Are You Following Jesus or Just His Rules?

Sermon Discussion Guide 

Watch: https://youtube.com/live/Rb2VeA4E-d8

Read: Genesis 3:15, John 1:9-14, and Isaiah 9:6, making some observations about the passages.

Recap: Review the sermon with your group, highlighting the following:

1. "Just as parents prepare and anticipate the birth of their child, the Bible speaks of a profound anticipation for the coming of Jesus."
2. "Genesis 3:15, the protoevangelium, is God's first promise of redemption, highlighting the eternal conflict against evil and foreshadowing Jesus's victory."
3. "When we accept Jesus, we’re not just learning from a great teacher; we're embracing the King of the universe who came to redeem us."
4. "Miracles, authoritative teachings, and declarations of identity were often missed by those around Jesus, but recognizing His true nature is crucial for believers today."
5. "To truly receive Jesus, it's important to worship in truth, build God's kingdom, and obey out of love, acknowledging His divinity and redemptive power."

Group Discussion

1. Genesis 3:15 introduces the concept of an ongoing battle between good and evil and the promise of redemption. How do these themes provide hope and context for the rest of the Bible?
2. Reflect on the anticipation described in Genesis and in prophecies like Isaiah 9:6. How do they build the expectation for Jesus, and how does this anticipation affect your understanding of His coming?
3. How did John's Gospel describe the varied reception to Jesus? What are the implications of this for how we present Jesus to others today?
4. Pastor Eric listed reasons people missed Jesus’s identity—miracles, teaching, and identity. Discuss times when modern perceptions might cause us to overlook the miraculous or authoritative nature of Jesus.
5. In what ways can we ensure that our relationship with Jesus moves beyond seeing Him as a good teacher to recognizing Him as our King and personal Savior?

Dig Deeper

Read through Isaiah 53 and consider how it complements the themes of Genesis 3:15 and the Gospels concerning Jesus’s suffering, redemption, and victory over sin. Reflect on its depiction of the suffering servant and how Jesus fulfills these prophecies.

Guided Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the profound anticipation demonstrated through the Scriptures, culminating in the life and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Grant us discernment and open spiritual eyes to fully recognize and receive Jesus, not just as a historical figure or teacher, but as our King and Savior who redeems us from sin and restores our humanity.

Lord, help us to worship in truth, building Your kingdom and obeying You out of love, leading lives that reflect Your holiness and purity. Equip us to share the hope and reality of Jesus with others, especially those who may be spiritually blind or are following misleading voices.

We ask for a deeper understanding of Jesus's role in our lives, emphasizing His divinity, His sacrifice on the cross, and His resurrection. May our faith be strengthened to embrace His presence and share His love.

In Jesus's name, Amen.