"THE GOSPEL PART I"

Who is God?

Bible Passage: Isaiah 40:28-31, Psalm 46:1-3, John 1:1-14

Summary: This sermon explores the multi-faceted nature of God as revealed in Scripture, emphasizing His power, presence, and loving character towards humanity.

Application: Understanding the character and nature of God can provide comfort and strength in times of uncertainty, encouraging believers to rely on Him in all circumstances.

Teaching: This sermon teaches that God is sovereign, ever-present, and deeply relational, demonstrating how these attributes shape our understanding of faith and reliance on Him.

How this passage could point to Christ: From the beginning, God’s attributes showcased in the Old Testament find their ultimate expression in Jesus Christ. In Him, we see God's creative power, relational presence, and the fulfillment of His promises.

Big Idea: To truly know God is to experience His divine nature, which transforms our lives and deepens our faith.

1. Power of the Eternal God -

Isaiah 40:28–29 NASB95

28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. 29 He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power.

You could begin by exploring how Isaiah 40:28-29 proclaims God's omnipotence and inexhaustible strength. Emphasize how God's everlasting nature and understanding surpass all human comprehension, offering steadfast support. The passage suggests that believers take comfort in knowing that God's ability to provide strength is limitless. Relating this to Christ, you could focus on how Jesus embodies this divine power, making it accessible to us in our everyday struggles. Encourage your audience to rely on God's strength rather than their own.

2. Promise of God for Renewed Strength -

Isaiah 40:30–31 NASB95

30 Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, 31 Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.

Perhaps highlight how Isaiah 40:30-31 offers a vivid image of renewed strength and hope. These verses illustrate that those who trust in the Lord will endure and thrive, depicting God's power to transform physical and spiritual exhaustion into vigor. Connect this promise to Jesus, who renews our strength through faith and hope. Invite the audience to trust in God's promises, finding assurance in His unwavering presence as revealed in Christ.

3. Presence of God in Times of Trouble -

Psalm 46:1–2 NASB95

1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;

Maybe delve into Psalm 46:1-2 to reveal God's role as a refuge and stronghold in times of trouble. This passage describes God's immediate assistance amidst calamity, reinforcing the security found in His presence. Relate this to Christ, who is the ultimate refuge, providing peace and protection. Urge your audience to rely on God's protection and embrace the peace that His presence brings into their lives, even amidst chaos.

4. Preeminence of God (the Word) -

Psalm 46:3 and John 1:1-5

Psalm 46:3 NASB95

3 Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah.

John 1:1–5 NASB95

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

Explore Psalm 46:3 alongside John 1:1-5 to discuss God's creative power, seen in both nature and in the Word, which is Christ. These verses remind us of God's sovereignty over creation and life. Discuss how God's Word, revealed in Christ, is both the agent of creation and the light in our darkness. Encourage your audience to recognize Christ's role in sustaining all things, inviting them to trust in His guiding light.

5. Presence of God through the Incarnate -

John 1:6–14 NASB95

6 There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. 9 There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Highlight how John 1:6-14 reveals the incarnate God, bringing life and light to humanity. Focus on the relational aspect of God's nature, as He chose to dwell among us through Jesus Christ. This passage underscores God's deep, personal commitment to us, made evident in Jesus' life and ministry. Invite your audience to deeper intimacy with God, who invites us to be His children, transformed by His grace and truth.

Discovering the Nature of God -

Bible Passage: Genesis 1:1, Psalm 24:1, Matthew 5:48, James 2:10

Summary: These passages explore the nature and character of God as Creator, Owner, and the standard of righteousness, inviting us to realize our need for Him in our lives.

Application: Understanding who God is can deeply affect how we view ourselves and our purpose. In a world filled with confusion and identity crises, knowing God as the Creator and Righteous Judge helps teens to establish their worth and navigate their choices with integrity and purpose.

Teaching: This sermon teaches that God is the ultimate Creator and Owner of all things, setting high standards for our lives. By realizing His holiness and our shortcomings, we are called to pursue a relationship with Him that transforms our character and actions.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the grand narrative of Scripture, Christ embodies the fullness of God and reflects His nature perfectly. Through Christ, we understand God's creative power, His holiness, and His redemptive love that bridges the gap created by our sins.

Big Idea: Knowing who God is transforms our view of ourselves and equips us to live lives that reflect His character and glory.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider delving into the Hebrew understanding of creation in Genesis 1:1, exploring the implications of God's ownership in Psalm 24:1 in the context of stewardship, and examining the call to perfection in Matthew 5:48 in light of the grace found in Christ. Using Logos, explore different translations and commentaries on these texts to uncover deeper insights that resonate with a teen audience.

1. Witness the Wonder of God -

Genesis 1:1 NASB95

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

You could begin by emphasizing God's role as the Creator of everything. By this, teens can understand the inherent value and purpose woven into the fabric of creation, including themselves. As we delve into God's creative power, we can invite listeners to reflect on how their lives are part of God's grand design and to discover how acknowledging God as Creator influences their life's direction.

2. Owned by God -

Psalm 24:1 NASB95

1 The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it.

Perhaps, explore how Psalm 24:1 affirms God's ownership of the world and everything in it. This realization can help teens appreciate their lives as part of something bigger than themselves. Encourage them to steward their resources and talents wisely, living responsibly and ethically in recognition that their lives are ultimately God's gift.

3. Pursue God -

Matthew 5:48 NASB95

48 “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Maybe, consider that the call to be perfect as God is holy highlights the high standards set for us. Here, teens can grasp the importance of integrity and moral excellence in their lives. While recognizing that perfection is only possible through Christ, encourage them to strive for a life of integrity and growth, seeking to reflect God's character.

4. Realize the Requirement to Get to God -

James 2:10 NASB95

10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all.

Suggest pointing out the reality that failing to keep one part of the law makes us guilty of all, underscoring the need for God's grace and forgiveness. This should lead teens to notice their own shortcomings and the necessity of relying on Jesus. Through Christ's redemptive love, they find motivation to align their actions with God's standards.

SO WHAT?