“I Believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord”

This series walks through the Apostles Creed as a basic summary of our faith but also as a way to live our faith out with God in the world. Each weekend of this series will explore the biblical and theological roots of the Apostles Creed, while also providing specific spiritual practices and approaches to living out what we know as we ‘proclaim and embody’ the Creed in our daily lives.

This week focuses on the phrase, “I Believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord.”

SERMON OUTLINE

“No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.” (John 1:18)

Jesus

• The giving of this name (Matthew 1:20-21; Luke 1:31-33)
• The significance of the name “Jesus”

Jesus the Christ

• The Jewish anticipation of Messiah (Ezekiel 37:21-28; Deuteronomy 18:15; Daniel 9:24-27)
• Jesus the fulfillment of Messianic longings (Matthew 16:15-17; Acts 2:36)
• What it means that Jesus is the Christ/Messiah

Jesus, God’s Only Son

• Jesus the Eternal Son (John 1:1-5, 18)
• Jesus the Incarnate Son (John 1:14; Matthew 3:16-17; Hebrews 1:1-4)
• What it means (and doesn’t mean) that Jesus is God’s Son

Jesus the Lord

• The fundamental declaration of Christian faith: “Jesus is Lord!” (Romans 10:9; 1 Corinthians 12:3)
• What it means that Jesus is Lord

Living this part of the Apostles’ Creed

• Returning to Jesus the Savior
• Returning to Jesus the Messiah
• Returning to Jesus the Lord

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Who is the person who is closest to you in your life, and why?
2. This week we continue our series, “Living the Creed” by looking at the phrase: “I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord.” Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you through His Word, and then continue with the study.
3. When we think about believing in Jesus, even His name is meaningful. What is the significance of Jesus’ name according to Matthew 1:20-21 and Luke 1:31-33?
4. When we refer to Jesus as the Christ, this is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word for Messiah. Explore one or all of these Old Testament references to the Messiah who would come. What does these tell us about the Messiah? Deuteronomy 18:15; Isaiah 50:4-11; Daniel 7:13-14; Isaiah 42:1-4; Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Daniel 9:24-27; Isaiah 49:1-6; Ezekiel 37:21-28.
5. In the New Testament we find various descriptions of Jesus as the Messiah. One of the most powerful is Peter’s declaration of Jesus as Messiah. Read Matthew 16:15-17. What would you say it means that Jesus is the Messiah/Christ?
6. We encounter many Scripture passages about Jesus being the Son of God. Read these passages and reflect on what it means and doesn’t mean that Jesus is the Only Son of God: John 1:1-5; John 1:14, 18; John 3:16-17; Matthew 3:16-17; Colossians 1:15-20;  Hebrews 1:1-4.
7. How do you think Jesus’ sonship is similar yet different from us becoming children of God by faith? (Perhaps read Galatians 4:4-7 as a point of reference.)
8. What is the fundamental declaration of Christian faith according to Romans 10:9 and 1 Corinthians 12:3?
9. What do you think it means for our everyday life that Jesus is Lord?
10. Read Ephesians 4:4-6 and reflect on what it means that we believe in Jesus Christ.
11. Why do you think what we believe is important for the way we live our lives?
12. What is one thing you learned through this study or sense God is speaking to you about your life and faith? If you’re in a small group, share that with one another. If you are on your own, write it down and share it with someone this week. Conclude your study in prayer.