Let Us Examine God's Promise to Send Jesus (2 Peter 1:1-4)
Introduction:
1. These verses indicate that God provides many special blessings. 2. Included are "exceeding great and precious promises" (vs.4). 3. In our lesson we are examining "God's promise to send Jesus." Discussion: I. THE COMING OF CHRIST WAS BASED ON GOD'S PROMISE
A. Even though Christ is a member of the eternal Godhead, He came to earth in the flesh (John 1:1-3, 14). B. His coming in the flesh fulfilled God's promise (Acts 13:23, 32-33). II. THE DETAILS OF GOD'S PROMISE TO SEND JESUS DEVELOPED OVER MANY CENTURIES
A. The first mention is in Genesis 3:15 -- God announced that "the seed of the woman" would bruise the head of the serpent. B. He would be a descendant of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 12:3; 26:4; 28:14). C. He would come from the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:8, 10; 1 Chronicles 5:1-2). D. He would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14). E. He would be a descendant of David, and He would possess great authority (Isaiah 9:6-7; Jeremiah 23:5-6). F. He would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). III. GOD KEPT HIS PROMISE TO SEND JESUS
A. When the time was right, God sent Jesus who was "made of a woman" (Galatians 4:4). B. The Lord's genealogy indicates that He is a descendant of David, Judah, Jacob, Isaac, and Abraham (Matthew 1:1-6). C. Jesus was born of a virgin (Matthew 1:18-25). D. Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1-6). Conclusion:
1. God promised to send Jesus, and God kept His promise. 2. Because God kept this promise we can be redeemed and be adopted as His children (Galatians 4:4-7; 3:26-27).
