, anger,
  shock (to cause a scandal)
• When people understand Jesus teaching, either
  drawn to or repelled from Him
• Key is whether they believe His words as the
  truth (vv. 62-69 628-29, 43-45 546-47
  831-32)

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Total Commitment to Jesus as the Living Word of
Life

• Jesus, the bread of life, must be consumed fully
  and constantly (Jn. 635, 51-58)
• If not abide in Jesus, we are nothing and will be
  cast out (Jn. 155-6)
• Jesus is the only way to eternal life (Jn. 146
  824)
• Are these sayings hard for us to hear today?

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Total Commitment in Avoiding Sin

• If someone or something offend (cause to fall,
  sin), must take action to solve problem (Mk.
  943-48 Matt. 529-30)
• Jesus uses hyperbolic language to impress the
  point take drastic action to protect soul and
  faith

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Total Commitment in Avoiding Sin

• May be necessary to quit certain activities, end
  friendships, move to another congregation, seek
  help from others to avoid sin
• Too much to alter lifestyle or reverse some
  choices to put the things of God first? Are we
  willing to compromise with sin?

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Total Commitment in Staying Focused

• Very easy to forget our focus and become
  distracted from our commitment to follow Jesus
  (Lk. 957-62)
• Inconveniences in world (vv. 57-58)
• Spiritual priorities more important (vv. 59-60)
• Cannot look back after committing (vv. 61-62)
• Must stay focused on our true spiritual goals

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• Are these things hard to listen to?
• Do they cause a scandal in our lives?
• Will we walk away from our commitment to the
  Lord, or will we remain true to Him who has the
  words of life?

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