John 1:1-19
In the beginning was the Word – John 1:1-18 – In this first week we will explore the concept of God the Creator from the opening chapter of the Gospel of John. After Trinity Sunday, we will be reminded from the Gospel of John that God the Trinity was there at the beginning before anything else. God, the almighty, was the creator of all things, maker of heaven and earth, all that is seen and unseen. Whilst the world around us draws attention to the creation itself, as followers of Jesus we worship God the Creator not the creation.
Sermon notes:
1. God was Trinity from the beginning
2. God the Creator sits above creation as is not at the whim of creation.
3. God is maker of all things seen and unseen; but be careful of using the “mystery of God in the gaps” argument to explain what science can’t.
Small group questions:
Read John 1:1-18 – what words or images struck you from the passage?
4. Verse 1 has a parallel in verse 18 – what do these verses teach us about the nature of God?
5. The term “Word” is the english translation for the person described as the Son of God. What does this passage teach us about Jesus? Hint – read verse 14.
6. This passage is a New Testament creation story, and like the creation stories in Genesis it paints a theological framework for the creation of the world. What does it teach us about God the Creator? Also read Colossians 1:15-17
7. The Gospel of John uses the image of light and darkness, why does the author use this image in a creation story? What does the image teach us about the power of God over evil in world?
8. Climate change has become a significant issue in our world. If Christians are to be guided by the theological image in John 1:1-18, how should we respond to climate change discussions in our society? Hint v14 “full of grace and truth”
9. People often describe the force of nature as “mother nature”, what are other images about creation that are popular in our world?
10. In Psalm 19: 1 we read “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” How can Christians guide others to worship the Creator not creation?
Conclude with prayer for those impacted by droughts, floods, rising sea levels and bushfires.
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