1. In our lesson we are concentrating on one of the points that John made in these verses -- "the Word was made flesh." 2. At this time of year, this subject receives a great amount of attention. 3. By searching the Scriptures we can know the truth on this important subject. 4. The first point we need to make is that . . . Discussion: I. IN HIS WRITINGS JOHN EMPHASIZED THE FACT THAT "THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH"
A. Let us examine John's Gospel. 1. He began by identifying "the Word" as a member of the Godhead (1:1-3). 2. He continued in vs.14 by showing that "the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us." B. Let us examine 1 John. 1. He began by stating that he personally knew "the Word of life" (vs.1-4). 2. He continued in 4:1-3 by dealing with the false doctrine that Jesus did not come in the flesh. a. In the first century some denied that Jesus came in the flesh. b. These people were not "of God" -- they had the "spirit of anti-Christ." 3. In dealing with this false doctrine, John declared very plainly in his writings that "the Word was made flesh." II. THE OLD TESTAMENT PROPHESIED THAT JESUS WOULD COME IN THE FLESH
A. Genesis 3:15 is the first prophecy. 1. God was punishing the serpent for his role in the first sin. 2. Prior to this there was no need for Jesus to come in the flesh. 3. Please note that He would come as "the seed of the woman." B. (Isaiah 7:14) When Jesus came in the flesh, His birth would be miraculous. C. (Micah 5:2) When Jesus came in the flesh, He would be born in Bethlehem. III. THE NEW TESTAMENT SHOWS HOW THESE PROPHECIES WERE FULFILLED
A. According to Galatians 4:4-5, Jesus was "made of a woman" ["when the fullness of the time was come"]. B. According to Matthew 1:18-25, Jesus was born of a virgin. C. According to Matthew 2:1-6, Jesus was born in Bethlehem. 1. The location of Jesus' birth was determined from Micah 5:2. 2. We learn from Luke 2:1-7 why Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem. D. To summarize, the Scriptures teach that Jesus came in the flesh. IV. JESUS EXPLAINED WHAT HE CAME IN THE FLESH TO ACCOMPLISH
A. He came to fulfill the law and the prophets (Matthew 5:17-18). B. He came to call "sinners to repentance" (Matthew 9:12-13). C. He came to preach (Mark 1:38). D. He came to "give His life a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). E. He came to "seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). F. He came to do the Father's will (John 6:38). G. He came so we may "have life" and "have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). Conclusion:
1. By coming in the flesh, Jesus made forgiveness and a home in heaven possible. 2. He now is at the Father's right hand where He serves as our Savior, mediator, advocate, High Priest, and the head of His church. 3. He invites us to come to Him to receive the blessings that He provides (Matthew 11:28-30).
