BRBC Bible Notes
Week by week, we post notes based on the theme of the Sunday service, so that people can follow them in their own personal devotions, in prayer triplets, or in the church life groups.
Bible Study #1: Introduction to the Seven “I AM” Sayings of Jesus
Main Passages: John 6:35, 8:12, 10:7, 10:11, 11:25, 14:6, 15:1
Purpose of the Study
This study introduces the seven “I AM” sayings of Jesus recorded in John’s Gospel, exploring the rich Old Testament background of the divine name “I AM,” its theological significance in the New Testament, and the symbolic importance of the number seven in John’s writings.
Opening Prayer
“Lord God, You are the eternal ‘I AM.’ Open our eyes to see the fullness of who Jesus is as revealed in His ‘I AM’ sayings. Help us understand Your Word deeply and live in the light of Your truth. Amen.”
1. Read the Passages
John 6:35 — “I am the bread of life.”
John 8:12 — “I am the light of the world.”
John 10:7 — “I am the door of the sheep.”
John 10:11 — “I am the good shepherd.”
John 11:25 — “I am the resurrection and the life.”
John 14:6 — “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
John 15:1 — “I am the true vine.”
Questions
What do these “I AM” statements reveal about Jesus’ identity and mission and which resonates most with you and why?
2. The Old Testament “I AM”
Divine Name Revealed:
Exodus 3:13–14 — God reveals His name to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM” (Hebrew: ’Ehyeh Asher ’Ehyeh). This name emphasizes God’s eternal, self-existent, unchanging nature.
God’s name Yahweh is related to this concept of “I AM” and underscores God’s covenant faithfulness and presence with His people.
God’s Self-Identification:
In Isaiah 41:4; 43:10–13, God reaffirms His unique identity as the eternal “I AM.” The divine name asserts God’s sovereignty over time, creation, and salvation.
Questions
Why is the divine name “I AM” so significant in the Old Testament?
How does knowing God’s self-existence and faithfulness impact your faith?
How does this background prepare us to understand Jesus’ use of “I AM”?
3. Jesus’ Use of “I AM” in the New Testament
Greek Language and Theology:
In John’s Gospel, Jesus uses the Greek phrase “ἐγώ εἰμι” (ego eimi), literally “I am,” echoing the divine name of God.
John 8:58 — Jesus declares, “Before Abraham was, I am,” provoking a strong reaction because He claims eternal, divine identity.
The “I AM” sayings connect Jesus directly with Yahweh’s self-revelation in the OT, affirming His deity and eternal existence.
Theological Significance:
Jesus is not merely a prophet or teacher; He identifies Himself as the eternal God made flesh (John 1:1, 14).
Each “I AM” saying reveals an aspect of His saving work and relationship with believers (provider, guide, protector, giver of life, source of truth, and sustainer).
Questions
How does Jesus’ use of “I AM” deepen your understanding of who He is?
What implications does this have for worship, trust, and obedience?
4. The Number Seven in John’s Gospel and Letters
Symbolism of Seven:
Seven is the biblical number of completeness and perfection, often representing God’s fullness and divine order.
John uses the number seven throughout his writings: seven signs in the Gospel, seven “I AM” sayings, seven letters in Revelation, seven churches, seven spirits, and seven blessings.
Seven “I AM” Sayings:
The seven “I AM” sayings in John form a comprehensive theological portrait of Jesus, highlighting His fullness as the divine Son of God.
They correspond to key aspects of salvation and Christian life: sustenance, guidance, protection, leadership, resurrection, truth, and spiritual vitality.
Questions
What does the completeness of the seven sayings reveal about Jesus?
How can seeing Christ’s full identity affect your daily faith?
5. Kingdom Implications and Church Life
Toward One Another
Are we, as BRBC, living out the fullness of what Jesus offers—life, truth, guidance, and sustenance—in our relationships?
How might we deepen our teaching and discipleship around these foundational truths?
Toward Our Local Community & Wider World
How can BRBC better communicate and demonstrate the comprehensive salvation Jesus offers through His “I AM” identity (eg light, bread, shepherd, and life) to Horsham and beyond?
Toward Families, Friends, and Relationships
How can you share the richness of Jesus’ identity with others.
What personal experiences reflect one or more of Jesus’ “I AM” truths?
Questions
How can BRBC grow in reflecting the fullness of Jesus’ identity?
How can you personally embrace all seven “I AM” aspects in your life?
Who in your circle might need to hear these truths most?
6. Practical Action
Study one “I AM” saying each week, reflecting on its meaning and personal application.
Memorize John 14:6 as a summary of Jesus’ unique identity.
Share with someone the meaning of Jesus’ divine name “I AM” and its life-changing implications.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal the fullness of Christ in BRBC and beyond.
Questions
Which “I AM” saying challenges or encourages you most right now?
How can you live more fully in Jesus’ identity as the Way, Truth, and Life?
Closing Scripture Meditation
John 8:58 — “Jesus said … ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.’”
Final Prayer
“Eternal God, You revealed Yourself to Moses as ‘I AM.’ Thank You that in Jesus, we see the fullness of Your name and nature. Help us to know Him deeply, follow Him faithfully, and proclaim Him boldly. May Brighton Road Baptist Church live in the light of these truths and be a witness of Your glory to the world. Amen.”
For a printable version of this, and previous editions, please click here.
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