I Believe in Jesus, Son of God

Discussion Guide

October 18, 2026

Summary

JMT walks through the creed's claims about Jesus, including his eternal nature as the unique Son of God, his full humanity, his death under Pontius Pilate, his descent into hell, his resurrection, his ascension, and His coming return to judge the living and the dead. Drawing on Scripture from Isaiah 53, Psalm 16, Psalm 110, and the Gospels, JMT grounds each phrase of the creed in biblical testimony and explains why the early church found it necessary to articulate these truths clearly against competing ideologies.

The sermon's central challenge is captured in a reading from Luke 6: believing in Jesus as the Gospels present Him means more than intellectual agreement with a creed. It means following Jesus, doing what He says, and becoming like Him over time. The pastor urges the congregation to take personal responsibility for spiritual growth by investing in what shapes the heart, pursuing honest self-examination, and allowing faith in Jesus to completely restructure how they live. True belief in Jesus is not a one-time confession but an ongoing commitment to follow the Lord who gave His life for us.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come together today as people who want to know Jesus more deeply, not just as a historical figure or a set of doctrines, but as our living Lord and Savior. As we open your Word and discuss what it means to truly believe in Jesus as the Gospels present Him, we ask that you would quiet our assumptions and open our hearts. Holy Spirit, lead this conversation. Let what we discuss today move from our minds into our lives. We want to follow Jesus, not just confess His name. Do in us what only you can do. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ice Breaker

If you could sit down and have a meal with any person from history, who would it be and why?

Key Verses

  • Isaiah 53:7-10
  • Luke 6:39-49
  • John 3:16
  • Hebrews 11:17-18
  • Acts 2:24-32
  • Psalm 110:1
  • Revelation 1:18

Questions

  • JMT said the Apostles' Creed was formed partly because people were making Jesus into whatever they wanted rather than accepting who He actually was.
    • In what ways do you see that same tendency today, and have you ever caught yourself doing it?
  • The sermon described three overlapping causes for Jesus' death: human injustice, Jesus' own willing choice, and the plan of God revealed in Scripture.
    • Which of these three causes is most meaningful to you personally, and why?
  • The phrase 'he descended into hell' in the creed has at least three possible interpretations. 
    • Which of the three options the pastor described resonates most with you, and what questions does it raise for you?
  • Jesus is described in the creed as seated at the right hand of the Father and coming again to judge the living and the dead.
    • How does the reality of Jesus' future return and judgment shape the way you live your daily life right now?
  • In Luke 6, Jesus asks, 'Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and not do what I tell you?'
    • How would you honestly answer that question for yourself this week?
  • JMT said Jesus came not just to give us truths to believe but a life to follow.
    • What is the difference between believing in Jesus and following Jesus, and where do you see that gap in your own life?
  • Jesus taught that a fully trained disciple will become like the teacher.
    • What does becoming more like Jesus look like practically in your current season of life, and what is one area where you sense the most room to grow?
  • JMT closed with three questions:
    • Do you get the big picture of what Scripture says?
    • Do you want it?
    • What is your next step?
      • How would you answer each of those three questions for yourself right now?

Life Application

This week, choose one specific teaching or command of Jesus that you know you have been hearing but not fully doing. Write it down, share it with someone in this group for accountability, and take one concrete step toward obeying it before you meet again. Remember the pastor's point: you can control what you put in front of your face, where you invest your time, and what has your attention. Use that control intentionally this week to become a little more like Jesus.

Key Takeaways

  • Believing in Jesus means accepting him as the Gospels present Him: the unique, eternal Son of God who became fully human, not a version of Jesus we have edited or invented to suit our preferences.
  • Jesus' death was not simply a tragedy or an accident. It was simultaneously an act of human injustice, Jesus' own willing sacrifice, and the fulfillment of God's plan revealed throughout Scripture.
  • The resurrection, ascension, and promised return of Jesus are not optional add-ons to the faith. They are central to the Gospel and were anticipated in the Old Testament long before they occurred.
  • True belief in Jesus is not merely intellectual agreement with a creed. It is a commitment to follow him, do what he says, and allow that faith to reshape every area of life.
  • Spiritual growth requires personal responsibility. Disciples become like their teacher over time by investing in what shapes the heart and by applying Scripture honestly and consistently to their lives.

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for being exactly who you said you are: the eternal Son of God who took on flesh, suffered, died, rose again, and is coming back. We confess that it is easy to say we believe in you while living as though we are in charge. Forgive us for the gap between what we confess and how we live. By the power of your Spirit, close that gap. Help each person in this group to take one real step this week toward following you more faithfully. May our lives be built on the rock of hearing your words and doing them. We love you, we need you, and we trust you. In your name we pray, amen.