Christ's Mission: Salvation for Sinners

 

Summary

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, a truth that is both faithful and worthy of all acceptance. This message, rooted in the personal experience of the Apostle Paul, is not mere speculation or idle gossip; it is a trustworthy declaration of the gospel's character. Paul, once a blasphemer and persecutor, was transformed by the grace of God, and he gloried in the privilege of preaching this gospel. The message he proclaimed was not of human origin but a divine revelation from Jesus Christ himself. This gospel is not a new law or moral teaching but good news, a proclamation of salvation and the supreme manifestation of God's glory.

The gospel calls for a response, not just intellectual assent or approval, but a full acceptance that grips and transforms the entire person. It is a dynamic message that revolutionizes lives, turning sinners into saints and bringing hope to the hopeless. The gospel's power lies in its ability to change individuals and nations, offering salvation to all who believe.

The response to this message is determined by our view of the babe in Bethlehem. This is not an ordinary child but the eternal Son of God, who came from heaven to save sinners. Understanding who Jesus is and why he came is crucial. He did not come merely to teach or set an example but to save, to reconcile us to God through his sacrificial death. This is the heart of the gospel: Christ Jesus came to save sinners, to bear our guilt and punishment, and to offer us new life.

The acceptance of this message is deeply personal. It requires recognizing our need for a Savior, acknowledging our sinfulness, and embracing the salvation offered through Christ. Those who see themselves as sinners in need of grace will rejoice in the gospel and join the angelic choir in praise. This Christmas, may we receive this divine gift with gratitude and allow it to transform our lives.

Key Takeaways:

- The gospel is a faithful and trustworthy message, not based on human speculation but on divine revelation. It is a proclamation of salvation and the supreme manifestation of God's glory. [03:00]

- The gospel calls for a full acceptance that transforms the entire person. It is not just intellectual assent but a dynamic message that revolutionizes lives and offers hope to the hopeless. [12:43]

- Our response to the gospel is determined by our view of Jesus. Recognizing him as the eternal Son of God who came to save sinners is crucial for embracing the message fully. [18:25]

- The heart of the gospel is that Christ Jesus came to save sinners, to reconcile us to God through his sacrificial death. This is the primary purpose of his coming. [27:14]

- Accepting the gospel is a deeply personal act, requiring us to acknowledge our sinfulness and need for a Savior. Those who do will rejoice in the salvation offered through Christ. [32:38]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:56] - The Character of the Christian Message
[03:00] - A Faithful and Trustworthy Saying
[04:28] - Divine Revelation, Not Human Speculation
[06:09] - Apostolic Testimony and Authentication
[07:51] - The Gospel: Good News, Not a New Law
[09:21] - The Gospel of the Glory of God
[10:30] - The Supreme Manifestation of God's Glory
[12:43] - The Call for a Response
[13:54] - Full Acceptance and Transformation
[15:35] - The Power of the Gospel
[16:49] - Personal Response to the Gospel
[18:25] - Who is the Babe in Bethlehem?
[19:28] - The Eternal Son of God
[22:27] - The Purpose of His Coming
[24:35] - To Save Sinners
[27:14] - Reconciliation and Redemption
[30:24] - Recognizing Our Need for a Savior
[32:38] - Personal Acceptance and Rejoicing
[35:21] - Invitation to Receive the Gift

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

1 Timothy 1:15 - "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst."

Galatians 1:11-12 - "I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ."

2 Corinthians 5:19 - "that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation."

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Observation Questions:

1. What transformation did the Apostle Paul experience, and how did it influence his view of the gospel? [01:56]

2. How does Paul describe the nature of the gospel message in his letters, according to the sermon? [03:00]

3. What is the significance of the phrase "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" in the context of the sermon? [27:14]

4. How does the sermon describe the response that the gospel message demands from individuals? [12:43]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why does Paul emphasize that the gospel is not based on human speculation but on divine revelation? How does this affect the credibility of the message? [04:28]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the gospel is a dynamic message that can transform lives and nations? [15:35]

3. How does the sermon explain the importance of recognizing Jesus as the eternal Son of God for fully embracing the gospel message? [18:25]

4. What does the sermon imply about the personal nature of accepting the gospel and recognizing one's need for a Savior? [32:38]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your personal view of Jesus. How does recognizing Him as the eternal Son of God influence your response to the gospel? [18:25]

2. The sermon emphasizes the transformative power of the gospel. Can you identify an area in your life where you need transformation? How can the gospel bring change to that area? [15:35]

3. Consider the statement "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." How does this truth impact your understanding of your own need for salvation? [27:14]

4. The sermon calls for a full acceptance of the gospel. What steps can you take to ensure that the gospel message grips and transforms your entire life? [12:43]

5. How can you share the good news of the gospel with someone who may feel hopeless or in need of transformation? What practical steps can you take this week to reach out to them? [15:35]

6. Reflect on the personal nature of accepting the gospel. How can you express gratitude for the salvation offered through Christ in your daily life? [32:38]

7. The sermon mentions the joy of joining the angelic choir in praise. How can you incorporate worship and gratitude into your Christmas celebrations this year? [32:38]

Devotional

Day 1: The Gospel's Divine Origin and Trustworthiness
The gospel is not a product of human imagination or speculation; it is a divine revelation that stands as a faithful and trustworthy message. This truth is rooted in the personal transformation of the Apostle Paul, who was once a blasphemer and persecutor but was changed by the grace of God. The gospel he preached was not of human origin but was revealed to him by Jesus Christ himself. This message is not a new set of moral teachings or laws but is the good news of salvation and the supreme manifestation of God's glory. It is a proclamation that invites all to experience the transformative power of God's grace. [03:00]

1 Timothy 1:15-16 (ESV): "The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life."

Reflection: In what ways can you remind yourself today that the gospel is a divine revelation and not just a human idea? How does this understanding impact your faith and trust in its message?


Day 2: The Transformative Power of the Gospel
The gospel calls for more than just intellectual agreement; it demands a full acceptance that transforms the entire person. It is a dynamic message that has the power to revolutionize lives, turning sinners into saints and bringing hope to the hopeless. This transformation is not merely about adopting new beliefs but involves a profound change in one's heart and life. The gospel's power lies in its ability to change individuals and even nations, offering salvation to all who believe. It is a message that invites us to experience the fullness of life that God intends for us. [12:43]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need the transformative power of the gospel? How can you invite God to work in that area today?


Day 3: Recognizing Jesus as the Eternal Son of God
Our response to the gospel is deeply influenced by our understanding of who Jesus is. Recognizing him as the eternal Son of God who came to save sinners is crucial for fully embracing the message. Jesus did not come merely to teach or set an example; he came to save and reconcile us to God through his sacrificial death. This understanding shapes how we respond to the gospel and the depth of our commitment to it. It calls us to see Jesus not just as a historical figure but as the living Savior who offers us new life. [18:25]

Colossians 1:15-20 (ESV): "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as the eternal Son of God change your perspective on your relationship with him? What steps can you take today to deepen your understanding of who he is?


Day 4: The Heart of the Gospel: Salvation and Reconciliation
At the heart of the gospel is the truth that Christ Jesus came to save sinners and reconcile us to God through his sacrificial death. This is the primary purpose of his coming, and it is the foundation of the Christian faith. Jesus bore our guilt and punishment, offering us new life and a restored relationship with God. This message of salvation is not just about escaping judgment but about entering into a life of grace and peace with God. It is an invitation to experience the fullness of God's love and mercy. [27:14]

Ephesians 2:13-16 (ESV): "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility."

Reflection: In what ways do you need to experience God's reconciliation in your life today? How can you embrace the new life that Jesus offers through his sacrifice?


Day 5: Personal Acceptance and Rejoicing in Salvation
Accepting the gospel is a deeply personal act that requires us to acknowledge our sinfulness and need for a Savior. Those who recognize their need for grace will rejoice in the salvation offered through Christ. This acceptance is not just a one-time decision but a daily choice to live in the light of God's grace and love. It involves a commitment to follow Jesus and allow his message to transform our lives. As we embrace this divine gift, we join the angelic choir in praise and gratitude, celebrating the new life we have in Christ. [32:38]

Titus 3:4-7 (ESV): "But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

Reflection: How can you express your gratitude for the salvation you have received through Christ today? What practical steps can you take to live out this gratitude in your daily life?

Quotes



The apostle glories in his calling. He can think of nothing higher than this, the privilege of preaching the gospel, of being a herald of the glad tidings, an announcer, a proclaimer of the meaning of that which happened at Bethlehem there in that stable. Now, why does he glory in this? Well, here he tells us. [00:01:56]

This is not some idle gossip. This is not something which may be true or may not be true. We're all given to that, aren't we? We hear something, and it's rather striking, and we go and repeat it. And somebody says, yes, but are you sure it's true? It sounds very wonderful, but the question is, is it true? I've heard rumors before. Now, says the apostle, this isn't a rumor. This isn't idle gossip. [00:03:00]

What I'm preaching, says Paul, is the revelation of Jesus Christ. It's not something that I've been told by another man. I'm not passing on a message that I've received secondhand. I'm not an apostle as the others are. They were all together and they were with the Lord. I wasn't. I was a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an injurious person at that time. I wasn't one of the twelve apostles. I wasn't with them. [00:05:04]

He was traveling from Jerusalem to Damascus to exterminate the Christian church there, breathing out threatenings and slaughter, hating the very name of Christ. And suddenly about noonday he saw that shining in the heavens above the brightest shining of the sun and the face. And he asked, Who art thou, Lord? And back came the answer, I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest. [00:05:39]

He came to people in sin and misery and shame and had a great and a wondrous message. Listen, he says, listen to what I have to tell you. Good news, gospel. It's not, I say, a new law. He didn't go around making fresh demands upon people. He didn't just go around preaching a certain bit of moralism and ethical teaching. He didn't go and tell people, just listen, if you put a great effort into it and pull yourselves together, at last you can save yourselves and lift up your world. That's not good news. [00:08:16]

There is nothing which so displays the glory of God as this gospel of Jesus Christ. Ah, we know that God's glory is to be seen in many ways. The psalmist tells us in the 19th Psalm, the heavens declare the glory of God, and they do. Look up in a starry night. Look at the sun and the moon and the stars at any time. Look at the mountains and the valleys, the rivers and the streams, the beauty of the flowers and the little lambs gambling in the field, the heavens and all creation. [00:09:53]

In other words, he is not just a philosopher going and propounding a new theory to an academic group of people who sit in a detached manner and look on and listen and enjoy it. No, no. This is a message which does something. It calls for a response. It is a faithful saying and worthy of. [00:12:43]

To be mastered, to be gripped by it, to be controlled by it, to yield yourself to it. Or if I may put it in a phrase, the faithfulness of the message, it is a faithful saying. Yes, the faithfulness of the message should lead to faith in it. Not a detached consideration, not an idle contemplation. Oh no, but a response, a full all acceptation. [00:14:10]

Oh, listen to him putting it in that immortal phrase to the Romans, I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, why not? Well, he says, because it is the power of God, the dynamic of God and to salvation to everyone that believe it. It will turn the world upside down, it will turn sinners into saints, it will take a hopeless drunkard and turn him into someone who adorns the life of the church. It can come to a harlot and a prostitute and make of her a Madonna. [00:15:18]

What is it that makes a man respond to it in that way and give it all acceptation? Well, let me just note the things the apostle tells us here. The first thing is, our view of what happened there at Bethlehem this morning. Ah, yes, but our response to that event is determined by this. Our view of the babe. Who is this babe? Who is this person? [00:17:43]

He came as a part of God's great plan and purpose of salvation and of redemption. You needn't take my word for this. Listen to him. He said the Son of Man is come. Why? To seek and to save that which is lost. Same thing. Or listen to him again. The Son of Man, he says, is not come to be ministered unto, but to minister and to give his life a ransom for many. To save. [00:24:35]

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and he said, they that are whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick. I came, he says, not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. The Pharisees didn't rejoice in him. Why? Well, because he made them feel that they were sinners, and they didn't like that. They never saw the need of salvation. The publicans and the harlots, he says, go crowding into the kingdom, and you remain outside. They knew that they were sinners. [00:30:24]

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Transcript
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