Why did Jesus come to Earth

Topics: Jesus, prophecy, hope

I. He came to fulfill prophecies

1. Now He said to them, "These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled" (Luke 24:44).
2. "Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill" (Matthew 5:17).

II. He came to testify to the truth

1. Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm." Therefore Pilate said to Him, "So You are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say correctly that I am a king. For this, I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.? Pilate said to Him, "What is truth?" (John 18:36-38a).
2. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil (1 Jn 3:8b).

III. He came to save us from our sins

1. It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all (1 Timothy 1:15).
2. "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him" (John 3:17).

IV. He came to sympathize with our

1. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:15, 16).
2. For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted (Hebrews 2:18).

V. He came to secure our hope of heaven

1. As is the earthy, so also are those who are earthy; and as is the heavenly, so also are those who are heavenly. Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly (1 Corinthians 15:48, 49).
2. [We give thanks to God] . . . Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel (Colossians 1:3-5).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, December 4^th, 2022

Life group flow and discussion questions

Why did Jesus come to Earth

An important Guideline of Life Groups: Remember that Jesus came that we may have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10); therefore, Life Groups are conduits of this spiritual and abundant life to one another as we focus on Jesus (Colossians 3:1-4).

Getting Started:

1. How do you want to celebrate Jesus' birthday this Christmas and build anticipation during the Advent season?
2. Why do you think "love" is mentioned 529 times in Scripture (1 Corinthians 13:13)? How was love the motivation for God to send Jesus into this world (John 3:16)?

Discussing Truths:

1. From the over 300 Old Testament prophecies about Jesus' first Advent, which one is the most remarkable to you?
2. Jesus came to testify to the truth (John 18:37)! Why is it imperative that we defend the truth of Scripture (John 8:31, 32, 44-47) and truth of the gospel (Galatians 1:8, 9)?
3. One of Jesus's major purposes in coming to earth was to save us from our sins (Matthew 1:21; Luke 19:10; 1 Timothy 1:15); therefore, how are we to die to sin and live to righteousness (1 Peter 2:24)?
4. How comforting is it to you that our Lord is able to sympathize with our weaknesses and able to give us the strength and perseverance we need?
5. When have you felt Jesus coming to your aid when you've been tempted (Hebrews 2:18)?
6. Do you have an eternal security of going to heaven? How does 1 Peter 1:3-5 give you reassurance in God's saving power?
7. How do you envisage what our future "image of the heavenly" will be like (1 Corinthians 15:45-49)?

Now What? Application:

1. Since Jesus came from heaven to earth for us, we need to go and tell all who will listen to the good news of His love for them. Who will you tell this week?
2. What will you do to build expectancy during this Advent season to worship Jesus?