God’s answer to man’s timeless needs
March 25th, 2008
I. SERMON OUTLINE:
Introduction: A philosopher and theologian said there are three timeless needs of man, and they are: a. anxiety b. meaning of life c. fear of death.
Today as we think about Good Friday and Easter, the death and resurrection of Christ let us reflect on how the text for this morning John 20:19-23 shows how Christ meets these three pervasive needs of man.
A. CHRIST GIVES US PEACE (VERSE 19,21)
In Singapore context there is a lot of anxiety with working people, with students, and with inflation. Jesus disciples were anxious for Jesus was just executed and they wondered if they would be rounded up next. “the doors were shut for fear of the Jews.” However Jesus entered the locked situation of tense fear and spoke peace and brought gladness. If we can see the Lord in the midst of our anxious situation, and hear his voice, we will indeed have peace and joy in our hearts.Christ meets our need for peace.
B. CHRIST GIVES US MEANING (VERSE 21-23)
We grapple with many questions regarding our exitence. What was I born for? What is the purpose and meaning of life? People may end in wild reckless living or deep depresion or futile existing without true meaning or purpose.
The disciples were confused, felt lost and directionless after their leader Jesus was taken from them. Their hopes were dashed and they were feeling uncertain about the future. Jesus understood that and so he not only gave them peace but he also said,”As the Father has sent me, so send I you.” He’s telling them that Jesus leaving would mean that the vision of seeking and saving the lost world is now handed on to them. They would now have to reflect God to the world, that would be their new mission.” Christ meets man’s thirst for meaning and purpose.
C. CHRIST GIVES US ETERNAL HOPE ( 1CORINTHIANS 15:20-27)
Easter invites us to believe that just as Christ was raised from the dead never to die again, so will we who put our faith in him. The hope of eternal life fills us with a deep assurance about the future both ours and our loved ones.
The greatest anxiety of Japanese and American student when asked “What is your greatest fear?” was the loss of a friend or parent. Singapore students greatest fear was about failing to get good enough grades! People fear because death and the afterlife is fraught with mystery and specutlation. No research or theory is conclusive as to where a person goes after death. But we Christians know better because we are informed by the resurrection of Christ himself and his promises to us of resurrection.
B. DUSCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Of the three timeless needs that were mentioned, which are you most able to relate to and identify with personally? What about people you know who do not know the Lord?
2. Since Jesus came meeting the needs of those around him, how can the church, the cell group, or the Christian seek to meet the needs of people who the Lord opens their eyes to?
3. How can the cell group use the May Day holiday to create an opportunity where non-Christians will feel comfortable and more likely to visit and engage in meaningful actiovities? Brainstorm some ideas.
4. What would you fear most about death since it is no longer eternal destination that we are ignorant or uncertain about?
5. If someone else were to look squarely your weekly schedule and deduce from there your life purposes what do you think he will come up with? Do you feel that your life is purposeful and well directed towards meaningful investments with eternity in view?
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