"WHY WE NEED"

Jesus Christ

INTRODUCTION
  1. Previous lessons have discussed why we need God and the Bible...
    1. God is our Creator, Redeemer and Provider
    2. The Bible is our guide to salvation, and source of great comfort
  2. In this study, we will review why need Jesus Christ...
    1. As our Mediator
    2. As our Mentor

[Assuming that one believes in Jesus as the Son of God (see "Why I Believe In Jesus Christ"), we need Jesus Christ because...]

  1. HE IS OUR MEDIATOR
    1. WHO RECONCILES US TO GOD...
      1. There is but one mediator between God and man - 1Ti 2:5
      2. God sent Christ to reconcile sinful man back to Him - 2Co 5:18-20
      3. This God did by offering Christ as the propitiation (sacrifice) for our sins - 1Jn 4:9-10
      4. We now have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins - Ep 1:7
      5. Thus Jesus is the only way to God - Jn 14:6; cf. Jn 14:21-23
      -- We need Jesus, for He is the only way a sinner can be reconciled to God
    2. WHO INTERCEDES FOR US TO GOD...
      1. Now at God's right hand, Jesus makes intercession for us - Ro 8:34
      2. He serves as our "Advocate" with the Father - 1Jn 2:1
      3. By coming to earth, He has become our perfect High Priest - He 2:17-18; 4:14-15
      4. He enables us to come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and help - He 4:16
      5. He now "always lives" to intercede on our behalf - He 7:25
      -- We need Jesus, for He is the only way a sinful Christian can remain in fellowship with God - cf. 1Jn 1:6-10

    [As we walk with God with Jesus as our Mediator, we also need Jesus because...]

  2. HE IS OUR MENTOR
    1. WHO OFFERS US A BETTER LIFE...
      1. A more abundant life - Jn 10:10b
      2. Peace that surpasses understanding - Jn 14:27; 16:23; Php 4:6-7
      3. Love that passes knowledge - Jn 15:9; Ep 3:19
      4. Joy that is inexpressible - Jn 15:11; 1Pe 1:8
      5. Hope that sustains in the face of death - Jn 11:25; Re 14:13
      -- We need Jesus, for He provides the way to a truly better life
    2. WHO GUIDES US BY WORD AND DEED...
      1. His words provide a solid foundation upon which to build our lives
        1. Such as those spoken in His sermon on the mount - Mt 7:24-27
        2. Such as those later revealed through His apostles - Jn 16:12-13; e.g., 2Pe 1:1-11
      2. His example provides both direction and inspiration
        1. The example of His humility and service - Php 2:3-8; e.g., Ro 15:1-3
        2. The example of His perseverance - He 12:1-3
        3. The example of His suffering - 1Pe 2:21-25
        -- We need Jesus, for by word and deed He will guide us to life eternal
CONCLUSION
  1. As we go through this life...
    1. We need to be in fellowship with God
    2. We need guidance to make the most of this life and prepare for the one to come
  2. That is why we need Jesus Christ...
    1. As Mediator He will maintain our relationship with God
    2. As Mentor He will guide us through this life and on to life eternal

There are many other reasons why we need Jesus. But let these two remind us of why we cannot risk going through life and facing eternity without Jesus Christ...!