We are giving ourselves to a greater understanding of the benefits of the blood of Jesus. It seems to me that the ministry of Jesus’ blood is mostly seen through theological terms the feel unhelpful to my life today. In this series we hope to show that the blood of Jesus has very practical benefits for our lives today as well as super important impact upon God Himself.
The Benefits of Jesus’ Blood
“…knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” 1 Peter 1:18-19
Only God can provide what God requires for the restoration of relationship between God and people. 2 Corinthians 5:18, 19
God is Holy. He requires holiness.
• God is holy. Sin isn’t holy. Jesus is holy. God remains holy by “reckoning” the holiness of Jesus to repentant people. Justification is the process of God receiving the holiness of Jesus on my behalf.
• God is holy. Jesus is holy. I am justified…God receives Jesus’ holiness on my behalf. But I am not fully holy yet. God is reducing the gap between Jesus’ holiness and my lack of holiness. I am becoming more holy. This is called sanctification.
God is Just. He requires justice.
• Because God is just, sin requires his wrath, and Jesus’ blood “propitiated” God’s wrath. God is still just because on the cross Jesus received the full wrath of God for all sin.
• Because God is just, sin’s guilt must be removed. On the cross, Jesus’ blood “expiated” sin’s guilt. Expiation is the removal of guilt through the payment of a penalty.
God is love. The only reason God has done any and all of this is because of his great love.
• Because God is love and we could never work our way into these great things, God extends his grace!
• Because God is love and we could never handle what our sin deserves, God extends his mercy!
Our study will include:
1. Jesus’ blood benefits my body. Health and healing. 1 Peter 2:24
2. Jesus’ blood benefits my emotions. Peace. Colossians 1:19-21
3. Jesus’ blood benefits my relationships. Love. Grace. Mercy. John 1:16 and Matthew 10:8
4. Jesus’ blood benefits everything in my life. Relationship with God. Ephesians 2:11-16
LIFE Groups
Getting to Know Each Other
1. Do you have a favorite Fur Rendezvous event or activity?
2. Has someone been especially kind to you lately? What did they say or do?
Digging Deeper into the Weekend Message
1. Our new series is anchored in Peter’s words, “the precious blood of Jesus.” 1 Peter 1:18, 19
a. What makes something precious?
b. How do you treat precious things?
c. Do you think God esteems Jesus’ blood too?
2. Paul said, “In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself.” 1 Corinthians 5:18, 19
a. Is it true that only God can provide what God demands?
b. In this passage, who is doing the reconciling?
c. Who is being reconciled?
3. God’s holiness requires holiness in us.
a. How is it possible to make 1 Peter 1:15 and 16 a reality in our lives today?
4. God is just and requires justice in us.
a. How is it possible to make Micah 6:8 a reality in our lives today.
5. How does God’s grace fit into all of your responses to the questions above and how precious is God’s grace?
Prayer
1. Please pray for the MCA Church Women’s Retreat this weekend.
2. Please pray for those in your LIFE Group who have a growing desire for grace.
3. Please pray that God will help us understand how precious is the blood of his Son.