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KEY VERSE: Isaiah 9:6
(ESV) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Introduction: The birth of Christ brought more than just another person into the world. It brought hope! Christ is the Hope of the world and if he had never been born, the world would have been left in dark despair.
I. CHRIST WAS BORN TO CALL SINNERS TO REPENTANCE.
Mark 2:17
And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
A. Christ see those who believe in Him as “WELL”, and those who do not believe as “SICK”.
B. Self-righteous people see themselves as “healthy” spiritually and therefore do not seek out Christ to Save them from their sins.
Luke 5:32
I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
C. Christ’s offer of Salvation to Sinners is at the heart of the Gospel, when God says,
Hosea 6:6 For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.
II. CHRIST WAS BORN TO SEEK AND SAVE THE LOST.
Luke 19:10
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
A. God is calling His Children Home, Christ is His Calling Card.
John 10:27
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
B. The bible often refers to Believers as Jesus’ “Sheep”. Like real sheep, Christians need a Sheppard. Sometimes we stray. And Christ must call us back toward Him again. There are goats or unrepentant sinners mixed up with God’s people.
Matthew 25:32
All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
III. CHRIST WAS BORN TO DEMONSTRATE THE TRUE PURPOSE OF LIFE AND GIVE HIMSELF A RANSOM.
Matthew 20:28
even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
A. Christ was born to be an example to us on how to serve God and people.
B. Often people want to be served and catered to, but God is pleased by the those who serve others and not themselves.
Mark 10:43-45
… But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,
C. Christ was born to pay the ransom for those in the bondage of Sin. Christ paid the price to God for our Release!
D. Christ paid the ransom of death.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
E. Christ paid the ransom to buy us out of religion and into a relationship!
IV. CHRIST WAS BORN THAT MEN MIGHT HAVE THE ABUNDANT LIFE.
John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
A. Christ spoke of the Gospel and His Words give Life to all those who believe!
John 6:63
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.
V. CHRIST WAS BORN THAT TO FULFILL THE LAW.
Matthew 5:17
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
Matthew 5:19
Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
A. Our good works count as nothing to God. ONLY Christ fulfills the Law for us!
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Conclusion: Jesus was born to die for us so that we may be Re-born and live eternally.