Introduction:
Today our passage comes from John 7
Our aim today is to demonstrate the importance of God’s timing and realizing our steps are ordered by the Lord
John 7:1-13, 37 NLT
After this, Jesus traveled around Galilee. He wanted to stay out of Judea, where the Jewish leaders were plotting his death. 2 But soon it was time for the Jewish Festival of Shelters, 3 and Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, where your followers can see your miracles! 4 You can’t become famous if you hide like this! If you can do such wonderful things, show yourself to the world!” 5 For even his brothers didn’t believe in him.
6 Jesus replied, “Now is not the right time for me to go, but you can go anytime. 7 The world can’t hate you, but it does hate me because I accuse it of doing evil. 8 You go on. I’m not going* to this festival, because my time has not yet come.” 9 After saying these things, Jesus remained in Galilee.
10 But after his brothers left for the festival, Jesus also went, though secretly, staying out of public view. 11 The Jewish leaders tried to find him at the festival and kept asking if anyone had seen him. 12 There was a lot of grumbling about him among the crowds. Some argued, “He’s a good man,” but others said, “He’s nothing but a fraud who deceives the people.” 13 But no one had the courage to speak favorably about him in public, for they were afraid of getting in trouble with the Jewish leaders.
37 On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! 38 Anyone who believes in
me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’ ”*
The Enemies Intent
Jewish leaders were plotting His death 7:1
Silence the Truth
Comment: The religious community is all about quieting the truth for the sake of advancing their own agenda
Family was Antagonistic toward him vvs. 2-8
His own household
Rejection on many levels
Jesus’ response
God’s Timing
Timing is crucial
Our steps are ordered by the Lord
Psalm 37:23 (NLT) 23The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
Purpose in every step
****Important Note****
Don’t give in to the temptation to get ahead of God and miss your kairos moment; your appointed time
Your Mission
III. Learning the Voice of God
Elijah
Discerning God’s activity
Live/walk in God’s timing
Conclusion: