I Am

Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday evening, Dec. 05, 2004, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia. 

I AM

By Michael D. O’Neal     Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church     Albany, Georgia

Scripture Reading: John 8:52-59

Text: John 8:58

John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

Introduction: Jehovah God identified Himself to Moses as “I AM.”

The Lord Jesus Christ used this title in an unusual way to refer to Himself in our text. Also,

John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

and

John 18:6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.

In our text, the grammar seems to be inconsistent. It would seem more naturally for Jesus to say, “Before Abraham was, I was,” but instead, He said, “Before Abraham was, I am.” Not only was Jesus identifying Himself with Jehovah, but He was always referring to His eternal existence.

Jesus always IS.
Jesus is always.

Jesus is everywhere.
Jesus is everything.

Tonight I want us to look at a few places in John’s Gospel where Jesus used this title to describe His person and work.

May the Lord Jesus Christ be magnified, as we consider Him as the great I AM!

I. JESUS IS THE I AM OF SALVATION
I am the door

John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

A. His cross made salvation possible

B. His character made salvation plentiful

C. His call makes salvation personal

II. JESUS IS THE I AM OF SATISFACTION
I am the bread of life

John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

A. He satisfies the desire for prosperity

B. He satisfies the desire for peace

C. He satisfies the desire for purpose

III. JESUS IS THE I AM OF SHELTER
I am the good shepherd

John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

A. Jesus precedes the sheep

B. Jesus protects the sheep

C. Jesus provides for the sheep

IV. JESUS IS THE I AM OF SUCCESS
I am the vine

John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

A. He wants us to be fruitful

B. He works in us to make us fruitful

C. He witnesses our fruitfulness