Sermon Based Curriculum
Sermon Date: Nov. 22, 2009
Sermon Title: Braggin’ on Jesus
Sermon Text: John 1:1-18
Small Group Text: John 1:9-14
Introduction
As we begin this study in the Gospel of John, it might help if we understand John’s reason for writing the book. Toward the end of the gospel, John 20:30-31, we see his purpose statement, “Jesus did
many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” The key word in the Gospel of John is “believe” (to have an active, continuous, and vital trust in Jesus). Throughout this gospel, John challenges us to recognize that Jesus really is God in the flesh, to receive Him into our lives, and allow Him to have full residence in every area of our lives. This teaching is at the core of the entire New Testament. There are many other passages that affirm Jesus’ deity and hence, his rightful place to be the Lord of our lives. (Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:1-13; Philippians 2:5-11)
Discussion
In John chapter 1, the author introduces Jesus as the Word (1:1). This is John’s unique way of saying that Jesus came to earth as the human expression of all God’s revelation in the Scriptures – in essence, Jesus is the Living Word of God. John continues to describe the purpose of Jesus’ incarnation (becoming flesh) when he writes, “In him was life, and this life was the light of men.” (1:4). Even though Jesus is “The true light that gives light to every man” (1:9), John describes how people responded to Jesus’ appearance. Read John 1:9-14. 1. In only one verse (1:10), John uses the word, “world” three times. To what does this word refer each time he uses it? 2. Why do you think the world did not recognize who Jesus was? Why do you think the world still does not recognize who Jesus is today? 3. Reread John 1:11-13. What is the difference between recognizing Jesus and receiving Jesus?
4. Give an example in personal relationships where it is possible to recognize someone but not receive them. 5. How does a person receive Jesus? 6. Read John 1:14. John says that Jesus “made his dwelling among us.” How is it possible to receive Jesus but not allow him to take up residence in all of our life?
Application
1.
What can you do to help a lost friend or family member recognize who Jesus is? 2. When you first received Jesus, what “room/s” did you find most difficult to open up to His lordship (His rule)? 3. What “room/s” are still closed off? Write down the “room” to which you’ve not given Jesus total access. How can you begin today to give Him complete control?
Sermon-Based Curriculum