The Centurion’s Confession

Sermon Study Guide

“The Centurion’s Confession”

Main Passage: Mark 15:39

How to Use This Study Guide

• Personal Bible Study
• Small Group Discussion
• Sabbath School Classes
• Family Worship

This guide is designed to deepen your understanding and encourage thoughtful reflection on the message of the sermon. Look for the following icons to guide you through each section:

• 📖 Scripture Focus: Key Bible passage for each session.
• 💭 Teaching Points: Core messages and insights from the sermon.
• ❓ Discussion Questions: Questions to provoke thought and discussion.
• ✍️ Personal Application: Practical steps to apply the sermon’s teachings to your life.

Session 1: The Radical Gospel

[Mark 1:1]

• 📖 Opening Scripture: “The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” (Mark 1:1)
• 💭 Teaching Summary:
1. The opening of Mark’s Gospel proclaims the arrival of the good news about Jesus Christ, contrasting the Roman Empire’s announcements of good news about their emperors. This sets the stage for a radical message challenging the authority of earthly rulers by presenting Jesus as the true Son of God. By stating “the beginning,” Mark implies that the story of Jesus is as foundational as the creation itself, introducing a new creation through Christ.
2. The term “good news” or “Evangelion” traditionally referred to the emperor’s victories or significant events. In Mark, it refers to Jesus, suggesting that His story is the ultimate good news. This was a provocative claim in a society where allegiance to the emperor was expected, positioning Jesus as a divine alternative to the imperial power.
3. Mark’s Gospel begins with a direct challenge to the Roman emperor’s claim to divinity. The title “Son of God” was used by Roman emperors, but Mark attributes it to Jesus, indicating that Jesus, not the emperor, is the true divine ruler.
• ❓ Discussion Questions:
• Why is the phrase “the beginning of the good news” significant in the context of Roman society?
• How does the Gospel of Mark challenge the authority of the Roman emperors?
• What does it mean for Jesus to be the “Son of God” in contrast to the Roman emperor?
• How does understanding the historical context of Mark 1:1 deepen your appreciation for its message?
• ✍️ Personal Application:
• Reflect on areas in your life where you may be placing earthly powers above Christ. What changes can you make to align your life more closely with Jesus as your ultimate authority?
• Commit to studying the Gospel of Mark this week, focusing on the radical nature of Jesus’ message.

Session 2: The Centurion at the Cross

[Mark 15:39]

• 📖 Opening Scripture: “And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, ‘Surely this man was the Son of God!'” (Mark 15:39)
• 💭 Teaching Summary:
1. The centurion’s confession at the foot of the cross is significant because it comes from a Roman soldier, a representative of the empire that crucified Jesus. His declaration, “Surely this man was the Son of God,” stands in stark contrast to the claims of the emperor and signifies a recognition of Jesus’ true identity.
2. The centurion’s statement is a profound act of faith, acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God despite the apparent defeat of the crucifixion. It highlights the power of Jesus’ presence and the impact of His death, which transcends the Roman understanding of power and divinity.
3. This confession represents a turning point and a personal rejection of the imperial cult. The centurion, who had likely participated in the worship of the emperor and upheld Roman authority, now recognizes a higher authority in Jesus.
• ❓ Discussion Questions:
• What might have led the centurion to acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God?
• How does the centurion’s profession of faith challenge the Roman establishment?
• Why is it significant that a Roman centurion, rather than a disciple, makes this declaration?
• What can we learn from the centurion’s change of heart and perspective?
• ✍️ Personal Application:
• Identify areas in your life where you need to make a bold confession of faith like the centurion.
• Consider how you can demonstrate your allegiance to Christ in your daily actions, especially in challenging situations.

Session 3: The Power of Confession

[Romans 10:9-10]

• 📖 Opening Scripture: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
• 💭 Teaching Summary:
1. The confession of Jesus as Lord is central to the Christian faith. It signifies a public declaration and an inner belief in His resurrection and divinity, which grants salvation. This confession is not merely verbal but involves a commitment to live under Jesus’ lordship.
2. In a world dominated by other ‘lords’ and authorities, confessing Jesus as Lord is a radical statement of allegiance. It means rejecting other claims to ultimate authority and placing one’s trust and loyalty in Jesus above all else.
3. The centurion’s confession at the cross serves as a model of faith that transcends cultural and political boundaries. His statement is a reminder that faith involves recognizing and submitting to the authority of Jesus, even when it contradicts prevailing societal norms.
• ❓ Discussion Questions:
• What does it mean to declare “Jesus is Lord” in today’s context?
• How does this confession challenge other authorities or ‘lords’ in your life?
• What are the implications of this confession for your daily life and decisions?
• How can the centurion’s confession inspire your own walk of faith?
• ✍️ Personal Application:
• Make a conscious effort this week to declare Jesus as Lord in your conversations and actions.
• Reflect on any areas in your life where you might be holding back from fully acknowledging Jesus as Lord.

Session 4: Living as a Soldier for Christ

[Ephesians 6:10-17]

• 📖 Opening Scripture: “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:11)
• 💭 Teaching Summary:
1. The analogy of a soldier in Ephesians 6 is fitting for understanding the transformation of the centurion. Just as a Roman soldier was dedicated to the emperor, Christians are called to be fully committed to Christ, equipped with the armor of God to stand firm in faith.
2. Being a soldier for Christ involves embodying the virtues of truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. These elements form a spiritual armor that protects and empowers believers to live out their faith boldly.
3. As the centurion’s confession demonstrates, allegiance to Christ requires a conscious rejection of worldly powers and values. It is a call to live by the principles of the kingdom of God, often in contrast to societal norms and pressures.
• ❓ Discussion Questions:
• What does it mean to put on the full armor of God in your daily life?
• How can you stand firm in your faith amidst the challenges and schemes of the world?
• In what ways can you live as a soldier for Christ, similar to the transformation seen in the centurion?
• What practical steps can you take to embody the virtues of the armor of God?
• ✍️ Personal Application:
• Identify which piece of the armor of God you need to focus on strengthening in your life.
• Commit to a daily practice or habit that enhances your spiritual readiness as a soldier for Christ.

Session 5: The Hope of Christ’s Return

[Hebrews 9:28]

• 📖 Opening Scripture: “So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” (Hebrews 9:28)
• 💭 Teaching Summary:
1. The hope of Christ’s return is a central promise for believers. It reminds us that while Jesus’ first coming dealt with sin, His second coming will bring complete salvation to those who eagerly await Him. This hope encourages perseverance and faithfulness in the present.
2. Waiting eagerly for Christ’s return involves living in anticipation of His kingdom, characterized by righteousness, peace, and justice. It calls believers to live distinctively, reflecting the values and priorities of God’s kingdom.
3. The centurion’s confession and the early Christians’ faith amidst persecution serve as powerful reminders of the hope and assurance found in Christ. Despite challenges, their lives were marked by a steadfast commitment to Jesus, anticipating His ultimate reign and return.
• ❓ Discussion Questions:
• What does it mean to eagerly await Christ’s return in your life?
• How does the promise of Christ’s return shape your daily actions and decisions?
• In what ways can you cultivate a lifestyle that reflects the hope of Christ’s return?
• How does the centurion’s transformation inspire you to live with hope and expectation?
• ✍️ Personal Application:
• Spend time in prayer, asking God to renew your hope and focus on Christ’s return.
• Identify one area in your life where you can better align with the values of God’s kingdom as you await His return.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the powerful message of the centurion’s confession and the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Help us to live boldly as soldiers for Christ, declaring Him as Lord in every area of our lives. Strengthen our faith and fill us with the eager anticipation of Christ’s return. May we reflect His kingdom in our actions and words. In Jesus’ name, Amen.