Scripture Reading: Psalms 38:15-22

Christ is the Answer

Intro.

1. Do you see Christ as the practical solution to the issues of your daily life? (Family situations, work issues, parental responsibility, life decisions…)

a. Some think money is the answer (1 Tim. 6:9-10).

b. Some think fame, power or position is the solution to all trouble (1 Cor. 10:12; Gal. 6:3).

2. In the mid-80’s one of the bumper sticker slogans was “Christ is the answer” (much like the WWJD? slogan today).

3. Matt. 11:28 – Jesus is our answer to sin, to a relationship with God, to the problem of sin’s temptations in a world of ungodliness, etc.

4. Christ is the answer – cf. Jno. 1:4-5; 14:1.

I. CHRIST IS THE ANSWER:

A. “How can a Holy God Justify Unholy People?”

1. “I’m too sinful for God to ever forgive me!” – 1 Tim. 1:12-16: Paul as “chief of sinners” is example of Christ’s grace, mercy & longsuffering – He can and will save you – He is the answer to sin.

2. Rom. 3:23-25 – God’s plan for our justification:

a. The Need: Sinners, 3:23 (3:9; 6:23).

b. The Basis: God’s grace, 3:24 (Eph. 2:8).

c. The Means: Redemption in Christ, 3:24 (Eph. 1:7).

d. The Effect: Propitiation, 3:25 (1 Jno. 2:2).

e. The Demonstration: God’s righteousness in forbearance, 3:25 (Psa. 78:37-39).

3. Rom. 5:1-2 – Christ answers how enemies of God make peace with God (how God accepts sinners).

4. He is your (only) answer to sin – Acts 4:12.

B. “Can a Christian Overcome Sin in His or Her Life?”

1. Rom. 8:1-2: No condemnation in Christ. Why?

a. 8:2 – Living by the Spirit (8:5).

b. Gal. 5:16 – By letting the Spirit direct your life (through the word He revealed, inspired & confirmed), you choose not to sin.

2. “But Christians sin!” – 1 Jno. 1:8-10

a. Yes, and see God’s means of forgiveness for Christians – 1:9.

b. Jesus is the answer to Christians’ sins – Acts 8:22.

c. Deliberate life of spiritual growth overcomes sin – 2 Pet. 1:4-11.

C. “Is There Really a Clearly Defined Way of Living that Pleases God?”

1. We hear, “choose your own path” – Prov. 16:25.

2. Jesus teaches us to follow Him – Jno. 8:12.

3. Jesus sets the example for us to follow – 1 Pet. 2:21-23; 1 Jno. 2:5-6. (How confusing when someone gives good advice but sets a bad example!)

4. Put into your life, Christ’s…

a. Moral values…produce moral living (Rom. 13:11-14).

b. Compassion…produces loving forgiveness (Col. 3:12-14).

c. Goals & priorities…produce commitment & contentment (Matt. 6:33-34).

d. Ceaseless service…produces happiness (Acts 20:35).

5. Yes, there is a clearly defined way: Jesus – Jno. 14:6; Matt. 7:14.

II. PROBLEMS TO WHICH CHRIST IS THE ANSWER.

A. Christ Solves the Problem of Error.

1. "What is truth?” (Jno. 18:38)

-Teenagers challenge the values of their parents.

-Adults question the truth accepted by prior generations.

-Humanism says, “Truth is relative anyway!”

2. Jesus is “the Truth” (Jno. 14:6); fullness – Jno. 1:14, 16-17 (Eph. 4:20-21).

a. He gives dependable instruction.

b. His truth is consistent.

c. When His truth is applied to life’s problems, improvement is guaranteed! – Rom. 1:16 (1 Cor. 2:1-5)

d. What will your answer be to His truth? – 1 Cor. 1:18

B. Christ Solves the Problem of Companionship.

-Loneliness is a huge problem to many…Christian is never alone! – 1 Jno. 1:7 (w/ God); 1:3 (w/ brethren); 2 Cor. 6:16-17; Heb. 13:5-6

C. Christ Solves the Problem of Human Weakness.

1. Muscular strength will not win spiritual battles (faith, 1 Jno. 5:4; cf. David & Goliath).

2. Our strength comes from the Lord – Eph. 6:10 (truth, grace, fellowship, etc.).

3. 2 Cor. 12:9-10 – Acknowledge your weakness by surrendering to Christ’s will in your life – then you will be strong.

Conclusion

1. When we are weak, God’s power in Christ is seen in us.

2. “Bring Christ your broken life, So marred by sin; He will create anew, Make whole again. Your empty, wasted years He will restore, And your iniquities Remember no more.” (#322, Hymns for Worship)