Divine Knowledge of the Saints

SHEPHERDESS EDELMIRA CRUZ

STUDY #1186 CHURCH IN THE HOUSES Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Divine Knowledge of the Saints - John 1:43-51 Nathanael is seen by Jesus: Behold a true Israelite, in whom there is no deception. Nathaniel asks him: Where do you know me from? Jesus said to him, Before Philip called you when you were under the fig tree, I saw you. James S. Steward comments: It was never Christ's way of acting to demand a fully developed faith from the beginning. It was never His way of acting to prevent men from being disciples because of an incomplete creed. And of course, this is not His way of acting today, "He stands next to His brothers". He invites them to adhere to Him at that point where they can. He takes them with the faith they can offer Him. He is content with this at the beginning; and on this basis, He leads "His friends forward," as He led the first group, step by step, "to the most central secret of who He is" and to the full glory of discipleship.

I. (Nahum 1:7) He knows those who trust in Him.

A. Strength in the day of anguish.

1. Jehovah for refuge in a day of distress.

2. He "knows" those who take refuge in Him.

3. Refuge (place that serves to protect ourselves from danger) is our God of the dangers we have.

4. "To the one who comes to Me, in no way will I cast him out."

5. You know what, brother? The most comforting thing about this is that no one will be able to release us from the altar to which you are subject, no one or the one who believes himself more spiritual than you, no one, no one because on that altar is your God.

6. Jehovah (Nahum 1:7) is good, strength in the day of distress (oppression-oppressing, pressuring) and knows those who trust in Him.

7. Do you trust Him? Well, quiet; Jehovah is good; strength in the day of anguish.

8. (John 1:48) Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.

9. Nathaniel was evidently surprised that a total Stranger spoke to him as if he had met him before.

10. Apparently, he had been totally alone when he was sitting "under the fig tree."

11. There is no doubt that the branches and foliage had protected him from the sight of others.

12. But Jesus was able to say, "I saw you" even though it was so hidden.

13. He now knew that Jesus was the Son of God and the King of Israel.

14. (John 10:3) The Holy Spirit, who opens the door for the entrance of the Lord Jesus into the hearts and lives of His own.

15. "To Him the doorman opens, and the sheep hear His voice; and to His sheep He calls by name and takes them out.

16. The sheep heard the voice "of the Lord."

17. They recognized His voice as that of the true Pastor.

18. Throughout the gospel, we have heard the Shepherd calling His own sheep by name.

19. The Lord Jesus continues to call those who want to receive Him as Savior and the calling is "personal" and individual.

20. (John 10:14) The Lord refers to Himself as the "good shepherd; and I know My sheep and Mine know Me."

21. It speaks of the very intimate relationship that exists between Himself and "His sheep."

22. He knows His and His know Him.

23. This is a very wonderful truth.

24. He is the Good Shepherd.

25. (1 Corinthians 8:3) But if anyone loves God, he is known to Him.

26. If anyone loves God, he has been known to Him in the sense that God approves of him.

27. In one sense, of course, God knows everyone and, in another sense, "He knows especially those who are believers."

28. He who believes has faith in God.

29. (2 Timothy 2:19) But the foundation of God is firm, having this seal: the Lord knows those who are His; and depart from iniquity everyone who calls upon the name of Christ.

30. Hymenaeus and Philettus (2 Timothy 2:17) Paul observes false teaching.

31. Unbelievers have been accepted into the church, Paul says.

32. The spiritual life is in such a state of decay that it often becomes difficult to distinguish between true Christians and mere professers.

33. Christianity is a mixed multitude, and the resulting confusion is devastating.

34. But God's foundation is firm.

35. What is established by "God" Himself will remain despite all the decay "in the present church."

36. "The foundation of God" refers to whatever the Lord does, for I know if He sends His word nothing can hinder Him.

37. The Lord knows those who are His.

38. He knows them in His approval and appreciation.

39. The true one departs from iniquity.

40. The true Christian should have no dealings with injustice.