Introduction:
A. A problem is “a…situation that presents uncertainty, perplexity, or difficulty.”
B. There are three basic problems of man.
1. Sin (Rm. 3:23; 1 Jn. 1:8, 10; 3:4; Jas. 4:17)
2. Death (Rm. 6:23; 5:12; Heb. 9:27; Jas. 2:26; Eph. 2:1; Is. 59:2; 2 Th. 1:9)
3. Life (Mt. 19:25-26; Jn. 10:10)
C. How does Jesus deliver us from the problems of sin, death, and life?
I. Jesus Became Flesh for Us.
A. God became man (Jn. 1:1, 14; Heb. 2:17, 14; Ph. 2:6-8).
B. Do we fully appreciate what Jesus gave up to become flesh for us? (Mt. 1:23;
Jn. 14:9; 2 Cor. 8:9; Mt. 8:20).
II. Jesus Died for Us.
A. He died in our place (Jn. 1:29; 1 Pet. 1:19; 1 Cor. 5:7; Ex 12:13).
B. He Died for Me!
C. Jesus went to the cross for us (Jn. 10:11; 2 Cor 5:21; Jn. 19:30; Heb. 12:2).
III. Jesus Was Buried for Us.
A. The prophecy fulfilled (Jn. 19:38-42; Heb. 9:27; 2:14-15)
B. Jesus handled death through the power of His resurrection (2 Cor. 5:15; 1 Pet. 1:3; 1 Cor. 15:20; Heb. 6:19-20).
C. What a difference knowing someone has successfully handled what you face!
IV. Jesus Ascended into Heaven for Us.
A. In facing Christ’s departure, the disciples were troubled (Jn. 14:1-3).
B. After offering His perfect sacrifice, Jesus ascended to the right hand of the Father (Heb. 1:3; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2).
C. Christ’s ascension to the Father was necessary (Jn. 16:7; Acts 2:33; Jn. 16:13; 14:26; 1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 7:25; 1 Jn. 2:1-2).
V. Jesus Is Coming Back for Us.
A. False teachers ridiculed the return of Christ (2 Pet. 3:4, 9-10).
B. Reasons why Jesus is coming back:
1. To receive those who wait (Heb. 9:28)
2. To render to each as he has done (Rev. 22:12)
3. To deal out retribution to the disobedient (2 Th. 1:7-10)
C. Have you obeyed the gospel? (Rm. 1:16; 1 Cor. 15:1-5; Rm. 6:3-4).