JESUS CHRIST THE PERSON OF CHRISTIANITY

JESUS CHRIST THE PERSON OF CHRISTIANITY Self Study Guide (Philippians 2:5-13) ------------------------- by Rob Taylor ------------------------- 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction... 3 Lesson 1 - The Deity of Jesus Christ... 4 Lesson 2 - The Humanity of Jesus Christ... 8 Lesson 3 - The Purpose of Jesus Christ's Life on Earth.. 14 Lesson 4 - The Lordship of Jesus Christ... 19 Lesson 5 - The Personal Relationship Between Jesus Christ and Humanity... 23 2

INTRODUCTION True Christianity is not so much a religion, as it is a personal relationship between God and humanity. For this to be true God, who the Bible says is spirit, choose to reveal Himself to humanity through the person of His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ, then is the central figure or the person of Christianity. Therefore in order to begin to understand Christianity, one must start with a study of Jesus Christ. This self study guide has been prepared to help you begin just such a study. You will be using Philippians 2:5-13 as a base text but will literally draw from Scripture passages found throughout the Bible. For best results proceed prayerfully and at your own pace. Philippians 2:5-13 "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure." (The Holy Bible - King James Version) 3

THE DEITY OF JESUS CHRIST Memory Verses - Philippians 2:5-6 "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:" Objective - To know that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, a member of the Holy Trinity, thus deity. In the Bible a matter is considered to be established as truth if it is attested to by two or more witnesses. Using this Biblical principle for determining and establishing truth, you will discover that Jesus Christ is deity, that He is God the Son. Some have protested saying, Jesus was only a good moral teacher, or a prophet, but by the witness of the Bible, Jesus' own words concerning Himself, the evidence of His works, and the testimony of those who knew Him in earthly form, you will be able to establish in your own heart and mind the truth about Jesus Christ. He is God, the Son. I. What the Bible says about Jesus Christ's Deity. Matthew 1:23 says that the child born to a virgin (Jesus Christ) would be named. According to the last phrase of this verse what does this name mean? John 1:1 uses "The Word" as an analogy for Jesus Christ. What does this verse say about Jesus Christ, the Word? John 1:14 also using the analogy of "The Word" to represent Jesus Christ says that He is the full of grace and truth. 4

In Hebrews 1:8 God the Father is talking to Jesus Christ the Son, about His kingdom (throne) being forever and ever. What did the Father call the Son in this verse? About His baptism by John in the Jordan river Matthew 3:16-17 records that three things happened as Jesus came out of the water. What were these three things? What did the voice of the Father from heaven call Jesus Christ in verse 17? II. Jesus' Own Word About Himself What did Jesus say about Himself in the following verses? Matthew 28:18 Mark 14:61-62 John 3:16-17 John 10:30 John 14:6-9 III. The Evidence of Jesus' Works In John 14:11 Jesus urges His disciples to believe His words, but then knowing human nature adds, "or else believe me for the very work's sake." 5

As you examine several of the works Jesus Christ did while upon earth you will discover that they are miracles. Miracles are defined as "extraordinary events demonstrating the supernatural work of God." The miracles of Jesus demonstrate His divine power over; nature, disease, death, and devils/demons. Read and describe in your own words the miracles recorded in the following Scripture passages. Luke 9:10-17 This miracle demonstrates Jesus' power over. Mark 10:46-52 This miracle demonstrates Jesus' power over. Luke 7:11-15 This miracle demonstrates Jesus' power over. Luke 8:26-39 This miracle demonstrates Jesus' power over. IV. The Testimony of Those Who Knew Jesus in Earthly Form 6

Who does Martha say that Jesus Christ is in John 11:27? Upon seeing the resurrected Jesus for himself Thomas called Him in John 20:28. In response to Jesus' question, "who do you say that I am", Peter answered by revelation of God that Jesus was in Matthew 16:16. According to the witness of the Bible, Jesus Himself, the miracles He performed, and the testimony of those who knew Him in earthly form, what fact about Jesus Christ is established as truth? It is vitally important to know that Jesus Christ is deity, that He is God. This is important because if He were only a man He could not be our savior. We as humans were so totally sinful that we could not set ourselves free from sin. Only God had the power and ability to set us free. Christ's deity proves His authority and ability to deliver us from sin and to birth us anew into the Kingdom of God. 7

THE HUMANITY OF JESUS CHRIST Memory Verse - Philippians 2:7 "But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. Objective - To know that the eternal Son of God, Jesus Christ, became a man, and lived upon the earth. In so doing He became a compassionate God who understands the struggles, feelings, and limitations of humanity. In this lesson you will find proof of the Incarnation (God becoming man) of Jesus Christ. You will discover this proof by examining the stages of Jesus' life as recorded in the Bible. You will see several ancient prophecies, as found in the Old Testament, that predicted events in the life of Christ hundreds of years before they actually occurred. In conjunction with your study of these Old Testament prophecies you will also discover their complete fulfillment in Jesus' life as recorded in the New Testament. Through the Scriptures you will come to the knowledge and understanding that Jesus Christ, though fully God, was also fully man. His deity gives Him authority, but His humanity gave Him compassion. I. Jesus' Birth In the Old Testament prophecy of Isaiah 7:14 we are told that a shall conceive, and bear a son. This miraculous conception is fulfilled in Matthew 1:18 & 20 which further explains that the virgin Mary conceived Jesus by a special touch of the. Why does Matthew 1:22-23 say Jesus' conception took place the way it did? The place of Jesus' birth is predicted by the prophet Micah 5:2 and in the book of Matthew 2:5-6 his prophecy is fulfilled. What is the name of the town in which these verses say Jesus was born? 8

Sum up in your own words the events described in Luke 2:1-20. Galatians 4:4 states that when it was time for Jesus to come God sent Him and made under the law. II. Jesus' Childhood The actual details of the childhood of Jesus Christ are limited. Only four passages of Scripture deal with this period of His life. Even though they are limited they do serve the purpose of proving His humanity by letting us know that indeed He did have a childhood. Read the following passages and describe in your own words how they demonstrate His humanity. Luke 2:21-38 Matthew 2:13-23 Luke 2:40 Luke 2:41-52 9

III. Jesus' Baptism The baptism of Jesus is recorded or referred to in all four of the Gospels (Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22, and John 1:31-34). Take time now to read each of these passages, then answer the following questions. Who was the man that baptized Jesus? Where was Jesus Baptized? When Jesus came up out of the water three things happened. What were they? Why do you think Jesus was baptized? IV. The Temptation of Jesus Before you look at the actual account of the events of Jesus' temptation there are two vitally important verses in the book of Hebrews that explain why Jesus had to face temptations. A proper understanding of these verses will give greater significance to the temptation narratives of the Gospels. Hebrews 4:15 teaches that Jesus was tempted in. In your own words what does that mean? This verse also says that Jesus faced all of these temptations. For what reason does Hebrews 2:18 say Jesus faced these temptations? 10

Matthew 4:1-11 records the events of Jesus temptation in the wilderness. From these verses answer the following questions. In verse 3 the tempter comes to Jesus and tempts Him to do what? Jesus faces a second temptation in verses 5&6. What is this temptation? Satan's third temptation of Jesus came in verses 8&9. What was this third temptation? Although Jesus addressed each temptation individually, he did so from one common source. This one common source is seen in the three words He uses each time He answered a temptation. What were these three words? (see verses 4,7, & 10) To what do these three words refer? V. Jesus' Death Although the death of Jesus Christ has much significance beyond the scope of this present study, you will look in this lesson at His death only from the perspective of proving His humanity. Later studies will delve into the other implications of His death. The story of Jesus death is found in Matthew 27:11-50, Mark 15:1-37, Luke 23:1-46, and John 19:1-42. Read these passages and answer the following questions. Matthew 27:26 and Mark 15:15 both record that prior to Jesus actual crucifixion He was also. Matthew 27:28-31 and Mark 15:16-20 both record the soldiers Jesus after His scourging. 11

In John 19:16-17 Jesus was required to His own cross. Adding to this passage Matthew 27:32, Mark 15:21, and Luke 23:26 it can be surmised that because of the physical condition of His severely beaten body Jesus was unable to carry His cross all the way to the place of crucifixion. What is the name of the man the soldiers made help Jesus carry His cross? While hanging on the cross Jesus spoke seven times. Two of His cries demonstrate His humanity. In John 19:28 Jesus cried. In Mark 15:34 He cried "Eloi, Eloi, lamasabach thani" which meant what? Each of the four Gospels record that He gave up the ghost. What does that mean? John 19:31-34 records that Jesus was already dead when the soldiers came to break the legs of the crucified men. Since He was already dead they did not break His legs, but one of the soldiers did. What happened when the soldier did this? What event does John 19:38-42 describe? Upon examination of the evidence you have found (Jesus' birth, childhood, baptism, temptation, and death) what judgment do you make in regard to the humanity of Jesus Christ? A. He was fully human as well as fully God. B. He was only a spirit in human form. C. He was an angel. It is vitally important to know that Jesus Christ, while upon earth, was both fully God and fully human. This is the mystery of the Incarnation, and although we may never understand how it was possible, we must know that it did occur. "The Word (Jesus Christ) was made flesh, and dwelt among us." John 1:14 The 12

humanity of Jesus qualifies Him as our high priest, one who understands us, cares for us, and empathizes with us. 13

THE PURPOSE OF JESUS CHRIST'S LIFE ON EARTH Memory Verse - Philippians 2:8 "And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Objective - To know that the purpose for which Jesus Christ came to earth was to reconcile fallen, sinful humanity to right relationship with their perfect and holy creator, God. The old saying, "If you aim at nothing, you'll hit it every time," expresses the necessity of a well defined purpose. The entirety of Jesus Christ's mission to planet earth is marked by the purpose for which He came. His purpose is best understood to be simply the reconciling of fallen, sinful humanity to right relationship with their perfect and holy creator, God. In this lesson you will be studying Jesus' purpose as defined by the Old Testament prophets, as demonstrated in the four Gospels, and as described by the rest of the New Testament. I. Jesus' Purpose as Defined by the Old Testament Prophets The very first prophecy in Scripture, Genesis 3:15, defines with symbolism the mission of Jesus Christ. In this verse the seed of the serpent (representing ) will bruise the heel of the seed of woman (representing ), but the seed of woman will bruise, and according to some translations crush, the head of the seed of the serpent. In your opinion, to what event was the symbolic language of Genesis 3:15 referring? Isaiah chapter 53 is one of the most detailed prophecies concerning Jesus Christ's purpose for coming to earth. Read this entire chapter and answer the following questions. 14

What does verse 3 tell you about the type of reception Jesus Christ would receive by the majority of people when He came to earth. Verse 4 says that He would be considered even though He was actually our grief, and carrying our. As you read verse 5 you will notice that Christ was to suffer in order to minister to the total human need; spiritual, mental/emotional, and physical. This verse teaches that He was wounded and bruised to minister to the need of humanity. The would provide for our mental/emotional need. And lastly, our physical need would be ministered to by. In verse 6 Jesus Christ was said to have laid upon Him. Verse 8 specifically states that He was to suffer these things for. Verse 10 says He was to be made an. Verse 12 ends this prophetic chapter by declaring that Jesus would bare and would for the. II. Jesus Christ's Purpose as Demonstrated by the Four Gospels. The four Gospels; Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John demonstrate the purpose of Christ by recording His teachings, miracles, and finally His death and resurrection. 15

Luke 4:16-21 records an event when Jesus read the Old Testament scriptures in the Nazareth synagogue. In verse 21 He claimed that He was the of these Old Testament scriptures. These verses declare that He was to to the poor, heal the, to the captives, give recovery of to the, to set at the, and to proclaim the of the Lord. In talking to a Pharisee named Nicodemus, Jesus summed up His mission to earth in what has perhaps become one of the most familiar passages in the Bible; John 3:16-17. In your own words describe what Jesus says, in these verses, His purpose in coming to earth was. In the record of Jesus' miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead, (John 11:1-44) He claims in verse 25 that He is. In this same verse and the one that follows, He says that whoever believes in Him. On the last night of His earthly life Jesus met with His disciples to share one last Passover meal. As part of that nights events John 13:1-17 tells us that Jesus of His disciples. What lesson, relating to His purpose on earth, was He teaching His disciples by washing their feet? In Matthew 26:26-30 we find the record of the Lord's Supper. In this commemorative meal Jesus said that the bread represented His, and the drink represented His. In verse 28 Jesus tells that the shedding of His blood was for. 16

Mark 15:37-38 tells us that when Jesus died the was torn from to. This is extremely significant in that it represents that man could once again come, according to Hebrews 10:19-20, into by the. Basically speaking this speaks of our free access to God's presence. (see Hebrews 4:16) Upon Christ's resurrection from the dead, He met with His disciples. This meeting is recorded in John 20:19-23. What does Jesus do in verse 20? Why do you think He did this? In verse 21, Jesus then His disciples as the Father had Him. Their mission was to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. All who would believe the Gospel would have their sins, all who would not believe would have their retained. III. Jesus Christ's Purpose as Described by the Rest of the New Testament. In II Corinthians 5:18-21 we find that God us to Himself through. Then He gave us the ministry of. That means we have been given the duty of proclaiming that God was in Christ the world to Himself. Verse 21 says He did this by making Christ who knew no sin to, that we might become. Colossians 1:19-23 records that God the Father was pleased to all things to Himself. He did so by having Christ make through the of His 17

. Because of Christ, even though you had been alienated and an of God, you are now to God. Hebrews 2:17 tells us that Jesus was made like that He might be a and high priest. It also tells us that He came to make. As defined by the Old Testament prophets, demonstrated in the four Gospels, and described by the rest of the New Testament what would you say was the purpose for which Jesus Christ came to earth? 18

THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS CHRIST Memory Verses - Philippians 2:9-11 "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Objective - To know that Jesus Christ is Lord of All Before you actually dig into this lesson a defining of the word Lord will be helpful. Biblically speaking the word Lord comes from the Greek noun KURIOS and means, "one having power and authority as maker/creator, owner, or ruler." Before the coming of Jesus Christ to earth it had wide usage (i.e. kings, landowners, heads of households, teachers, etc. were all referred to as lords). After Jesus' resurrection, however, the usage of the word narrowed to signify His exalted position as sovereign over all of existence. Although all men have not yet recognized or submitted to Christ's lordship, our text verses for this lesson assure us that all men one day will, either willingly during their life, or by force at the judgment. In this lesson you will search out scriptural proof giving you the confidence to assert and submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. I. Speaking of His own authority and power Jesus said in Matthew 28:18 that is given to Him in and in. II. Christ's miracles demonstrated His active lordship by the exercise of His authority over nature, disease, death, and devils/demons. In Mark 4:35-41 He the storm, showing His authority over. In Mark 5:1-15 He demons, exercising His authority over. In Mark 5:24-34 19

Jesus the woman with an issue of, demonstrating His authority over. In Mark 5:22-23 & 35-42 He performed yet another miracle. In this account He Jairus' daughter from the, proving His authority over. III. John 1:1-4 using the analogy of "the Word" to represent Jesus Christ in His existence before coming to earth says that were made or created by Him. It further states that Him not anything that is made was made. This passage also identifies Christ as being the source of and. John 1:10 identifies Christ as the creator or maker of the. At His trial before the Roman governor Pilate in John 18:33-39, Jesus acknowledged that He is a, but said that His was not of this world. In Luke 2:10-11 an called Jesus. Upon seeing the resurrected Jesus, Thomas called Him in John 20:28. While Peter was preaching, as recorded in Acts 10:36, he said that Jesus Christ is. Paul talking in I Corinthians 2:8 said that if this world had really known Jesus they would never have crucified Him. In this verse Paul calls Jesus the. James 2:1 calls Jesus Christ the. Revelation 17:14 says that Jesus is of, and of. Revelation 19:16 basically 20

repeats this title by calling Him of, and of. IV. Jesus gave a parable in Matthew 25:13-30 dealing with His lordship. Read this parable and answer the following questions. Jesus likens Himself to whom in verse 14? Jesus likens Christians to whom in verse 14? Verses 14-18 teach that Christ gives Christians a responsibility to work for His, by using the talents He them. Verse 19 tells us that a day will come when Christians must with or give an account to for what they have done for Him and His kingdom. Verses 20-30 tell us that good and profitable servants will be by the, while wicked, bad, or lazy servants will be by Him. Sum up in your own words what this parable teaches about the lordship of Jesus Christ. According to the Scriptural proof you have discovered about lordship as it relates to Jesus Christ, what statement about Him do you make? 21

A firm and unshakable knowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord of all allows the Christian to live in peace, knowing that whatever circumstances may arise are under His ultimate control. There is an old song that says, "The more I know Him, the more I trust Him." 22

THE PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN JESUS CHRIST AND THE BELIEVER Memory Verses - Philippians 2:12-13 "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure." Objective - To know the responsibilities both God and the Christian have in living in personal relationship with one another. The fact that separates Christianity from all other religions is that Christianity is a personal relationship between God and humanity. Now as in any personal relationship, this relationship between God and humanity is characterized by the fact that both parties have certain responsibilities to one another. In this lesson you will seek, through the Scriptures, to come to know humanities responsibility of continual obedience prompted by reverential submission, and God's responsibility to will and do His good pleasure toward humanity. I. Man's Responsibility of Continual Obedience Prompted by Reverential Submission. Humanities responsibility of obedience is first seen in Genesis 2:15-17. Describe what this passage says about obedience. Exodus 19:5 instructs humanity to God's voice, and to His covenant. This verse also promises that if humanity will do this he will be a unto God. 23

Deuteronomy 4:29-31 promises that if humanity will be to the voice of God, God will not humanity, or humanity, or forget the He made with humanity. A stern warning is given in Deuteronomy 8:20. It says that all who are not will perish. A promise is given by God in Deuteronomy 11:26-28 to all who Him. It is a promise of. This same passage warns that disobedience will bring a. Deuteronomy 13:4 challenges humanity to after the Lord, to Him, to His commandments, to His voice, to Him, and to unto Him. One of the Bible's most famous verses dealing with humanities responsibility of obedience is I Samuel 15:22 which says that to is better than to. The weeping prophet, Jeremiah 7:23, said that the thing God commanded His people was to, and He would be their God. Romans 6:16 is a basic principle of obedience. Write this principle in your own words. In the book of II Corinthians 10:5 who does the Bible say Christians are to be in obedience to? II. God's Responsibility To Will and Do His Good Pleasure Toward Humanity. 24

Revelation 3:20 reveals, in the words of Jesus, the very heart of God toward man. In this verse He demonstrates that God always takes the initiative toward humanity. He does this by the use of the word picture, "I stand at the, and :" This initiative action of Christ invites humanity to His voice, to his own hearts door, and to receive Christ's presence. This verse concludes with an invitation to with Christ and have Him with him. This symbolic statement, meaning literally the sharing of a meal, represents God's desire for fellowship with humanity. John 14:1-3 suggests that Christ ascended back into heaven to a place for believers. In this passage He promised that if He went away to prepare believers a place He would also to the believers unto Himself. The last two phrases of verse 3 tell us why Jesus went to prepare a place, and why He is coming again. In your own words what is His reason? As we have seen fellowship with humanity is part of God's will and good pleasure toward humanity. Roman 8:28-29, however, teach another important aspect of His will and pleasure. What specifically does verse 29 say that we as Christians have been predestined (determined even before our conversion to Christ) to be? What does Matthew 5:16 give as an explanation of why God wants us to be like Jesus? As with any true relationship both God and humanity have certain responsibilities to one another. According to the Scriptures, but in your own words what is humanities responsibility to God? What is God's responsibility to humanity? 25

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The most significant facts I have learned about Jesus Christ through this study are: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTES 26