Reasons For The Season, Part 3: To Remove Our Excuses
December 17, 2023

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Message Review

The Christmas season can be a bit chaotic because, as human beings, we tend to be disorganized and imperfect. However, it's precisely because of our imperfections that Christmas exists. One of the reasons that Jesus came was to remove our excuses. Jesus came to remove any. We no longer have an excuse to stay away from people because it's difficult, uncomfortable, or awkward since God chose to be with us despite our flaws. 

Main Point: God came to be with us to remove our excuses from us.  

Scripture References: Matthew 1:23; John 1:14; 1 John 4:9, 11, 19. 

Bible Study      

The focus Bible passage from the sermon was 1 John 4:7-21. Before going to the Sermon Discussion Questions, study the passage by reading through it together, then talk through it using the Inductive Bible Study Method questions that follow:

  • Context: Discuss the context of this passage (i.e. when it was written, who wrote it, who it was written to, what was going on before and/or after this specific passage, etc.)

  • Observation: What do you notice in this passage?  What words or phrases stick out to you? And why?

  • Interpretation: What was the author’s original intent in this passage?  What main point(s) was he trying to communicate, and why is that important?

  • Application: What is one key takeaway or insight you had from this passage? How can or should you apply it to your life?

  • Questions: What questions/tensions do you have from this passage that you would like to discuss?

Discussion Questions

  • What were your initial thoughts or takeaways from the sermon and why? 

  • What are your plans with your extended family for Christmas? Will this cause stress for your household? 

  • For some of us, Christmas is a reminder that there are problems we can solve, People we can’t control, and expectations we can’t meet. Which one of these does Christmas bring to light for you and why?  

  • “Christians get very angry toward other Christians who sin differently than they do.” —Philip Yancey What are your thoughts on this quote by Philip Yancey? 

  • Why does Christmas shatter our excuses for avoiding complicated and uncomfortable when dealing with others?  

  • Read John 1:14 as a group. What would it have been like to live near Jesus during his three-year ministry? 

  • Read 1 John 4:7–12. In your own words, what would you say John is trying to communicate? 

  • Knowing the grace that God’s grace and mercy towards me, why should that lead to us extending grace and mercy to others?  

  • Read 1 John 4:9-11 as a group. What does this passage say about how we should love?  

  • What excuses are you using to create distance and who are they distancing you from? Is it worth it? 

To watch or listen to Sunday’s sermon, visit our Sermons page.