What Are They Among So Many? John 6:9 Sermon

John 5:44

44 How can you believe, which receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that comes from God only?

I would be honored to help you prepare a sermon and a structured outline based on the powerful truth of John 5:44. I will get to work on crafting these resources for you right away!

The Choice of Glory: Seeking the Honor That Comes from God Only 🌟

Introduction: A Tale of Two Crowns 👑

There was once a young man who lived in a grand palace, surrounded by people who constantly praised his fine clothes and his clever wordsARSH June 26, 1860, page 43.7. He felt very important because everyone told him he was the bestPTUK December 1, 1898, page 755.5. But deep in his heart, he was hungry and thirsty for something real, because the praise of men is like a bubble that pops as soon as you touch itARSH July 31, 1860, page 86.3+1. One day, he saw an old man helping a poor, sick beggar in the streetPrT June 1, 1899, par. 1. No one was cheering for the old man; in fact, some people laughed at himRH September 4, 1900, par. 7. But as the young man watched, he saw a light in the old man's eyes that was brighter than any diamond in the palacePTUK September 14, 1899, page 586.3. He realized that while he was collecting the "honor" of men, which is just a lie of high degree, the old man was receiving honor from the King of HeavenPTUK December 1, 1898, page 755.5+1.

Children, we have a choice every day: Do we want a sticker from a friend, or a smile from JesusPTUK March 1, 1894, page 130.11+1? The praise of people can make us feel big for a moment, but only the honor that comes from God lasts forever and makes us truly beautiful in His sightPTUK February 22, 1894, page 118.1+1.

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I. The Barrier of Human Honor 🚧

The Lord Jesus asked a question that penetrates to the very soul: "How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only John 5:44?" This reveals a solemn truth: seeking worldly honor and having living faith are incompatiblePTUK February 22, 1894, page 118.1.

• A Stifling Atmosphere: When we live to be seen and praised by men, we create a stifling atmosphere of glitter and unrealityLTJMB3 209.2.

• The Root of Unbelief: Those who receive honor from one another cannot believe because their aims and perceptions are entirely different from the springs of divine lifeLTJMB3 209.2.

• Self-Exaltation: The spirit of self-exaltation hinders faith because the man who thinks he is "high degree" will not listen humbly to the words of his CreatorPTUK December 1, 1898, page 755.5.

• A Fatal Exchange: To grasp at earthly fame is to give up Christ, for no person can have honor from both the world and God at the same timePTUK February 22, 1894, page 117.5.

The standard of character is the royal law, and it detects the sin of seeking self-glory instead of the glory of the Maker Ecclesiastes 12:13RH May 1, 1888, par. 11.

II. What is the Honor That Comes from God? ✨

God’s honor is not like the promotion of this world, which comes from the east, west, or south; true promotion comes from God alone Psalms 75:6-7MEDM May 1903, page 120.2.

• Becoming Sons and Daughters: The highest honor God bestows is making us His children and heirs of all things 1 John 3:1+1PTUK February 22, 1894, page 118.1.

• The Ornament of a Meek Spirit: God values the hidden man of the heart—a meek and quiet spirit—which is of great price in His sight 1 Peter 3:4BEcho November 19, 1894, par. 9.

• Divine Approval: To be honored by God means being recognized as "good and faithful" when we enter the joy of our Lord Matthew 25:21PrT October 13, 1904, par. 12.

• A Crown of Life: While the world offers a corruptible crown, God offers an incorruptible crown of glory that fades not away 1 Corinthians 9:25+11T 618.1.

III. The Example of the Majesty of Heaven 🕊️

Jesus Christ, the King of Glory, provides the ultimate pattern for usPrT June 15, 1899, par. 4. Though He was the Majesty of Heaven, He emptied Himself and took the form of a servant Philippians 2:7PTUK July 28, 1898, page 480.7.

• He Sought Not His Own Glory: Christ declared, "I receive not honour from men John 5:41."

• Choosing Poverty and Reproach: He honored poverty by making it His lot, redeeming it from humiliationPrT June 1, 1899, par. 1.

• The Path of Humility: He was betrayed, mocked, and scourged, yet He endured the cross and despised the shameRH September 4, 1900, par. 7.

• Exaltation through Suffering: Because He humbled Himself even to the death of the cross, God has highly exalted Him and crowned Him with glory and honor Hebrews 2:9+1PTUK July 28, 1898, page 480.7.

IV. How to Seek the Honor That Comes from God Only 🛠️

To receive this divine honor, we must undergo a personal surrender of selfYI August 24, 1899, par. 3.

1. Obey His Commandments: God says, "them that honour me I will honour 1 Samuel 2:30." Keeping His law, including the hallowed Sabbath, is the highest honor a soul can attain Isaiah 58:13PTUK July 19, 1900, page 454.9+1.

2. Work with an Eye Single to His Glory: Whether we eat or drink, every action should be done to the glory of God 1 Corinthians 10:31ST September 24, 1894, par. 7.

3. Submit to the Divine Hand: We are like rough stones that must be chiseled and hewn by the axe and hammer of God's Spirit to be fitted for His templeBEcho August 12, 1901, par. 1+1.

4. Value the Soul Over the World: Recognize that a single human soul is of more value than all the riches and honors of the earth3T 193.3.

5. Refuse Flattery: Avoid giving or receiving flattering titles, for they lead the heart away from God Job 32:21-22SITI May 26, 1887, page 312.31.

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Conclusion and Appeal 📢

The earth is plunging into the gulf of ruin, yet it continues to offer "great honor" to those who will devote their powers to its affairsPTUK February 22, 1894, page 117.5. But what are the world’s honors and riches? They are profitless vanity, "less than nothing" in the light of eternity Isaiah 40:17Ev 220.3.

What are you going to do?

Will you continue to seek the fleeting applause of men, which silences the voice of the Holy SpiritCCh 51.4? Or will you choose to be part of that "peculiar people" who show forth the praises of Him who called you out of darkness 1 Peter 2:9PTUK October 19, 1893, page 452.2?

I urge you today to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light Romans 13:12PTUK March 21, 1895, page 179.3. Do not permit a blot to remain upon your name, but reach for the higher standard of Christlike character8LtMs, Lt 12a, 1893, par. 14. The crown lies at the end of the raceARSH June 12, 1855, page 247.3. If you will honor God by obeying His requirements and trusting in the sacrifice of Calvary, He will cause you to ride upon the high places of the earth and give you an immortal inheritance Isaiah 58:14BEcho November 19, 1894, par. 9+1.

Come to Jesus now. Empty your heart of self and be filled with the golden oil of His grace1SAT 302.1. Choose the honor that comes from God only, and you shall soon win the prize of eternal lifePTUK March 1, 1894, page 130.11+1.

Here is the sermon outline:

The Choice of Glory: Seeking the Honor That Comes from God Only

Introduction: A Tale of Two Crowns

• The Deception of Earthly Praise: Worldly honor is a fleeting "bubble" that leaves the soul hungry and thirsty.
• The Contrast of Divine Honor: Real honor is often found in humble service rather than grand palaces.
• The Daily Choice: We must choose between the temporary "stickers" (applause) of friends or the eternal smile of Jesus.

I. The Barrier of Human Honor

• The Conflict with Faith: According to John 5:44, seeking human validation makes true faith impossible.
• A Stifling Atmosphere: Living for the praise of others creates a life of unreality and spiritual suffocation.
• The Root of Unbelief: Self-exaltation prevents a person from listening humbly to the Creator.
• A Fatal Exchange: You cannot hold onto earthly fame and Christ simultaneously; one must be sacrificed for the other.

II. What is the Honor That Comes from God?

• Divine Adoption: The highest honor is being called a child and heir of God.
• Inner Character: God values the "hidden man of the heart"—a meek and quiet spirit.
• Divine Approval: Hearing the words "well done, good and faithful servant" at the end of life.
• An Incorruptible Reward: Receiving a "crown of life" that never fades, unlike worldly trophies.

III. The Example of the Majesty of Heaven

• Christ’s Self-Emptying: Though King of Glory, Jesus took the form of a servant.
• Rejection of Worldly Honor: He explicitly stated He did not receive honor from men John 5:41.
• The Path of Sacrifice: He redeemed poverty and endured the shame of the cross.
• Exaltation through Humility: God highly exalted Jesus only after He humbled Himself to the point of death.

IV. How to Seek the Honor That Comes from God Only

1. Obey His Commandments: Honor God through obedience 1 Samuel 2:30, specifically regarding His law and the Sabbath.
2. Single-Minded Purpose: Perform every action, even eating and drinking, for God’s glory alone.
3. Submit to Divine Refining: Allow the Holy Spirit to "chisel" away self to fit the soul for God’s temple.
4. Value the Spiritual: Prioritize the value of one soul over all earthly riches.
5. Refuse Flattery: Avoid the trap of flattering titles that lead the heart away from God.

Conclusion and Appeal

• The Vanity of the World: Earthly honors are "less than nothing" in the face of eternity.
• The Call to Action: Cast off the works of darkness and reach for a Christlike character.
• The Ultimate Prize: By honoring God and trusting in the sacrifice of Calvary, we win an immortal inheritance.
• Final Invitation: Empty the heart of self, be filled with grace, and choose the glory that lasts forever.

John 6:9

9 There is a lad here, which has five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

I would be delighted to prepare both a sermon and a sermon outline for you based on the miracle of the loaves and fishes in John 6:9. I will craft these resources for you shortly to help unpack the beauty of bringing our "little" to the Master's hands.

What Are They Among So Many? 🍞🐟

Introduction: The Boy with a Little Lunch 🍱

Imagine a very large hill covered in green grass, where thousands of people have gathered to hear a wonderful Teacher22LtMs, Ms 188, 1907, par. 10+1. They have been there all day, listening to words that are like music to their souls, but now the sun is going down and their tummies are starting to growl22LtMs, Ms 188, 1907, par. 10+1. They are far away from any stores, and they are very hungry and tired22LtMs, Ms 188, 1907, par. 10+1. The disciples look at the huge crowd—five thousand men, plus all the women and children— and they feel very worried22LtMs, Ms 188, 1907, par. 10+1. They ask, "How can we ever feed all these people?"DA 365.3.

Then, a disciple named Andrew finds a young boy in the crowd22LtMs, Ms 188, 1907, par. 10+1. This boy doesn't have a giant supermarket; he just has a small basket with five barley loaves and two little fishes19MR 360.3+1. Andrew looks at the tiny lunch and then at the massive, hungry crowd and sighs, "But what are they among so many?"PK 242.1+1.

Children, have you ever felt like you only had a little bit to give? Maybe just a kind word or a small toy to share? To us, it might look like nothing, but when we put our "little bit" into the hands of Jesus, He can make it grow until there is enough for everyone and even some left over22LtMs, Ms 188, 1907, par. 10+1. This boy gave his whole lunch to Jesus, and because he did, thousands of people went home with full tummiesGCB May 17, 1909, par. 7+1.

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I. The Problem of Human Insufficiency 📉

When we look at the great needs of the world, our hearts often sink and our faith fails usWM 263.2+1. Like the disciples on that grassy eminence, we see a "sea of heads" and calculate the impossibility of the taskDA 365.3+1.

• The Calculation of Realism: Philip looked at the situation with "coarse realism," noting that even two hundred pennyworth of bread—a huge sum of money—would not be enough for everyone to take just a littleLTJMB3 458.2+1.

• The Question of Unbelief: Andrew’s question, "What are they among so many?" is the cry of a heart that sees the "scanty store" but forgets the Power standing right in front of themLLM 186.3+1.

• A Test of Faith: Jesus asked the disciples where to buy bread not because He was confused, but to test their faith, for He Himself knew exactly what He was about to doDA 365.3+1.

• Human Limitation: We often hesitate to work for others because we fear to "spend and be spent," feeling that our resources are too slender for the terrible necessity of the ignorant and afflictedDA 369.2+1.

The standard by which we measure our resources is often our own strength, but the royal law reminds us that we are to depend entirely on the God who created all thingsARSH October 14, 1852, page 96.8+1.

II. The Miracle of Divine Multiplication ✨

The miracle of the loaves and fishes is not just a story from the past; it is a revelation of how God works todayHFM 58.2+1.

• The Power of Blessing: Jesus took the five loaves and two fishes, looked up to heaven, and blessed them19MR 360.3+1. It is the blessing of God that makes a "little" become a "large amount"PTUK May 24, 1894, page 325.9.

• Growth by Imparting: As the disciples passed the food to the people, it increased in their hands6T 263.1+1. This represents how the treasures of God's grace multiply as we share them with others9LtMs, Ms 47, 1894, par. 3+1.

• Perfect Satisfaction: Christ did not give a meager snack; everyone ate until they were perfectly satisfied and their hunger was gone22LtMs, Ms 188, 1907, par. 10+1.

• The Lesson of Economy: Even after creating food for thousands, Jesus commanded, "Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost"22LtMs, Ms 188, 1907, par. 10+1. This teaches us that the bounties of Providence are never to be squandered or wastedST December 15, 1909, par. 2+1.

III. Spiritual Lessons in the Bread 🥯

Every miracle Christ performed was a "redemptive and restorative act," intended to point to a higher realityARSH August 27, 1861, page 99.15.

• Jesus, the Bread of Life: The physical bread was a symbol of the "living bread" that gives spiritual life foreverSITI May 29, 1893, page 420.19+1. Jesus said, "I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger" John 6:35DA 386.2.

• The Word as Food: Just as our bodies need bread, our souls must "eat" the Word of God to have spiritual strength Deuteronomy 8:312LtMs, Lt 151a, 1897, par. 14. Jeremiah said, "Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart" Jeremiah 15:16DA 386.2.

• Correcting Exclusiveness: By feeding the mixed multitude, Christ was breaking down the "partition walls" of Jewish exclusiveness, showing that God's gifts are for all nationalities and castes9LtMs, Ms 47, 1894, par. 3+1.

• Receiving to Give: The disciples had to keep returning to Jesus to receive more bread to give to the people9LtMs, Ms 47, 1894, par. 3+1. We must receive spiritual food from the Great Center daily, or we will have nothing to impart to a hungry worldPr 305.4+1.

IV. Applying the "Five Loaves" to Our Lives 🛠️

How do we answer the question, "What are they among so many?" in our own time?

1. Bring Your "Barley Loaves" to Jesus: Do not wait for greater ability or better organizations; use the means, the time, and the talent you have right nowMH 49.3+1.

2. Trust the Promise Behind the Command: When Jesus says, "Give ye them to eat," His command is a promise backed by the same power that fed the multitude beside the seaWM 263.2+1.

3. Practice Self-Denial: We are encouraged to deprive ourselves of unnecessary gratifications—like expensive dress or harmful indulgences—to put those means into the Lord's treasury to help others12MR 246.1+1.

4. Avoid Commercialism: Do not let the "ambition of Satan" or worldly business drown out the privilege of coming to Jesus to tell Him exactly what we need22LtMs, Ms 188, 1907, par. 10.

5. Look Beyond Sight: To depend only on what we can see is not faith; true faith depends on God's promises even when resources seem inadequateAUCR March 21, 1910, par. 2+1.

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Conclusion and Appeal 📢

The world today is "steeped in sin" and there are millions who are "fainting and hungry" for the truth22LtMs, Ms 188, 1907, par. 10+1. We look at our small numbers and our limited funds and we ask, "What are we among so many?"GCB May 23, 1909, page 114.20+1. But remember, the miracle happened after the boy gave up his lunchTM 344.2.

What are you going to do?

Will you hold onto your "loaves and fishes," fearing that they are too small to make a differenceDA 369.2+1? Or will you place them in the hands of the Great Physician, who can restore the sick and feed the soul3Red 53.1+1?

The mysteries of redemption are revealed when we cooperate with heavenly agencies to help "suffering humanity"Con 40.2+1. Do not be like the unbelieving Jews who saw the miracle but only followed for the "loaves and fishes" rather than the Bread of LifeST November 3, 1898, par. 4+1.

I urge you today: bring your feeble strength and slender resources to ChristMH 49.3. Trust in the power of the cross of Calvary, which is the "life-healing balm" for every soulRH March 6, 1888, par. 2. Yield your heart to Him today, and let Him multiply your efforts for His gloryRH August 27, 1903, par. 17+1.

Will you give your all to Him right now? Matthew 10:89LtMs, Ms 47, 1894, par. 4.

Here is the sermon outline:

What Are They Among So Many?

Introduction: The Boy with a Little Lunch

• The Setting: A large, hungry crowd of over 5,000 people gathers on a hill to hear Jesus.
• The Human Solution: The disciples are worried and feel the task of feeding the crowd is impossible.
• The Small Offering: Andrew finds a boy with five barley loaves and two small fish—a seemingly insignificant amount.
• The Main Lesson: When we put our "little bit" into Jesus' hands, He multiplies it to meet every need.

I. The Problem of Human Insufficiency

• Calculation of Realism: Like Philip, we often focus on the high cost and the physical impossibility of solving world problems.
• The Cry of Unbelief: We often ask, "What are they among so many?" because we focus on the "scanty store" rather than God's power.
• A Test of Faith: Jesus allows us to face impossible situations to test our trust in Him.
• Human Limitation: We hesitate to help others when we measure resources by our own strength instead of God's.

II. The Miracle of Divine Multiplication

• The Power of Blessing: Jesus’ blessing transforms a "little" into an abundance.
• Growth by Imparting: The food multiplied as it was shared. Grace increases as we give it away.
• Perfect Satisfaction: God’s provision is not a meager snack; He provides until everyone is fully satisfied.
• The Lesson of Economy: Jesus commanded the gathering of leftovers to teach that God's gifts should never be wasted or squandered.

III. Spiritual Lessons in the Bread

• The Bread of Life: The miracle points to Jesus as the spiritual food that satisfies eternal hunger.
• The Word as Food: Just as the body needs bread, the soul must daily "eat" (study and internalize) the Word of God.
• Breaking Barriers: By feeding a mixed multitude, Jesus showed that God’s grace is for all nations and people.
• Receiving to Give: Disciples must constantly return to the Source (Jesus) to have anything of value to share with the world.

IV. Applying the "Five Loaves" to Our Lives

• Start Now: Use the time, talent, and money you have currently rather than waiting for "enough."
• Trust the Command: When God commands us to act, His command is a promise of the power to complete it.
• Practice Self-Denial: Sacrificing personal luxuries allows more resources to be used for the Lord's work.
• Faith over Sight: True faith depends on God’s promises even when physical resources seem inadequate.

Conclusion and Appeal

• The Current Need: The world is still "hungry" for truth and hope.
• The Choice: Will you keep your "loaves and fish" for yourself, or put them in the hands of the Great Physician?
• The Call to Action: Bring your feeble strength and limited resources to Christ today and let Him multiply your efforts for His glory.