Class Lesson December 29, 2024

 

The Love of Christ

 

Romans 5:1-11

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. 6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person — though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die — 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

 

Discussion Questions

Romans 5:1 "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Question: What does it mean to have peace with God? How is this different from feelings of personal peace or calmness?

 

Romans 5:2 “Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”

Question: How does “standing in grace” shape our understanding of our relationship with God? How does this impact our hope in daily life?

Romans 5:3-5 “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.”

Question: Why does Paul encourage believers to “rejoice in our sufferings”? How have you seen God use trials to strengthen your faith or character?

 

Romans 5:6-8 "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Question: What does this verse teach us about the nature of God’s love? Why is it significant that Christ died for us while we were still sinners?

 

Romans 5:10-11 "For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life."

Question: What does reconciliation mean in this passage? How does being reconciled to God change the way we live and interact with others?

 

The love of God is something that is poured into every single person who is a Christian. As the love of God pours into our lives it should overflow into the lives of others. How is God calling you to display the love of God to other people this season and going into the New Year?

END

Teacher Notes:

Paul Harvey - Christmas Message

Romans 5:1-11

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. 6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person — though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die — 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Discussion Questions

Romans 5:1 "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Question: What does it mean to have peace with God?

How is this different from feelings of personal peace or calmness?

Peace with God is not merely a feeling; it’s an objective reality of restored relationship.

We stand in grace — permanently secure and welcomed into God’s favor.

Quote: “The peace we enjoy is not a truce but an abiding peace, resting upon the justice of God and the finished work of Christ.” – Charles Spurgeon

We now have peace with God, which may differ from peaceful feelings such as calmness and tranquility. Peace with God means that we have been reconciled with Him. There is no more hostility between us, no sin blocking our relationship with Him. Peace with God is possible only because Jesus paid the price for our sins through His death on the cross. Vs 1

 

 

Romans 5:2 “Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”

Question: How does “standing in grace” shape our understanding of our relationship with God?

Paul states that, as believers, we now stand in a place of highest privilege (“this grace in which we now stand”). Not only has God declared us not guilty; He has drawn us close to Himself. Instead of being enemies, we have become His friends – in fact His own children (John 15:15; Galatians 4:5). Vs 2

Romans 5:3-5 “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.”

Question: Why does Paul encourage believers to “rejoice in our sufferings”?

How have you seen God use trials to strengthen your faith or character?

God’s love has been “poured into our hearts” through the Holy Spirit. Even in suffering, His love is a firm anchor.

Why do you think Paul links suffering to hope? How have you seen God use trials to grow you?

As Paul clearly states in 1 Corinthians 13:13, faith, hope, and love are at heart of the Christian life. Our relationship with God begins with faith, which helps us realize that we are delivered from our past by Christ’s death. Hope grows as we learn all that God has in mind for us; it gives us the promise of the future. And God’s love fills our lives and gives us the ability to reach out to others. Vs 2-5

 

 

 

 

Romans 5:6-8 "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Question: What does this verse teach us about the nature of God’s love?

Why is it significant that Christ died for us while we were still sinners?

All three members of the Trinity are involved in salvation. The Father loved us so much that He sent His Son to bridge the gap between us (John 3:16). The Father and the Son send the Holy Spirit to fill our lives with love and to enable us to live by His power. With all this loving care, how can we do less than serve Him completely! Vs 5-6

How does this truth challenge a performance-based view of God’s love?

We were weak and helpless because we could do nothing on our own to save ourselves. Someone had to come and rescue us. Not only did Christ come at a good time in history; He came at exactly the right time – according to God’s own schedule. God controls all history, and He controlled the timing, methods, and results of Jesus’ death. Vs 6

While we were still sinners – these are amazing words. God sent Jesus Christ to die for us, not because we were good enough, but because He loved us. Whenever you feel uncertain about God’s love for you, remember that He loved you even before you turned to Him. If God loved you when you were a rebel, He can surely strengthen you, now that you love Him in return. Vs 8

 

Romans 5:10-11 "For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life."

Question: How does being reconciled to God change the way we live and interact with others?

Reconciliation means a restored relationship — believers are no longer enemies but beloved children.

“If Christ saved us while we were enemies, how much more will His risen life sustain us now?”

How does knowing you are reconciled and secure in Christ’s life give you confidence today?

 

The love that caused Christ to die is the same love that sends the Holy Spirit to live in us and guide us every day. The power that raised Christ from the dead is the same power that saved you and is available to you in your daily life. Be assured that having begun a life with Christ, you have a reserve of power and love to call on each day, for help to meet every challenge or trial. You can pray for God’s power and love as you need it. Vs 9-10

God is holy, and He will not be associated with sin. All people are sinful and so they are separated from God. In addition, all sin deserves punishment, instead of punishing us with the death we deserve, however, Christ took our sins upon himself and took our punishment by dying on the cross. Now we can “rejoice in God.” Through faith in Christ’s work, we become close to God (reconciled) rather than being enemies and outcasts. Vs 11

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Class Lesson December 22, 2024

 

The Joy of Christ

Sermon Recap

The gospel is a quite literally good news, and good news always produces a certain response, joy!

Joy is the product of news that solves human problems. The gospel brings joy because the gospel is the good news that humanity’s biggest problem, their sin, finds a solution in the baby born in Bethlehem.

The announcement of Christ’s birth is the fulfillment of an entire history of prophecy. The first prophecy of a Savior for humanity came in Genesis 3:15 and they continued to come throughout the entirety of the Old Testament. The birth of Christ produces joy because the Savior has finally come.

The angels came proclaiming good news to the people of earth. The duty of proclamation has now passed on from the angels to the church of Christ. In the same way that the angels were heralds, now we are called to do the same.

The coming of Christ into the world brings joy by saving sinners, fulfilling God’s promises, and revealing His glory in the incarnation.

 

 

Luke 2:1-20

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the fi eld, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

 

Lesson Overview

This lesson explores the joy produced by the gospel through the incarnation of Christ. By examining the angelic announcement, the shepherds’ response, and Mary’s reflection, participants will see how Jesus' birth fulfills God's redemptive plan and offers salvation, peace, and joy to all who believe.

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I. The Announcement of Joy (Luke 2:8-14)

 

Theological Commentary:

The angelic announcement to the shepherds highlights the gospel as "good news of great joy" (v. 10). The titles given to Jesus—Savior, Christ, and Lord—emphasize His mission to save sinners, His fulfillment of messianic promises, and His divine authority.

The incarnation (v. 11) reveals God's humility and love, as the eternal Word becomes flesh (John 1:14) to dwell among us and accomplish our redemption.

 

Application Point:

This week, reflect on the gospel's impact in your life. Share the joy of salvation with someone who needs to hear this "good news." Who is God calling you to share the good news of Jesus with?

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II. The Response to Joy (Luke 2:15-20)

 

Theological Commentary:

The shepherds’ immediate obedience (v. 15) reflects the proper response to the gospel: seeking Christ with urgency and faith.

Their worship and witness (vv. 17, 20) show how encountering Jesus leads to praise and a desire to share the joy of salvation with others.

 

Application Point:

In light of the Shepherds obedience consider where God is calling you to obedience in your life. How does the joy of the gospel produce the response of obedience.

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III. The Reflection on Joy (Luke 2:19)

 

Theological Commentary:

Mary’s treasuring and pondering of these events (v. 19) teaches the importance of meditating on the profound truths of the gospel.

The incarnation is a mystery that invites awe and reflection, as it reveals both God’s transcendence and His intimate presence with humanity.

 

Application Point:

In light of Mary’s example on reflecting on what God has done, how can you become better in reflecting on and meditating on God’s truth, God’s word, and how God has worked in the world around you?

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Gospel Themes and Practical Takeaways

Gospel Themes:

Incarnation: Jesus is fully God and fully man, entering the world to save sinners.

Salvation: Christ’s mission brings forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace with God.

Joy: The gospel transforms our sorrow into lasting joy rooted in the hope of Christ.

 

Practical Takeaways:

Let the joy of salvation renew your worship and witness.

Seek Christ with urgency and faith, following the shepherds’ example.

Meditate on the truths of the incarnation, allowing them to shape your perspective and priorities.

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Discussion Questions

How does the announcement of Jesus as Savior, Christ, and Lord (v. 11) bring joy to your life today? How can you rest in these truths during challenging times?

 

The angel proclaimed "good news of great joy for all people" (v. 10). How can you share this joyful news with those around you this week?

 

The shepherds glorified and praised God after witnessing Jesus (v. 20). How does reflecting on the incarnation inspire worship and joy in your daily walk with God?

 

Mary treasured and pondered the events in her heart (v. 19). What practical steps can you take to meditate on the joy of Christ’s coming amidst the busyness of life?

The angel declared "peace on earth" (v. 14). How does the peace Jesus brings lead to lasting joy in your relationships and daily circumstances?

How is God leading me to respond to His Word this week?

Christians sometimes have a bad habit of minimizing the impact of spreading the gospel to the world around us. Sometimes we mistakenly think that sharing the gospel is something that has JUST an eternal impact. If people respond to our message and accept Jesus, then they get eternal life. While this is absolutely true, more happens when we share the gospel and people respond by accepting Jesus. When people accept Jesus they not only get eternal life, they get joy infused in their life.

The Christian mission to spread the gospel is about more than just giving people eternal life; it’s about giving people joy in this life.

As a Christian you are called to spread the gospel and make sure the joy of Christ spreads in the world around you.

END

Teacher Notes:

Luke 2:1-20

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

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Class Lesson December 15, 2024

 

"How Christ Gives Us His Peace"

Read John 14:1-31 and make observations about the text.

(THE KEY VERSE IS VERSE 27!)

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

What is God teaching us in the passage?

What does this reveal about who God is, what God has done, and how I should respond?

Which part of the text was most meaningful to you and why?

What do you need help understanding about this passage?

SERMON RECAP

Whether you realize it or not, you desperately need peace in your life because the natural state of things in a broken world is strife, chaos, panic, and problems.

The world is not capable of delivering peace, only Jesus Christ can do that.

Being connected to Christ and the peace that He gives produces a confidence in the life of Christians. Christ COMMANDS confidence in a world of uncertainty.

The peace that Christ offers is a sure bet because He conquered sin, death, and the grave, and rose with a greeting of peace (John 20:19) “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

John 14:1-3: Jesus tells His disciples, "Do not let your hearts be troubled." How does His promise of preparing a place for us in His Father’s house provide peace in times of uncertainty?

John 14:6: Jesus declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." How does understanding Christ as the only way to God offer peace in a world with competing truths?

John 14:16-17: Jesus promises to send the Helper, the Holy Spirit. How does the Holy Spirit bring peace to believers today, and how can we rely on His presence in our lives?

John 14:27: Jesus says, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you." How is the peace Jesus offers different from the peace the world gives, and how can we experience this peace in daily life?

John 14:30-31: Jesus acknowledges the coming of the ruler of this world but declares His obedience to the Father. How does Christ’s victory over the world and His example of obedience bring us peace amidst spiritual battles?

How is God leading you to respond to His Word this week?

Christmas is a reminder not simply that Christ has come, but that Christ has not come empty-handed. Jesus Christ comes bearing gifts. In the Christmas season, we typically get so focused on gift-giving that we do not take adequate time to focus on receiving the gifts that Christ has delivered to us. John 14 is a reminder that Christ intends to give us peace!

What do you need to change in your life to more intentionally walk in the peace that Jesus Christ offers His people?

How can you spread the peace of Christ in the world to people who so desperately need it?

END

Teacher Notes:

23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves Me will obey My teaching. My Father will love them, and We will come to them and make Our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love Me will not obey My teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent Me.

 

25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

 

28 “You heard Me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. 30 I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over Me, 31 but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded Me.

“Come now; let us leave.