This weekend we will explore what it means that Jesus is Savior. What do we need to be saved from and how does Jesus do that? Text: John 4:42; Acts 4:12; 16:31; 1 Timothy 1:15; 2 Timothy 1:9-11.
SERMON OUTLINE
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
The Truth about the Savior (Luke 2: 8-15; Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 1:15; 1 Corinthians 15:1-6)
The Message of the Savior: Good News about the Kingdom of God! (2 Timothy 1:9-11; Mark 1:14-18; Matthew 6:10)
Jesus Is the Only Savior for Your Past (1 Timothy 1:15; Acts 16:31)
Jesus is the Only Savior for You Today (1 Corinthians 15:1-6; John 15:5; 16:7, 13-15; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:12-13)
Jesus is the Only Savior for Your Future (1 Peter 1:3-5; 1 John 3:2; Matthew 28:18)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Begin your study by quieting yourself before God. Ask God to speak to you through His word as you read Luke 2:8-15 out loud.
- Put yourself in the shoes of these ordinary shepherds. Think about these shepherds just going about their business when an angel of the Lord appears to them and shares with them, “good news that will cause great joy for all the people” about “the Savior” who has just entered the world. What must it have been like to be one of these shepherds? What were some of their reactions to this news? What would your reaction have been if you were there?
- What do you think people mean when they say something like, “I got saved at church last weekend” or “I have been saved for 10 years now?”
- Read the following verses: Luke 4:42-43; Romans 6:23; 1 Timothy 1:15; 2 Timothy 1:9-11. According to these passages, what did Jesus come into the world to do? What do we need to be “saved” from?
- Read Mark 8:27-31 and then read 1 Corinthians 15:1-7. The Apostle Paul gives us this summary statement of the gospel which he says is“of first importance.”Comparing both passages side by side, what are the things that Jesus said would happen that are key components of the gospel message?
- According to Mark 1:14-18, what is the message of the Savior? According to this passage, what does Jesus want us to know, and what does he specifically call people to do in response to this “good news”? What implications does this have for your life?
- Read the following verses about Jesus as the Savior: John 6:66-69; Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9-11. What is the significance of these passages for you personally?
- It is so easy to put our faith, our hope and our trust in other things like a relationship, a marriage, your children, your career, money, or status, etc. Consider what you think about during a typical week. What do you find yourself hoping for, longing for, and trusting in? Practically speaking, how often do you feel like you look to other things to be your Savior instead of Jesus?
- Do you believe that Jesus is the Savior for your past and for your eternal future, but often find it difficult to put your faith and trust in Him completely when you face difficult situations today? How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to remind you of what is true about Jesus as your Savior in those moments?
DIG DEEPER
- Write down a few ways you will respond to the truth about Jesus, the Savior of the world.
- Read a book about getting to know Jesus better as your Savior: Gospel Fluency: Speaking the Truths of Jesus into the Everyday Stuff of Life by Jeff Vanderstelt.