Unit 1 LESSON 4

December 22, 2024

STUDY TEXT: John 1:1-18

CENTRAL TRUTH: God's purpose in the incarnation was to reveal himself through Christ.

KEY VERSE: John 1:14 The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth (KJV).

The Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father's one and only Son (NLT).

LET'S GET STARTED

Jesus' birth was a turning point in human history. The Son of God would dwell among His people for thirty-three years, but His kingdom would be eternal. In the busyness of this time of year, it's all too easy to lose focus on the reason we celebrate Christmas--the miraculous, life-altering birth of Jesus Christ. The Son of God became the Son of Man to show people who God is so they could experience salvation and eternal life.

PART 1- The Eternal Word

Jesus Was in the Beginning            John 1:1-2

John's Gospel is sometimes called "the gospel of belief." It was written, in part, to correct wrong beliefs about who Jesus is and why He came. One of the errors creeping into churches in John's time was the denial that Jesus is, always has been, and always will be God. John's opening remarks refuted this false teaching. When the universe began, Jesus was there (1:1). John's opening words described Jesus as the Word. Jesus is the means God chose to reveal himself and communicate His message and will. Jesus spoke of how He reveals His Father's nature by His words and action, because He is one with the Father (John 5:19-11). Jesus was with God and existed before creation (John 1:2). Contrary to false teachings about Him. Jesus is God--one in nature or essence with the Father and the Spirit.

Discuss? In what ways does Jesus reveal to people who God the father is?

 Jesus Is Creator of All Things                            John 1:3-5

Jesus is God. He is eternal and the means by which everything was created (John 1:3). Jesus is the One who gave life to everything that was created" (verse 4). Jesus is the Creator--not a created entity, as some in John's Day were wrongly teaching. Jesus is not only the Source of biological life, but also of spiritual and eternal life (verses 4-5). here, light is defined in terms of Spiritual and eternal life. Closely related to Jesus being the Source of life is that He is also the Source of light (verses 4-5). Here, light is defined in terms of spiritual enlightenment. What people can know about God comes through Jesus, who is the Light of the world. Though people may reject that light, darkness can never overcome it.

Discuss? How does false teaching about Jesus' identity change the message of the gospel? What are some examples?

Part 2-- The True Light

A Witness to the Light                              John 1:6-8

The apostle John moved his Gospel forward with the story of Jesus as the Word made flesh. John the Baptist's ministry was to bear witness of Jesus as the Messiah, pointing people to faith in Him (John 1:7). Statements of John the Baptist recorded in John's Gospel brings out this truth (1). John denied being the Messiah, Elijah, or the prophet the people were expecting (verses 19-21). (2). John described himself as a voice in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Lord's coming (verse 23). (3). John explained he was far inferior to the One who was coming who had existed long before:  him (verses 15, 26-27). (4). John declared Jesus to be the Lamb of God and the Messiah (verses 29-36).

DISCUSS? Was there someone who pointed you to Jesus? If so, tell us how they influence you to believe in him.

          Recognizing the Light                        John 1:9-13

Jesus came into the world He created to reveal the father to people. The tragedy is "the world didn't recognize him" (John 1:10). Even His own people did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah (verse 11). Denying Jesus leads to condemnation and death

 (John 3:18), but pacing faith in Jesus leads to new and eternal life (1:12-13; 3:16) . Salvation is a matter of choosing to believe and follow.

DISCUSS? How can you prepare yourself to share the gospel with those who are skeptical about Jesus?

      Part 3- The Word Made Flesh

Jesus Lived Among Us         John 1:14

In John 1:14, the apostle again referred to Jesus as "the Word." Jesus was the manifested "Person" of God in all His sovereign wisdom and power. When "the Word became human" (verse 14), it was the ultimate expression of God's love, mercy, and compassion for people who were hopelessly lost in sin (1 John 4:9-10). As the "Father's one and only son" (1:14), Jesus is utterly unique. Jesus made the way for people to become God's children by faith. The unmerited favor and knowledge of God come through Jesus. Only through Jesus can we have hope in this life and in the life to come.

DISCUSS? How might we see glimpses of Jesus' glory today.?

Jesus Revealed God's Heart     John 1:15-18

"From his abundance" in John 1:16 is a callback to verse 14 where Jesus is described as "full of unfailing love and faithfulness.: That means we receive "one gracious blessing after another: out of His fullness. Through Jesus the favor and knowledge of God finds its ultimate expression. While Moses revealed what he was shown, Jesus revealed what he knew.

Discuss? What do you find most amazing about God's grace?

WHAT IS GOD SAYING TO US?

The incarnation of Jesus truly is the reason for this season. Because Jesus came, people can know God and receive eternal life (John 17:3). Being a Christian is all about Christ-believing in him, following Him daily, and being conformed to His image.

LIVING IT OUT

          Intentionally reach out to someone this season who needs Jesus' light to shine unto their darkness.

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               DAILY BIBLE READING

              Monday: God with Us. (Isaiah 7:10-16) 

                             Tuesday: The Everlasting Kingdom. (Luke 2:4-14)

                                       Wednesday: John the Baptist Ministers. (Isaiah 40:1-5)

                                       Thursday: Christ's Birthplace announced. (Micah 5:2-4)

     Friday: Christ is Born (Luke 2:1-7)

                               Saturday: Shepherds Worship Jesus. (Luke 2:8-20)

Gospel Publishing House. 1445 N. Boonville Ave. Springfield, Missouri 65802 Volume 106 Number 2. Dec. Jan.  Feb. 2024-25