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Christ, the Gospel, and the Many Sons He Is Bringing to Glory

Bible Study

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BIBLE STUDY

Christ and the Many Sons Brought to Glory

SCRIPTURE

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For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.

ANCHORS: COLOSSIANS 1:15–20 · ROMANS 8:28–30 · EPHESIANS 1:3–23 · 1 CORINTHIANS 15:45–49 · HEBREWS 2:10–12

Hebrews 2:10 (ESV)

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The Son. Jesus Christ is the eternal Son, the image of the invisible God, the Last Adam, the firstborn from the dead, and the firstborn among many brethren.

2

The Purpose. Through Him, God is redeeming a people for Himself, conforming them to the image of His Son, and bringing many sons and daughters to glory.

3

Our Goal. To understand who Jesus is, the fullness of the Gospel, our identity as saints and God's inheritance, and the glorious hope awaiting us in Christ.

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OPENING QUESTION

Who Is Jesus Christ?

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And why does understanding the Son change everything about who we are?

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SECTION 1 · 5 MINUTES

The Son at the Centre of God's Eternal Purpose

SCRIPTURE

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For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible… all things were created through him and for him.

READ: JOHN 1:1–3, 14 · EPHESIANS 1:9–10 · COLOSSIANS 1:16–17

Colossians 1:16 (ESV)

1

More than a teacher. Jesus is not merely a historical figure, prophet, teacher, or even simply our Saviour. He is the eternal Son of God.

2

Centred in Christ. God's eternal purpose is centred in Christ. All things were created through Him and for Him.

3

More than a rescue plan. The Gospel reveals God's purpose to reconcile all things to Himself through Christ. To understand the Son is to understand creation, redemption, our identity, and our destiny.

Introduction: The Son at the Centre of God's Eternal Purpose (5 minutes)

Scriptures: John 1:1–3, 14; Ephesians 1:9–10; Colossians 1:16–17

Opening question: Who is Jesus Christ, and why does understanding the Son change everything about who we are?

- Jesus is not merely a historical figure, prophet, teacher, or even simply our Saviour. He is the eternal Son of God.

- God's eternal purpose is centred in Christ. All things were created through Him and for Him.

- The Gospel is not an isolated rescue plan; it reveals God's purpose to reconcile all things to Himself through Christ.

- To understand the Son is to understand creation, redemption, our identity, and our destiny.

Key statement: The story of humanity begins in Christ, finds its redemption in Christ, and reaches its fulfilment in Christ.

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KEY STATEMENT

The story of humanity begins in Christ, finds its redemption in Christ, and reaches its fulfilment in Christ.

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Section 1 · The Son at the Centre

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SECTION 2 · 8 MINUTES

He Was: The Eternal Son and the First Adam

SCRIPTURE

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In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

READ: JOHN 1:1–4 · COLOSSIANS 1:15–17 · GENESIS 1:26–28 · 1 CORINTHIANS 15:45–49

John 1:1 (ESV)

1

The Son before creation. The Word was with God and was God. All things were created through Him, for Him, and are sustained by Him. Firstborn over creation speaks of His supremacy, not that He was created.

2

Humanity in God's image. Adam was created for fellowship with God, to reflect His character and steward creation. Through Adam's disobedience, sin and death entered (Romans 5:12).

3

The eternal purpose revealed. God purposed in Christ a redeemed humanity. The eternal Son would enter humanity to accomplish what fallen Adam could not.

He Was: The Eternal Son and the First Adam (8 minutes)

Scriptures: John 1:1–4; Colossians 1:15–17; Genesis 1:26–28; 1 Corinthians 15:45–49

A. The Son before creation

- In the beginning was the Word.

- The Word was with God, and the Word was God.

- All things were created through Him, for Him, and are sustained by Him.

- Christ is the image of the invisible God and firstborn over all creation, signifying His supremacy, not that He was created.

B. Humanity created in God's image

- Adam was created in God's image and entrusted with dominion.

- Humanity was created for fellowship with God, to reflect His character and exercise stewardship over creation.

- Through Adam's disobedience, sin and death entered the human experience (Romans 5:12).

C. The eternal purpose revealed

- God purposed in Christ to bring about a redeemed humanity.

- Jesus, the eternal Son, would enter humanity to accomplish what fallen Adam could not.

Key revelation: The One through whom humanity was created is the One who came to redeem and restore humanity.

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KEY REVELATION

The One through whom humanity was created is the One who came to redeem and restore humanity.

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Section 2 · He Was

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SECTION 3 · 10 MINUTES

He Came: The Last Adam and the Gospel of Redemption

SCRIPTURE

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Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

READ: JOHN 1:14 · PHILIPPIANS 2:5–11 · ROMANS 5:12–19 · 1 CORINTHIANS 15:1–4, 45–49

1 Corinthians 15:45 (ESV)

1

The incarnation. The eternal Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus is fully God and fully human, entering our humanity without participating in its sin.

2

The First Adam and the Last Adam. Through the first Adam came sin and death. Through Christ, the Last Adam, come righteousness and life. He is the Head of a redeemed humanity.

3

The Gospel. Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. Through His blood we receive redemption, forgiveness, and reconciliation, and through repentance and faith, new life.

He Came: The Last Adam and the Gospel of Redemption (10 minutes)

Scriptures: John 1:14; Philippians 2:5–11; Romans 5:12–19; 1 Corinthians 15:1–4, 45–49

A. The incarnation: God became flesh

- The eternal Word became flesh and dwelt among us.

- Jesus is fully God and fully human.

- He entered our humanity without participating in its sin.

B. The First Adam and the Last Adam (see the next slide)

C. The Gospel: what Christ accomplished

- Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.

- Through His blood, we receive redemption, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God.

- He was buried and rose again on the third day.

- Through repentance and faith, we receive new life in Him.

Key revelation: Jesus did not come merely to improve fallen humanity. He came to redeem us and inaugurate a new humanity in Himself.

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FIRST ADAM AND LAST ADAM

First Adam	Last Adam: Christ
Created in God's image	The eternal image of the invisible God
Disobeyed God	Perfectly obeyed the Father
Sin and death entered through him	Righteousness and life come through Christ
Head of fallen humanity	Head of redeemed humanity
Humanity bears his earthly image	Believers will bear Christ's heavenly image

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KEY REVELATION

Jesus did not come merely to improve fallen humanity. He came to redeem us and inaugurate a new humanity in Himself.

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Section 3 · He Came

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DISCUSSION

Forgiven, or Made New?

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What is the difference between seeing salvation as simply being forgiven and understanding it as receiving new life in Christ?

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SECTION 4 · 7 MINUTES

He Is: The Risen Son and Firstborn from the Dead

SCRIPTURE

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He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.

READ: COLOSSIANS 1:18–22 · 1 CORINTHIANS 15:20–23 · EPHESIANS 1:19–23 · HEBREWS 7:25

Colossians 1:18 (ESV)

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A new creation. Christ is the firstborn from the dead. His resurrection is the firstfruits and guarantee of ours. Death is defeated, and eternal life is found in Him.

2

His present ministry. He is exalted at the Father's right hand, head of the Church, interceding for His people. His resurrection power is at work in us through the Holy Spirit.

3

Our union with Christ. We are made alive together with Christ (Ephesians 2:4–6), hidden with Him in God (Colossians 3:3), and being transformed into His image (2 Corinthians 3:18).

He Is: The Risen Son and Firstborn from the Dead (7 minutes)

Scriptures: Colossians 1:18–22; 1 Corinthians 15:20–23; Ephesians 1:19–23; Hebrews 7:25

A. The resurrection inaugurated a new creation

- Christ is the firstborn from the dead.

- His resurrection is the firstfruits and guarantee of the resurrection of those who belong to Him.

- Death has been defeated, and eternal life is found in Him.

B. Christ's present position and ministry

- He is exalted at the Father's right hand.

- He is the head of the Church, His body.

- He intercedes for His people.

- His resurrection power is at work in believers through the Holy Spirit.

C. Our present union with Christ

- We have been made alive together with Christ (Ephesians 2:4–6).

- Our lives are hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3).

- We are being transformed into His image (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Key revelation: Christ's resurrection is not simply something we believe happened to Him. It is the foundation of the new life we now possess in Him.

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KEY REVELATION

Christ's resurrection is not simply something we believe happened to Him. It is the foundation of the new life we now possess in Him.

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Section 4 · He Is

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SECTION 5 · 10 MINUTES

He Is to Come: The Firstborn Among Many Brethren

SCRIPTURE

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For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

READ: ROMANS 8:14–30 · HEBREWS 2:10–12 · 1 JOHN 3:1–3 · COLOSSIANS 3:4

Romans 8:29 (ESV)

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A family conformed to His Son. God predestined believers to be conformed to the image of His Son. Jesus is the Son by nature; we become God's children through adoption and grace.

2

Our present identity. We have received the Spirit of adoption. We are children of God and fellow heirs with Christ, no longer slaves to fear, crying “Abba, Father.”

3

Our future glorification. When Christ appears, we shall be like Him. Our bodies will be raised and transformed, and we will share His glory in the new creation.

He Is to Come: The Firstborn Among Many Brethren (10 minutes)

Scriptures: Romans 8:14–30; Hebrews 2:10–12; 1 John 3:1–3; Colossians 3:4

A. God's purpose: a family conformed to His Son

- God predestined believers to be conformed to the image of His Son.

- Christ is the firstborn among many brethren.

- Jesus is the Son by nature; believers become God's children through adoption and grace.

- Through Christ, God is bringing many sons and daughters to glory.

B. Our present identity as children of God

- We have received the Spirit of adoption.

- We are children of God and fellow heirs with Christ.

- We are no longer slaves to fear but can cry, "Abba, Father."

- We are being progressively transformed into Christ's likeness.

C. Our future glorification

- When Christ appears, we shall be like Him.

- Our mortal bodies will be raised and transformed.

- We will bear the image of the heavenly Man.

- We will share in Christ's glory and dwell with God in the new creation.

Key revelation: Christ is the firstborn among many brethren because God's purpose is not simply to save individuals, but to bring a redeemed family into the likeness and glory of His Son.

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KEY REVELATION

Christ is the firstborn among many brethren because God's purpose is not simply to save individuals, but to bring a redeemed family into the likeness and glory of His Son.

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Section 5 · He Is to Come

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DISCUSSION

Conformed to His Image

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How does knowing that God is conforming you to Christ's image change your understanding of your identity and future?

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SECTION 6 · 7 MINUTES

The Saints: God's Glorious Inheritance in Christ

SCRIPTURE

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…that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.

READ: EPHESIANS 1:3–23 · COLOSSIANS 1:12–14 · 1 PETER 2:9–10

Ephesians 1:18 (ESV)

1

Who are the saints? Those set apart for God in Christ. Our identity rests on His finished work, not our achievements or past. We are chosen, redeemed, forgiven, adopted, and sealed with the Spirit.

2

His inheritance in us. God has redeemed a people for His own possession, and we are heirs of an eternal inheritance in Christ. The Church is His body, called to display His glory.

3

Living as His inheritance. We are His workmanship, created for good works, called to live with holiness, hope, purpose, and confidence, shaped by our eternal destiny.

The Saints: God's Glorious Inheritance in Christ (7 minutes)

Scriptures: Ephesians 1:3–23; Colossians 1:12–14; 1 Peter 2:9–10

A. Who are the saints?

- The saints are those who have been set apart for God in Christ.

- Our identity is rooted in Christ's finished work, not our achievements or past.

- We are chosen, redeemed, forgiven, adopted, and sealed with the Holy Spirit.

B. The riches of His inheritance in the saints

- Ephesians 1:18 reveals the riches of the glory of God's inheritance in His people.

- God has redeemed a people for His own possession.

- We are also heirs of God, with an eternal inheritance secured in Christ.

- The Church is Christ's body, called to display His glory.

C. Living as God's inheritance

- We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.

- Our lives should reflect the character of the Son.

- We are called to live with holiness, hope, purpose, and confidence.

- Our present lives are shaped by our eternal destiny.

Key revelation: We are not merely people who have received something from God. We are a redeemed people who belong to Him, treasured in Christ and destined for glory.

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KEY REVELATION

We are not merely people who have received something from God. We are a redeemed people who belong to Him, treasured in Christ and destined for glory.

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Section 6 · The Saints

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CONCLUSION · 3 MINUTES

From Eternity to Glory: Three Truths to Take Home

SCRIPTURE

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And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

READ: EPHESIANS 1:17–19 · ROMANS 8:29–30 · REVELATION 21:1–5

Romans 8:30 (ESV)

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Know the Son. He is the eternal God, Creator, Redeemer, risen Lord, and coming King.

2

Know who you are in Him. You are redeemed, adopted, set apart as a saint, and part of God's treasured inheritance.

3

Know your glorious hope. You are being conformed to Christ's image, and when He appears, you will be like Him and share in His glory.

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GOD'S ETERNAL PURPOSE

The Eternal Purpose of God in Christ

God's eternal purpose fulfilled in Christ: a redeemed people dwelling with God in His renewed creation.

1

The Eternal Son

2

Creation in His Image

3

The Fall of Humanity

4

The Last Adam: Redemption

5

The Risen Christ: New Creation

6

Adoption and Transformation

7

Many Sons and Daughters Brought to Glory

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CLOSING DECLARATION

The Son who was before all things entered our humanity, conquered sin and death, and now reigns in glory. He is coming again, and when He appears, we shall be like Him.

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This is the glorious hope of the Gospel: that through Jesus Christ, God is bringing many sons and daughters to glory.

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CLOSING PRAYER

Open the Eyes of Our Understanding

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Ephesians 1:17–19: that God would open our eyes to know Christ, the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe.