The Authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Gospel - a Bible Study

 

PART 1

The Authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Gospel 

Objective: To understand the authority of Jesus Christ as central to the Church’s mission in evangelism and to emphasize the power of the Gospel in spreading the Kingdom of God.

1. Introduction: Understanding the Authority of Jesus Christ

Key Verse:

• “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18, ESV)

Discussion Points:

• Jesus declares His authority over all creation.
• This authority is foundational for the Church’s mission in evangelism.

Supporting Scriptures:

• “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” (Colossians 1:15-16, ESV)
• “For the Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand.” (John 3:35, ESV)

2. The Great Commission: The Mandate of Evangelism

Key Verse:

• “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV)

Discussion Points:

• Jesus commissions His followers to spread the Gospel.
• The authority given to Jesus is the basis for the Church’s authority in evangelism.

Supporting Scriptures:

• “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’” (Matthew 28:18-19, ESV)
• “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8, ESV)

3. The Gospel: The Power of God for Salvation

Key Verse:

• “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16, ESV)

Discussion Points:

• The Gospel is the means by which God’s power is revealed and salvation is offered.
• Understanding and sharing the Gospel is central to evangelism.

Supporting Scriptures:

• “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18, ESV)
• “And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations.” (Mark 13:10, ESV)

4. The Role of the Church in Evangelism

Key Verse:

• “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14, ESV)

Discussion Points:

• The Church is called to be a beacon of light and truth, reflecting the authority of Jesus Christ.
• The Church’s role is to proclaim the Gospel and make disciples.

Supporting Scriptures:

• “And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.’” (Mark 16:15, ESV)
• “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16, ESV)

5. The Authority of Jesus in the Lives of Believers

Key Verse:

• “Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…’” (Matthew 28:18-19, ESV)

Discussion Points:

• Believers are empowered by Jesus' authority to live out and proclaim the Gospel.
• The authority of Jesus is also evident in the transformative power of the Gospel in the lives of individuals.

Supporting Scriptures:

• “He is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:20, ESV)
• “And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.” (Mark 16:20, ESV)

6. Practical Application: Evangelism in Action

Key Verse:

• “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (Romans 10:14, ESV)

Discussion Points:

• Practical steps for sharing the Gospel in daily life.
• Encouragement to rely on the authority of Christ and the power of the Gospel.

Supporting Scriptures:

• “And he said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’” (Luke 10:2, ESV)
• “In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3:15, ESV)

Summary:

• The authority of Jesus Christ is central to the Church’s mission in evangelism.
• The Gospel is the power of God for salvation and must be proclaimed to all nations.
• Believers are called to live out the message of the Gospel and share it with others.

Prayer:

• Ask for boldness and wisdom in sharing the Gospel.
• Pray for opportunities to witness and for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in evangelism.

This Bible study provides a comprehensive overview of the authority of Jesus Christ and its implications for evangelism, supported by Scripture and practical application.

PART 2

The Gospel and the Authority of our Lord Jesus Christ

Introduction

Hello everyone,

Thank you for joining us today. I’m excited to share with you the powerful message of the Gospel and the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ. This message is not just for information, but for transformation and action in our lives.

1. The Authority of Jesus Christ

Let’s begin by understanding the authority of Jesus Christ.

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18, ESV)

Jesus declares that He has all authority over creation, heaven, and earth. This authority is not just a title but a reality that empowers the mission of the Church and every believer.

2. The Great Commission

Jesus didn’t just have authority for Himself; He entrusted this authority to His followers.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV)

He commissioned us to go out, make disciples, and teach them to observe all He has commanded. This is our mission—to spread the Gospel and build His Kingdom.

3. The Power of the Gospel

Now, why is this mission so important? Because the Gospel is the power of God for salvation.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16, ESV)

The Gospel is not just a story; it is the very power of God to save and transform lives. It’s the message that brings hope and salvation to all who believe.

4. The Church’s Role

The Church is called to be a beacon of light and truth in the world.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14, ESV)

We are to live out our faith and shine brightly so that others may see our good works and glorify God. Our role is to proclaim the Gospel and make disciples.

5. The Authority in the Lives of Believers

This authority of Jesus is not just for the Church collectively but for each believer individually.

“He is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:20, ESV)

The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us, enabling us to live out our faith and share it with others.

6. Practical Application: Sharing the Gospel

So, how do we put this into practice?

“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (Romans 10:14, ESV)

We need to be prepared to share the Gospel with others. This means looking for opportunities in our daily lives to speak about Jesus and the hope He offers.

Jesus Christ has all authority, and He has given us a mission to spread the Gospel. This message is powerful and transformative. As we live out our faith and share it with others, we participate in the great work of building God’s Kingdom.

Let’s pray for boldness and guidance as we go forth in this mission. May we be faithful in sharing the Gospel and making disciples.

Thank you for your time. May God bless you as you follow His call.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the authority of Jesus Christ and the power of the Gospel. Help us to embrace our role in sharing this message with others. Give us courage, wisdom, and opportunities to proclaim Your truth. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

PART 3

How to Share the Gospel?

Introduction

Hello [Friend's Name],

I’m really glad we could spend some time together today. I want to share something incredibly important with you—something that has profoundly impacted my life and can make a significant difference in yours as well. It’s about a relationship with Jesus Christ and the hope and transformation He offers.

1. Understanding the Need for Salvation

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23, ESV)

First, it’s important to understand that we all fall short of God’s perfect standard. None of us are perfect; we all make mistakes and sometimes do things that hurt ourselves and others. The Bible calls this sin.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23, ESV)

Sin separates us from God and leads to spiritual death, but there’s good news. God offers a free gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

2. The Solution: Jesus Christ

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, ESV)

God loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to bridge the gap between us and Him. Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again. His sacrifice paid the penalty for our sins and offers us forgiveness and eternal life.

“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8, ESV)

Jesus’ death and resurrection demonstrate God’s immense love for us and His desire to reconcile us to Himself.

3. Responding to the Gospel: The Call to Follow Jesus

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9, ESV)

To receive this gift of salvation, we need to respond by:

1. Confessing that Jesus is Lord—acknowledging His authority over our lives.
2. Believing that God raised Jesus from the dead—trusting in His power to save us.

This means recognizing Jesus as the Lord of our lives, turning away from our old ways, and accepting His leadership and guidance.

4. Invitation to Accept Jesus

Would you like to make a decision today to follow Jesus Christ and accept Him as your Lord and Savior?

If you’re ready, we can pray together. Here’s a simple prayer to express your faith and commitment:

“Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe that You died on the cross for my sins and that You rose again. I ask You to come into my life, be my Lord and Savior, and help me follow You. Thank You for Your love and for the gift of eternal life. Amen.”

If you prayed that prayer or if you want to talk more about what it means to follow Jesus, I’d be honored to help you take the next steps. This journey is best walked with others who can support and encourage you.

Here are some next steps we can take together:

• Join a Church: Being part of a community of believers will help you grow in your faith.
• Read the Bible: Start with the New Testament to learn more about Jesus and His teachings.
• Pray Regularly: Develop a habit of talking to God and seeking His guidance.

Thank you for listening today. If you have any questions or if you’d like to continue discussing what it means to follow Jesus, please let me know. I’m here to support you and walk this journey with you.

Let’s close with a prayer:

“Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. I pray for [Prospect’s Name] and ask that You continue to work in their heart. Guide them as they take these steps of faith and surround them with Your love and truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

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PART 4

What are the Gospel Essentials

Gospel essentials are the core elements of the Christian message that convey the fundamental truths about salvation through Jesus Christ. They are critical for understanding the message of the Gospel and forming a basis for sharing the faith. Here’s a summary of these essentials:

1. God’s Holiness and Our Sin

Key Points:

• God’s Holiness: God is perfectly holy, righteous, and just.

  • “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Revelation 4:8, ESV)

• Human Sinfulness: All humans have sinned and fall short of God’s glory.

  • “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23, ESV)

Explanation: The Gospel begins with understanding that God is completely holy and that humanity has sinned, which creates a separation between us and God.

2. Jesus Christ’s Substitutionary Atonement

Key Points:

• Jesus’ Sacrifice: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins.

  • “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21, ESV)

• Redemption and Forgiveness: Through His death and resurrection, Jesus offers redemption and forgiveness.

  • “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” (Ephesians 1:7, ESV)

Explanation: Jesus' death was a substitutionary sacrifice that satisfied the penalty for our sins and provides a way for us to be reconciled with God.

3. Jesus’ Resurrection

Key Points:

• Resurrection: Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, demonstrating His power over sin and death.

  • “But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb.” (Luke 24:1-2, ESV)

• Victory Over Death: His resurrection confirms the truth of His teachings and promises eternal life to believers.

  • “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” (1 Corinthians 15:17, ESV)

Explanation: The resurrection is crucial as it affirms Jesus' divinity, guarantees our future resurrection, and validates the promise of eternal life.

4. Faith and Repentance

Key Points:

• Faith: Belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is essential for salvation.

  • “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8, ESV)

• Repentance: Turning away from sin and toward God is a response to the Gospel.

  • “Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out.” (Acts 3:19, ESV)

Explanation: Salvation is received through faith in Jesus Christ and involves a genuine repentance from sin, aligning one’s life with God’s will.

5. Eternal Life and Assurance

Key Points:

• Eternal Life: Believers are promised eternal life with God.

  • “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, ESV)

• Assurance of Salvation: Those who trust in Jesus have assurance of their salvation.

  • “And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” (1 John 5:11, ESV)

Explanation: The Gospel promises that those who place their faith in Jesus will receive eternal life and can have confidence in their salvation.

6. The Call to Discipleship

Key Points:

• Following Jesus: Believers are called to follow Jesus and live according to His teachings.

  • “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23, ESV)

• Making Disciples: The Great Commission calls us to make disciples of all nations.

  • “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19, ESV)

Explanation: Salvation is not just about personal forgiveness but also involves living out the teachings of Jesus and actively participating in His mission to make disciples.

Summary

These Gospel essentials form the foundation of the Christian faith and are vital for understanding and sharing the message of Jesus Christ. They emphasize the need for salvation, the sufficiency of Jesus’ sacrifice, the power of His resurrection, the response of faith and repentance, the promise of eternal life, and the call to follow Him in discipleship.

Topic Developed by Rev Roplando E Santaigo MMin, DD, ThD, DPM