Study Guide for “Christ Set Forth as a Propitiation”
Introduction
In this powerful sermon delivered by Rev. C. H. Spurgeon on Good Friday, the central theme is the profound significance of Christ as the propitiation for our sins. Spurgeon emphasizes that God has publicly set forth Christ as the means of reconciliation through faith in His blood. The sermon invites believers to reflect on the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice and encourages them to look solely to Him for salvation, rather than relying on their own efforts or feelings.
Discussion Questions
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Understanding Propitiation: What does the term “propitiation” mean in the context of this sermon, and why is it significant for our understanding of Christ’s sacrifice?
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God’s Sovereignty: How does the concept of God foreordaining Christ as the propitiation for our sins impact your view of God’s sovereignty and grace?
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Faith in His Blood: Spurgeon emphasizes faith in Christ’s blood as the means of salvation. What does it mean to have faith in His blood, and how can we cultivate a deeper trust in this truth?
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The Role of Repentance: How does Spurgeon differentiate between the necessity of repentance and the danger of relying on it as a means of propitiation? How can we ensure that our repentance leads us to Christ rather than away from Him?
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Evidences of Faith: What are some common pitfalls believers face when they focus on their evidences of faith rather than on Christ? How can we maintain a Christ-centered perspective in our spiritual lives?
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Setting Forth Christ: In what ways can we, as individuals and as a community, set forth Christ in our lives and in our ministry? What practical steps can we take to ensure that Christ remains the focus of our message?
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Personal Reflection: Reflect on a time when you struggled to believe in Christ’s sufficiency for your sins. How can the truths presented in this sermon help you in future struggles with doubt or guilt?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who has been set forth as the propitiation for our sins. Help us to fully grasp the depth of this truth and to place our faith solely in His blood for our salvation. May we not rely on our feelings, our repentance, or our evidences, but instead look to Christ as our all in all. Empower us to set forth Christ in our lives and to share His love and grace with others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.