Understanding Jesus: God Incarnate and Our Savior
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound truth of Jesus' identity, delving into the question of whether He was merely a good teacher or truly God incarnate. We began by acknowledging the greatness of God, celebrating His sovereignty and love that remains steadfast regardless of our circumstances. This understanding of God's greatness is foundational to our faith, as it assures us that His love and power are not contingent on our situations but are inherent to His nature.
We then transitioned into a discussion about the identity of Jesus, examining the claims of skeptics who argue that Jesus never explicitly claimed to be God. However, through scriptural references, we established that Jesus did indeed assert His divinity. In John 8:58, Jesus declares, "Before Abraham was, I am," directly linking Himself to the divine name revealed in Exodus. Furthermore, His actions, such as forgiving sins and performing miracles, demonstrated divine authority that only God could possess.
The sermon also highlighted the significance of Jesus' resurrection as the ultimate proof of His divinity. The resurrection was not just a miraculous event but a fulfillment of His prophetic words, showcasing His power over life and death. This event is a cornerstone of our faith, affirming that Jesus is not just a historical figure but the living God who conquered death.
We concluded by emphasizing the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus. It's not enough to acknowledge His existence or teachings; we must accept Him as Lord and Savior. This relationship transforms our lives, freeing us from the bondage of sin and legalism, and inviting us into a life of grace and truth. As we prepare for Easter, we are reminded of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross, offering us redemption and eternal life.
Key Takeaways:
- The Greatness of God: God's greatness is not defined by our circumstances but by His inherent nature. Whether in times of joy or struggle, His sovereignty and love remain constant, providing us with a firm foundation for our faith. [16:51]
- Jesus' Divinity: Jesus' claims of divinity are evident throughout the scriptures. His statements, such as "I am," and His actions, like forgiving sins, affirm His identity as God. Understanding this is crucial for a robust Christian faith. [47:58]
- The Resurrection as Proof: The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate demonstration of His divine nature. It validates His claims and assures us of His power over life and death, offering us hope and assurance of eternal life. [58:46]
- Personal Relationship with Jesus: Acknowledging Jesus as Lord and Savior is essential for experiencing true freedom and transformation. This relationship moves us beyond legalism into a life of grace, where we can fully embrace our identity in Christ. [01:07:24]
- Living in the Light: Embracing Jesus means stepping out of darkness and into the light, where we find healing, restoration, and purpose. Our past does not define us; rather, our future in Christ is filled with hope and redemption. [01:17:31]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [16:51] - Praise and Worship
- [28:41] - God's Unchanging Greatness
- [31:24] - Communion and Reflection
- [34:04] - The Jesus Code Series
- [41:31] - Jesus: King or Teacher?
- [45:09] - Claims of Divinity
- [47:58] - Jesus' Identity in Scripture
- [50:43] - Authority and Deity
- [53:35] - Freedom from the Law
- [56:38] - The Only Way to Salvation
- [58:46] - Resurrection and Proof
- [01:07:24] - Authority and Relationship
- [01:17:31] - Embracing the Light
- [01:30:17] - Closing and Announcements
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 8:58 - "Before Abraham was, I am."
2. John 10:30 - "The Father and I are one."
3. 1 Corinthians 15:4-7 - "He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said."
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Observation Questions:
1. In John 8:58, what is the significance of Jesus using the phrase "I am"? How does this connect to the Old Testament? [47:58]
2. According to the sermon, what actions of Jesus demonstrated His divine authority? [50:43]
3. How does 1 Corinthians 15:4-7 provide evidence for the resurrection of Jesus? What does Paul emphasize about the witnesses? [58:46]
4. What were the reactions of the Jewish leaders to Jesus' claims of divinity, and why did they react this way? [50:43]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Jesus' statement "Before Abraham was, I am" challenge the skeptic's view that He never claimed divinity? What does this reveal about His identity? [47:58]
2. Why is the resurrection considered the ultimate proof of Jesus' divinity, and how does it impact the foundation of Christian faith? [58:46]
3. How does understanding Jesus as both God and man affect a believer's relationship with Him? What implications does this have for one's faith journey? [53:35]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus' authority over life and death is central to the Christian belief in salvation? [56:38]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you doubted Jesus' divinity or struggled with understanding His identity. How did you overcome this doubt, and what steps can you take to strengthen your faith in His divine nature? [45:09]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus. What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your relationship with Him? [01:07:24]
3. How does the resurrection of Jesus offer hope and assurance in your life today? Identify a specific area where you need to apply this hope. [58:46]
4. Consider the significance of Jesus' authority to forgive sins. How does this understanding influence your approach to seeking forgiveness and offering it to others? [53:35]
5. The sermon discusses living in the light and embracing grace. What is one area of your life where you need to step out of darkness and into the light? How can your small group support you in this journey? [01:17:31]
6. As Easter approaches, how can you intentionally reflect on Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to prepare your heart for this season? [31:24]
7. Identify a person in your life who may not fully understand Jesus' divinity. How can you engage them in a conversation about His identity and the hope He offers? [56:38]
Devotional
Day 1: The Unchanging Nature of God's Greatness
God's greatness is not defined by our circumstances but by His inherent nature. Whether in times of joy or struggle, His sovereignty and love remain constant, providing us with a firm foundation for our faith. This understanding assures us that His love and power are not contingent on our situations but are inherent to His nature. In moments of doubt or difficulty, remembering God's unchanging nature can provide comfort and strength. His greatness is a source of hope and assurance, reminding us that we are never alone and that His plans for us are good. [16:51]
"For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed." (Malachi 3:6, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust in God's unchanging nature today? How can you remind yourself of His constant love and sovereignty in that situation?
Day 2: Jesus' Divine Identity
Jesus' claims of divinity are evident throughout the scriptures. His statements, such as "I am," and His actions, like forgiving sins, affirm His identity as God. Understanding this is crucial for a robust Christian faith. Jesus' identity as God incarnate is not just a theological concept but a reality that impacts our daily lives. Recognizing His divinity invites us to worship Him fully and to trust in His authority over all aspects of our lives. This understanding challenges us to see Jesus not just as a historical figure or moral teacher but as the living God who desires a personal relationship with us. [47:58]
"Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.'" (John 8:58, ESV)
Reflection: How does acknowledging Jesus' divinity change the way you approach your relationship with Him? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of His divine nature today?
Day 3: The Resurrection as the Cornerstone of Faith
The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate demonstration of His divine nature. It validates His claims and assures us of His power over life and death, offering us hope and assurance of eternal life. The resurrection is not just a miraculous event but a fulfillment of His prophetic words, showcasing His power over life and death. This event is a cornerstone of our faith, affirming that Jesus is not just a historical figure but the living God who conquered death. It invites us to live with hope and confidence, knowing that our future is secure in Him. [58:46]
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." (1 Peter 1:3, ESV)
Reflection: How does the reality of the resurrection influence your daily life and decisions? What is one way you can live out the hope of the resurrection today?
Day 4: Embracing a Personal Relationship with Jesus
Acknowledging Jesus as Lord and Savior is essential for experiencing true freedom and transformation. This relationship moves us beyond legalism into a life of grace, where we can fully embrace our identity in Christ. It's not enough to acknowledge His existence or teachings; we must accept Him as Lord and Savior. This relationship transforms our lives, freeing us from the bondage of sin and legalism, and inviting us into a life of grace and truth. As we prepare for Easter, we are reminded of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross, offering us redemption and eternal life. [01:07:24]
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." (John 15:4, ESV)
Reflection: What does it mean for you to abide in Jesus today? How can you cultivate a deeper, more personal relationship with Him in your daily routine?
Day 5: Living in the Light of Christ
Embracing Jesus means stepping out of darkness and into the light, where we find healing, restoration, and purpose. Our past does not define us; rather, our future in Christ is filled with hope and redemption. Living in the light of Christ invites us to experience His healing and restoration, allowing us to walk in freedom and purpose. It challenges us to let go of past burdens and to embrace the new identity we have in Him. This journey of transformation is ongoing, inviting us to continually seek His presence and guidance in our lives. [01:17:31]
"For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." (Ephesians 5:8, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to step into the light of Christ? How can you actively pursue healing and restoration in that area today?
Quotes
I praise cause you're sovereign. I praise cause you reign. I praise cause you rose and defeated. I won't be quiet, my God is alive. Come on. It may be rainy outside. It may be a little chillin'. It may have dealt with some storms yesterday. But just like the psalmist said, joy comes in the morning. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. [00:08:00]
God, I don't know what people are struggling with today as they've come in here. But I know a God who's great. I know a God who loves, who cares. That the scripture says he cares so much that he sent his one and only son to die for me. And I'm thankful today that God I don't have to walk through this life worshiping a dead God on a shelf but I can worship a live living God who loves me and cares for me. [00:27:40]
Today, God, your greatness is not defined by my circumstances. Your greatness is defined by who you are and you are great. You're great today, God, just because you're great, not because you do anything for me, not because of any other reason. You're just great because that's who you are. And I worship your greatness today. [00:30:41]
And communion calls us to do a couple of things. First, it calls us to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and what he did on the cross for us, right? We know that the bread is a symbol of the cross for us, right? The juice is a symbol of his blood. Paul said in 1 Corinthians chapter 11, verse 26 said, For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. [00:32:41]
Because at the end of the day, it was the cross that the thief was hanging on when he looked at Jesus and he said, when you're in your kingdom, remember me, Jesus looked at him and said, today you will be with me in paradise. He didn't have to go through some ceremony to find Jesus right there in the middle of his death. Jesus said, you're going to go with me. [00:34:04]
And the argument that Jesus never claimed to be God is a false God because multiple times throughout scripture we see statements such as I am. Right? We see in John 8:58 Jesus says before Abraham was even born. What did he say? I am. A reference to Exodus chapter 3 verse 14. In John 10:30 he says the father and I are one. One, Jesus wasn't just some spiritual individual. He was both God's son and God himself. [00:48:15]
Jesus' claim that he could and would raise himself from the dead is one of the strongest statements to him being God. Well, pastor, he didn't really rise from the dead. That's just a story. His disciples went and stole his body and they hid it. I said, really? For 2,000 years and we can't find it? Right? For 2,000 years they hid his body and couldn't find it? For 2,000 years they lived a lie, preached for a lie, and died for a lie? [01:00:08]
The authority he exercised proved who he was. His works confirmed his claim. And Jesus did only what God could do. Calming storms, forgiving sins, and rising from the dead. He spoke and he acted like God. He had authority and he exercised it. He acted like God. One of the clearest signs that Jesus was more than a man is the authority he exercised not just over sickness and storms but over sin, over death, and even the law of God itself. [01:01:15]
We have to stop looking at what was and look at where we are now. I'm thankful for the Old Testament and the law because it tells me where we've come from. But I also have to look at what Jesus did on the cross for me. And he had the authority over my death, over my sin, over my mess. He had the authority over my addiction. He had the authority over everything I tried to screw up. [01:06:44]
Because at the end of the day, I don't care about your past. I care about your future. Jesus didn't die for your mistakes to stay there. Does that make sense? He didn't die for you to hang out in what you were. He died for you to come out of what you were to come into something new. [01:19:31]
I also understand that the God that loves you and cares for you that when you draw near to him he'll fix your marriage. He'll take the addictions. He'll turn you into something new. I am not what the world has defined me but I am what the light says I am. [01:22:38]
So is he your God Lord today? Have your way in our lives. Have your way in our homes. Have your way in our marriages. Have your way in our kids. Have your way in all of our mess. Because the question isn't are you God. You're God. It's no doubt in my mind you are God. The question is are you my God. [01:23:02]
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