Sermon Notes
The Word has always existed as God. (John 1:1-2)
The Word created the universe. (John 1:3)
The Word is the source of life, and that life is the light that overcomes the darkness. (John 1:4-5)
The world didn’t recognize and accept the Word when He appeared, even though He was announced. (John 1:6-10)
Discussion Questions
1. “In the beginning was the Word…” Read John 1:1 and Genesis 1:1-3.
Genesis begins with God creating through speech. John identifies that creative Word as a person. If Jesus is the eternal Word through whom all things were made, what does that imply about the authority of his words in our lives? In what areas do we treat his teaching as optional? What are some ways God could change you for his glory?
2. “The Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Read John 1:1, Colossians 1:15–17, and Hebrews 1:1–3.
These passages affirm Christ’s divine identity and sustaining power. People sometimes let us down, and we’ve all learned to rely on ourselves when life seems out of control. How can recognizing Jesus’ full deity change the way we face pressure, hardship, or uncertainty? What’s one thing he could do in your life today?
3. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Read John 1:5 and Romans 8:35-39.Scripture repeatedly promises that darkness does not have the final word, but sometimes it feels like it’s gaining ground – both in the world and in our lives. But Jesus’ victory over death is ours also. Where do you see cultural or personal darkness that feels overwhelming? How do these verses challenge us to trust Jesus when things appear at their worst?
4. “He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.” Read John 1:10 and Romans 1:20–25.
Paul says God’s eternal power and divine nature are clearly seen in creation, yet humanity suppresses the truth. How can it be possible to live in God’s world, benefit from his blessings, and still not truly “know” Him? What are some tactics that Satan uses to convince people that Jesus doesn’t have anything to offer them? What’s one way you can reflect his light in your life?
5. Pastor Michael mentioned that we sometimes think our lives are beyond Jesus’ help, either because we think he isn’t able or interested in involving himself in our current problems, or we think our world is too complicated for solutions from Jesus’ time. Sometimes we accept our problems as a given and keep plowing ahead. What keeps you from turning to Jesus for help in times of need, disappointment, anger, or stress?