Doctrine: Redemption (John 4:1-30)

Text: John 4:1-30

Doctrine: Redemption Bridge to Doctrine: An outcast Samaritan woman encountered Jesus, who offered her living water. Through this conversation by the well, Jesus redeemed her life from brokenness into one of profound witness to others.

Key Points and Insertion of Doctrine into Passage: John 4:10-14, 21-26 ● Borrowed from the world of commerce, the term redemption refers to how Jesus has purchased believers from the marketplace of sin and set them free from sin’s dreadful bondage. ● Born into and enslaved by sin, people have no escape from God’s just wrath except through the redemption Jesus offers. ● As sinners there is nothing we can do to earn redemption and favor with God. ● Redemption comes as God’s gift, offered through His grace and is available to all who believe. ● God’s Son, Jesus Christ, paid the costly price of redemption, offering Himself as the only perfect sacrifice who could die in our place. ● In accepting the gift of redemption, believers are indwelt with the Holy Spirit, empowered, and propelled to live as God’s witnesses. They are redeemed from an empty life to live as Christ’s possessions. ● When I do not believe in redemption, I remain stuck in my sin. Life is empty, and I will always be unsatisfied. I cannot experience God’s love or wisdom. Worse, I remain under God’s wrath and will experience eternal separation from Him. ● When I believe in redemption, I understand the pricelessness of my life to God because I understand the price of redemption—the life of His Son on my behalf. Redeemed, I live a life of great joy today, even in the most difficult of circumstances. I am assured of my salvation and eternal life with God. I am eager to share the good news of the gift of redemption with others.

Applications: ● Redemption is undeserved. God, in grace and love, chose to provide redemption for sinners. – Redemption through Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross proves the depth of God’s love for His people. – What difference has understanding and accepting redemption made to you personally? – How does your life reflect an appreciation for the redemption God has graciously given you? ● Redemption is offered only through faith in Jesus Christ. – While people prefer to earn favor, God freely offers redemption as a gift through faith in His Son. – Have you fully embraced God’s offer of redemption? If not, what is holding you back? – What lies about your unworthiness have kept you from enjoying the full benefits of your complete redemption? ● Redemption breathes newness into life that was once dead. – Redemption frees God’s people from the full weight of the burden and power of sin in their lives. – What habit of sin or burden of guilt unnecessarily weighs you down today even though Christ has set you free? – In what ways do you express your joy toward God for the redemption you have received from Him? – With whom can you share God’s standing offer of redemption that comes through faith in Jesus Christ?