1. The Gospel of John contains a great amount of information that will help us to achieve the growth mentioned in 2 Peter 3:18. 2. In the first chapter of his Gospel, the apostle John: a. introduced Christ as a member of the eternal Godhead who became flesh b. wrote at length about John the Baptist. 1) God sent John to bear witness of the Light (vs.6-8). 2) John bore witness of Christ (vs.15). 3) John gave his record of Christ by identifying Him as "the Lamb of God" (vs.29) and "the Son of God" (vs.32-34). 3. This lesson is a study of the information revealed in John 1:35-51 -- Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathanael met Christ and became His followers. Discussion: I. (John 1:35-42) ANDREW AND PETER WERE INTRODUCED TO CHRIST
A. (vs.35-36) John the Baptist identified Jesus as "the Lamb of God" to two of his disciples. B. (vs.37-39) These two disciples followed Jesus and spent some time with Him. C. (vs.40) Andrew was one of these disciples. D. (vs.41-42) Andrew brought his brother Simon Peter to Christ. E. We read about the Lord's calling of Peter and Andrew in Matthew 4:18-20. II. (John 1:43-51) PHILIP AND NATHANAEL BECAME FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST
A. (vs.43-44) Jesus called Philip to follow Him. B. (vs.45-46) Philip brought Nathanael to Jesus. 1. (vs.45) Philip identified Jesus as the Messiah who was prophesied in the Old Testament. 2. (vs.46) Nathanael was skeptical when he heard that Jesus was from Nazareth. C. (vs.47-48) Jesus demonstrated His divine knowledge to Nathanael. D. (vs.49) Nathanael changed his mind and identified Jesus as: 1. "Rabbi" 2. "the Son of God" 3. "the King of Israel." E. (vs.50-51) Jesus informed Nathanael that greater things were in store for him. F. Nathanael is also known as "Bartholomew" (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14).
