Read John 8:21-24

John 8:24 “I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins."

Sin- (defined) “is any failure to conform to the moral law of God in act, attitude, or nature.” Grudem

Sin is more insidious than cancer, for it consumes the spirit of a person.  John 8:21-24

• Sin becomes us all. Romans 3:23; 5:12
  
  
• Sin condemns us all. Romans 6:23
  
  
• Our natural propensity is to justify sin. Proverbs 21:2; 1 Corinthians 4:3-4
  
  
• Sin consumes us to the core of our being. Read Romans 7:14-24

Confession: I am ashamed to admit that I am indeed a master sinner.

The Cross reveals the substance and identity of Jesus.  John 8:25-30

• His intentional submission and love to the Father revealed his mission. (26)
• Jesus lifted up on the cross revealed his true identity to even the pagans. (28)
  • His identity and heart revealed on the Cross to the Centurion “truly he was the son of God.” Matthew 27:54

• His oneness with the Father and to please the Father puts to rest that Jesus is not going rogue or leading a rebellion. (29)
  • “why have you forsaken me” Matthew 27:46
• His heart for the Father who loves me in spite of me leads me to believe just like the Centurion.

Confession: My Father rescued me but paid a great price to cover my sin. 

There is eternal consequence of who you say Jesus is—inheritance or judgment.  John 8:31-37

• If you hold to Jesus’ teaching, you become a disciple. (31)
  • Clear evidence of a true disciple is a life that exemplifies his teaching and life modeled for us.

• If you know him, you are set free with no strings attached. (32)
  • This is a life that truly is liberating.

• If you are set free by Jesus, you are no longer a slave to sin but a son—heir of the Kingdom of Heaven. (34-35)
  • He restates being free indeed! (36)

Confession: I somehow have an inheritance that will blow you away.  

Your confession of who Jesus has great consequence—eternal sonship or eternal wrath.

John 8:24 “I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.”

Discussion Guide:

1. How would you explain sin and its consequence to someone who does not know the Bible?
2. How much biblical context from Genesis concerning God and man does this explanation require to be understood?
3. In light of John 8:24 why is it essential that to believe in who Jesus is to find freedom and sonship verses eternal judgment?
4. How does the Cross (John 8:28) reveal the person and substance of Jesus?