Christmas: The Savior for Our Deepest Needs

As we approach the Christmas season, it's a time to reflect on the profound truth of our anointed King, Jesus Christ, who entered human history as both fully God and fully man. This season highlights our deep neediness, but what exactly are we needy for? The answer lies at the heart of the Gospel, which is centered on the word "saved." This is the essence of Christmas: the birth of a Savior who came to save us from our sins.

In Romans 11, we see that the Gospel meets three primary needs, which are often unfelt by many in today's world. First, we need to be saved from the wrath of God. This is our greatest problem, and without it, the Gospel would not be necessary. The wrath of God is a just and holy anger against sin, and through Jesus, we are rescued from this wrath. Second, we are saved for joy in God. Every human soul has a deep craving for happiness, but many do not know where to find it. True joy is found in God, and the Gospel reconciles us to Him, allowing us to rejoice in His presence. Lastly, we are saved from the poison of sin. Sin distorts and contaminates our lives, making us love things more than God. The Gospel cleanses us from this idolatrous ugliness, freeing us from its consequences and its hold on our lives.

These three needs—salvation from God's wrath, joy in God, and cleansing from sin—are not often felt by people today. Many have God in their back pocket, love their sin, and find delight in things other than God. This is why preaching the Gospel is challenging; it requires awakening the spiritually dead and opening the eyes of the blind. It is not about meeting felt needs but addressing the deep, often unfelt needs that only the Gospel can satisfy.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Salvation from God's Wrath: Our greatest need is to be saved from the wrath of God, which is a just and holy response to sin. Without this need, the Gospel would not be necessary. Jesus' sacrifice rescues us from this wrath, offering us peace with God. [03:49]
• 2. Joy in God: True joy is found in God, not in the fleeting pleasures of this world. The Gospel reconciles us to God, allowing us to experience a deep, satisfying joy in His presence. This joy is a profound need that many are unaware of. [04:38]
• 3. Cleansing from Sin: Sin distorts our lives, making us love things more than God. The Gospel cleanses us from this idolatrous ugliness, freeing us from its consequences and its hold on our lives. This cleansing is essential for a life aligned with God's will. [05:59]
• 4. The Challenge of Preaching the Gospel: Preaching the Gospel is challenging because it addresses deep, often unfelt needs. It requires awakening the spiritually dead and opening the eyes of the blind, tasks that only the Holy Spirit can accomplish. [08:44]
• 5. The Essence of Christmas: Christmas is about the birth of a Savior who meets our deepest needs. It is a time to reflect on the profound truth of the Gospel and prepare our hearts to receive Jesus Christ, allowing Him to transform our lives. [10:34]
  ** [10:34]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:16] - The Essence of Christmas
• [00:33] - The Gospel's Central Word: Saved
• [01:13] - The Joyful News of Salvation
• [02:11] - Understanding Salvation
• [03:09] - Salvation from God's Wrath
• [04:14] - Rejoicing in God
• [05:37] - Cleansing from Sin
• [06:15] - The Gospel's Threefold Purpose
• [07:32] - The Gospel's Guarantees
• [08:06] - The Challenge of Preaching
• [09:37] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
• [10:34] - Christmas and Our Deep Needs
• [10:49] - Preparing for Christ
• [11:03] - Closing Remarks

1. According to Romans 5:9, what are we saved from, and how is this salvation achieved? [03:27]
2. In the sermon, what does Pastor John identify as the "loud joyful glorious word at the center of the Gospel"? [01:34]
3. How does Matthew 1:21 describe the purpose of Jesus' coming into the world? [05:37]
4. What are the three main needs that the Gospel meets, as discussed in the sermon? [06:15]

1. How does the concept of being saved from the wrath of God challenge or affirm your understanding of the Gospel? [03:49]
2. What does it mean to be saved for joy in God, and how does this differ from seeking happiness in worldly things? [04:38]
3. How does the Gospel's cleansing from sin impact a believer's daily life and relationship with God? [05:59]
4. Why might the needs addressed by the Gospel be considered "unfelt" by many people today? [08:06]

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you feel the need for salvation from God's wrath? How can you seek peace with God in those areas? [03:49]
2. Consider the sources of joy in your life. How can you cultivate a deeper joy in God rather than relying on temporary pleasures? [04:38]
3. Identify a sin or habit that distorts your love for God. What steps can you take this week to seek cleansing and freedom from it? [05:59]
4. How can you be more aware of the deep needs that the Gospel addresses, both in your life and in the lives of those around you? [08:06]
5. In what ways can you prepare your heart to receive Jesus Christ this Christmas season, allowing Him to transform your life? [10:34]
6. How can you support others in your community who may not feel their need for the Gospel? What role can you play in awakening their spiritual awareness? [08:44]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s message about the challenge of preaching the Gospel. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit in your efforts to share the Gospel with others? [09:37]