Sermon Based Curriculum
Sermon Date: Dec. 13, 2009
Sermon Title: Born to Save
Sermon Text: John 1:29-34
Small Group Text: 1 John 1:5-10 and 2:1-2
Introduction
What is your favorite version of Dicken’s, A Christmas Carol? What is your favorite part of that story? It makes us feel good to think that Mr. Scrooge would come to his senses and have a change of heart after the visits of the three spirits. But we live in the real world: we won’t have the three spirits visit us. Is there hope for people like us when we have messed up? The Biblical story of Christmas is that we can have a new start because of the “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) Let’s take a look at how John the Apostle explains it. The key to this lesson is rooted in understanding the atonement (uh·tone’ment), meaning, at-one-ment; or, to be reconciled. In the Old Testament, atonement (at-one-ment with God) was associated with sacrificial offerings to remove the effects of sin; and in the New Testament, atonement refers specifically to the reconciliation between God and His people brought about by the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christmas celebrates God’s initiative in sending His son into the world for this purpose. God and his church are now at-one-ment (in harmony together) through the sacrificial death of Christ. The Lamb of God, the sacrificial lamb – a perfect lamb without any defect – illustrates the identity and mission of Jesus Christ who came into the world to save sinners. The life and ministry of Jesus is graphically illustrated by the hundreds of thousands of little innocent lambs ritualistically sacrificed on countless alters throughout Old Testament history. These blood sacrifices (deaths) of perfect, innocent lambs atoned for (paid for) the sins of God’s people and satisfied the holy justice of God – at least temporarily – until such time as the final and complete sacrifice would be made by the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29; see also 1 Peter 1:18-20. For further study, see Hebrews 9:11-10:18). At the crucifixion Christ died. Condemned by God (Galatians 3:13), he took upon himself the full impact of our sin – and not only ours, but the sin
of the whole world (1 John 2:2). Jesus, the innocent, sacrificial “Lamb of God,” gave his life as a ransom for our sins (1 Tim. 2:5, 6; Heb. 9:15). When that gracious work of atonement is accepted by faith, the blood of Christ (the Lamb of God) is applied to the Believer and he/she passes from death into life (John 5:24). Isn’t it a marvel that Christ willingly took our sins upon himself. (You are encouraged to also read: Isaiah 53:4-6, 10; Mark 10:45; John 1:29; Romans 5:6-8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 1:4; Ephesians 1:6-9; Colossians 1:19-20; Hebrews 2:9,9:28; 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18.)
Discussion
Remind your group that all their sins, moral lapses, etc. have been totally atoned for (paid for) by the death of Christ – the Lamb of God. His blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:7). These failures are therefore totally forgotten by God – no longer objects of guilt or shame (Read Psalms 103:12; Hebrews 10:17). 1. How does this vision of sins, forgiven and forgotten, affect your thoughts and feelings about God? About yourselves: your past, your future? 2. What steps can you take to begin living guilt free this Christmas? (I John 1:9)
3. Wouldn’t it be great to get a new start with a clean slate? Read 1 John 1:5-10. What does it mean to “confess our sins?” Practically speaking, how do we do that? 4. Read 1 John 2:1-2. What encouragement can you find when you do slip up this Christmas?
Application 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Before Christmas day this year, listen to God’s Spirit as he prompts you to: Identify the sins of your past or present for which you still feel a sense of guilt or shame. Confess these sins to God. Agree that they have been an offense to Him and others. Repent. Tell God that you are sorry for these behaviors and wish to make an 180 degree turn as you seek Him for strength and guidance. Thank him for sending Jesus to pay the penalty for your sins by dying on the cross. Commit to walk with God, live in accordance with His Word, and live in fellowship with Him and others as you move into this new year.
Sermon-Based Curriculum