"THE GOSPEL PART III"

Proposition - As we think about the Gospel we will be focusing on the question “Who is Jesus?” We will be examining both the 1) identity of Jesus, and 2) the Work of Jesus.

Interrogative question - How are your responding to Jesus?

1. The Identity of Jesus -

Logos - AI - Summary: This theme explores the identity of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the Creator, and the Savior of the world, providing critical insights into His divine nature and human experience.

Application: Understanding who Jesus is helps believers deepen their faith and relationship with Him, empowering them to share the gospel confidently in a world full of confusion and doubt about His identity.

Teaching: This sermon teaches that Jesus is both fully divine and fully human, emphasizing His role in creation, redemption, and the believer's life, while also inviting listeners to personally encounter Him.

How this passage could point to Christ: Throughout Scripture, Jesus is revealed in various roles — Creator in Genesis, the Passover Lamb in Exodus, the suffering servant in Isaiah, and ultimately, the victorious King in Revelation — showcasing His preeminence and centrality in God's redemptive plan.

Big Idea: Jesus is the central figure of history and faith, and knowing Him transforms our lives and empowers us to follow Him wholeheartedly.

Jesus the Cosmic Creator -

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.

Logos Ai - You could explore how Jesus, referred to as the 'Word,' is intricately connected to creation, emphasizing His divine preexistence and His role in bringing life and light to humanity. By recognizing Jesus as both God and Creator, believers are invited to see Him as the foundation of their faith and the source of true enlightenment in a world often filled with darkness.

Jesus the Incarnate Word -

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.

Logos Ai - Perhaps outline how Jesus being made flesh reveals God's tangible presence in the world, highlighting the remarkable reality of His incarnation. Jesus, who is God, took on human form, enabling us to know God personally. Encourage the audience to embrace the truth of Jesus' divinity and humanity, inviting them to receive His grace and truth as the source of transformation in their lives.

Jesus the Sovereign Sustainer -

Colossians 1:15–17 NASB95

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

Logos Ai - Maybe focus on Jesus' supremacy in creation, as He is described as the image of the invisible God and the firstborn over all creation. This paints a vivid picture of His authority and His sustaining power over everything. Encourage believers to trust in His sovereignty, knowing that Jesus holds all things together, offering peace in personal and global chaos.

Jesus the Reconciler King -

Colossians 1:18–20 NASB95

18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. 19 For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.

Logos Ai - You could explain that Jesus is the head of the church and preeminent in all things, and through His sacrifice, He reconciles believers to God. By acknowledging His role in redemption and resurrection, encourage the congregation to live in the power of His reconciliatory work, fostering unity and purpose as His body on earth.

Jesus the Personal Messiah -

Matthew 16:13–16 NASB95

13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Logos Ai - Perhaps encourage personal declaration and understanding of Jesus’ identity, as seen in Peter's confession of Christ. This passage challenges each believer to determine who Jesus is to them personally. Invite the audience to declare Jesus as their Lord and Messiah, reinforcing that such recognition is foundational for living out their faith boldly.

2. The Work of Jesus -

Logos Ai - Summary: This sermon explores the identity of Jesus Christ, emphasizing His divine nature, sacrificial love, and our reconciliation through Him as presented in Scripture.

Application: Understanding who Jesus is helps teens navigate their faith and empowers them to build a personal relationship with Him, especially in challenging times of doubt and identity.

Teaching: This sermon teaches that Jesus is fully divine, fully human, and the ultimate demonstration of God's love for humanity. It emphasizes that through His death and resurrection, we find redemption and purpose.

How this passage could point to Christ: Throughout the entire Bible, Jesus is revealed as God's ultimate plan for salvation, present at creation, fulfilling the law, and being the central figure in God’s redemptive work in history.

Big Idea: Jesus Christ is the embodiment of God’s love, full of grace and truth, calling each of us to a reconciled relationship with Him.

Created Connection with Christ -

Colossians 2:9 NASB95

9 For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form,

Logos Ai - You could start by explaining that in Colossians 2:9, the Apostle Paul makes a profound statement about Jesus: He is the fullness of God in bodily form. This highlights Jesus's divine nature and assures us that in knowing Him, we encounter God Himself. This truth is foundational for developing a firm faith. Teens can be encouraged to remember that their search for identity and purpose finds a solid answer in Jesus, who is God with us.

Christ’s Compassionate Commitment -

Romans 5:8 NASB95

8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Logos Ai - Perhaps you can illustrate that Romans 5:8 is a testament to God's incredible love demonstrated through Christ's willingness to die for us, even at our worst. This powerful truth reassures us that Christ's love is unconditional and transformative. By truly grasping this, teens can find hope and a reason to trust God in their personal struggles, knowing that they are deeply loved and cared for beyond their flaws and failures.

Christ’s Conclusive Exchange -

2 Corinthians 5:21 NASB95

21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Logos Ai - Maybe examine how 2 Corinthians 5:21 conveys the great exchange: Christ, who knew no sin, was made to be sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. This sermon point emphasizes our reconciliation with God through Jesus. Addressing identity issues, this is assurance for teens that they are valued and made new in Christ, offering them a meaningful relationship with God despite their insecurities.

Christ’s Conquering Resurrection -

1 Corinthians 15:4 NASB95

4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

Logos Ai - Consider preaching on 1 Corinthians 15:4, which talks about Christ's resurrection, fulfilling the Scriptures. This event is central to the Christian faith, offering a promise of new life and victory over sin. Encourage teens to see the resurrection as a foundation for their own faith journey, reminding them of the hope and future they have in Christ. This helps anchor their faith during turbulent times, offering a perspective beyond present struggles.

SO WHAT?

How are your responding to Jesus?