SERMON NOTES WITH APPLICATION - "DISCERNING THE HOLY" PT I - JOHN 10:22-28

Jun 7
3 min read

SERMON NOTES WITH APPLICATION

“DISCERNING THE HOLY” PT I

John 10:22-28

Series: DISCERNING THE HOLY

“DISCERNING THE HOLY” – PT I

John 10:22-28 (KJV)

Year Theme: HIGH AND LIFTED UP

BIG IDEA (For Everyone)

In a world full of noise, opinions, distractions, and competing voices, discerning the holy means learning to recognize where God is moving, speaking, and revealing Himself.

The people in John 10 were standing right in front of Jesus, yet many still could not recognize Him.

The challenge is not always God's absence.

Sometimes the challenge is our inability to recognize God's presence.

1. THE HOLY IS COVERED, NOT SECLUDED (vv.22-23)

What's Happening?

The Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) celebrated God's faithfulness and the rededication of the Temple after a season of oppression.

Jesus was walking openly in Solomon's Porch.

The Holy was present in plain sight.

Yet many people still missed Him.

Cliff Note (Plain Talk)

God is often closer than we think.

The Holy is not hidden from us—it is often hidden by our assumptions, distractions, and expectations.

Practical Application

Christian: Stop limiting God to church services and religious moments.
Non-Christian: Stay open to encountering purpose and meaning in unexpected places.
Gen Z / Millennials: Not everything valuable is viral, trending, or loud.
Professionals: God can be present in boardrooms, classrooms, businesses, and everyday decisions.
Families: Learn to recognize sacred moments in ordinary life.
Black Community Word: Throughout our history, God has often shown up in overlooked places—in praise houses, kitchens, storefront churches, marches, classrooms, and community gatherings.
This Week: Ask daily, "Where is God already at work around me?"

2. THE HOLY SPEAKS FOR ITSELF (vv.24-25)

What's Happening?

The people demanded proof.

Jesus responded:

"I told you already. The works I do testify about who I am."

His actions revealed His identity.

Cliff Note (Plain Talk)

Truth does not always need more explanation—it often needs better observation.

Practical Application

Christian: Let your life testify louder than your words.
Non-Christian: Pay attention to the fruit people produce, not merely what they claim.
Gen Z Word: Discernment means learning the difference between performance and authenticity.
Professionals: Credibility is built through consistent actions.
Families: Character is demonstrated over time.
Black Community Word: Our ancestors often spoke through action before they spoke through platforms. Their faith was visible in how they endured, built, educated, organized, and served.
This Week: Ask yourself, "What is my life saying without me speaking?"

3. THE HOLY RECOGNIZES THE HOLY (vv.26-28)

What's Happening?

Jesus says:

"My sheep hear My voice."

Relationship produces recognition.

The sheep recognize the shepherd because they know him.

Cliff Note (Plain Talk)

The more time you spend with God, the easier it becomes to recognize God's voice.

Practical Application

Christian: Develop spiritual habits that sharpen your ability to hear God.
Non-Christian: Spend time exploring deeper questions of purpose, meaning, and truth.
Gen Z / Millennials: Learn to distinguish God's voice from culture's constant noise.
Professionals: Discernment helps you make better decisions, not just faster ones.
Families: Build environments where wisdom can be heard and shared.
Black Community Word: Our survival and flourishing have often depended on recognizing wisdom, truth, and divine guidance when circumstances suggested otherwise.
This Week: Create intentional moments of silence, prayer, reflection, or meditation to listen before reacting.