Week 2: Sola Christus

GOALS

Ø To see the truth that Jesus alone saves Ø To further see how that remarkable truth changes everything Ø To strategise together how to implement this in our lives

TIPS

Ø There will be several passages referenced tonight, make sure everyone has a bible. Ø Take some time in your own devotional space before small group to dwell personally

on the significance of these verses. Ø Give some thought to keeping testimonies under time unless you feel that it is a very

rich growth moment.

HEADLINES If not used on week 1: The series is celebrating 500 years of Gospel reformation that began in October 500 years ago. If you would like to show something to your small group for some interest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1o8oIELbNxE is a humourous, engaging history crash course about the reformation. You could show it up front before going into your study time. Up until about minute 7:40 (where he ends talking about translating the bible into German). After that it becomes more historical about the whole reformation movement.

PRAYER Small group leader: Lord Jesus, thank you for bringing us together again. Help us to deepen our understanding of your great sacrifice and what it means for our lives. Help us not to take it for granted, but to continually be amazed that you would give yourself so freely for us to be able to know you. Amen.

DISCUSSION

1. Take 2-3 minutes each (be strict) and share your very summarized salvation story by answering these 3 questions: how old where you when you understood what Jesus had done for you on the cross? What made you believe? What are you most thankful for as a result?

2. Read John 14:6. Jesus makes a huge statement. Salvation is through him alone. What do you think of this statement? Why do people have such a hard time really believing this?

Optional: Video and question 3. Watch this short video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byGXazVmZNk

3. Does this make it easier or harder to understand why Jesus is the only way to God? What do you think some of your unbelieving friends or family would say to this type of video?

4. Someone read Romans 3:22-23 and 2 Corinthians 5:21. What do these passages say to the question about Jesus being the only way to God?

5. In summary: John Piper writes that throughout the scriptures God is clear that the only way to heaven is through righteousness, in other words being without sin and blameless in the sight of God. If the only person who is perfect is Jesus and he gives us this righteousness when we come to faith in him, that means that the only way to appear before God as righteous is through faith in Jesus alone (because his righteousness – being the only righteousness – covers us and so we appear before God like Jesus). This is why we are considered “in Christ”, our lives “hidden in Christ”. It is only through his substitution (dying for our sins and giving us his righteousness) that we can appear before God and be accepted. What God requires, Christ provides.

6. What is one thing you would like to implement from today based on what we have learned on Sunday and/or tonight about the importance of scripture?

PRAY

Maybe break into pairs to pray. Spend some time thanking God for his gift of salvation. Pray together for one or two people that you are each hoping will come to salvation.