"If the LORD delights in a person's way, He makes their steps firm; though they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD upholds them with His hand." (Psalm 37:23,24)

The Grand Narrative: “It’s Time!” (John 12:20-28)

“It’s Time!” (John 12:20-28)

Scroll down for “Lessons Learned…”

💥 SINS / FAILURES

  1. 1️⃣ Ignoring God’s eternal plan while living only for temporary earthly concerns (Ephesians 1:3–6; Romans 8:7–8; Colossians 3:2–5)
  2. 2️⃣ Treating sin merely as behavior instead of recognizing the deeper sin nature within us (Romans 3:23; Psalm 51:5; Jeremiah 17:9)
  3. 3️⃣ Failing to point others toward Jesus when they are spiritually searching (John 12:20–22; Matthew 5:14–16; Romans 10:14)
  4. 4️⃣ Resisting God’s will because of fear of suffering or personal loss (Luke 22:42; Hebrews 5:8; Philippians 2:5–8)
  5. 5️⃣ Living in ways that seek personal glory instead of glorifying God (John 12:27–28; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Matthew 6:1–6)

🏆 SUCCESSES / SPIRITUAL GROWTH

  1. 1️⃣ Understanding that God’s redemption plan existed before creation (Ephesians 1:3–6; 2 Timothy 1:9; Revelation 13:8)
  2. 2️⃣ Recognizing Jesus as the only answer to humanity’s sin problem (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 5:8–11)
  3. 3️⃣ Helping others encounter Jesus when they sincerely seek Him (John 12:21; Matthew 28:19–20; 1 Peter 3:15)
  4. 4️⃣ Accepting God’s will even when it involves sacrifice or suffering (John 12:27; Luke 9:23; Romans 12:1)
  5. 5️⃣ Living daily in ways that glorify God through obedience (John 12:28; John 15:8; Colossians 3:17)

🧭 LEADERSHIP DYNAMICS

  1. 1️⃣ Jesus demonstrates clarity of mission and timing in leadership (John 12:23; Ecclesiastes 3:1; Luke 19:10)
  2. 2️⃣ Spiritual leaders must recognize moments when God’s plan advances decisively (John 12:23; Acts 1:7–8; Galatians 4:4)
  3. 3️⃣ Leaders serve as bridges helping others encounter Christ (John 12:21–22; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Matthew 9:37–38)
  4. 4️⃣ Effective leadership models obedience to God even under pressure (John 12:27; Hebrews 12:2–3; Philippians 2:8)
  5. 5️⃣ God publicly affirms faithful obedience in His servants (John 12:28; Matthew 3:17; Matthew 17:5)