Sermon Study Guide

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Maranatha Bible Church

Chicago

Sermon Study Guide

The Miracle & Message of The Incarnation - Pastor Daniel Batarseh

Pastor Daniel Batarseh|Sunday, January 6, 2019

Scripture References

John 1:14Philippians 2:6-7Hebrews 10:51 Timothy 2:5Acts 17:31Revelation 22:161 John 4:3Psalms 40:6-8

Sermon Summary

Pastor Daniel Batarseh explores the profound mystery of the incarnation, where the eternal Word became flesh to dwell among us. This sermon highlights how Christ's humanity demonstrates God's humility, His sacrificial mission, and His ultimate power over death.

Key Takeaways

1The incarnation is the addition of human nature to divine nature, not the loss of deity.
2Jesus chose the path of extreme humility and servanthood to reach humanity, rather than demanding the comfort of a palace.
3Christ's physical body was specifically prepared by God to be the ultimate, acceptable sacrifice for sin.
4Jesus remains fully man in heaven today, ensuring our future bodily resurrection and serving as a sympathetic mediator.
5Salvation requires a personal response of faith and humility, turning away from self-righteousness to embrace God's gift.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions for small group discussion or personal reflection.

1What does the word 'became' in John 1:14 tell us about the pre-existence and nature of Jesus?
2How does the fact that Jesus chose a lowly birth instead of a royal palace change your understanding of God's character?
3Why was it necessary for Jesus to have a physical body (Hebrews 10:5) to accomplish our salvation? What does this say about the value of the physical body?
4How does knowing that Jesus is currently 'the man Christ Jesus' in heaven (1 Timothy 2:5) give you comfort in your daily struggles?
5The sermon mentions that repentance includes turning away from our own 'self-righteousness.' Why is this often harder for religious people than turning away from obvious sins?
6How should the reality of the incarnation provoke us to 'adoration' rather than just intellectual agreement?

Application Points

Practical ways to apply this message to your life.

Practice humility by looking for ways to serve others 'in an apron' rather than seeking status or recognition.
Go to Jesus in prayer during times of temptation or suffering, trusting that He truly sympathizes with your human experience.
Evaluate your heart to see if you are trusting in your own 'good works' or solely in Christ's finished work for your righteousness.
Share the message of the Gospel with boldness this season, emphasizing that God's gift is a person to be known, not just a philosophy to be studied.
Commit to following Christ's example of obedience to the Father's will, even when it requires personal sacrifice.

Personal Reflection

Take time to quietly reflect on these prompts.

How is the Holy Spirit speaking to me through this message?

What areas of my life need to change in light of this teaching?

Who can I share this truth with this week?

What is one specific action I will take as a result of this sermon?

Prayer Points

Thank God for His Word and the truths revealed in this message.
Pray for understanding and wisdom to apply what you've learned.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live out these truths in your daily life.
Pray for others who heard this message, that they too would be transformed.

Notes

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