Sunday, October 4, 2020 am
First Principles
WHY DO I NEED JESUS?
This year we have been studying
the teachings of Jesus. However, on
the 1st Sunday I am presenting some first principle lessons for a
variety of reasons. Today, I would
like to combine these two themes with a basic lesson I have entitled, Why do I
need Jesus?
Whether you like it or not, Jesus is the central figure of history.
Our calendars are based upon His coming to earth, and His influence upon
history cannot be denied. Yet many
do not know Him and/or refuse to follow Him.
The result is the chaos that is plaguing mankind, and right now it is at
a high peak. There is so much
turmoil today and most are desperately looking for a lasting solution to the
multitude of problems that are tearing us apart and bringing wickedness to the
forefront. But is there a real
solution to this? I firmly believe
the answer will NOT be found in the philosophies of men as they tend to divide
us.
But I do believe there is an
answer. Jesus Christ!
So today, in this lesson, I would like to give some answers as to why we
need Jesus.
I.
Because He reveals God to us
a.
John 14:9, Jesus toward the conclusion of His earthly work told this to His
apostles if they had seen Him, they had seen the Father (and thus God).
He noted His works and teachings for consideration.
While on this earth, Jesus did not avoid discussing His divinity and gave plenty
of proofs.
b.
Because Jesus came to this earth, we have a better understanding of who God is
and How much He cares about us.
Hebrews 1:1-3 also declares this.
c.
This reason alone is cause enough to realize everyone needs Jesus.
II.
Because we are broken sinners
a.
If you were to ask people what our biggest problem is right now, you would get
all sorts of different answers. Many
would even express concerns about immorality of all sorts, the unrestrained
violence around us, corruption in leadership, etc.
But our biggest problem is sin.
It is at the root of all these things and many more.
b.
Romans 3:23 tells us that we are all sinners and we need forgiveness and
reconciliation.
c.
We need salvation. Romans 6:23 tells
us the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ
Jesus our Lord.
Jesus is our Savior John 3:16, John 10:10 I have come that you may have
life
Ephesians 1:7, In Him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
d.
No other spiritual leader did as He has.
Philippians 2:5-10
III.
Because He gives our lives purpose
a.
Naturalists tell us that we have no real purpose.
We just appeared unnaturally (because the laws of nature CANNOT explain
origins). Many will say that we are
destroying the planet, which if we are nothing but natural beings honestly, so
what?
NOW, I do not believe we should have that attitude.
Why? Because I believe in
Jesus.
b.
Within man is a craving for eternity.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us that He has made everything beautiful and has
put eternity in our hearts. We know
there has to be something better than what this world offers.
c.
Jesus gives our life purpose John
10:10, The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.
I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
Ephesians 1:11 notes that In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being
predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to
the counsel of His will, Notice that His purpose was to give us purpose an
inheritance beyond this life.
d.
Is that not why we are here? We
serve Him knowing there is something better awaiting us when this life is over.
And it can also lead to a better quality of life while on the earth (all
things being equal).
IV.
Because He is truth
a.
One of the challenges in this society is defining truth.
Far too many see truth as subjective,
open to your interpretation. But in
reality that is rationalization that leads to chaos.
When everyone does what he thinks is right, you are bound do have
confusion.
b.
The answer is found in absolute truth.
Understanding that there is such a thing as truth and that it is such and
does not change over time or circumstance.
Truth is always truth!
c.
Jesus came to reveal the truth of the Father.
John 14:6 He noted that He is the way, the truth and the life.
He also noted He is the ONLY access to the Father.
Ephesians 4:21, as Paul was describing how not to live and the deplorable state
of those who are alienated from God.
But then he notes, But you have not so learned in Christ, if indeed you have
heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus.
Colossians 2:3 tells us that in Him (and in God) are hidden all the treasures
of wisdom and knowledge.
d.
1
Timothy 2:4 tells us that God desires that you come to truth.
In John 8:32 Jesus noted that if you abide in Him you will know the truth, and
the truth shall make you free.
e.
In Jesus, we can find real, and verified truth.
The word of God has been scrutinized and attacked over and over.
But it has withstood all things and remains as relevant today as when it
was written some 2000 years ago.
Jesus revealed that truth!
V.
Because He is the best example to follow
a.
Jesus is not just another philosopher.
He left heaven and came to this earth (Philippians 2:5ff) to be an
example for us in all things.
He didnt come to be pampered and live in luxury.
He came to show the common man what true righteousness is and how to live
it.
b.
1
Peter 2:21-23. He gives our lives direction, even in dealing with the difficult
times.
c.
1
John 2:6 he who says he abides in Him ought to walk as He walked
d.
If we were all to follow the example of Jesus in life, could we agree that this
world would be a better place? In
all honesty, I believe such to be absolutely certain.
VI.
Because He understands
a.
Jesus, part of the Godhead, left heaven and came to earth to live for about 33
years. He knew what was in man and
dwelt in our midst. Thus, if
we consider God, our Creator (which included Jesus), we cannot say He is out of
touch and cannot possibly understand what it is like to be human.
He KNOWS who we are and He demonstrated that by sending Jesus to this earth.
b.
That is why He is described as, Our Mediator -1 Timothy 2:5,
He is our advocate - 1 John 2:1-2.
Hebrews 2:17-18 - Therefore, in all
things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and
faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the
sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is
able to aid those who are tempted.
c.
He sympathizes and intercedes for
us
Hebrews 4:14-16, He can sympathize with our weaknesses being tempted in all
points even as we are, yet without sin.
d.
NOTE Hebrews 4:16, therefore we can come boldly before the throne of His grace
1 Peter 5:7 tell us that we can cast all our cares upon Him because He does
care.
e.
What other religion has such a mediator? There is none.
Through Jesus we have someone who walked the walk and talked the talk.
What a comfort that is.
And thus we find some reasons
why we need Jesus. This WORLD NEEDS
Jesus. I realize these are Biblical
answers and many in this world scoff at the Bible and at Jesus.
However, look at where we are because we have rejected God and our
Savior.
Friends, I can make a definitive
case for why you ought to believe and follow the Bible.
Also, there is volumes of evidence to
establish Jesus, both as a real historical person and the divine Son of God He
claimed to be in the Bible. MORE
than any other religious figure in all of history.
Let me urge you to give Him serious consideration and accept Him as your
eternal answer. Put Him on today by
becoming a Christian and then give Him your life.
You will be better because of it.
And who knows whether or not that will make the world around us a little
better? How can we help you?