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Sermon study guide for next-level growth.

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Sermon Overview

This Sunday, we explored John 18:1-11, examining how Jesus willingly surrendered to arrest, not as a victim but as a sovereign King advancing toward redemption. We saw the profound contrast between Adam's failure in a garden and Christ's victory in one. Most significantly, we confronted the reality of "the cup", God's righteous judgment against sin, and how Jesus chose to drink it fully so we wouldn't have to. This passage challenges us to put down our swords of self-reliance and surrender to the Savior who has already won the battle.

Sermon Series: 
John: The Explicit Gospel
The Cup & The Sword
Key Passage:  John 18:1-11

Key Takeaways

  1. Jesus chose this: Nothing could have stopped Jesus. He willingly walked into His arrest for us.
  2. His grip, not ours: Our salvation doesn't depend on our faithfulness but on His.
  3. Put down your sword: Stop fighting battles in your own strength and surrender to Christ's finished work.
  4. The cup has been drunk: Jesus emptied the cup of God's wrath so we could receive the cup of salvation.
  5. Bow now: Surrender to Christ today in worship rather than being forced to bow later in judgment.


Discussion Questions

Understanding the Text
  1. The Two Gardens: How does the contrast between Adam's failure in the Garden of Eden and Jesus' obedience in Gethsemane deepen your understanding of redemption?
  2. "I Am" Declaration: When Jesus said "I am" and the soldiers fell backward, what does this reveal about His nature and authority? Why is this significant in the arrest scene?
  3. The Four Gospel Accounts: Pastor Josh mentioned that the four Gospels give us different perspectives on Jesus' arrest (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). Why do you think God gave us multiple accounts rather than just one?

Personal Reflection
  1. Peter's Sword: In what ways do you relate to Peter's impulsive response? When have you tried to "grab a sword" and fight battles that God was asking you to surrender?
  2. The Cup: Jesus asked, "Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" What "cups" (difficult circumstances, callings, or challenges) might God be asking you to accept rather than resist?
  3. Protection of the Disciples: Jesus protected His disciples even though they would soon scatter, deny Him, and hide. How does knowing that Jesus' faithfulness doesn't depend on your faithfulness change your perspective on your relationship with Him?
Growing Deeper
  1. Two Possibilities: The sermon presented two options: either we drink the cup of God's wrath ourselves, or Christ drinks it for us. How would you explain this to someone who has never heard the gospel?
  2. Bowing Now vs. Later: Pastor Josh said, "The question is not if you will bow, it's when." What does it practically look like to bow to Jesus now in your daily life? What areas are you still holding back?