Let Us Grow in Knowledge of Jesus as Our Savior (2 Peter 3:18)
Introduction:
1. In this verse we are taught to continually grow in the knowledge of Christ. 2. To achieve this growth, we must follow the Lord's instructions in John 5:39. 3. Please note that Peter referred to Jesus as "Lord" and "Savior." 4. In our lesson we are studying passages that will help us "grow in knowledge of Jesus as our Savior." 5. Let us begin by pointing out . . .
Discussion:
I. 3 WAYS IN WHICH THE BIBLE SHOWS THAT JESUS IS OUR SAVIOR
A. First, let us examine the Lord's name. 1. (Luke 1:31) The angel Gabriel instructed Mary to name her son "JESUS." 2. (Matthew 1:21) The angel of the Lord told Joseph: "thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." 3. Joseph and Mary obeyed their instructions (Matthew 1:25; Luke 2:21). 4. Jesus: "Savior" B. Second, let us examine the reason why the Father sent Jesus into the world (1 John 4:14). C. Third, let us examine the Lord's mission (Luke 19:10). D. When we consider the Lord's name, when we consider the reason why the Father sent Jesus into the world, and when we consider the Lord's mission, we see very clearly from the Bible that Jesus is our Savior.
II. WHAT DO WE MEAN WHEN WE SAY THAT JESUS IS OUR SAVIOR?
A. Savior: one who delivers or rescues someone else B. When we refer to Jesus as Savior, we mean that He is the One who delivers or rescues us from sin. C. The Bible shows that we desperately need a Savior who can deliver us from sin. 1. The Bible tells us what sin is (1 John 3:4 -- the transgression of God's law). 2. All of us are guilty of transgressing God's law (Romans 3:23). 3. Because of our sins we deserve punishment (Romans 6:23). 4. When we understand what sin is, when we understand that we are all guilty of sin, and when we understand that our sins deserve punishment, we can see that we need a Savior. D. Jesus is the only One who can take away our sins (Acts 4:12). E. We need to a Savior who can take away our sins, and Jesus can do this for us; however, . . .
III. ONLY CERTAIN PEOPLE WILL BE SAVED BY THE LORD
A. (Hebrews 5:9) Jesus is "the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him." 1. In order for Jesus to save us from our sins, we must obey His will. 2. We must: a. believe that He is God's Son (John 3:16) b. repent of our sins (Luke 13:3, 5) c. confess the Lord (Romans 10:9-10) d. be baptized (Acts 22:16) e. walk in the light (1 John 1:7). B. Regardless of what some people believe and teach, Jesus said that we must do the Father's will to be saved so we can enter His kingdom (Matthew 7:21).
IV. THE BIBLE TEACHES US NOT TO NEGLECT THE SALVATION THAT JESUS PROVIDES
A. (Hebrews 2:3) "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?" B. We must avoid the mistake made by Felix -- he waited for a convenient season (Acts 24:25). C. The Lord wants us to respond to Him as the people in Jerusalem did (Acts 2:41).
Conclusion:
1. Have you made Jesus your Savior? 2. He invites us to come to Him to receive salvation (Matthew 11:28-30). 3. Today is a good time to receive it (2 Corinthians 6:2).
